Ciara Pearl harbours high hopes at Notts

CIARA Pearl can stamp her class on the Dine In Sherwoods Restaurant Fillies’ Handicap at Nottingham.

- Peter Barron

Daniel and Claire Kubler's five-year-old mare has been a real stable favourite the last couple of years.

A six-time winner, she has more than repaid her £20,000 purchase price and has twice come up just short in search of black type when finishing fifth.

One of those attempts came on her most recent outing in the Nottinghamshire Oaks when fifth to Ambiente Amigo.

Given she is rated 87, she was punching above her weight a little there, but though she is conceding weight all round, she looks the class act in this field.

War Howl is having just his second start for Mick Appleby in the Watch On Racing TV Handicap and there is every reason to believe it will be a winning one. Bought for just 20,000 guineas out of Brian Meehan's yard by the shrewd Horse Watchers syndicate, he was a fair third of nine to Tuco Salamanca at Newcastle.

The winner is now rated 9lb higher due to a cracking run on Finals Day, yet War Howl was dropped 1Ib for his effort.