Crystal Etoile looks value at 7/1 score an overdue success in the 2.30 at Windsor.
Sir Michael Stoute's filly has been disappointing in her last two starts, but had shaped with bags of promise in three maiden runs prior to those efforts - most notably when finishing third to subsequent Oaks third Izzi Top over a mile at this venue.
She travelled well before throwing down a challenge two from home and flatening out inside the final furlong and was beaten just two length's by John Gosden's filly.
The daughter of Dansili was then upped in trip to 1m 2f on her next at Salisbury, but after leading three from home was headed approaching the final furlong and weakened to finish fifth to Tasheyaat.
It was clear that the extra two furlongs did not play to her strengths, and today's a mile trip looks her optimum.
The handicapper gave Crystal Etoile an opening mark of 74 but her last two runs have seen that reduced to 70 and I am convinced that she is better than that.
The half-sister to the high class Crystal Capella looks a slow developing type who remains to improvement, and she will surely win a race off her current mark before the season is out.
I think that today could be the day that she belatedly gets in the winners 'enclosure, and at 7/1 she has to be backed.
Recommended bet: 3pts each-way Crystal Etoile (7/1 Betfred, Victor Chandler - BOG, Stan James, totesport)
