The Ire-Incentive, It Pays To Buy Irish Dick Poole Fillies' Stakes is set to be the highlight of Salisbury's premier race day this Thursday, featuring an eight-race card with 15 contenders. This Group Three race over six furlongs attracts a strong field, including eight recent winners and several intriguing debutantes.
Among the hopefuls are Jewelry, a well-bred filly by Wootton Bassett trained by William Haggas, and Tabiti, a Kingman filly trained by Ralph Beckett who impressed on her sole start. While the lineup includes some seasoned performers, such as the three-time winner It Ain’t Two and the well-tried Betty Clover, historical data suggests that backing more experienced runners in the Dick Poole has been a successful strategy. Since 1997, horses with five or more previous runs have a better strike rate compared to those with fewer starts.
Here are three notable entrants to consider:
TROIA
Trainer: Ed Walker
Ed Walker’s Kingman filly Troia, who won impressively on debut at Newbury, looks promising. Although she showed some greenness, especially when leading, her debut performance was strong. Walker has had an exceptional season with his juveniles, particularly with fillies, and Troia has been a standout in the stable’s post-debut performances. With a solid debut speed and Walker’s successful record with juvenile runners, Troia could be a serious contender.
MISS FASCINATOR
Trainer: Roger Varian
Miss Fascinator’s form shows potential, despite a slow start impacting her early performances. After stepping up to seven furlongs, she secured a win with a strong finish on her handicap debut. Although her form suggests she may not be a certain runner, her improvement in recent outings and the potential for pace in the race make her an interesting prospect. Her ability to overcome a compromised start and still perform well suggests she could be competitive in this field.
MAGIC MILD
Trainer: Clive Cox
Magic Mild, a more experienced runner with four prior starts, has demonstrated solid form over six furlongs. Despite a disappointing performance in Listed company, she has bounced back with two consecutive wins. Her ability to lead and her preference for quick ground make her a reliable contender. Given the likely pace and the conditions, Magic Mild’s proven form over six furlongs and recent performances position her as a strong candidate.
As we await the final draw and field details, these three runners stand out as ones to watch in what promises to be an exciting renewal of the Dick Poole Fillies' Stakes.