Soleil clinches Spindrifter

Pontefract joy for O'Neill as two-year-old sets sights on Longchamp

Last updated: 30th June 2008

Soleil clinches Spindrifter

Catlin rode Reve De Soleil to Pontefract glory

Related links

Also see

Reve De Soleil will flex his muscles in Listed company across the Channel after recording an accomplished victory at Pontefract.

Eoghan O'Neill's two-year-old supplemented a recent Hamilton maiden success with another professional display in an up-to-scratch renewal of the Spindrifter Conditions Stakes.

Having been switched wide by Chris Catlin, Reve De Soleil scampered into the lead inside the last to defeat Keeptheboatafloat by two lengths, with 5-6 favourite Indian Art in third.

"He's a lovely horse and we've been teaching him at home to settle and go by horses," reported O'Neill.

"He did a fabulous bit of work on Friday morning and we were quite confident.

"He's a French-bred horse and we'll now go for a Listed race at Longchamp on July 14.

"We've taught him his job here and now know he's hopefully up to being competitive at that level."

Mango success

Francis Norton excelled aboard Mango Music to pinch the EBF Chris Deuters Memorial Fillies' Handicap by three and a half lengths.

The uncompromising pilot hustled Mick Quinn's five-year-old towards the head of affairs once the stalls opened and had far too much toe for runner-up Swift Princess.

Quinn said of the 3-1 favourite: "She was second here when with Mick (Channon) last year so there were no problems coming back (to Pontefract).

"She's tough and genuine and six furlongs appears her forte.

"The horses are flying and that's four winners from our last five runners."

Norton's enterprise came at a small price, however, as the jockey was suspended one day (July 14) for not riding to his draw.

Coral Shores also benefited from a well-judged ride by Marie King to win the Pontefract Ladies' Handicap.

Advantage

Sent off at odds of 11-1 for the 10-furlong heat, King nudged her partner into a clear-cut advantage approaching the final turn for home.

The three-year-old filly then responded strongly when pressed by subsequent runner-up Gala Sunday to secure a tidy length-and-a-quarter verdict.

Owner-trainer Peter Hiatt, who won this race in 2003 with 50-1 shot Moonshine Bill, said: "I've always thought this course would suit her.

"She's just a galloper and is improving."

Flying Valentino lived up to her name with a fine exhibition of pace in the James Thaddeus Bourke - A Lifetime in Racing Fillies' Handicap.

The Alan Swinbank-trained four-year-old travelled effortlessly well from the outset and sauntered clear of the pacesetting Carefree early down the straight.

PJ McDonald can seldom have enjoyed an easier ride and only required the gentlest of persuasion to ease the 7-2 favourite to an eight-length call over Striving.