Clarentine: a big-priced winner at Lingfield.
She might have been a 16-1 shot and unfancied by the punters, but Clarentine belied her long odds to secure a first success in competitive handicap company at Lingfield on Tuesday afternoon.
Dropped back to a mile since her racecourse debut over course and distance in February, Clarentine travelled smoothly in the hands of Adam Kirby. Asked to quicken rounding the home turn, she led inside the furlong marker and won going away, putting a length between herself and nearest pursuer Lord Reason.
This was a deserved first victory for a filly who has either bumped into a good one or had viable excuses this year, and her clear liking for artificial surfaces could pave the way for a fruitful winter.
Congratulations to Mr Goulandris, Valerie and all at Bluehills Racing, Clarentine being a homebred first foal out of their smart mare Clarietta, who was a dual winner for John Dunlop while also being Listed placed.
Hopefully the handicapper won’t be too harsh following this success and there is every chance she could win again now we have found her trip.