Salisbury Wednesday Preview

Salisbury stages two days of good quality racing this week and there are some nice fillies in action in the Listed Upavon Fillies’ Stakes at 3.55.

Hippy Hippy Shake represents the Luca Cumani-Kieren Fallon combination and bids to follow up a fine victory at York. Andrew Balding has a good record at this venue and Bana Wu also has a good chance on her third at Royal Ascot behind Forgotten Voice.

John Gosden’s Gertrude Versed finished second in the Cheshire Oaks earlier in the season whilst Sir Michael Stoute’s Mango Diva is better than the form of her run at Ascot suggests. The most progressive filly in the field is the William Haggas-trained Rock Choir who has bolted up in her last two races.

The meeting opens at 2.20 with Frankie Dettori riding the likely favourite Captain Bob for Charlie Hills. The son of Dark Angel has shown plenty of promise in his two races and can put his experience to good use here.

The same combination team up with Culdaff in the Nursery at 2.50 but they may have to give best to Richard Hannon’s Truth Or Dare, an impressive winner over seven furlongs here last month. Michael Bell’s Finn Class held on gamely at Newmarket and is another that looks likely to feature.

Sir Michael Stoute’s Russian Realm is a daughter of his classic winning filly Russian Rhythm but is still seeking her first win. The handicap at 3.20 looks an ideal opportunity for her to get off the mark at the expense of hat-trick seeking Monsieur Rieussec and top weight Royal Prize.

Society Pearl looked a shade unlucky when third at Bath last time out and can gain reward for her consistency in the 4.30. Red Shuttle is another that has been running well and Ingot Of Gold still has room for improvement.

Perfect Mission can make sure that Balding does not leave the meeting empty handed by winning the apprentice handicap at 5.00. The five-year-old showed improved form on the all-weather in the spring and this race does not look like it will take a lot of winning.

Selections: 2.20 Captain Bob, 2.50 Truth Or Dare, 3.20 Russian Realm (nb), 3.55 Rock Choir (NAP), 4.30 Society Pearl, 5.00 Perfect Mission