One of the most progressive 3-year-old sprinters around, Elite Racing Club's Marsha (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) is on a winning streak at present and adds a fascinating dimension to Friday's G2 Qatar King George S. at Goodwood. Bidding to uphold the form of the Listed City Walls S., in which she beat fellow 3-year-old filly Easton Angel (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) and last year's winner of this race, Muthmir (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), over this trip at York July 9, she is a rare speedy type to represent Sir Mark Prescott, who is better known for staying performers. Dan Downie, racing manager for Marsha's owning syndicate, said, “You can never be too hopeful in a race like this and we just hope she runs her race. I spoke to Sir Mark earlier in the week and we both agreed that if you ran the race a couple of times, one time she might finish fifth and the other time she might win. It's that sort of race and obviously you need luck in running.”
Easton Angel was caught close home at York, having won the Listed Westow S. over the same course and distance May 12 and Sandown's Listed Scurry S. also at five June 11. Trainer Michael Dods is hoping she has enough progression left to turn the form around. “We just hope they go quick and she acts on the track,” he commented. “We're very happy with her at home and we're hoping for the best.” Sixth in the City Walls S. when made too much use of, last year's G3 Molecomb S. scorer Kachy (GB) (Kyllachy {GB}) is worth another chance, having split Quiet Reflection (GB) (Showcasing {GB}) and Washington DC (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}) in the G1 Commonwealth Cup over six at Royal Ascot June 17. “I just felt he was quick out the stalls and went hard enough [at York], which took its toll in the end,” trainer Tom Dascombe commented. “It was all bar in name a group race, as it was a very strong field for a listed race. I always try and stick to places where the horses have performed their best and that is why he is back here. He has shown he retains his ability from last year and he is fit and well.”
Off since finishing a disappointing ninth in the Mar. 26 G1 Al Quoz Sprint over this trip, last year's G1 King's Stand S. and G1 Prix de l'Abbaye hero Goldream (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}) has his ideal conditions, as does the June 14 G1 King's Stand S. runner-up Cotai Glory (GB) (Exceed and Excel {Aus}), who needs to bounce back from a latest flop when 13th in the G1 July Cup over six furlongs at Newmarket July 9.
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