BRIGHTON REPORT:A BRIGHTON double yesterday hardly saved Henry Cecil and Tom Queally's weekend but at least ended it on the right note. Cecil headed to Epsom on Friday and Saturday looking to claim his 25th British Classic, while Queally was in search of riding his first, but neither Aviate or Timepiece in the Investec Oaks nor Bullet Train in the Derby were able to do themselves justice.
Pick of the successful pair over the undulations in Sussex was Aegean Shadow (100 to 30 favourite), who is unbeaten in two starts for Cecil and three from four in total as she defied repeated interference to win the Hardings Bar And Catering Services Handicap by a length.
Ebony Boom must rank leagues below the Epsom contenders in the order at Warren Place after seven previous losing outings, but he applied himself well as the 4 to 6 favourite for the Hannah Richardson Birthday Maiden Stakes and came home unchallenged.
“We would have rather been winning at Epsom, but never mind,” said Cecil’s assistant Mike Marshall.
“We were a little bit down but as Henry would tell you, that’s racing and you just have to regroup and move on.
“Ebony Boom was suited by dropping back to a mile and a half, he didn’t get up the hill at Sandown last time. His owners have been patient and that was almost like a bit of work really.
“Tom thinks Aegean Shadow should step up from seven furlongs now and is probably a bit better than that.”
A messy start was of no hindrance to 25 to 1 shot Boldinor as he made a winning reappearance from a layoff in the August Festival Here 4th, 5th, 6th Handicap.
“He just reared up in the stalls but I gave him a chance to find his feet,” revealed jockey David Probert. We were helped that they went fast early on.”
Kevin Ghunowa was worst hit in a messy conclusion to the event, receiving a five-day ban (June 20-24) for causing interference aboard Best One.
Miniature mare Inquisitress (7 to 1) and Neil Chalmers stayed out of trouble to take the Brighton Ladies Day 5th August Handicap, which was more than could be said for Stephen Craine and 5 to 6 favourite Yourgolftravel Com.
They were thwarted when aiming for the inside rail on the final corner before finishing to within a nose at the post.
“That was a bit close,” chuckled Bridger.
“I just told Neil to kick on as I thought the race might be run a bit like that. It’s great for the filly as it’s her first win on grass, while we’ve now had a couple of wins and a couple of seconds this week.”
Bridger could not add further gloss to the occasion when Starwatch was just touched off by Rathbawn Girl (9 to 2) in the Hardings Catering Handicap.
Stevie Donohoe was keen to point out Princess Lexi (7 to 2) had not achieved a great deal by taking the Brighton John Smith’s Day 4th August Handicap.
Dr Marwan Koukash’s filly has turned over a new leaf since joining Ian Williams, winning both starts since departing Kevin Ryan.
