Thoughts on Closeness

Closeness heas to Lingfield today where she will line up in the 4.05pm under Kieran Shoemark.

Last time out the filly was little bit below the form she showed on her first two starts since joining us. There seemed to be no real excuses in the aftermath of that race and she was given a couple of days to freshen up. She is definitely capable of winning a race at this level. Ideally we would have given her a bit longer between runs. Options are thin on the ground after the end of the March in this grade. With that in mind there seemed no reason not to give this a go. Closeness is well drawn too and Kieran has ridden in her last two starts which is a plus.

Fellow long time maiden Shabs looks one of the main dangers here. Shabs has the assistance of Oisin Murphy in the saddle, but the hindrance of stall 12. Closeness lost out to Lord Clenaghcastle by a nostril at Kempton on her penultimate start and there’s unlikely to be much between them again. Lightly raced Permata could step forward. Veteran Rivas Rob Roy would be a danger if stripping a fair bit fitter for his recent reappearance. Rivas Rob Roy has taken a few runs to find his stride in recent seasons.

Closeness runs in the colours of owner Lee David New and will be led up Ilse Belien who cares for her at home.