JUST 24 hours on from Dee Ex Bee’s disappointing effort in the Acomb Stakes, Mark Johnston was celebrating an impressive victory for Threading in the Group 2 Sky Bet Lowther Stakes.

The two youngsters have a similar profile in that both are out of unraced full-sisters to Dubai Millennium and both won most impressively on their debut at Goodwood. Their contrasting efforts on the Knavesmire perfectly encapsulated the glorious uncertainty of the turf.

Threading had to be supplemented for yesterday’s race at a cost of £15,000 but that was a decision that more than paid off for Johnston.

Predictably, Wesley Ward’s Happy Like A Fool went off in front with Frankie Dettori still looking quite comfortable soon after halfway. However, towards the latter stages Dettori’s saddle seemed to shift forward, and when challenged by the winner American filly found very little in the ground and dropped back.

MOVING WELL

Always moving well, Threading (9/2) took it up and was not unduly pressed to score by nearly two lengths from Madeline with Ken Condon’s Mamba Noire and Shane Foley running a cracker in third at 25/1. The disappointment of the race was Aidan O’Brien’s 100/30 favourite Actress, who dropped right out as if something was amiss.

Threading’s performance prompted some contrasting early quotes for the 1000 Guineas but several big firms finally settled for 20/1 or thereabouts.

“It’s too early to tell how she might fare in that,” James Doyle said. “She was very impressive in deep ground at Goodwood but it’s hard to tell what it takes out of them and we had that disappointment yesterday. I didn’t want to give Frankie too much rope today and she went past quite easily. Threading isn’t a typical two-year-old and rides like an older horse already.”

Unsurprisingly, Johnston was all smiles. This victory was only his second from the yard’s last 86 runners at York but he has a very talented filly on his hands.

“You’d say she could be a Guineas filly,” the trainer said. “She stayed the trip very well and started to pull away right at the death.”

Shorter term, Johnston suggested the Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket is a possible target.