Roxy Art
There was palpable relief at La Grange Stables yesterday as Roxy Art and Rab Havlin surged to an impressive success in the opener at Chelmsford. The second half of July was a trying period for the yard, as a host of fancied horses were beaten at short odds and an ugly bout of seconditis reared its head. However, an eventful Glorious Goodwood week had hinted that fortunes may be on the rise, and Roxy Art provided the fillip that was needed.
In a field of eight, Roxy Art broke smartly and was soon settled just in behind the pace-setting Aquarius, with the odds-on favourite Seductive just on her outer. Aquarius tried to get away from her field as they approached the home straight, but Rab was just beginning to engage Roxy Art into top gear. Halfway up the straight and Roxy Art had mastered the long-time leader, before quickening away from her rivals in impressive style. Despite a couple of tail swishes, she put her head down and showed a terrific attitude. Seductive ran on to grab second, just ahead of Aquarius, giving the form a strong look to it.
Having shown promise in her first two starts at Lingfield, this was just what Roxy deserved, and it will be intriguing to see what mark she is allotted by the handicapper. Her first run can be read positively, whilst her win yesterday was undeniably impressive, so leniency is unlikely! Out of a Gr.3-placed Azamour mare that stayed a mile well, but from a family teeming with pattern race performers over trips short of a mile - such as Gr.1 Cheveley Park Stakes heroine Serious Attitude and Gr.1 Prix de la Foret winner Mount Abu - it will also be interesting to see where Roxy Art goes from here in terms of trip. She is certainly quick enough to remain at six, but a step up to seven furlongs might not be out of the question either, judged by the way she finished her race yesterday. There is plenty to look forward to for the rest of the season from this likeable and progressive filly.
We send our heartiest congratulations to her owner Mr Roy, jockey Rab Havlin and thank all the team in the yard who work so hard to make this success possible.