Sweet Katarina took another really encouraging step forward at Ascot on Friday, putting her natural speed on show and giving us plenty to be excited about on just the second start of her career!

She absolutely flew out of the stalls under Lewis Edmunds and quickly found herself at the head of the field. From there she bowled along happily in front, looking comfortable and confident as she led her rivals through much of the mile.

WATCH: Lewis Edmunds talk about how encouraged he is by Sweet Katarina

What a difference from Kempton. Sweet Katarina had been impeccably behaved on debut but this time there was a real sense that she knew more of what the job is about. She broke beautifully, travelled with purpose and looked far more race-savvy as she enjoyed her first taste of racing on turf. 

There is also something wonderfully easy about the way she is taking everything in her stride. Trainer Chris Grassick has spoken so fondly about her gentle, uncomplicated nature and that is becoming increasingly apparent on the racecourse. She seems to be settling elegantly into life as a racehorse, learning with every new experience without losing any of that lovely calm nature that makes her such an endearing filly.

WATCH: Trainer Chris Grassick discuss Sweet Katarina's progress

Eventually the race began to catch up with her and she was headed inside the final stages. It may simply be that a mile is stretching her a little too far at this point in her career but there was certainly no disgrace in tiring late after racing so enthusiastically from the front.

Behind her there were some well-regarded fillies in what looked a useful Class 2 maiden. Andrew Balding's Clarity came out on top under James Doyle, getting the better of Ralph Beckett's favourite Divide And Conquer in a cracking finish with just a neck separating the pair.

For us though, there was an awful lot to enjoy about Sweet Katarina. She behaved beautifully, attacked the race from the moment the stalls opened and showed us another glimpse of the ability that has made her such an exciting addition to the Club.

Two starts in and she is already moving forwards. She's learning, she's progressing and judging by what we saw at Ascot, our lovely Sweet Katarina has plenty more to give.