ALTHOUGH Russian Request was turned over by her stable-mate when odds on favourite at Sandown last time, she can land today's Chantilly Maiden Stakes at Epsom.
Completely outpointed by the useful Wall Street on her debut at Newmarket over a mile, the Michael Stoute-trained filly improved substantially on her second trip to the racecourse two weeks later on June 14th over 10 furlongs.
But, as mentioned above, the result went the wrong way for stable followers with Shanaladee - a 12 to 1 shot - coming home two lengths to the good.
Russian Request was always prominent and actually nudged into the lead two furlongs from home, but was headed a furlong later and was found wanting for pace inside the final 220 yards.
She was beaten a couple of lengths, but that did represent an improvement on the HQ showing and, with two creditable experiences under her girth, she can get off the mark here.
Progressive Faateq can continue his progress with victory in the Union Bank of Switzerland Handicap.
The son of Caerleon has won two of his three starts so far this term, showing his best form on his most recent outing at Red car when gamely gaining the day by a couple of short heads from Hazard A Guess and Angus-M.
This effort over 10 furlongs in a £13,900 event, the colt's first against older horses, demonstrated that the Arundel charge was still on the upgrade.
The bay has given trouble at the stalls on all starts this year and is obviously a bit of a character, but races very genuinely.
Another to appreciate a return to a longer trip is My Best Valentine in the Nabs Handicap on the same card.
It was at this track on Derby Day over six furlongs that the six-year-old entire ran so well to finish second, beaten two lengths by Selhurstpark Flyer.
On this occasion the son of Try My Best chased the winner throughout the final two furlongs but could make no impression inside the distance.
My Best Valentine will be well suited by the seven furlongs of today's race and can regain winning ways in this trappy handicap.
At Catterick, Phantom Haze can make up for a very unlucky second place last time with victory in the Lillbulero Handicap over 12 furlongs.
His bad luck was principally a slow start and a rattling finish which took him to within a short head of Seattle Alley at Pontefract on June 17th.
