Ollie Sangster looks to have another exciting filly on his hands after Simmering got off the mark in the Group 3 Princess Margaret Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.
Just two days on from Celestial Orbit's commanding victory in the Star Stakes at Sandown, up-and-coming trainer Ollie Sangster was once again enjoying notable success with a juvenile filly when the 11/8 chance Simmering rewarded favourite backers in Group 3 Princess Margaret Stakes at Ascot.
Runner-up on her debut at York, connections boldly opted to pitch her straight into group company at the Royal meeting last month and were greatly rewarded when their filly only found the late-swooping Fairy Godmother too strong in the Albany Stakes.
With her sights slightly lowered, Simmering deservedly got off the mark at the third attempt. It looked as though Simon and Ed Crisford's debut winner Mandurah had slipped the field entering the final two furlongs, but she soon began to wander under pressure and the eye was quickly drawn to those making their challenge towards the far side of the track. Moore angled his mount for a run between rivals and once in full drive, he was never going to be denied, with Simmering eventually getting on top to beat rank outside Betty Clover by a neck.
Ralph Beckett's Tales Of The Heart finished a further half-length behind in third.
"We'll enjoy this, and it was always the next step for us after the Albany. Ascot was a great day, even though we got beaten, and the filly has taken a good step forward and she has won it nicely in the end," said Sangster.
"I think everyone was surprised Fairy Godmother did what she did in the Albany; she came out of the clouds. There were a few anxious moments a couple of furlongs out, but Ryan was happy, and she did well.
"I think she has won it nicely in the end, despite having a few traffic problems, and hopefully she will take another step forward – Ryan said he thinks she will and said she was still a bit green coming through horses there. We're looking forward to the rest of the season with her.
"She's got plenty of speed and her sire Too Darn Hot was a very good miler. Ryan said he would advise going up to seven furlongs next time, so we will have to have a look at the schedule. I suppose we need to speak with Ryan and connections, they will have their own ideas on a schedule – and see how the filly is more importantly, and then make a plan."
On how Celestial Orbit's success earlier in the week gave him added confidence, Sangster added: "Both Simmering and Celestial Orbit showed up sort of together in the spring and did a lot of work together, so that gave me a bit of extra confidence coming into today after the filly won well on Thursday. They are both different types of fillies but it's nice to have them in the yard and connections like that in the yard – it will be nice to see them get their heads in front again."
Paddy Power trimmed the winner, who was making her first start in the colours of Al Shaqab Racing having been recently purchased, to 20/1 (from 25s) for the 1000 Guineas next season.
"The ownership changed at about half past nine on Thursday and it was pretty manic in the office," explained the winning trainer. "I've grown up watching Al Shaqab and Sheikh Joaan's good horses like Toronado and Treve and all those other good horses, so for them to buy into a horse in our yard is a privilege and for it to get off to a good start, it couldn't have gone any better."
Hannon has high hopes for maiden winner Our Terms
Richard Hannon's fine record in the British EBF Crocker Bulteel 'Confined' Maiden Stakes at Ascot continued when Our Terms knuckled down well to land the prize under Ryan Moore.
The son of Wootton Bassett was dropping back to six furlongs after producing a pleasing effort at Newmarket on debut last month and ultimately put his experience to good use, with Ryan Moore opting to dictate matters on the front end.
James Fanshawe's Back In Black looked to throw down a challenge in the closing stages, but he never looked like getting by the long-time leader, who battled on bravely to prevail by half a length.
The Charlie Appleby-trained Al Misbar - who is a half-brother to brilliant sprinter Battaash and was sent off the 11/10 market leader on debut – failed to land a blow after being slowly away.
"We've always quite liked him, and his first run was very nice. We decided to use his experience, it's always a smart horse that wins this," said Hannon of the 7/2 winner.
"The Mill Reef closes on Monday and then there's the Gimcrack, but Ryan thinks he's more of a seven-furlong horse. He's something very nice to look forward to."
