Mark Johnston’s Nyaleti steps up in trip in Thursday’s William Hill May Hill Stakes at Doncaster racecourse
Johnston's filly could never get involved in the Prix Morny on her last start and connections are hoping the step up in trip can bring about more improvement from the filly
MARK JOHNSTON steps Nyaleti up in trip in Thursday's William Hill May Hill Stakes at Doncaster.
Johnston's filly was last seen finishing sixth in the Prix Morny and was never able to land a blow.
"There's obviously a slight change in direction, going up in trip," said Johnston's son and assistant, Charlie.
"Ryan did say after the Princess Margaret he thought this is the direction we should be going in, but we decided to punt, take a chance and go for the Prix Morny.
"We knew after two furlongs that the writing was on the wall. She just got outpaced and was struggling from a very early stage.
"Straight after the Morny, we decided we were going to go up in trip.
"We thought we'd make the entry here and saw she was top-rated by 9lb on Timeform, so we thought it was too good an opportunity to miss. She should go very well."
Karl Burke is looking forward to Laurens tackling the mile after her debut success over seven furlongs on this course was followed by an excellent run at Deauville last month.
Matt Chapman's TV tips
2.25 Doncaster - Laurens: 'Should relish the trip and ground'
3.00 Doncaster - Sweet Selection: 'Will keep battling away'
3.35 Doncaster - Great Prospector: 'Every chance of hitting the frame'
"She's a lovely filly and has got a big future ahead of her, I hope," said Burke.
"She's come out of the race in France really well. She was beaten by a potentially good filly in Polydream.
"The step up in trip will help her although I wouldn't say she'd want any further than that at this stage on soft ground.
"I'd have preferred the ground just on the easy side of good, but she's in great heart. We go there with a good chance, I think."