Gemma Tutty’s Elsie’s Ruan, who impressed with a debut victory at York, now has options for the Sweet Solera Stakes and the Stonehenge Stakes.
The filly, a daughter of Ulysses out of a Helmet mare, made her debut at York last month in a novice race. Starting at 22-1 among a large field of 18, she was ridden by Joanna Mason over seven furlongs.
Elsie’s Ruan was slow to get going and faced traffic issues but demonstrated her potential by coming on strong in the final furlong. She battled hard with Archie Watson’s Praetorian, eventually winning by a head while pulling five lengths clear of the third-place horse.
The two-year-old filly now has entries for the Group Three Sweet Solera Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday and the Listed Stonehenge Stakes at Salisbury next Wednesday.
Tutty is leaning towards Newmarket but is still considering Salisbury. “We’re leaning towards Newmarket, though it's not confirmed yet. We are also looking at the Listed race at Salisbury on Wednesday,” Tutty said.
She added, “I was impressed with her debut performance at York, despite the challenges she faced. Her slow start and being blocked for a run made her win even more commendable. Her tenacity is something you can’t train.”
Tutty noted that while the Sweet Solera Stakes is a fillies-only race, the Stonehenge Stakes would feature colts, which adds a layer of complexity to the decision. “She should handle the Newmarket track well, and the rising ground should suit her,” she said. “I’d prefer a mile for her, but hopefully, she will adapt and perform well over seven furlongs.”