Royal Ascot 2015: Sandringham Handicap preview (17.35)

Mothers Finest has a progressive profile and can provide the north with a winner in a competitive renewal of the Sandringham Handicap that closes day two of Royal Ascot.

The Karl Burke trained filly shaped with plenty of promise when runner-up to Udododontu at Redcar, and the winner has subsequently landed a decent 17-runner handicap at York to give the form a boost.

Mothers Finest then duly showed the benefit of that experience when keeping on strongly to score by a length at Haydock, before posting a really solid effort when fifth of 10 to Sperry in a Listed contest at York.

The daughter of Tamayuz, who is held in high regard by connections, was poorly placed in the latter but kept on well to be beaten just two lengths without being unduly knocked about.

That is strong form, and suggests that Mothers Finest is not harshly treated off an opening handicap mark of 97.

The three-year-old also looks the type who has plenty more improvement left in the locker, and everything points to a big run from Mothers Finest in what is a wide open 1m fillies’ contest.

Always Smile is unbeaten in three starts and has to be a big player despite being raised 11lb for her latest success, whilst Touchline is a very interesting contender for trainer Michael Bell.

Bell has won this race twice, and Touchline put in an improved performance last time out when runner-up to Sperry over course and distance.

The daughter of Exceed And Excel, who is owned by the Queen, is closely matched with Mothers Finest on a line through the winner and looks open to further improvement.

Touchline also has the services of Jamie Spencer in the saddle, and if building on her latest run looks sure to go well despite having having to run from 1lb out of the handicap.

Coral betting tip: Mothers Finest holds much better odds than Always Smile; if the former proves the finer horse, then punters will always be smiling down on her!