Easterby revelling in interest in money-spinning Body and Soul

CONNECTIONS of Body And Soul, one of Yorkshire racing’s best newcomers in 2012, are mulling over the next target for the money-spinning youngster.

The Tim Easterby-trained two-year-old filly has amassed over £285,000 in prize-money with four wins, including the Weatherbys Super Sprint at Newbury and the totepool.com Two-Year-Old Trophy at Redcar. She has several options, including an entry in France and at Doncaster on Saturday, but no firm decision has been made. “She’s very well. We’re not quite sure where she runs yet,” said Peter Easterby, father of the Great Habton handler.

“She’s got two or three options, including an entry in France. She’s been great for us this year.”

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The battling Sir Graham Wade recorded his sixth win of the Flat campaign for Middleham trainer Mark Johnston when landing the Grand Prix de Nantes yesterday in France.

More significantly, it was a first Listed success for the grey son of Dalakhani whose past successes include the Mallard Handicap at the Ladbrokes St Leger festival.

He is a stayer of immense promise for the Johnston stable who could be represented by Steeler in Saturday’s Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster, British Flat racing’s final Group One contest of a vintage 2012.

There was further evidence of the new National Hunt season gathering pace yesterday when the JP McManus-owned Mr Mole won a novice hurdle under AP McCoy.

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More significantly, Mr Mole is the legendary owner’s first runner to be trained by Paul Nicholls.

Meanwhile, Harry Fry trained his first winner under his own name when Highland Retreat prevailed in a tight finish. Although credited with the success of Rock On Ruby in last season’s Champion Hurdle, Fry was then an assistant overseeing Nicholls’ satellite stable and has only just branched out on his own. Like Nicky Henderson’s ex-assistant Tom Symonds, he’s one to follow.

Frankel has been shortlisted as a possible first date for Australia’s unbeaten mare Black Caviar. The two highest-rated horses could meet in the breeding sheds once the Peter Moody-trained six-year-old retires. “We would consider going to Frankel because he is the best distance horse in the world,” said Black Caviar’s co-owner Neil Werrett.