Alfa Kellenic: Craig Lidster's "One in a Million" Filly Eyes Group Glory After Ayr Silver Cup Triumph

Group targets are on the horizon for Craig Lidster's exceptional filly, Alfa Kellenic, after she clinched her sixth consecutive victory at the Ayr Silver Cup on Saturday.

The daughter of Havana Grey has enjoyed a remarkable campaign this year, having shed her maiden status on the all-weather track in January before transitioning to turf in the summer. Since then, she has transformed into a winning machine, adding five more victories to her record as she navigated through the handicap ranks into progressively tougher competition.

Following a valuable success at York during the Ebor meeting, Alfa Kellenic entered the Ayr Silver Cup as the 9-2 favourite and once again emerged victorious, powering to a length-and-three-quarters win under the guidance of 3lb-claimer William Pyle.

Lidster is now contemplating a step up in grade for the talented filly, with plans that could take her to France or keep her closer to home in search of black-type opportunities.

🤩#GoffsGrad Alfa Kellenic makes it 6️⃣ wins in a row in emphatic style in the @ayrracecourse Silver Cup for @C_LidsterRacing @thegoodracingco @SimonMapletoft & @Paul_Hanagan

The @WhitsburyManor Havana Grey filly was sold by @MickleyStud at #GoffsOctober pic.twitter.com/VELIMQyNEn

— Goffs UK (@GoffsUK) September 21, 2024

She's such a tough individual; it's phenomenal to have her in the yard. She has done us proud," Lidster remarked. "She doesn’t show how good she is at home; it’s when she gets to the track that she comes alive."

He added, "She makes everything very simple at home. She has a great mind and is just so straightforward."

Four potential races are on the radar: a Listed fillies' race at Newmarket in a couple of weeks (Boadicea Stakes on October 12), a Group Three at Ascot (Bengough Stakes on October 5), and two options at Chantilly, including a Listed race and a Group Three.

"She's definitely earned it with her performance in the Silver Cup," Lidster stated. "She ran against many very good horses under top weight, so credit where it's due. She just put her head down and galloped to the line; I couldn't be more proud of her."

He concluded, "How she has conducted herself in these last six runs is a testament to her quality; she truly is one in a million to me."