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Nahoodh ended up being a simplistic and overwhelmingly correct top pick. She held the potential and just needed some luck and a good ride. In the end, she has blitzed them. Infallible, Seachange and Heaven Sent all seemed on top of their game today so this is a great pointer to races down the track.
The 2007 Lowther Stakes was arguably the strongest Juvenile Fillies race that season. Nahoodh defeated Fleeting Spirit that day, a performance that has since looked even more impressive after her rise to prominence in the sprinting ranks.
Nahoodh would have claimed victory in the English Guineas with a clear run, a race that could be considered the strongest mile contest for filllies run so far this season.
A scintillating last-to-first performance in a decent renewal of the Falmouth Stakes is further indication of her undoubted ability.
The question that begs to be asked is ‘Why has a filly, who can boast that level of class and form, only won just two of her eight starts?’
The answer, I believe, is that she needs the right conditions for the right race.
Both the pace and ground were fast in the Guineas and she would have won. However, the pace and ground were slow in the Falmouth and she duly won. She has encountered these contrasting conditions before, but, Lowther Stakes aside, has not won.
She’s a big filly and perhaps unsuited by the undulations of Newmarket, so the slow pace gave her time to get organised and produce the level of performance she’s capable of. On the other hand, she’s a filly who stays the mile well and has a lot of speed so, on another occasion, she may need a stronger pace. As previously stated, I’m convinced she’s better on a straight track.
There’s no doubting her ability. She’s a lovely horse. I just think she needs everything to go right for her on the day to win – the right course, right ground, right tactics, right pace – everthing. This is evident in her failure to win more races, despite her superior ability.
She holds entries for both the Matron Stakes and the Betfred Sprint Cup on Septemebr 6th. I’d certainly be more inclined for a tilt at the Haydock event, but it will be very interesting to see where Mark Johnston sends her.
Given her chequered history, I’d be very reluctant to back her unless I feel everything is in her favour for that particular contest.
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