Salisbury preview: Provenance the real deal

Provenance has been knocking on the door of late and can get back on the winning trail in the 1m 2f Listed contest on today’s six-race card at Salisbury (15.55).

The Sir Michael Stoute trained filly caught the eye in no uncertain fashion when an unlucky in-running fifth of 13 to Mahssob in the Wolferton Handicap at Royal Ascot on her penultimate start.

After being held-up at the rear, Provenance had to be switched right when denied a clear run a furlong from home and was then forced to go back inside after encountering more trouble.

When the four-year-old eventually did see daylight she finished with a real rattle to be gaining all the way to the line and beaten just 1 3/4 lengths.

In the circumstances it was an excellent run given how the race panned out, and one which suggested Provenance needed keeping firmly onside.

It was therefore slightly disappointing that Provenance failed to justify favouritism when runner-up last time out at Sandown, but she sweated up badly beforehand and was unsuited by the way in which a slowly run race developed.

To my eyes, Provenance is far better than that and definitely worth another chance to confirm the immense promise of her run at Royal Ascot.

In the 1m apprentice handicap that closes proceedings (17.00), Mazaaher is a fascinating contender following an eye-catching effort last time out.

The Barry Hills trained gelding was last successful when landing a class 4 contest at Wolverhampton 12 months ago off a mark of 71, and went on to finish a solid 1/2 length third at the same venue off 74.

Mazaaher is now able to race in this class 5 affair off 70, 1lb lower than when last successful, having shaped well under tender handling when a staying on fourth under tender handling at Leicester.