Tarfshi can pass the test

Lydia Hislop13 April 2012

Classic entrants litter the potential fields for Kempton's Easter Saturday Listed mile events but, with Newmarket and Newbury's trial meetings just next week, it remains to be seen how many of them stand their ground at the overnight declaration stage.

But one very useful filly almost certain to line up is Tarfshi, trained by Michael Jarvis in Newmarket. This well-bred three-year-old sets her marker for the coming season, in which she holds engagements in both the Sagitta 1,000 Guineas and Vodafone Oaks, in Saturday's betabet 'Bet Whenever Wherever' Masaka Stakes under jockey Philip Robinson.

Although testing conditions for this meeting usually allow it little relevance as a Classic trial, Tarfshi showed progressive form as a juvenile last term and is more likely than most to be able to handle ground described as soft, heavy in places. She also boasts a high-class pedigree, being by dual Eclipse Stakes hero Mtoto out of 1988 Cheveley Park Stakes winner, Pass The Peace. She's also a half-sister to Embassy, who won the same race as her dam in 1997.

After showing much promise on her first two starts - a debut maiden win on fastish ground at Doncaster last August and a fair third at Kempton the following month - Tarfshi signed off with an excellent defeat of decent colts, Worthily and Black Knight, over a mile on testing ground at Sandown.

Jarvis also has last year's May Hill Stakes runner-up, Ameerat, doubly entered in the fillies' classics (as well as the unraced Bahirah in the Oaks alone) but reported Tarfshi as far more forward than her more accomplished stablemate.

"Ameerat is in good health but is a little wintry in her coat and may go straight for the Guineas. Tarfshi has done well since the autumn and, having done nothing wrong last season, warranted her classic entries - she's certainly got the pedigree. She's an adaptable sort and I expect her to be well-equipped to handle testing ground," he said.

Of her potential rivals, Fillies' Mile third Hotelgenie Dot Com boasts the most proven two-year-old form, but she is likely to bypass Kempton for alternative trials next week. Stablemate Lady Miletrian shouldn't be dismissed lightly, despite the lack of classic entries. Her handler Mick Channon believes she may prove Royal Ascot class and she'll certainly be fit enough after her Musselburgh victory.

In the accompanying Easter Stakes for colts, the Channon-trained Dayglow Dancer seeks a swift follow-up to his Doncaster success last month. But he may have a battle on his hands to confirm superiority over Esher Common, who was booked for third in that same Doncaster event until tiring near the line and finishing fifth.

His main threat, if lining up, would be King's Ironbridge. His handler Richard Hannon used to have a fearsome record in this contest.

In the betabet 'The Only Limits Are Yours' Queen's Prize, several jockey bookings catch the eye. Kevin Darley will be aiming to marshall the truculent Guard Duty with the same force as Tony McCoy after this gelding showed improved form for Martin Pipe over hurdles. He looks well handicapped, if feeling co-operative.

Kempton selections: 3.10, Tarfshi (nap); 3.40, Esher Common; 4.10, Guard Duty (nb); 4.45, April Stock; Newton Abbot: 2.50, Master Of Illusion; 4.25, Peerless Motion.

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