By Nick Robson
Thursday, 27 September 2012

Goodwood’s ground will rarely be as testing but conditions posed no discomfort for Primevere as she registered her first victory of the year in the Eve Trakway Foundation Stakes.

This Listed event looked a logical target for Roger Charlton’s filly, as she had been the runner-up in two consecutive Group Threes and had shown form on going at each end of the spectrum.

Primevere (9-2) was engaged in battle with 11-8 favourite Ektihaam, having his first start since the French Derby in June, and the four-year-old filly had the advantage over the younger colt as they approached the last furlong.

But her mind began to wander and Ektihaam very nearly made the most of his second chance, eventually reducing the deficit to a neck.

“James (Doyle) said when she got in front she just pulled up a little, but it’s hard to hold onto them in this ground,” Charlton said.

“She’s been very consistent – she was second in Ireland and second at Windsor, and she deserved this.

“I don’t know where she’ll go now. I was thinking about the EP Taylor Stakes in Canada, but Ed Dunlop says Snow Fairy could go there. We’ll have to see. I should think she’ll be retired at the end of the year.”

It was a good day for Jeremy Noseda, William Buick and owner Paul Roy combined, who combined with a pair of two-year-old winners.

Zamoyski (7-2) achieved slightly more on the figures when staying on a length and a quarter clear of 8-13 favourite Pythagorean in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Loewe Maiden Stakes.

But the grey Sweet Deal (3-1) applied himself well to stick his neck in front of Mr Fitzroy in the RH Hall EBF Maiden Stakes.

Noseda said: “He’ll stay a mile and a quarter.”