Impressive Newmarket winner Tabiti will step up in class, but drop in trip for the Ire-Incentive, It Pays To Buy Irish Dick Poole Fillies’ Stakes at Salisbury on Thursday.
The Kingman filly made a notable debut on the July Course last month, securing a commanding all-the-way victory as the favourite. After bypassing the Prestige Stakes at Goodwood due to unsuitable ground, Tabiti will now test her mettle at Group Three level in Wiltshire for local trainer Ralph Beckett and owners Juddmonte, who won this six-furlong race two years ago with Juliet Sierra.
Juddmonte’s European racing manager, Barry Mahon, commented: "Tabiti performed very well in what was a competitive maiden at Newmarket. Our initial plan was to run her in the Prestige Stakes, but the ground became too soft due to recent rain, so we decided to skip that. With limited opportunities available, we’re dropping her down to a furlong less for this race."
"Ralph considered starting her over six furlongs from the beginning, believing she had enough speed, so we’re hopeful she will show improvement from her debut. We had an eye on the Rockfel at Newmarket on September 27, and since there weren’t many other options to gain more experience before then, we felt this race would be a good opportunity to gauge her readiness for that event."
Eve Johnson Houghton, who secured a surprise victory in this race last year with Juniper Berries, will aim for back-to-back wins with Betty Clover. Betty Clover has been competing in strong company since her Marygate victory, including a close second in the Princess Margaret Stakes behind Simmering.
Clive Cox’s Magic Mild, who was outperformed by Betty Clover earlier in the season, has since bounced back with two victories at Newmarket, most recently defeating two horses who have won since.
Cox said: "Magic Mild is in great form, and her recent performances have been promising. I’m very pleased with her condition heading into this race. She’s shown a lot of grit and determination in her recent wins."
William Haggas’ Jewelry impressed on debut and will be joined by Ed Walker’s Troia and Karl Burke’s Greydreambeliever, both of whom also impressed on their first outings.
Roger Varian’s Miss Fascinator, owned by notable footballers Ossie Ardiles, Glenn Hoddle, and Alan Brazil, has won two of her last three starts.
Completing the 10-strong field are The King and Queen’s Handcuffed (Andrew Balding), course-and-distance winner Dream Voyage (Hugo Palmer), and Santa Savana (Rod Millman).