AlpinistaAlpinista © Grossick Racing/Racing Post PhotosEurope

Group success for Alpinista

Frankel filly Alpinista gave trainer Sir Mark Prescott his first Group success in four years when she won the Gr.2 Lancashire Oaks at Haydock on Saturday (3rd July).

Taken from the Racing Post, 3rd July 2021, by Andrew Dietz:

Owned and bred by Kirsten Rausing, Alpinista showed a willing attitude under Luke Morris to grind out victory over 22-1 shot Lady Hayes in the Group 2 and potentially earn a return to the highest level.

Prescott's last Group victory came courtesy of Marsha in the 2017 Nunthorpe, following previous top-level wins with fillies Hooray, Confidential Lady and Albanova, a fellow Rausing homebred.

Morris enjoyed great success with speed queen Marsha and has now won three times on Alpinista, who chased home Love in last year's Yorkshire Oaks.

"These are the horses you want to ride when you're getting up early in the morning and home late in the evening," the jockey said.

"We'd chosen not to run her a couple of times because of the ground, but they've rolled the dice and she seems to handle soft as well as firm."

Alpinista encountered soft ground for the first time in her career and the victory should open up more options. Prescott's assistant trainer William Butler said: "We were slightly worried about the ground as she was so effective on firm last summer, but her class got her through and she's very game.

"She's a Group 2 winner, Group 1 second and dual Listed winner and you can pick your targets now. There are races like the Lillie Langtry [at Goodwood] and the Yorkshire Oaks and we'll make a plan."