Agent on a mission to lift trainer’s gloom

 
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Chris McGrath21 June 2012

As should be obvious, from the mist and drizzle that obscured Swinley Bottom this morning, today is Ladies’ Day at Royal Ascot. On the track itself, however, tomorrow is when the female of the species gets her moment in the sun.

The big race on the meeting’s fourth afternoon, the Coronation Stakes, has historically identified the top three-year-old filly in Europe over a mile. This time round, however, there will be nearly as much interest in the Albany Stakes, contested by fillies at a much earlier stage of their careers.

Eight of the contenders were winners of their only start, some so impressive that an authoritative success tomorrow in the opening race would surely identify an early favourite for next year’s Classics. In fact, the safest bet of the day could be that any such winner will be back here in 12 months for the Coronation Stakes.

By the same token, at least seven unbeaten records are going to evaporate in little over a minute. Going into the race, then, the stakes are high — and that applies across the sport’s spectrum. For the stables desperate for a new star range from the biggest in the land, in Godolphin; to a brilliant maverick, in trying times, in Peter Chapple-Hyam; to those confined to the lowest tier of the bloodstock market, as they strive to make a name for themselves.

The Irish raider, Sendmylovetorose, went through the ring for just £5,000 as a yearling; while Kevin Ryan, whose prolific success on the northern circuit remains scandalously neglected by the big spenders, saddles one that cost still less as a foal, at 4,000 guineas.

Admittedly, Run Fat Lass Run was christened faithfully to her humble origins, and won a poor race on her debut, but it will be gratifying simply to hear her name feature during a Royal Ascot commentary.

However, many professionals without a stake in the race will instead be united behind Agent Allison. One way or another, whether through ill luck or judgment, Chapple-Hyam finds himself seeking yet another fresh start after twice failing to consolidate his status as the inspired, intuitive trainer of a Derby winner. But while he may have lost several wealthy patrons, Chapple-Hyam clearly retains the special affinity with thoroughbreds that gave us Dr Devious and Authorized.

It is edifying to see owners Jim and Fitri Hay recognise as much, even if Agent Allison, who is 6-1 to win tomorrow, represents one of their less extravagant investments at £22,000. She is from a good family, while her sire, Dutch Art, testified to Chapple-Hyam’s talent in the Norfolk Stakes at this meeting in 2006.

That Agent Allison had been showing plenty on the gallops was evident when sent off hot favourite for her debut at Pontefract, only last week, and she stormed seven lengths clear of the field. She has not had long to absorb that effort and is straight in at the deep end now. But it feels wrong to be rooting for such a gifted trainer as a mere David against such Maktoum Goliaths as Newfangled, who made a dazzling debut for John Gosden, and Kosika, representing Godolphin.

Authorized won the Derby for Chapple-Hyam in 2007, yet he has had just five winners this year.

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