Special Purpose bids for Salisbury Gr. 3 success

Lowther Stakes fifth Special Purpose will hold strong claims in the Gr. 3 Bathwick Tyres Dick Poole Fillies' Stakes at Salisbury on Thursday.

Special Purpose looked a smart filly in the making when winning her first two starts, and she proved herself pattern class when three and a quarter lengths fifth of nine to Threading in the Gr. 2 Lowther Stakes at York a fortnight ago.

The daughter of Scat Daddy also proved her stamina for six furlongs that day, and her attitude will continue to stand her in good stead. She goes to Salisbury with a leading chance.

Qatar Racing owned the 2015 winner of the Dick Poole in La Rioja, as well as the 2014 third in Stroll Patrol, while Special Purpose's trainer William Haggas took the 2009 renewal with Shamandar. Oisin Murphy rode Stroll Patrol and will be looking for his first win in the race at the third attempt on board Special Purpose.

There will actually be three 2-year-old fillies representing Qatar Racing at Salisbury on Thursday as Admired and Marble Statue contest each division of the fillies' maiden over seven furlongs. Admired (by Oasis Dream) will be bidding to improve on her debut for Sir Michael Stoute, while Marble Statue (by Makfi) will make her debut for Ralph Beckett.