Bell Faces Anxious Wait With Evie

Michael Bell is to give Red Evie another fortnight to show she is in the right shape to start her season off in the Dubai Duty Free on March 31.

The filly improved out of all recognition last season, rattling off a seven-race winning streak starting in a median auction event and culminating in the Group One Matron Stakes at Leopardstown.

Kept in training as a four-year-old, she has been invited for the extended mile turf race on World Cup night at Nad Al Sheba, but has not yet blossomed at home in Newmarket.

'We want to run, but at the moment I would say it's 50-50,' said Bell.

'With fillies it is quite a fine line and she still looks quite wintry in her coat.

'We are making every effort to get her coat to turn such as keeping her under lights, but she is not really showing the signs.'

Bell realises there are many other races on the agenda in Europe this season but added: 'Unfortunately they are not worth three million.

'She is absolutely fine in her work and we don't have to decide yet, but I don't want to gallop the lights out of her to bring her to her peak just for this race. I will probably give her another 10 to 12 days to improve.'

(C) PA Sport