Listed win for Roger Varian-trained mare.
Sound Angela, trained by Roger Varian, claimed victory in the EBF Stallions John Musker Fillies' Stakes at Yarmouth, earning her first Listed win after consistent performances at the level. Entering the 10-furlong race as a 17-2 shot in a competitive field of 14, the five-year-old mare, ridden by Silvestre de Sousa, travelled smoothly from stall seven. Three furlongs from the finish, Sound Angela began making her move, picking off rivals before taking the lead at the furlong marker. She then held off a late surge from runner-up Naomi Lapaglia to secure a half-length victory.
De Sousa praised the mare's effort, telling Sky Sports Racing, "She responded to every effort, showing a willing attitude today. Roger [Varian] places his horses very well, and she’s a nice filly with more to come." He added that the 10-furlong trip suits her well, especially when there’s enough pace to complement her sharp turn of foot.
Sound Angela takes the feature!
This five-year-old finds a key change of gear and duly delivers under a @SilvDSousa drive in the feature John Musker Fillies' Stakes at @GTYarmouthRaces for @varianstable! pic.twitter.com/lPL5zNMkhb
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 18, 2024
De Sousa praised the mare's effort, telling Sky Sports Racing, "She responded to every effort, showing a willing attitude today. Roger [Varian] places his horses very well, and she’s a nice filly with more to come." He added that the 10-furlong trip suits her well, especially when there’s enough pace to complement her sharp turn of foot.
In another race, Clive Cox-trained Hold A Dream (5-2) broke her streak of second-place finishes by winning the British EBF Fillies' Novice Stakes. Rossa Ryan guided her to lead from the start and held off Dash Of Azure by a length and a half. Ryan noted her potential, saying, "She did it with style... I think she will get further in time, but for now, a stiffer six furlongs is perfect."
Meanwhile, Ryan Moore celebrated his 41st birthday with a double at the meeting. His victories came aboard the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Nightwalker and James Webb (3-1) in the Goffs Orby Handicap. James Savage, the assistant to Sir Michael Stoute, spoke highly of James Webb, who held off the Cambridgeshire favourite Roi De France by three-quarters of a length: "He appreciates fast ground and a level track... he could have a nice future." Savage also praised Nightwalker, suggesting that the Juddmonte two-year-old has the potential to be a strong performer over longer distances in the future.
The day at Yarmouth was marked by competitive racing and promising performances, with several horses showing the potential for further success.
