UK: Classic Test For Born To Surprise

Born To Surprise is likely to test his classic credentials in the Craven Stakes at Newmarket following his impressive performance at Doncaster

Michael Bell's three-year-old had finished a highly creditable second on his racecourse debut at Warwick last September, and confirmed that promise with a five-length comeback victory on Town Moor.

"He's a horse I've always really liked and he should have won his maiden last year, but he sat in the stalls and gave them 10 lengths before running on well to finish second," said Bell.

"He's come on leaps and bounds and was very good at Doncaster. It's obviously a big gulf from a Doncaster maiden to a Pattern race, but I do like him and the Craven Stakes would be his preferred option as it avoids travelling."

Bell also had news of The Queen's filly Set To Music, who won four times in 2011, with her handicap mark rising a staggering 40lb.

She signed off for the year with a fine second to Meeznah in the Park Hill Stakes at Doncaster and could return to Yorkshire for her seasonal return.

"She is not in fast work yet, but she's done well over the winter and the plan would be to start her off in the Middleton Stakes at York's Dante meeting," Bell added.

Meanwhile Eddie Lynam does not expect Slade Power to take up his engagement in next month's Irish 2000 Guineas despite his impressive seasonal debut at Cork on Saturday.

The three-year-old carries the same colours as the yard's Group One-winning sprinter Sole Power and Lynam has always held this colt in high regard.

Following a win and a second during his juvenile year, the son of Dutch Art showed a brilliant turn of foot to win decisively in a six-furlong handicap on his comeback but Lynam does not believe his charge would stay the mile trip in the Guineas.

"He's in good form and I was very happy with him. He's a nice horse," said Lynam.

"I'm going to have a good think about what we do next. There are few options and a few different ways we could go.

"I'm going to sit and think about it for a week or so, but I'd like to run him again in the next three to four weeks, without throwing him up in class too much.

"I think it's very doubtful he'd stay a mile. I entered him for the Guineas because I thought he was a good horse.

“It's a bit like buying a Lotto ticket, you don't expect to win it, but you want to enter anyway.

"He could be a smart sprinter if we keep his head right."


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