Anita Chambers: Ihtifal has superior ability at Leicester

Published on 11/08/2012 12:27

Godolphin nearly always do well at Leicester, and look to have another winner-in-waiting in the form of Ihtifal, writes Anita Chambers.

Although there are plenty of dangers waiting in the wings for the Leicester Mercury Family Fun Day Handicap, Saeed bin Suroor’s three-year-old could have that superior touch of ability.

Despite twice offering promise over a mile at Kempton, and then over seven furlongs at 
Newmarket, Ihtifal has clearly been earmarked for a sprinting campaign.

Indeed, the decision to take another dip in trip looked a good piece of business at Yarmouth last time when she routed a reasonable field by 
upwards of five lengths over six furlongs.

The form looks watertight, too, as the runner-up that day, Tahlia Ree, won by six lengths on her next try at Hamilton. Bin Suroor’s filly might not be the most straightforward – she had to be ponied down to the start at Yarmouth – but has a promising profile and could feasibly scoop a 
decent prize towards the end of the season.

This looks a wise next port of call to continue her education within the sprinting ranks.