So, we've seen a few Frankel two-year-olds dipping their two into a higher class. Alpinista for Sir Mark Prescott. This grey daughter of Frankel, racing in the familiar silks of Miss Kirsten Rausing, made a flying start to proceedings at Epsom when racing over 7f. She started 9/4 and beat the opposition without too much fuss. To be fair, the form of that race is pretty poor.
Anyway, she won. By a string of Group-race entries, she is held in high regard and far from fearful of stepping up to loftier climbs.
Next stop Ladbroke's Prestige Stakes (Group 3) at Goodwood, over 7f on good going. She was well backed from 4/1 - 3/1, which considering the level of her form, looked on the short side to me. Clearly, her reputation proceeded her. Just seven horses made the line-up and the Alpinista finished a creditable sixth, beaten just under six lengths.
In many respects, it was a so-so performance. Racing at the back of the field, she plugged on as if a step up to one mile would bring further improvement.
The race was won by Tom Dascombe's Boomer, who is a tough filly. I particularly like the way she battles to the line. This quality has been seen on both her last two wins, and she really looks as though she relishes a good, old scrap.
Alpinista has a couple of lofty entries for later in the reason including the Shadwell Rockfell Stakes (Group 2) over 7f. And the bet365 Fillies' Mile (Group 1), which is run over a mile (as the name suggests).
Both contests look tough. After her last effort over 7f, the Rockfell Stakes looks too short a trip. It would be exciting to see Alpinista go for the Fillies' Mile at Newmarket, simply because you just don't find a better race to prove your class.
Good luck to connections.
