Trendy Ladies, the North Yorkshire-based syndicate of owners who have enjoyed a memorable year with Fashion Icon, are hoping to see their favourite horse turn on the style yet again at Southwell tomorrow.

Trained at Nawton, near Helmsley, by David O’Meara, Fashion Icon is in in the Identity Management Handicap over five furlongs and will be bidding to repeat her latest course and distance success.

That victory was Fashion Icon’s fourth win of the year, a notable achievement for a mare who, prior to this season, had failed to get her head in front. Little wonder that Penelope Avison, the syndicate organiser who lives close to the O’Meara yard, is delighted, along with the other 11 members of the Trendy Ladies group.

Apprentice Shane B Kelly, who rode Fashion Icon to her most recent success, takes the mount again tomorrow. A 7lb higher mark will make life tougher for the speedster, but her latest victory was achieved in clear-cut fashion and it would be no surprise to see her produce an encore off her revised mark. She is napped to follow up.

Ryedale apprentice George Chaloner notched his first winner at Wolverhampton last Thursday when getting Mighty Clarets home by a head and the 7lb claimer has chances of doubling up on Trip The Light in the toteexacta Claiming Stakes.

Trained, like Mighty Clarets, by Richard Fahey, Chaloner’s boss, Trip The Light comes out comfortably best on figures in this race. The only concern is that his record on all-weather surfaces is no wins from seven attempts. This event, however, represents a drop in class for the gelding and a reproduction of his turf form should ensure he makes a bold bid.

Fahey also has good prospects with Sloop Johnb in the totequadpot Handicap over five furlongs.

Narrowly beaten by Grudge, whom he meets on marginally better terms tomorrow, at Wolverhampton 12 days ago, Sloop Johnb was a winner over this course and distance last month. Barry McHugh has the mount.

The Kevin Ryan-trained Finn’s Rainbow (12.25) went down narrowly here last week and is fancied to gain compensation in the opening race under Phil Makin, while recent winner West End Lad (1.55) is selected to oblige again for Roy Bowring and jockey Dane O’Neill.

At Wolverhampton this afternoon, Your Gifted (3.50) bids to strike while the iron is hot for Cheshire trainer Pat Morris.

The sprinter won in fine style at Southwell last Friday and as that success was achieved in an apprentices’ race, she carries no penalty today. She should take some catching.

Recent course winner John Veale (2.15) is also worthy of respect, as is Ballarina (4.20), who carries the nap vote.

Ballarina chased home Fashion Icon at Southwell last time out and a win today for Eric Alston’s sprinter would be a good omen for Fashion Icon’s chances on behalf of the Trendy Ladies at Southwell tomorrow.


Catterick vigil

Tomorrow’s scheduled meeting at Catterick was subject to a course inspection this morning to see whether racing can go ahead.

We shall bring you a full preview of the meeting in tomorrow’s The Press if the green light is granted.


Racing selections

Wolverhampton (Today)
2.15 John Veale, 2.45 Takeaway, 3.20 Quality Art, 3.50 Your Gifted, 4.20 Ballarina (NAP), 4.50 Leyte Gulf, 5.20 Lady Rossetti, 5.50 John Potts.

Today’s other meeting:
Plumpton.

Southwell (Tomorrow)
12.25 Finn’s Rainbow, 12.55 Trip The Light, 1.25 Sloop Johnb, 1.55 West End Lad, 2.25 Fashion Icon (NAP), 2.55 Faithful Duchess, 3.25 It’s A Mans World.

Tomorrow’s other meetings:
Catterick and Folkestone.