Jim Boyle was thrilled with the highly promising Into The Sky who was put through his paces on the Rowley Mile prior to racing on Wednesday. The son of Starman was a shock winner of a Newbury maiden in August, demolishing the field by seven lengths.
Subsequently partly purchased by Doreen Tabor, Into The Sky looked set to run away with the Mill Reef before hanging his chances away. It was still a strong performance, franked healthily by the first and third since.
Speaking to the Press Association via Racing TV, Boyle said: “It’s huge to have a horse like this and it’s kept us warm over winter. It comes with its inherent nerves, but it’s the nerves you want. It’s a nice position to finally be in and to have a horse like him. I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do on the track now. We have a lot of faith in this horse and think he has a lot of ability.
“He can fly the flag for Epsom. We’re conscious we’re part of a big team for Epsom and we’re all trying to see things lift off. There’s a lot of green shoots in Epsom and it’s nice to be part of that.
“There’s only one English 2000 Guineas and there is every chance we will have a crack. It’s certainly firmly in the plans and wouldn’t be ruled out on that for sure.”
Conserving energy the key to staying Guineas trip
As a keen, and potentially quirky sort by Starman out of a Kodiac mare, staying the testing mile is no certainty for Into The Sky. However, Boyle added: “he’s a horse with a big, long stride and he only got going late on in the gallop.
“On his homework, he settles and relaxes and you would say he is every bit a miler in his work. He does potentially come alive a bit on the track. If he conserves his energy I think he will stay a mile. But we’ll find that out once we get on the track.
Michael Bell can ‘sleep better’ after Spicy Marg gallop
First out to gallop was Spicy Marg, who will be pointed in the direction of the 1000 Guineas. The daughter of Starspangledbanner looked all speed last season. However, she signed off with a strong performance over six furlongs in listed company, beating the subsequent Nell Gwyn winner Azleet.
Bell said: “There’s an element of doubt over the trip but she’s hit the line well there over seven furlongs. Hector said mentally she is in a very good place and physically in a good place. The only thing we don’t know is if she stays. But we hope she does and I think anyone who has an investment will get a run for their money.
“I had a sleepless night last night about this piece of work but we’re excited about her. I’ll sleep better now.”