LITTLE fish are sweet, but, though Al Shaqab Racing will be pleased that their Exceed And Excel filly Walaaa broke her duck in the nursery at Kempton on Monday, the Qatari owners will have derived even more pleasure from the debut of Shaan, runner-up on her debut in what looked an above-average fillies maiden.
Shaan, who broke well for Sean Levey, was always travelling sweetly and looked all over the winner half-way up the straight, but she was worn down close home by fellow newcomer Zaakhir.
Richard Hannon said:"Shaan is a lovely Iffraaj filly and she could be quite exciting. She cost 300,00gns but has an impressive pedigree, and she did everything right in the race. I could not be more pleased."
There were further celebrations when Steal the Scene, carrying the colours of Richard snr, gained just reward for consistency when winning the 7f handicap under Kieren O'Neill, who is enjoying a good run at present.
Hannon added:"Steal the Scene has been running well since he returned from his break and was only beaten a head and a neck in a class 2 race at Chelmsford last time, so dropped two grades we thought that he would go close."