?Magic Lantern is suited by conditions of the Maiden Auction Stakes over seven furlongs (division two) at Salisbury today, and her jockey, Richard Hughes. The "long fella" has rapidly reduced a big gap in the jockeys' championship and Ryan Moore will need to kick-start his season again, with Richard getting doubles and trebles like old-time cowboys in a saloon bar.
Twice-raced, Magic Lantern obviously had no chance, whatsoever, with Sent From Heaven, when runner-up to Barry Hills' charge over a similar distance at Kempton last month. The winner confirmed value of that form by finishing third in the "Sweet Solera" at Newmarket. Only a length or so separated them on the polytrack and the rest were six lengths and upwards in arrears. Another Richard Hannon winner is expected, therefore and it would be surprising, if Magic Lantern doesn't make it third time lucky, even though this Halling filly is drawn worst, number one. Plenty in hand and plenty of time, this is a long way for two-year-olds and Hughes wont be in any hurry on what is a stiff-ish track.
Hayley Turner rides Ermine And Velvet for Clive Brittain in the Maiden Stakes over seven furlongs; her best ride of the day. Primaeval and Jamie Spencer will probably dominate the market but Ermine And Velvet has the beating of this once-raced colt on my time-handicap. With "daily earner" and a 5lbs fillies' allowance, this looks an each-way special. Bet accordingly and don't miss consistent, hitherto luckless Mezenah, ridden by Frankie Dettori, in the Maiden Fillies' Stakes over a mile of Sandown.
?SELECTIONS
?RACE 6 (#11) MAGIC LANTERN
RACE 10 (#7) ERMINE AND VELVET (nap-e,w,)
RACE 17 (#5) MEZENAH
RACE 44 (#1) MANERE (e.w.)