Connections of Sea Of Rain are anticipating a rapid return on their investment as the filly prepares for her first start under new ownership in Thursday's Betfred May Hill Stakes at Doncaster. The three-year-old, a daughter of Naval Crown, was purchased by the Maurice Regan-owned stud farm following an impressive victory in the Newtownanner Stud Irish EBF Stakes at the Curragh 12 days prior.
Formerly trained by Jim Bolger, Sea Of Rain was considered by her previous handler as a potential contender for next year's Oaks. The filly secured an 18-1 upset victory over a mile at the Curragh under jockey Colin Keane. Bolger indicated that the performance was not a surprise, stating the horse simply needed the mile distance and a proper gallop.
The sale of Sea Of Rain occurred amid a restructuring of Bolger's training and bloodstock operations. PJ Colville, representing the new owners, expressed confidence in the filly's suitability for the mile distance and noted that good to soft ground should be advantageous. He acknowledged Charlie Appleby's horse, Musical Times, as a strong competitor but believes the rest of the field is open.
Sea of Rain en route to victory at the Curragh in August
In other racing news, trainer Emmet Mullins is targeting Group 2 success on Friday with Winday in the Betfred Howard Wright Doncaster Cup Stakes. Winday, a recent winner at Ffos Las, will carry 16 pounds less than the ante-post favorite Caballo De Mar due to not having a penalty for any pattern race success.
Expert tips for Day One at Doncaster include Danielle in the 3:00 race, Sea Of Rain (each-way) in the 3:35, and Midgham Man (each-way) in the 4:45 handicap.