31-05-07

We'll Come narrowly put an end to a wretched run of luck in the Express Cafes Maiden Stakes at Yarmouth.

Michael Jarvis' substantial gelding had been unfortunate not to break his duck in a hot Newmarket handicap at the Guineas meeting but had been repeatedly denied a clear run before forging home for second.

To add insult to injury, he then missed the cut when ante-post favourite for last Saturday's totesport.com Silver Bowl at Haydock. Sent off at 4-6 for this mile event, his supporters were given an initial scare as he missed the break but Philip Robinson refused to panic and swiftly had him back in contention.

We'll Come had even reached the front alongside Alpes Maritimes with over three furlongs to run and the race looked at his mercy. But Godolphin's newcomer Gongidas, brother to the classy Gonfilia, had other ideas when he eventually got going and reduced the winning margin right down to a short head at the line.

Paul Rutter, Jarvis' travelling head lad, said: "There was a strong headwind and he was just idling a bit in front, but he deserves to win a race after being second three times. He's a massive horse with a lovely attitude and his long neck came in handy."

As well as a strong breeze, it was soft underfoot at the seaside circuit but Spitfire still flew away with the European Breeders' Fund Novice Stakes in the style of an above-average juvenile.

Also a winner of his other start at Warwick, Kerrin McEvoy angled out the 85-40 favourite with a furlong to run. Given the office, Spitfire showed a neat turn of foot to quicken right away from his rivals, scoring by two and a half lengths from the running-on Jebel Tara.

Successful trainer John Jenkins said: "I think he's quite good."

As to future plans he added: "I don't know, we'll have to see how he comes out of this."

Colin Haddon celebrated his first victory since returning from a stint in America when partnering Pearo (11-2) in the Great Yarmouth Mercury Selling Stakes.