DANSILI WINNERS KEEP ON ROLLING

Sandown on Friday saw a very impressive maiden victory by Spree, a juvenile filly by Dansili of whom big things are expected. Having come back with excuses from her debut at Salisbury, she attracted all the smart money and duly obliged - leaving the gate in a hurry and extending her lead over Drum Dance up the hill, under a fine ride from Richard Hughes.

Richard Hannon, whose best chance of a Royal Ascot winner probably lies with another Dansili juvenile in Don’t Tell Mum in the Queen Mary, said “I think Spree is quite good – and she’ll be even better later in the year. You only have to look at her willing attitude. We fancied her at Salisbury but she pulled a shoe round and that was that.”

Spree is entered to run in the Norfolk Stakes – Gr.3 at Royal Ascot on Thursday 17th June and Richard Hannon will take plenty of persuasion not to run her even though it comes just six days after her maiden win. Speaking of Don’t Tell Mum’s chances in the Queen Mary – Gr.2 on Wednesday, Hannon said “I saw her work the other day and I haven’t had one come up that gallop better since the days of Lyric Fantasy (winner of the Queen Mary – Gr.2 and Nunthorpe Stakes – Gr.1 (at 2 yrs)).”

Dansili could also be represented at Royal Ascot by Arabian Dancer whom was very unlucky not to win her maiden at Redcar a fortnight ago. Held in high regard at home, it would be no surprise to see her run a big race in the Albany Stakes – L.R. over 6 furlongs on Friday.

Date: 14 June 2004