Thoughts on River Sprite at Kempton today

River Sprite makes her debut in the 5.30 at Kempton Park this evening (Monday, 16th September). Kieran Shoemark will be aboard in the six furlong novice race. River Sprite is a big, scopey filly who will strengthen into a lovely three year old. She hasn’t done a lot of fast work at home but has shown signs of ability. This evening is very much a starting point for her development as a racehorse. If she isn’t overawed by the occasion she should be capable of running a nice race.

River Sprite is out of an American dam who won over sprint distances and by the decent sprinter Swiss Spirit. She looks very much in the mould of her parents. The filly was bred by Fiona Denniff who has retained a share in the filly and runs in the colours of the Diskovery Partnership and they will race the filly together. There are a couple of shares available in the filly if you want to get involved.

Twice as Likely is the most experienced in the field and sets the standard the others must aim at, particularly if she finds improvement for the first time blinkers, however she has a very poor draw. Spiritofthenorth and Progressive Rating have both shown some promise on their two starts and can probably find enough improvement to beat the filly. Of the newcomers Rockin N’Raven has the most interesting pedigree and Royal Charmer also has some potential based on pedigree.

The filly went through the Tattersalls Book 3 yearling sale, also the source of five time winner for the yard Chitra and is often a good venue for finding great value yearlings. The sale is in the middle of October and more details are available here

River Sprite will be led up by Andy Williams and overseen by Travelling Manager Shaun Johnson.