Bolsena Gains First Win
What more can be said of the super Dam Reem Three. She has not just produced winners but 8 of those progeny have been pattern performers, including last year’s Queen Anne winner Triple Time. Despite a small blip in her last couple of runs, Bolsena has extended her mother’s legacy when winning the 1m Wach Way Extra At bet365 EBF Maiden Fillies Stakes at Newmarket.
The daughter of Kingman made a very encouraging start to her career when she finished runner up at Haydock. Unfortunately she couldn’t better that result when returning to the track on her next start. Given a winter break following that run, Bolsena would next be seen at Newcastle. Having travelled like a dream, she just weakened in the final furlong. These two runs did nothing to quell the faith int he filly, with terrible ground and race fitness understood to have been the reason behind the lesser results.
Bolsena turned up at Newmarket as the only filly to have a rating in the 12 runner field. Despite being 77, if you put a line through the last two races she would have likely been half the price she would be sent off at. Ryan Moore was booked for the ride and the master tactician set about being positive form the off.
Initially there was a dash for the lead which allowed Bolsena to just settle off the pace, chasing the leader on the far side of the group. It very quickly became clear that most runners wanted to take a lead and so Ryan moved up to force the action after the opening couple of furlongs. There was a small split in the field but the main body galloped down towards the far side and centre of the track.
Bolsena powered on past halfway and had the field stretched out. By the time they reached the bushes, over 3f from home, a good. number of the field were coming under pressure, including some of the market leaders. It was clear that Bolsena was travelling best of all as Ryan allowed her to stride on in front.
Holding the filly together entering the dip, Ryan got to work as they hit the bottom. Now into a rhythm the pair kicked on and the lead steadily grew as they raced up the rising ground. As she lengthened away from her rivals, Bolsena looked to have the race at her mercy but once Ryan really asked her to quicken she responded in great fashion. Committing at the furlong pole, Bolsena changed her legs and scooted clear. Immediately opening up a couple of lengths lead, the filly would power away. With the race put to bed, Ryan had very little left to do and Bolsena shed her maiden tag by a cosy 3 lengths.
This was a performance that connections had been waiting to see and Bolsena certainly looks far better than her mark would have you believe. If you excuse the middle two runs then she would appear a very different prospect. Time was always going to benefit the filly and so too will racing. With the win under her belt, Bolsena will look towards some bigger targets in the future and will definitely be getting further in time.