Dark Angel Newcomer Shines for The King and The Queen

There was a buzz around Newbury for The King and The Queen's newcomer Handcuffed (GB) (Dark Angel {Ire}–Make Fast {GB}, by Makfi {GB}) and the filly did not disappoint with a debut win full of promise. Sent off the well-backed 13-8 favourite for the six-furlong fillies' novice, the homebred half-sister to the G2 July Stakes winner Tactical (GB) (Toronado {Ire}) travelled easily in the pack until asked to close by Oisin Murphy passing halfway. Finding the front under hands and heels with half a furlong remaining, the Andrew Balding trainee asserted to beat the Sangster-owned fellow debutante Angelica Bay (Ire) (No Nay Never) by 1 1/2 lengths.

Alongside Tactical, who also captured the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes and Listed European Free Handicap, the dual listed-placed dam is also responsible for last year's Listed Ripon Two Year Old Trophy runner-up Works Of Art (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}). A daughter of the G3 Oh So Sharp Stakes scorer Raymi Coya (Van Nistelrooy) related to the useful pattern-race performers Teresa Mendoza (Ire) (Territories {Ire}), Fayathaan (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) and Raise You (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), her yearling colt is by Showcasing (GB) while she also has a filly foal by Cracksman (GB).

2nd-Newbury, £12,000, Novice, 7-4, 2yo, f, 6fT, 1:14.90, g/f.
HANDCUFFED (GB) (f, 2, Dark Angel {Ire}–Make Fast {GB} {MSP-Eng}, by Makfi {GB}) Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $8,258.
O-HM The King & HM The Queen; B-Queen Elizabeth II (GB); T-Andrew Balding.

🏆 The English Provender Company Supporting Billington Foundation EBF Fillies' Novice Stakes 🏆

🥇 Handcuffed
🥈 Angelica Bay
🥉 Stellenbosch

Congratulations to HM The King & HM The Queen for Handcuffed's impressive win 👑@oismurphy | @AndrewBalding2 pic.twitter.com/xuWbVjTghn

— Newbury Racecourse (@NewburyRacing) July 4, 2024