Filly adds to Cecil's victory roll

Racing

Alhaarth may have disappointed, but Bosra Sham struck back for the dream team yesterday. Henry Cecil's filly sauntered away with the Fred Darling Stakes at Newbury to ensure that at least some ante-post vouchers that have been in the top drawer over the winter are still legitimate currency. She is now as short as 4-7 for the 1,000 Guineas a fortnight tomorrow.

The worrying thought for those who will oppose Bosra Sham over the Rowley Mile is that she may even be an improved performer come Guineas day. Yesterday, she looked as though she was wearing a gardening jumper. "We wouldn't have won the best-turned-out would we," Cecil conceded. "She's changing her coat, which is in between at the moment, almost falling out [a statement he illustrated by pulling imaginary chunks out of the air]. I'm trying to hold on to her coat because of the cold weather, but in two weeks' time we should have a better filly."

This impediment in appearance never looked as though it would hold any significance in the race. Pat Eddery quickly placed the filly's neat chestnut chassis on the rails and made his move three furlongs out. The partnership drew clear remorselessly for a six-length win.

The critical suggested that this overpowering image may have been as reliable as those cast by the house of mirrors on Blackpool pier because the placed horses were returned at 66-1 and 33-1. But Bosra Sham could do little more and she seems likely to complete Eddery's Classic set.

The jockey was typically effusive, but for once it was difficult to argue with his hyperbole. "I wouldn't be frightened to take on Blue Duster [the Guineas second favourite] over six furlongs because mine's got loads of speed," he said. "She's lazy, even in her work, but when you ease her out she goes by them real quick, goes three clear and then takes it easy.

"The marvellous thing about her is that there is no chink in the armour. Every time I ride her I like her even more."

Cecil is enjoying a most a rewarding start to the campaign, his first since Sheikh Mohammed withdrew his horses from Warren Place, and the fact that the Fred Darling sponsors were Dubai Duty Free did not seem to diminish his enjoyment.

"Another year is always a challenge," he said, hinting at the same time that he was particularly keen to stamp himself on 1996 AD (after Dubai). "I have done a lot of groundwork this year, massive amounts of trotting, but a lot of the horses are still backward so I'd like to think it's not going to be a five minute wonder.

"I've got a complex about this sort of thing but if you're champion trainer at least they can't say you're useless."

The Newmarket trainer's fortunes are unlikely to nosedive this afternoon. In Newbury's opener he runs Tenby's brother Bright Water (2.00) who some think will wrestle with Dushyantor as the yard's first string for Epsom, and in a division of the mile maiden, Phantom Quest (5.30) is his runner. Neither are particularly slow.

While the old servicemen's centre will be cleared for the John Porter Stakes -Moonax (2.30) should win this - a further Classic indicator will be provided by the Greenham Stakes. If last year's form proves reliable then DANEHILL DANCER (nap 3.00) should beat Tagula and Woodborough should finish ahead of Kahir Almaydan, and as the first-named hails from a stable in form he has to be the selection.

Ayr offers a very watchable National Hunt card. Addington Boy (2.55) should collect the Future Champion Novices' Chase, while Alderbrook (3.25) can at least win one Champion Hurdle (the Scottish version) this year.

The Scottish Grand National is as difficult to fathom as ever. Couldnt Be Better and Sir Peter Lely will attract investment following their creditable efforts in the Gold Cup and Grand National respectively, but this contest usually goes to an animal that has avoided a tough recent outing. Lo Stregone (next best 4.05) fits the bill.

Finally, Bosra Sham's galloping partner Ali-Royal (3.50) will be difficult to beat in a race in North Yorkshire they call the Thirsk Classic Trial. The Classic they talk about must be something in Sardinia.

1,000 GUINEAS (Newmarket, 5 May): Coral: 4-5 Bosra Sham, 9-2 Blue Duster, 8-1 Bint Salsabil & Bint Shadayid, 10-1 A Votre Sante; Ladbrokes: 4-7 Bosra Sham, 5-1 Blue Duster, 10-1 A Votre Sante, Bint Salsabil & Bint Shadayid; William Hill: 4-6 Bosra Sham, 5-1 Blue Duster, 8-1 Bint Salsabil, 10-1 A Votre Sante & Bint Shadayid.