PAM SLY TARGETS FIRST BEVERLEY WINNER SINCE SPECIOSA

Trainer Pam Sly is this Wednesday (May 30) determined to finally end a 13-year wait for a Beverley winner.

Sly has hit the target just once from 45 previous runners at the picturesque East Yorkshire venue.

But the Peterborough-based handler is quietly optimistic she can at last set the record straight with Spinart, who would be following in some significant hoofprints if he can get his head in front.

After all, Sly’s last winner at Beverley was Speciosa, who claimed victory in a seven-and-a-half-furlong maiden in August 2005.

That triumph served as a springboard towards greatness as she famously won the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket a year later.

Spinart has, obviously, been plying his trade at a lower level, but his trainer is upbeat about his chances in the seven-and-a-half-furlong Give Racing A Try Handicap at 3pm.

The five-year-old chestnut was last seen finishing second in an apprentices’ handicap at Catterick in April – his first try over seven furlongs.

Sly said: “He’s still a maiden, sadly, but he's just been a bit naughty rather than anything else.

"He's been a rather weak horse, but he looked quicker and a bit stronger when we dropped him back in trip at Catterick.

"Connor (Murtagh) gave him a great ride at Catterick – he wasn't too hard on him – and it's good that he's riding him again at Beverley.

"A few showers wouldn't hurt his cause as he's a horse that likes a bit of cut in the ground, but he's in fine form and hopefully he'll go well.

"It's been a long time since we had a Beverley winner, but it's a lovely course and I also have great affection for the place after what Speciosa did there."

Sly’s 1000 Guineas heroine was memorably labelled by her trainer as a “witch” with a “severe temperament” when she won at Beverley.

Speciosa was retired in 2007 to take up broodmare duties, but Sly said: "She still is a bit headstrong, even after all these years.

"She's calmed down a bit, but she can still cart you around the place if she feels like it.

"She's just had a colt by Nathaniel and all her fillies have already won, so it's nice she's doing well as a broodmare.

"I can't believe it was 12 years ago since she won the Guineas – it really does feel like yesterday."

Beverley’s eight-race card on Wednesday starts at 1.30pm, with the going reported on Tuesday morning as being good to firm, good in places.

The forecast for Half-Term Raceday with Hull FC is for cloud, a chance of showers and a high of 18C.