31st Dec 2020 | Horse Racing
Southwell: Penelope Queen
Having first start for Adrian Nicholls and UK debut but showed decent level of form, including fourth on Champions Day at Capannelle. That was a Group 3 and opening mark of 88 looks generous.
Penelope Queen is having her first start on the Fibresand, her first in the UK and first for Adrian Nicholls. There is potential to look very stupid given these firsts but I think the handicapper has underestimated her with an opening mark of 88.
There’s not much strength in depth in this race and Penelope Queen finished fourth in a Group 3 at Capannelle on the Italian version of Champions Day. The winner, The Conqueror, is a good yardstick and the form is solid.
Penelope Queen travelled strongly through her race, a good trait for the Fibresand and was better than her finishing position having raced away from the action and tired in the last 100 yards. She drops down in trip and is attempting many firsts but she is probably the most talented horse in the field.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 16:28 31st Dec, 2020 but subject to change