La Arenosa produces a star turn in the Warwickshire Oaks

La Arenosa, trained last season by Andre Fabre in France, made a winning debut in this country when taking Warwick’s feature race, the Voute Sales Warwickshire Oaks (Listed), on Monday evening.
Josies Dream, far right, is piloted to victory by 16-year-old James Hughes in the opening race at Warwick on Monday evening. MHLC-17-06-13 Brakes Racing Jun69Josies Dream, far right, is piloted to victory by 16-year-old James Hughes in the opening race at Warwick on Monday evening. MHLC-17-06-13 Brakes Racing Jun69
Josies Dream, far right, is piloted to victory by 16-year-old James Hughes in the opening race at Warwick on Monday evening. MHLC-17-06-13 Brakes Racing Jun69

Although some of the shine was taken off the contest with the late withdrawal of last season’s Investec Oaks runner-up Shirocco Star due to the fast ground, there were still some useful fillies chasing the £40,000 prize fund.

Gallipot was sent off the 5-4 favourite but was never in with a chance after stumbling at the start, leaving the way clear for La Arenosa to collar Sound Hearts and Dark Orchid inside the last furlong.

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Josie’s Dream was a well-backed winner of the opening Bridgwater PR Amateur Riders’ Handicap, providing 16-year-old James Hughes with his first success in six attempts.

After Jewelled Dagger had cut out the early running, Josie’s Dream, who had run at Bath two days earlier, pulled his way to the front and came into the home straight with a commanding lead, which he held all the way to the line.

Silvestra De Sousa took the ride on top-weight Riva Rhapsody in the second, replacing the unwell Tom Queally, and he looked to be on a winner when sweeping into the lead at the furlong pole.

But, Fanrouge, backed from 10-1 to 15-2, wore him down under a well-judged ride by Andrea Atzeni, who has become a jockey to follow at the course this season, particularly when riding for successful trainer Rod Millman.

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Yellow Lady was fancied to step up on her debut third to Midnite Angel at Windsor and, when second favourite Dancing Juice swerved and lost ground at the start, she looked to have the Turf TV Median Auction Maiden Stakes at her mercy.

However, those who had backed her from 9-4 to 15-8 knew their fate over a furlong out, as Yellow Lady found nothing when tackled by debutant Scruffy Champ and Taquka, finishing well beaten.

The hard-pulling Conducting, ridden by Kieren Fallon, took the fifth in close finish from Mr Lando and, in the finale, Boots And Spurs beat fellow Yorkshire raider Our Boy Jack.

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