RP_ID00482833_editLaurel © Mark Cranhamphoto.com/Racing Post PhotosEurope

First stakes win for Laurel

Four-year-old Kingman filly Laurel was an impressive winner of the Listed Snowdrop Fillies' Stakes on her seasonal debut at Kempton yesterday.

Taken from the European Bloodstock News, 11th April 2023:

The daughter of Kingman was unraced at two but won novices at Newmarket and Kempton before finishing second in the Gr.1 Sun Chariot Stakes at three.

Making her first start since, the John & Thady Gosden-trained filly, who is entered in the Gr.1 Lockinge Stakes, sat in the box seat as Abhayaa made the running. Asked to quicken by Ryan Moore entering the final quarter of a mile, she went through the gears and, changing legs a furlong out, powered away to score by three and a half lengths. Lightship was second, a length and three quarters ahead of Sound Angela.

John Gosden said: “Ryan was very happy with her and he likes her a lot. The filly was  immature as a two year old and then she has come through. Her immaturity probably cost her the Sun Chariot and I think not knowing much about it as well, as she hit the front and wandered about a bit. She is learning all the time."

He continued: “She is a lovely filly. She didn’t do a lot last season. She won a novice and then won here and was second in a Gr.1. She is very much an improving filly."