Gemma Tutty is optimistic about the future of Elsie’s Ruan following her commendable third-place finish in the Sweet Solera Stakes at Newmarket.
The filly, who debuted with a win at York, moved up to Group Three level for her second start at Newmarket. Despite starting at 12-1 with Robert Havlin aboard, she finished behind Aidan O’Brien’s Lake Victoria and Godolphin’s Mountain Breeze, showing tenacity to secure the bronze medal.
Tutty remarked, “She’s competing well above her grade and has earned black type at just 22,000 guineas. We knew she needed more distance, and Rab (Havlin) agreed she didn’t handle the dip. I believe she’ll perform better with a longer trip and a more level start.”
Tutty praised Elsie’s Ruan’s progress, noting that she had shown significant improvement from her debut and was still learning. “Considering she didn’t handle the track and still finished third over a distance shorter than ideal, it’s a remarkable achievement.”
Looking ahead, Elsie’s Ruan may be aimed at the Group Two Betfred May Hill Stakes at Doncaster on September 12, though Tutty emphasised a cautious approach. “We might go to Doncaster for the mile race, depending on how she recovers. We don’t want to over-race her this year, but if she comes out of this race well, she might have one or two more runs.”
Tutty envisions a promising future for the filly, predicting she will handle a mile and a quarter next year. “She isn’t the biggest filly, so we want to capitalise on her current form. With some growth and strengthening over the winter, she should be even better next year.”