Bell banking on Spicy Marg proving too hot to handle

Michael Bell believes Spicy Marg can put a below-par performance in the Queen Mary behind her when she takes her chance in the Duchess of Cambridge Stakes at Newmarket on Friday.

The daughter of Starspangledbanner won impressively on Newmarket’s Rowley Mile track on debut, galloping home by two and three-quarter length, and hopes were high ahead of her step up to Group Two level at Royal Ascot.

However, Bell believes her chances were hindered by being in season and is confident a different horse will be on show on the July Course.

Asked if she can bounce back, Bell said: “Very much so. She’s trained well since Ascot where there were a couple of mitigating circumstances, so hopefully she can show what she’s capable of on Friday.

“She came back in season. I don’t think it’s anything definitive or if there’s any records of if horses do or don’t under-perform in season, but I think most horses seem to in my experience.

“She carried her tail very high immediately after the race, so I’m hoping that is the reason because we still believe she’s a very nice filly.

“(Fifth-placed) Staya’s subsequent win is a positive. Our filly was stuck on the wing and hit the front too early. A lot of things went against us.

“We’re hoping for a kind draw in the middle of the field, get a lead and then it’s up to her to show what we think she’s capable of. She likes playing at home you could say.”