Smooth, from Silky Wilkie
Wed 22 Sep 2021
WINNER 86 OF 2021: SILKY WILKIE, trained by Karl Burke and ridden by Clifford Lee: 'The Pepperells Solicitors Restricted Novice Stakes' over 5f at Beverley.
Since making his debut at York on July 9th, he has had 4 races and finished 2nd in all of them! Now, he was chalked up as favourite and we hoped that he could go one better...
He broke on terms and then just settled in behind and chased the leaders. Clifford gave him a push along 2f out and with his super low head carriage he made good headway the inside the final furlong, going on to win, 'going away', by 11/4 lengths. There's something about Mehmas progeny and that great head carriage!
"Silky Wilkie blasts over the top." Watch the full race replay here: https://www.racingtv.com/videos/watch/horse_racing_replays/355765-pepperells-solicitors-restricted-novice-stakes-5
Timeform rated it as a joint career best 74 and remarked: "Opened his account without needing to improve on previous efforts but the stiff track did seem to suit him; chased leaders, pushed along halfway, came wide inside final 1f, found plenty to lead final 50 yds; he'll be suited by 6f and is genuine.”
Clifford said in his Racing TV interview: "He has done it nicely and deserved that after four placed efforts. The stiffer track helped and the plan was not to hit the front too soon and it worked nicely.”
See the official photo gallery from Hannah Ali, here: https://www.hannahaliphotography.co.uk/r1-210921
Syndicate manager Mike says: "We do love a winner here at MPR and always great to see a 2-year-old get the job done, especially after being 2nd four times! He's a really game colt and the hopes would be now that he goes on to earn more wins for his CV. Congratulaions to his owners and well done to Karl and his team.”