Mist Continues To Progress and Impress

There was only three runners but Dutch Mist won in the style of a smart juvenile following up her maiden win at Thirsk. Having shown promise on debut she went and won nicely in a Thirsk maiden during Royal Ascot week and showed herself to be a filly to keep an eye on. With the season well underway the focus for juveniles is now switching to nurseries and Kevin decided to take this route with his Dutch Art filly. There was plenty of races to aim for but it was decided that the 6f nursery at Catterick was the perfect opportunity for Dutch Mist to try and extend her winning run.

Jamie Spencer gave the racegoers a treat by travelling up north from his Newmarket base to partner Kevin’s runner and he certainly got the favourite backers off to a great start. Dutch Mist lined up against Star Focus who she had beaten at Thirsk and the Tim Easterby trained Flying Pursuit. Her form was the best on offer and having beaten Star Focus on level terms she was now receiving 1lb from that filly and the punters reacted by making her the 6/5fav. The ground was good to soft due to the recent heat wave changing to typical British summer weather and the rain had evidently got into the ground with plenty of the Yorkshire turf kicking up.

It was Flying Pursuit who jumped smartest and took the initiative with Star Focus sat in her slip stream and Jamie keeping an eye on things at the back of the trio. Catterick lends itself to pace with the downhill run and this was proved as they blistered through the early stages. The positions remained throughout as the three juveniles travelling through in single file. Jamie was playing the waiting game as he allowed his mount to travel how she felt and the favourite always looked the strongest of the three. There was little to talk about through the early stages but as they swung around the bend towards home the leader kicked, attempting to nick it from the front. Franny Norton, on board Star Focus, responded but as he did his filly just lost her footing, leaving Frany to re-adjust in the saddle. It could have been a nasty incident with Spencer hot on her heels but the quick reactions of Norton meant he prevented any casualties, although the filly was now struggling to lay down a challenge. Jamie was yet to move and still had a good few lengths to make up, but it was evident that he was full of confidence. Sat third still he waited and waited until the trio were well inside the final furlong. Then with a matter of a couple of hundred yards to run he quickly moved Dutch Mist out, gathered his reins and asked the question. Dutch Mist quickened immediately and in a few strides had moved past the other two runners and put the race to bed. The winning margin was only 1/2 length but if Jamie had decided then it could have been a lot more.

Dutch Mist is now two from three and there looks to be a lot more to come. She is certainly a filly with plenty of ability and it will be interesting where Kevin decides to go next. The handicapper will have his say now but don’t be surprised if you see Dutch Mist tackling pattern company by the end of the season.