Fair Eva can roar to success in Rockfel Stakes at Newmarket

David Metcalf | September 22, 2016

Fair Eva to floor Rockfel rivals

Fair Eva can cement her position at the head of the betting for next year’s 1000 Guineas with success in the Group 2 Rockfel Stakes on day two of Newmarket’s Cambridgeshire meeting (15.05).

The Roger Charlton trained filly, who is currently 8/1 favourite with Coral for the fillies’ Classic, created a huge impression when storming clear to score by four lengths on debut at Haydock and went on to land the Group 3 Princess Margaret Stakes in scintillating style.

After being held-up in midfield travelling strongly, the daughter of Frankel cruised into the lead a furlong from home before quickening right away to slam Kilmah by four lengths.

It was breathtaking display which marked Fair Eva as a potential star in the making and although she failed to land the hat-trick when third in the Group 2 Lowther Stakes over 6f at York things didn’t go to plan.

Fair Eva is the heavy favourite to win the Rockfel Stakes at Newmarket’s Cambridgeshire meeting on day 2.

Step up in trip sure to suit

The two-year-old raced far too keenly in the early stages in a slowly run race and after being produced to lead entering the final furlong flattened out to be beaten 1 1/2 lengths by Queen Kindly.

There is no doubt in my mind that Fair Eva is better than she showed that day and the experience will not have been lost on her.

The step up to 7f is also massively in her favour and with Pat Smullen in the saddle Fair Eva looks a worthy favourite to get back to winning ways.

Argenterie feared most

Exmouth looked a smart prospect when winning on debut at Yarmouth but the form of the race has not worked out well and Argenterie looks the one most likely to take advantage if Fair Eva fails to live up to expectations.

Marcus Tregoning’s Argenterie looks likely to capitalise if Fair Eva falls short.

The Marcus Tregoning trained filly shaped with bags of promise on debut when third to. Rhododendron at Goodwood and the form of the race has worked out well with the winner having gone on to land a Group 2 before finishing third in the Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh.

Argenterie then showed the benefit of that experience to make all and draw clear to win a nine runner maiden at Salisbury by 3 1/4 lengths.

The daughter of Achipenko never looked in any danger and although what she beat was questionable the manner of the success suggested she had a huge engine.

This represents a big step up in class but Argenterie looks the type who should have plenty more to offer and needs keeping firmly onside.

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Coral’s top tip: Fair Eva will relish the step up to 7f and rates a solid bet to resume winning ways. Argenterie is a likeable sort who can give her most to think about.