Doncaster could be next port of call for Sandown winner.
Flight Eyes Betfred May Hill Stakes After Impressive Maiden Victory
Promising filly Flight has soared to new heights, booking what looks to be her next target at the Betfred May Hill Stakes following a dominant display at Sandown. The two-year-old, trained by Ollie Sangster, secured her maiden win in the Tattersalls £40,000 EBF Maiden Fillies' Stakes, shaking off any past missteps and showing why she's one to watch.
After finishing second to the impressive Flaming Stone on debut and then running into the talented Desert Flower at Newmarket, Flight finally lived up to her potential as the 5-6 favorite under jockey Oisin Murphy. With a smooth performance, she left no doubt about her ability, much to the delight of her connections.
Trainer Sangster, who’s blessed with several exciting two-year-olds this season, holds Flight in high regard. “She’s right up there with the others," he said. "She took a bit longer to come to hand, but the ability is there, for sure. She’s exciting."
Flight and @oismurphy return after the filly broke her maiden at Sandown. @OllieSangster could be tempted to have a crack at the May Hill at Doncaster next pic.twitter.com/0QyhF9m80i
— Adam Morgan (@Adam_Morgs) August 31, 2024
The daughter of Siyouni is set to step up to Group Two level, with a potential entry in the May Hill Stakes at Doncaster. “I think she’s going to improve going up to a mile,” Sangster added. “The logical next step is to go up to stakes company. Doncaster would suit her well, a galloping track with some ease in the ground would be perfect.”
Flight’s victory capped off a successful day for Oisin Murphy, who also claimed wins aboard Tamfana in the Sky Bet Atalanta Stakes and Glenfinnan in the Sky Bet Extra Places Every Day Handicap. Murphy, reuniting with Glenfinnan after previously riding the four-year-old to victory when he was trained by Andrew Balding, was delighted to return to winning ways with the 13-2 shot, now trained by Michael Dods.
Murphy remarked, “I’ve won on him before, so I was probably entitled to have another go, but he was good to finish off like that despite being a bit keen. He was brave in the straight and saw out the seven furlongs well.”
Elsewhere, Clifford Lee earned plaudits for his ride on Flying Frontier, who bounced back to form in the Sky Bet For The Fans Handicap. The son of Farhh had struggled earlier this season but found his stride under Lee’s skillful guidance, returning to the winner’s circle for the first time since his maiden victory at Carlisle last summer.
Racing manager Philip Robinson praised Lee’s performance, stating, “Clifford did a wonderful job keeping him interested and brave enough to take the inside route. It paid off.”
Trainer James Tate hinted at a potential run in the Cambridgeshire for Flying Frontier, saying, "As long as he’s in good form, we might have a go at it."
The day also saw success for Marcus Tregoning, who celebrated an across-the-card double as Corriamo secured victory in the Sky Bet Acca Freeze Nursery Handicap at Sandown, while Michael Herrington’s Good Earth rounded out the action by taking the Sky Bet Build A Bet Handicap.
