Newbury preview: Haras De Bouquetot Fillies Stakes (16.20)

Crystal Zvezda can make a winning reappearance in the Haras De Bouquetot Fillies Stakes at Newbury (16.20) en route to a crack at the Investec Oaks.

The Sir Michael Stoute trained filly shaped with promise on her racecourse debut when a not knocked about third at Newbury, and showed the benefit of that experience when easily landing a 7f maiden at Leicester.

Crystal Zvezda only had to be pushed out in the final furlong to come readily clear and beat Nancy Astor by 1 1/2 lengths, and although the form doesn’t amount to much there was plenty to like about the manner of the success.

Anything that the daughter of Shamardal did as a juvenile was going to be a bonus, as Crystal Zvezda is a half-sister to connections’ very smart 1m 4f performers Crystal Capella and Hillstar and bred to come into her own as a three-year-old over middle distances.

It makes Crystal Zvezda a very interesting prospect now stepped up markedly to 1m 2f, and she is very highly regarded and reportedly thrived over the winter.

There has also been plenty of talk about Crystal Zvezda being the stable’s main hope for the Investec Oaks, for which Coral currently make her a 25/1 chance, and if she is to live up to those loft expectations then victory in this Listed contest is essential.

Pamona looked a good prospect in two runs last Autumn and a big player for in-form trainer Luca Cumani.

The filly shaped with plenty of promise when runner-up on her debut at Newmarket, finishing 3 1/4 lenths in front of the third home Jazzi Top who has gone on to taste success in Listed company.