Thoughts on Chitra

Chitra runs in the 5.15 at Ascot this afternoon. Rob Winston will be aboard the filly in the five furlong handicap. It’s a combination that has been successful before. The three year old filly has continued to progress throughout her racing career with five wins in total so far. She probably prefers a quicker surface so the soft ground last time wasn’t in her favour and we believe that the stiff five furlongs at Ascot will play to her strengths having shown the pace to win over five at Lingfield and also won four races over six furlongs already.

The race is a tight contest despite the smallish field. Peggie Sue has proved solid of late at this sort of level having won three of her last four starts and sets a standard for the progressive three year olds to aim at. Seen the Lyte did beat Peggie Sue on easier going but on balance of going lets a slightly better horse when there is give in the going. Texting looks an improving sort having won nicely last time out, although she was a non-runner yesterday on Good to Firm going at Yarmouth despite having won their on similar going before, one assumes they are hoping for rain today to ease the going or they may not be taking part. Alternatively connections are playing the system, something the BHA stewards need to take a bit more seriously. Pink Flamingo has won plenty of races already and deserves a chance taking this better company but does need to show she is up to this slight step up in class today.

Chitra will be led up by James Pulley and overseen by Travelling Manager Shaun Johnson who rides her most days. She is owned and bred by Gary and Lesley Middlebrook.