DANCING RAIN IMPRESSES IN SPIN

Oaks winner Dancing Rain pleased connections in a racecourse spin at Newmarket on Wednesday morning.

William Haggas' filly was a shock 20-1 winner at Epsom in June but subsequently tasted defeat when only fifth in the Irish Oaks the following month.

She returned to winning ways with Group One glory in Germany in August and is one of the leading contenders for the Qipco British Champions Fillies' And Mares' Stakes at Ascot on Saturday week.

Dancing Rain worked a mile in company with a stablemate at Newmarket, with the filly taking it up heading into the dip before just edging around a neck in front at the line.

The Danehill Dancer filly is not renowned as a flamboyant worker and owner Martin Taylor was pleased with what he saw.

"I don't think the filly wants it soft as the ground was too soft in Ireland but she enjoyed it at Epsom," he said.

"We are hoping that it stays firm at Ascot in just over a week's time.

"(Rider) Michael Tebbutt was delighted with her. William had her right where he wanted her and it was a good education to come to the racecourse and have a look around.

"The Ascot race is difficult to assess because we are not quite sure what's running, but she should have no problems against the older fillies getting 7lb."

Paddy Power make Vita Nova and Blue Bunting the 3-1 joint-favourites for the 12-furlong race while Dancing Rain is an 8-1 chance with the Irish firm.

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