Elnadim’s Star Is On The Rise
One of the toughest times of the season for 3yr olds is right around now as their own races start to dry up and they must take on their elders. Obviously there is plenty of choices to do this earlier in the year but there are also plenty of options for them to stick to their own age group. Elnadim Star had been taking on her 3yo counterparts, resulting in a win and a 2nd placed effort but now she was having to not only take on older horses but a step up in grade. Both proved no match for the improving filly who powered clear to take the 5f Scottish Sun/British Stallion Studs EBF Land O’Burns Fillies Stakes at Ayr to register her first win in pattern company.
Elnadim Star had picked up where the left off last season, making a winning return at Wetherby. After that win it was time to start looking at bigger prizes and Leicester was to provide her sternest test to date. Trying 6f for the first time in her career she ran a big race, going down to a well handicapped rival. It was another positive step forward and opened up a lot of avenues going forward. Having shown that 6f was no issue it meant Kevin could now look at many more races. The big 3yo handicaps were coming up and certainly took the eye but Kevin decided that a bigger step up in grade would be the next step.
Black type for fillies is so important for their careers with many good racehorses going on to be brilliant broodmares. Owner Jaber Abdullah has certainly had his fair share of smart fillies, of which he has then bred their progeny. The race was going to show whether Elnadim could match strides with some very quick and hardened sprinting fillies and mares. Just 9 were declared for the contest and the leading fancies all came in with some top form in recent months. Only the favourite Mrs Gallagher brought in pattern form which meant that Elnadim Star was judged to have a chance but would need to improve. Normal partner Tom Eaves was down at Ascot so it was left to Kevin Stott to deputise in the saddle.
On paper the race was going to be run at break neck speed. Once the stalls opened it became clear that this was exactly what was going to happen, with the 3 market leaders jumping to the fore. Elnadim was well away but quickly went 2 lengths down as Mrs Gallagher set a frantic pace in front, taking a keen hold and flanked by both Sandra’s Secret and Rebecca Rocks. Not outpaced but also not being forced to join in, Kevin was happy to just let his filly find her rhythm which she did to settle in fourth place, spearheading the rest of the field. There would be no hiding place as the field blasted through the opening furlong.
It was certainly a fast pace but still the leader wouldn’t settle. Her nearest pursuers were always close by and wouldn’t let her get any kind of breathing space. Despite racing very keen Mrs Gallagher had the field stretched by halfway as one by one they came off the bridle to try and close in on the leader. Elnadim still held her fourth place but was being pressured by those close to her. She wasn’t losing ground on the leader but wasn’t gaining either as Kevin started to get to work.
Passing the 2f marker and the leader now went for home. Sandra’s Secret was first in the firing line to have a crack and was starting to loom up to the pace setter. The pair now had a couple of lengths break to the rest. Elandim Star was starting to get into full flow now and after fighting off the rest was the one to go in pursuit of the leaders. Mrs Gallagher was still holding the lead and managing to find a little more despite her strong pace setting. Sandra’s Secret was not going away and started to look the stronger of the leading pair as she pulled alongside. Kevin was now getting a good run out of Elnadim Star as she began to eat into the ground, with the grey firmly in her sights.
The final furlong was going to really stretch these sprinter’s stamina. Now Elnadim was hitting top gear and as Sandra’s Secret took the lead it was quickly snatched by the chestnut. She was flying down the stands side and the further they were going the better she looked. Nobody had an answer for Elandim Star’s turn of foot now and once she grabbed the lead the race was over. Kevin kept her up to her work and the filly responded by drawing clear. The pair crossed the line with a comfortable 1 3/4 length lead to secure the famous race.
It was great to get another win for owner Jaber Abdullah and he has a filly who Kevin hasn’t got to the bottom of. She is a very straight forward horse and all she ever wants to do is please. Her wins this year have shown a good turn of foot and she has been very strong at the line. It looks like a strong pace to aim at is ideal for her but she is very strong at the end of the race so 5f and 6f will be equally as suitable. She is now a black type filly and although there are a few options throughout the year she looks likely to be better again next year. She is a big, strong filly and is sure to continue improving with time. There is a 6f Group 3 at York for fillies which may well be the ideal race for her. What she has proved though is that she is an exciting filly going forward.