Hollie Doyle guides Nazanin to victory in Firth of Clyde at Ayr | Racing News
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Hollie Doyle and Nazanin claimed a last-gasp victory in the Virgin Bet Firth of Clyde Fillies’ Stakes at Ayr.
A field of 14 juvenile fillies went to post for the Group Three contest, with the Archie Watson-trained Nazanin a 16-1 shot after finishing a well-beaten eighth in last month’s Lowther Stakes at York.
Deep inside the final furlong, the main of the action took place on the far side of the track, with Canonized – turning out just 24 hours after finishing fifth in a Listed event at the Scottish track – locked in battle with Hala Hala Athmani and Irish raider Head Mistress.
But ploughing a lone furrow down the centre, Doyle and Nazanin finished with a flourish to get up and deny Canonized by a short head, with Hala Hala Athmani and Head Mistress close up in third and fourth respectively.
Doyle said: « She’s been taking steps forward. In the Lowther last time, the ground was very quick and I didn’t think she let herself down, but today I let her use herself and she’s got through that ground lovely.
« It’s just so good for Archie and the connections.
« She’s been highly tried on her last two runs, so it’s always a bit worrying, you don’t know if you’re overfacing them, but we’ve always known she’s got the ability. It’s excellent she’s done that today. »
