Sangster's Confident Flight Will Shine at Newmarket

Trainer Ollie Sangster believes his promising filly, Flight, is poised for a standout performance in the Godolphin Lifetime Care Oh So Sharp Stakes at Newmarket on Friday. The Siyouni filly, who ran into tough competitors like Flaming Stone and Fillies' Mile contender Desert Flower earlier this season, broke her maiden in style at Sandown before stepping up to Group company at Doncaster.

Despite a solid effort in the May Hill Stakes, where Desert Flower once again finished ahead of her, Sangster is optimistic that Flight’s drop back to seven furlongs on the Rowley Mile will be the key to success. "She ran very well in the May Hill, but just didn’t see out the race after leading for a long stretch," said Sangster. "The drop back to seven furlongs will suit her, and we’re expecting her to run a nice race. She’s the highest-rated filly in the race, and it looks like a good spot for her."

Sangster acknowledges the presence of strong competition, particularly Ralph Beckett’s Cathedral, a filly who dazzled on her debut at Lingfield. Meanwhile, William Haggas’ First Instinct, unbeaten in two starts, also presents a serious challenge. Haggas’ stable jockey, Tom Marquand, is optimistic about his filly's chances after two impressive wins. “She’s shown great speed and a nice attitude. It’s the right time for her to step into Group company,” he remarked.

Adding further depth to the field is Charlie Appleby’s Magical Trail, which returns to seven furlongs after two solid wins, and is expected to be a live contender. Appleby commented, “Magical Trail has progressed well, and we feel this trip will suit her. We’ll know more after her first venture into Pattern company.”

Alongside the Oh So Sharp Stakes, Appleby also fields leading contenders in the Group Two Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards Challenge Stakes and the Group Three Newmarket Pony Academy Pride Stakes, with Noble Dynasty and Dance Sequence expected to perform well in their respective races.