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David Elsworth’s Pair Aiming for Pride Stakes
08/10/10

David Elsworth is to unleash a twin assault on what promises to be a fascinating renewal of the £90,000 Group Two Pride Stakes (4.50pm) at Newmarket on Champions’ Day, Saturday, 16th October.

Barshiba
© Grossick Racing Photography

The stable’s long-time flag-bearer Barshiba is set to bow out in the mile and a half contest as she heads off to a new life among owner/breeder Jeff Smith’s band of broodmares, while emerging star Myplacelater is also set to take her chance.

Barshiba, twice successful in the Group Two Lancashire Oaks, was last seen running a below-par sixth to Midday in the Group One Yorkshire Oaks in August. The three-year-old Myplacelater defeated Wigmore Hall at Doncaster in September and followed that with an impressive six-length victory over Dreamspeed in the Listed Aqlaam Godolphin Stakes over the course and distance on 1st October.

Elsworth revealed today: “They probably are both going to run, which isn’t ideal from our point of view. It will most likely be Barshiba’s swansong and Myplacelater has a chance so I have to run her too. I would love them to both win but that can’t happen - a dead-heat would be ideal but very unlikely.

“When Barshiba ran last time, I don’t think she ran her best race. It was the Yorkshire Oaks and it was a Group One but she has got better form than that - last year she was only beaten three and a quarter lengths behind Sariska in that race. She is pleasing us at the moment and it would be nice if she goes out on a high note.

“I think Myplacelater has been pretty impressive all season. Other people don’t seem to have thought so but we don’t worry about that. She can do her own talking.”

The Pride Stakes could also feature the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Crystal Capella, successful in 2008 and a short-head second to Ashalanda last year. Another possible Stoute-trained contender is Group Two Blandford Stakes heroine Eleanora Duse.

Other exciting entries include Oaks runner-up Meeznah, the John Gosden-trained High Heeled, and Hibaayeb, who landed the Grade One Yellow Ribbon Stakes at Hollywood Park, USA, for Godolphin on 3rd October.