SOMETHING EXCITING (3.05) simply cannot be sensibly opposed in the £130,000 mile-and-a-half Group 2 Ribblesdale Stakes, writes Colin Woods.
By finishing a close runner-up to Eswarah in the Oaks, David Elsworth's class act shifted even further up the three-year-old ratings ladder.
Described by her astute trainer in typically understated fashion as "a very sweet little filly", Elsworth's charge also has a demonstrable amount of grit when it comes to the heat of battle.
And it was this courage which allowed jockey Richard Quinn to push all the way to the line without his mount once flinching under maximum pressure when locked in that thrilling head-to-head with Eswarah. Fortunately the latter has spurned the chance for a re-match, paving the way for Something Exciting to gain richly-deserved compensation on the Knavesmire this afternoon.
Local interest in the race is provided by Secret History, who took full advantage of a weak field, plus a rain-softened surface, to take the Group 3 Musidora Stakes at the course in May. Mark Johnston's filly ideally needs give underfoot, so if the heavens open Secret History should not be written off in too much of a hurry.
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