Design a site like this with WordPress.com
Get started

Three-Year-Olds 2023 Flat

PATTERN CLASS

ANANDA (b f Frankel – Sotka)
Form: 41-  Trainer: John & Thady Gosden  Owner: Lady Bamford

€525,000 half-sister to French 6/7f 3yo Group 3 winner Fas and French 1m 1f 3yo Group 3 winner Silva. Dam a Listed-placed French 5f 2yo winning half-sister to top-class sprinter Sole Power. This filly was sent off 7/4 favourite for her debut outing in a 7f fillies’ novice at Newmarket (July) last August but could only manage fourth, travelling best but unable to sustain her effort. She duly got off the mark when landing a 6f fillies’ novice contest at Yarmouth three weeks later, tanking through proceedings and really opening up inside 100 yards or so to run out an authoritative 2-length winner over Pinafore. Ananda appears to have inherited the speedier elements of her pedigree on the evidence of those two runs, though it is highly likely her first port of call in 2023 will be either the Nell Gwyn or Fred Darling (both 7f) in order to test her 1000 Guineas credentials.

ARTISTIC STAR (b c Galileo – Nechita)
Form: 1-  Trainer: Ralph Beckett  Owner: J C Smith

Full brother to Australian 10f Group 3 winner Harpo Marx and 12f Group 3/Listed winner Forbearance. Dam an Australian 6f 3yo Group 1 winner. This colt was allowed to go off at odds of 16/1 ahead of making a successful debut in an 8.5f maiden at Nottingham last October. Never too far away, he was shaken up to challenge inside the three-furlong marker and took over approaching the final furlong, keeping on well and always in control as he ran out a 1¼-length winner over Westerton. A late-May foal and a brother to a pair of stakes winners who got better with time and distance, it is to Artistic Star’s immense credit that he was able to post such a performance over an extended mile as a juvenile. He ought to improve significantly for tackling middle distances in 2023, and a race such as the 10f conditions event at Newbury’s Greenham meeting looks a sensible starting point though connections may go straight for a Derby trial.

DRAGON ICON (b c Lope de Vega – Matauri Pearl)
Form: 1–  Trainer: Roger Varian  Owner: Yoshiro Kubota

360,000gns brother to Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf winner Aunt Pearl. Dam a Norsk 1000 Guineas winner who was a full sister to Group/Grade 1-placed French/US 8-9f winner (including at Group/Grade 3 level) Wekeela. This colt made a winning start to his career in a 7f novice event at Kempton last November (4/1 chance), waited with in a steadily-run affair until shaken up to make progress two furlongs out, quickening smartly to lead inside the final furlong and drawing away to score by 3¼ lengths from Elnajmm. The level of form achieved on the day was nothing more than fair, but the clinical manner in which Dragon Icon sealed matters off modest fractions means it’s hard to believe that will prove anywhere near his limit. Sure to stay another furlong or two, it will be interesting to see whether connections pitch him in at the deep end and go for a 2000 Guineas trial, aim for a race such as the Listed Burradon Stakes at Newcastle or simply go for another novice under a penalty.

EMPRESS WU (b f Sea The Moon – Chinoiseries)
Form: 1–  Trainer: David Simcock  Owner: Miss K Rausing

Second foal of a 1m 2yo winner who was a full sister to 12f Group 1 winner Madame Chiang (later dam of French 12f Listed winner Oriental Mystique). This filly made a successful start to her career in a 10f maiden at Lingfield last November (16/1 chance), slowly away and waited with in rear but travelling better than most, making striking progress down the outer from over a furlong out which carried her into the lead close home, scoring by 2¼ lengths from Silver Sword. It was very much a case of style over substance in a race where those with form looked limited and one or two of her fellow debutants were either too green or didn’t get a clear run. However, the turn of foot displayed by Empress Wu to win was something out of the ordinary (clocked a sub-11-second final furlong), also coming rather wide off the home bend. Her handler has enjoyed a good deal of success with this family in recent times, and it would come as no surprise to see Empress Wu become another to gain black type.

EVERYTHING COUNTS (ch c Zoustar – Lauren Louise)
Form: 1–  Trainer: Pia & Joakim Brandt  Owner: OTI, G Augustin-Normand, Vermuelen et al

€37,000 half-brother to Gimcrack Stakes winner Blaine, 6f 2yo Listed winner Bogart, Group 3/Listed-placed 6f 2yo winner Legal Attack and the unraced dam of Chester Vase winner Youth Spirit. Dam a 6f winner. This colt made a winning debut in a 7.5f maiden at Deauville last November (97/10 chance), dropped out and still well off the pace when ridden at the top of the home straight, making relentless progress down the outer and leading inside the final 50 yards to score by half a length from Le Tabou. It was a visually taking display from Everything Counts, coming from a long way back and sustaining his challenge to pass most of his rivals in the home straight, cutting back the deficit on a next-time-out scorer who had raced prominently throughout. He looks nothing like the sharp, speedy type his pedigree suggests he ought to be, needing every yard of the extended seven-furlong trip on debut. Therefore, also unlike a few in the family, he should improve a good chunk throughout his second season.

IMPERIAL EMPEROR (b c Dubawi – Zhukova)
Form: 1-  Trainer: Charlie Appleby  Owner: Godolphin

Full brother to useful 2022 8-10f 3yo winner First Ruler. Dam a US 11f Grade 1 winner who was a half-sister to four-time 10-12f Group 1 winner Ghaiyyath (by Dubawi) out of an Irish 1000 Guineas winner. This colt made a winning debut in a 1m maiden at Newmarket in October (13/8 favourite), tracking a modest pace until travelling powerfully into the lead approaching the two-furlong marker, clearing right away inside the final furlong to score by 3½ lengths from Attaj. For all it wasn’t the deepest contest, the manner in which Imperial Emperor put a seal on matters suggested he was an above-average colt in the making. His pedigree is a bit of mixture in terms of distance, looking another by his sire that may prove best at/around 10f and no farther given how he coped with a relative test of speed on debut. The novice race at Newmarket’s Craven meeting won last year by connections’ subsequent St Leger winner New London looks a sensible starting point for this colt en route to a crack at a Derby trial.

JANNAH ROSE (b f Frankel – Sophie Germain)
Form: 1-  Trainer: Carlos Laffon-Parias  Owner: Al Shira’aa Farms

€650,000 close relation to smart Irish 6-8.5f winner (including at Group 2/Listed level) Creggs Pipes and a half-sister to Listed-placed Irish 6f 2yo winner Silver Spear. Dam an unraced daughter of an Oaks d’Italia winner. This filly made a winning debut in a 1m fillies’ maiden at Chantilly last September (7/2 favourite), racing in behind the leaders and picking her way through to challenge from the two-furlong marker, running on well throughout the final furlong to lead close home and score by half a length from Epoustouflante. Jannah Rose’s narrow margin of victory doesn’t tell the full story, appearing to lose her footing just before halfway and then forced to come through runners in the straight. That she won at all is testament to her abilities, certainly having the pedigree and price tag to a go long way. It would be no surprise were she to make up into a contender for the Prix de Diane, likely to find 10f well within her compass.

REMARQUEE (b f Kingman – Regardez)
Form: 1-  Trainer: Ralph Beckett  Owner: J H Richmond-Watson

Half-sister to useful 7f-1m winner Impatient. Dam a 10f 3yo Listed winner who was closely related to French 9.5f 3yo Listed winner Glance and a half-sister to Prix Royal-Oak winner Scope out of a 7f-1m winning half-sister to Oaks winner Look Here. This filly made a winning start to her career in a 7f novice event at Salisbury last September (5/1 chance), soon prominent and shaken up to challenge two furlongs out, running green initially but knuckling down well inside the final furlong to lead close home and score by 1¼ lengths from Bresson (pair clear). Once working her way through greenness, the manner in which Remarquee cut back the deficit was striking, clocking a very good time in the process. She hails from a family connections have enjoyed plenty of success with over the years, and it’s hard to believe she won’t prove to be another pattern-class performer from it. Although the likes of Look Here and Scope stayed 12f+, Remarquee probably won’t require much beyond 1m.

TARJEEH (b c Churchill – Myturn)
Form: 41-  Trainer: Owen Burrows  Owner: Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum

160,000gns half-brother to 7f 3yo winner Muay Thai. Dam an unraced close relation to German 12f Group 1 winner Temida out of a dual 10f 3yo winner who was a half-sister to US 10f Grade 1 winner Midships and four-time 10f Listed winner Principal Role. This colt shaped with considerable promise on debut in a 6f maiden at Windsor last June, running on strongly from a hopeless position to take fourth behind Al Karrar (beaten 4½ lengths). He duly confirmed that promise when landing a 7f maiden at Newbury the following month, close up but taking a while to find top stride, doing so inside the final furlong and leading close home to edge out Dancing Magic by half a length. Injury prevented Tarjeeh from seeing action again at two, but he created a good impression despite appearing to find 6/7f something of an inadequate test of stamina (form of both races has proven strong). From a decent Juddmonte family, Tarjeeh rates a good prospect for the year ahead, when he will require 1m at the very least.

VALIMI (b c Teofilo – Valdaya)
Form: 1-  Trainer: Jean-Claude Rouget  Owner: H H Aga Khan

Half-brother to Qatari 6f winner Valdarann. Dam a French 6.5f 2yo winner who was a half-sister to Prix de Diane winner Valyra, French 15f 3yo Group 2/3 winner Valirann and French 10f 3yo Listed winner Valiyr. This colt’s sole outing to date saw him land a 1m contest at Deauville last October (73/10 chance), soon to the fore and travelling comfortably, shaken up over a furlong out and always in control as he saw off next-time-out winner American Flag by 1¼ lengths (pair clear). It was a highly promising start from Valimi in a race connections won in 2021 with subsequent 1m Group 2/3 scorer Erevann, while they’ve also enjoyed success with this family via the sadly ill-fated Valyra. The manner in which this colt got the job done first time out suggests he has enough potential to make up into a pattern-class performer this term. May prove best at/around 1m.

MAIDENS

AWTAAR (b f No Nay Never – Za’hara)
Form: 4-  Trainer: Patrick Owens  Owner: Mohamed Saeed Al Shahi

€25,000 half-sister to 2022 Australian 12f Group 2/Listed winner Saracen Knight, useful 11-12f winner Beauty Stone and 2022 Irish 10.5f 3yo winner Fawkner Park. Dam a once-raced maiden half-sister to Arlington Million winner Debussy and 8.5f Group 3 winner Laugh Aloud. This filly debuted in a 6f novice event at Yarmouth last October (33/1 chance), tracking the pace and shaken up approaching the two-furlong marker, running green and sticking on at the one pace inside the final furlong to come home in fourth behind Tafreej (beaten 3¾ lengths). It was a fairly promising first effort from Awtaar, racing a little keenly in behind the leaders and then running green off the bridle at the business end but still able to finish clear of the remainder. Her pedigree alone proposes better to come, bred to want further than six furlongs though by a speed influence and therefore unlikely to require as stiff a test as her siblings.

BANDERAS (ch c Lope de Vega – Glamorous Approach)
Form: 5–  Trainer: Michael Bell  Owner: OTI Racing, Ballylinch Stud and Partner

95,000gns brother to useful 2022 8-9f 3yo winner Glam de Vega. Dam a Group 3-placed Irish 7.5-12f winner (including twice at Listed level) who was a three-parts sister to 2000 Guineas/St James’s Palace Stakes winner Poetic Flare. This colt caught the eye in no uncertain terms on debut in a 10f maiden at Newcastle last November, dropped right out and travelling better than most, still well off the pace two furlongs out and repeatedly denied a run thereafter, closing up late into fifth behind Chesspiece (beaten 5¼ lengths). Banderas was given very little chance under a passive ride, hopelessly placed and then hitting traffic when still to be asked for his effort, tenderly handled all the while. Boasting a good pedigree, it’d be rather surprising if Banderas wasn’t capable of winning a maiden/novice at the very least before progressing into a useful performer.

DOCKLANDS (b c Massaat – Icky Woo)
Form: 2-  Trainer: Harry Eustace  Owner: OTI Racing

£16,000 half-brother to US 12f Grade 3 winner Ickymasho and Group 2/3-placed Australian 7-10f winner (including at Listed level) Harbour Views. Dam an unraced half-sister to Group 2-placed 6-7f winner Zilch. This colt’s only outing at two came in a 7f novice event at Haydock last August (8/1 chance), waited with and shaken up to make progress over two furlongs out, keeping on well throughout the final furlong to take second and run winner Pol Roger to a neck at the line. Not seen again since then for whatever reason, Docklands strongly appeals as the type to do better still at three given the promise displayed first time out. He ought to find another furlong well within range.

DUE DATE (b c Due Diligence – Harryana To)
Form: 9–  Trainer: Clive Cox  Owner: Nurlan Bizakov

£55,000 full brother to Group 3/Listed-placed 5-6f winner Diligent Harry and a half-brother to smart multiple 6f winner (including at Listed level) Harry Three. Dam a maiden half-sister to Mill Reef Stakes winner Temple Meads and Group 3/Listed-placed 6f 2yo winner Sneak Preview. This colt’s sole outing to date came in a 6f novice event at Kempton last October (11/4 favourite), slowly into stride and running very green in last place, only really getting the idea approaching the final furlong and keeping on late to come home ninth of 11 to Beach Buoy (beaten 9 lengths). Due Date was simply too green to live up to market expectations, but the late work he put in suggests he will prove just why he headed the betting another time. He also boasts a useful pedigree, with his two notable siblings enjoying success at a good level for this stable in recent times.

ELEANOR CROSS (b f Pivotal – Field of Miracles)
Form: 2-  Trainer: Andrew Balding  Owner: Cheveley Park Stud

Full sister to smart Irish/Australian 8-10f winner (including three times at Listed level) Earlswood and smart 10f-2m 2f winner (including at Listed level) Making Miracles. Dam a Group 2/Listed-placed 12f 3yo winning sister to dual 11.5f Listed winner Cameron Highland and half-sister to 2022 10.5f Group 2 winner Solid Stone. This filly debuted in an 8.5f fillies’ maiden at Nottingham last September (22/1 chance), waited with and pushed along three furlongs out, running green and taking a while to gather momentum before finishing well to take second behind stablemate Sisyphus Strength (beaten 1¾ lengths). It must be said that the dam of Eleanor Cross and indeed one or two others in the family were quirky, but this filly’s ungainliness off the bridle on debut is best put down to greenness for now. Eleanor Cross showed enough first time out to suggest she can operate at a decent level this year once presented with 10f+.

ELEGANCIA (b f Lope de Vega – So Sleek)
Form: 5-  Trainer: Harry & Roger Charlton  Owner: St Albans Bloodstock Limited

285,000gns first foal of a useful 11.5-12f 3yo winner who was a half-sister to Group 1-placed 12-14.5f winner (including at Group 2/Listed level) Silk Sari out of an unraced daughter of Fillies’ Mile/Irish 1000 Guineas winner Gossamer. This well-related filly debuted in a 7f fillies’ conditions event at Newbury last September (8/1 chance), waited with in midfield and travelling smoothly to the two-furlong marker, shaken up soon after and keeping on steadily throughout the final furlong to take fifth behind Crystallium (beaten 7¾ lengths). The fact Elegancia debuted in that particular race suggests she’s well regarded; her yard having won three of the previous four renewals including with the smart Quadrilateral. She shaped with a good deal of promise considering her pedigree suggests middle distances will ultimately be what she requires in time.

ELRAAED (ch c Dubawi – Into The Mystic)
Form: 5-  Trainer: Owen Burrows  Owner: Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum

Second foal of a 7-9.5f winner (including at stakes level) who was a half-sister to French 9/10f 3yo Group 3 winner Chachnak out of a French 1m 3yo Group 2/3 winner/Poule d’Essai des Pouliches and Prix de Diane runner-up. This colt’s sole outing to date came in a 7.5f maiden at Ffos Las last August (5/2 chance), racing enthusiastically in behind the leaders and shaken up with two furlongs left to run, unable to go with the leading pair but sticking to the task as he came home in fifth behind Lord Bertie (beaten 6½ lengths). The testing ground allied with inexperience against a quartet with prior experience (first five home finished clear of the rest) and a refusal to settle fully likely did for Elraaed, very much spared a hard race. He presumably met with some sort of setback to not be seen again but appeals as the type to do significantly better at three anyway.

GLOWING SKY (b f Sea The Stars – Bella Qatara)
Form: 5-  Trainer: John & Thady Gosden  Owner: Lordship Stud

380,000gns half-sister to German 12f Group 1 winner Aspetar and Listed-placed dual 10f 3yo winner Qarasu. Dam a French 10.5f 3yo winning close relation to Group 1-placed 9-11.5f winner (including at Group 2/3 level)/Oaks fourth Somehow and half-sister to smart UK/French 12.5-15.5f winner (including at Group 2/3 level) Alex My Boy. This beautifully-bred filly debuted in a 7f fillies’ novice event at Newmarket last October (9/2 chance), waited with and shaken up over two furlongs out, running green/short of room before staying on well to finish fifth behind Orchid Bloom (beaten 4¾ lengths). Over an inadequate trip and under considerate handling, it was a debut effort full of promise from Glowing Sky, and it’s interesting she was chosen to debut in that particular race given her stable has introduced the likes Dar Re Mi, Infallible, Joviality, Nashwa, Starscope and The Fugue in it over the years. Glowing Sky is herself taken to make above-average progress over middle distances during her second season.

MISTRAL STAR (b f Frankel – Shirocco Star)
Form: 2–  Trainer: Hughie Morrison  Owner: Helena Springfield Ltd

Closely related to smart 10-12.5f winner (including twice at Group 2 level) Telecaster (by New Approach) and a half-sister to Group 1-placed 7f-1m winner (including at Group 2/Listed level) Al Suhail. Dam a 1m 2yo winner/Oaks runner-up. This beautifully-bred filly debuted in a 1m fillies’ novice event at Lingfield last November (8/1 chance), close up and travelling smoothly, ridden over a furlong out and holding every chance thereafter but eventually having to settle for a half-length second to Sunset Point. In keeping with her two smart siblings and dam, she found one too good first time out but showed she has plenty of ability in doing so, travelling notably well. Bred to get better with time and distance, it would be a something of a surprise were Mistral Star not able to win a maiden/novice before attempting to pick up some valuable black type later on.

MR BUSTER (br c Sea The Stars – Olympienne)
Form: 23–  Trainer: Ralph Beckett  Owner: Valmont

€120,000 half-brother to dual 2m Group 3 winner Patkai, 12f Group 3 winner Modun and Group 2/3-placed dual 12f winner Saptapadi. Dam an unraced sister to Group/Grade 1 middle-distance winners Greek Dance, Islington and Mountain High. This well-related colt showed a similar level of form on both outings at two last October, chasing home wide-margin winner Liberty Lane on debut at Nottingham (8.5f) before finishing third to Village Legend at Kempton (1m). Unsurprisingly for one so stoutly bred, Mr Buster simply lacked for a turn of foot on both occasions, and he very much looks the type to make significant progress once encountering middle/staying distances during his second season.

PICTURE OF A CITY (b c Cityscape – Quenelle)
Form: 4-  Trainer: Andrew Oliver  Owner: J P Ledwidge

18,000gns half-brother to French 12f 3yo Listed winner Quenelle d’Or. Dam a 12f 3yo winner who was a half-sister to 1m Listed winner Viva Vettori out of a triple 7f winning half-sister to seven-time 10-12f Group/Grade 1 winner Ouija Board (later dam of 2000 Guineas/Derby winner Australia). This colt’s only outing to date came in a 1m maiden at the Curragh last September (12/1 chance), waited with a little worse than midfield and shaken up over two furlongs out, short of room before staying on well throughout the final furlong to take fourth behind Starry Heavens (beaten 8½ lengths). Picture of A City wasn’t seen to best effect that day, hitting the line hard under hands-and-heels riding having met traffic over a furlong out and faring best of the newcomers. He ought to find a small maiden within his capabilities, and 10/12f is likely to prove his sort of trip.

ROYAL CAPE (b c Gleneagles – Kikonga)
Form: 9–  Trainer: Hughie Morrison  Owner: P C J Dalby & R D Schuster

50,000gns close relation to 2022 French 9.5-10.5f 3yo winner Kibaale (by Churchill) and a half-brother to dual 10f winner King’s Castle. Dam a useful 8-12f winner who was the daughter of an 11.5f 3yo winning sister to St Leger winner Milan. This colt’s sole outing at two came in a 1m maiden at Kempton last November (100/1 chance), in rear and still there when shaken up over two furlongs out, keeping on nicely throughout the final furlong to finish ninth behind Real Gain (beaten 4¼ lengths). Royal Cape shaped a little better than his finishing position alone can communicate, hitting the line harder than just about anything else having come from a fair way back. He looks an archetypal slow-maturing type from this yard that gets better with racing. No surprise to see him make up into a useful middle distance/staying handicapper this year.

SANDY CREEK (b f Frankel – Bonanza Creek)
Form: 2-  Trainer: Joseph O’Brien  Owner: White Birch Farm

Three-parts sister to Group/Grade 1-placed 2022 Irish dual 10f 3yo winner (including at Group 3 level) Stone Age (by Galileo). Dam a 10f 3yo winning sister to French 10/10.5f 3yo Group 3 winner Board Meeting and half-sister to Prix de Diane winner Bright Sky. This filly debuted in a 7f maiden at the Curragh last June (13/2 chance), waited with towards the rear of the field and still there when shaken up with two furlongs left to run, slightly short of room and switched out before finishing well to take second behind Never Ending Story (beaten 1¼ lengths). It was a debut effort packed full of promise from Sandy Creek, poorly positioned in relation to the winner (subsequent Group 3 winner/Group 1 third) but revealing plenty of ability all the same over what was surely an inadequate trip. Although she wasn’t seen again thereafter, it is perhaps interesting to note last year’s Oaks winner Tuesday filled second place in the same race on her only outing at two. With the head of the ante-post market for the Epsom fillies’ Classic looking a little thin at present, it’s certainly not beyond the realms of possibility that Sandy Creek can herself make up into a Oaks contender.

SIXPACK (b g Sea The Moon – Terre du Vent)
Form: 7-  Trainer: Johnny Murtagh  Owner: Any Excuse For A Holiday Syndicate

25,000gns half-brother to fairly useful dual 6f 2yo winner Owney Madden and fairly useful 7f-1m winner Carouse. Dam a French 12/15f Listed winner. This gelding debuted in an 8.5f maiden at Gowran Park last October (28/1 chance), waited with towards the rear of the field and ridden at the top of the home straight, running on well inside the final furlong to finish seventh of 15 behind Indestructible (beaten 4¼ lengths). Although his dam has yet to produce anything as good as herself, Sixpack shaped with distinct promise on debut from a poor position, understandably shaping like more of a stayer than some of his siblings given he’s by a stouter influence. He showed enough that day to suggest he could improve enough to be a competitive force in 10f+ maidens this spring, but it will be middle distance/staying handicaps where Sixpack will really shine.

UP AND UNDER (b c Lope de Vega – Hibiscus)
Form: 3-  Trainer: Joseph O’Brien  Owner: Go Racing Limited

€135,000 third foal of a Listed-placed Irish 10f 3yo winner who was a full sister to Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf winner Line of Duty and a half-sister to 7f/1m 3yo Listed winner Onassis and Group 2-placed 8.5-12f winner Secret State. This colt debuted in a 1m maiden at Navan last October (8/1 chance), slowly away and racing in last, still there three furlongs out but travelling well, shaken up with two furlongs left to run and keeping on well thereafter to take third behind Salt Lake City (beaten 8½ lengths). Up And Under had absolutely no chance the way things developed, dropped right out after a tardy start and still well off the pace passing the three-furlong marker, running on strongly under very considerate handling thereafter. He boasts a smart pedigree and looks well up to winning a maiden before going on to bigger and better things. Will stay 10f at least.

WAIPIRO (b c Australia – London Plane)
Form: 6–  Trainer: Ed Walker  Owner: P K Siu

Half-brother to Hong Kong triple 7f/1m Group 1 winner Waikuku and useful 7.5-12.5f Flat/Listed-placed 2m-2m 3f hurdle winner It’s Good To Laugh. Dam a maiden sister to Group 3/Listed-placed UK/French 7-10.5f winner Al Waab out of a Listed-placed 10f 3yo winner. This colt caught the eye on debut in a 1m novice event at Kempton last December (33/1 chance), waited with towards the rear of the field and shaken up two furlongs out, making steady but sustained progress thereafter under hands-and-heels riding to finish sixth behind wide-margin winner Wigmore Street (beaten 10½ lengths). It was an educational introduction for Waipiro, dropped out and brought through steadily in the straight under considerate handling. Bred to be useful and likely to relish middle distances in time, it isn’t difficult to see Waipiro doing a good deal better this term.

HANDICAPS

CLOUDBREAKER (br f Sea The Stars – Deveron)
Form: 51-  Trainer: Charlie Fellowes  Owner: D R J King

200,000gns three-parts sister to 1m Listed winner Lamar (by Cape Cross) and a half-sister to several winners including 5f 3yo Listed winner Haddaf. Dam a Group 1-placed 7f 2yo winner. This filly stepped up on her debut effort to land a 7f fillies’ novice event at Newmarket (July) last July, tracking the leaders and ridden over two furlongs out, taking over entering the final furlong and staying on well to run out a 1½-length winner over Emily’s Eclipse. For all it wasn’t the strongest of races for the track, there was much to like about the manner in which Cloudbreaker sealed matters once hitting the rising ground. Absent since, it is hoped she can make up for lost time at three, with a race like the Sandringham at Royal Ascot appealing as a viable medium-term target.

COUPLET (b f Zoustar – Arabda)
Form: 1-  Trainer: Harry Eustace  Owner: Andrew Rosen and Marc Chan

€75,000 second foal of a Swedish 1m Listed winner who was a half-sister to French 1m 3yo Listed winner Ghaaly. This filly made a winning start to her career in a 6f fillies’ maiden at Haydock last September (12/1 chance), racing in midfield and switched right over a furlong out, coming with a sustained run which took her into the lead inside the final 75 yards, clearing away to score by 2¼ lengths from Pure Angel. It was a visually impressive display from Couplet, taking a little while to build up momentum but rolling by her rivals late on without her rider needing to go for absolutely everything. Her trainer’s youngsters are rarely fully tuned first time out (this only his second 2yo debut winner) and Couplet looks set to make up into an above-average performer over 7f/1m in 2023. Racing for significant new ownership this season, it could be that she proves much better than a mere handicapper in time.

EYETRAP (b c Ulysses – Miss Dashwood)
Form: 803–  Trainer: Jane Chapple-Hyam  Owner: P W Harris

75,000gns close relation to smart 8.5f-2m winner (including at Group 2/3 level) Dashing Willoughby (by Nathaniel) and a half-brother to useful 2022 10-12f 3yo winner Omniscient. Dam a useful 8.5-12f winning half-sister to several winners, notably dual 10f Group 1 winner Speedy Boarding. This colt hinted at ability on debut in a 7f maiden at Newmarket last October, but his saddled slipped when still to be asked for an effort in a 1m novice event at Kempton the following month. He signed off with a third place finish over the latter course and distance a fortnight later, unable to quicken with the front two approaching the final furlong. Eyetrap’s pedigree is mainly about stamina, and he ought to prove more competitive in 10f+ handicaps this year from an opening mark of 70.

GENTLE WHINNY (b f Churchill – Short Call)
Form: 541-  Trainer: Denis Coakley  Owner: Chris van Hoorn Racing

75,000gns first foal of a 5f 2yo winner who was a half-sister to French 10f 2yo Group 1 winner Wonderment. This filly caught the eye with a strong finishing effort when fifth on debut in a 7f fillies’ maiden at Sandown last August, and she again ran well in defeat when fourth in a 1m contest at Newmarket the following month. She made it third time lucky in a 1m fillies’ novice event at Windsor a couple of weeks later, close up and driven along three furlongs out, responding well to lead approaching the final furlong and run out a half a length scorer from Therapist. It’s fair to say Gentle Whinny was only workmanlike in victory, though she did reverse form with the runner-up from when the pair met in Newmarket. It is highly unlikely she has finished improving just yet and ought to prove capable of making an impact in 1m+ handicaps from an initial mark of 79.

GIVEMEFIVE (b c Holy Roman Emperor – Girl of The Hour)
Form: 060-  Trainer: Johnny Murtagh  Owner: Any Excuse For A Holiday Syndicate

€75,000 half-brother to Irish 1m 3yo Group 3 winner Create Belief and very useful Irish dual 7f winner Star Girls Aalmal. Dam an Irish 1m 1f 3yo winner. This colt showed little on debut in a 7f maiden at the Curragh last August but offered a lot more promise when finishing sixth of 20 to Paddington over the same course and distance two months later, unable to sustain his effort. He was hampered inside the two-furlong marker and very much spared a hard race thereafter when finishing 10th of 18 in a 7f maiden at Leopardstown just nine days later. Givemefive boasts a useful pedigree and appeals as the type to do a whole lot better in handicap company at/around 1m this term.

GOLDEN PASSPORT (b c Acclamation – Fast Lily)
Form: 41–  Trainer: Ed Walker  Owner: P K Siu

85,000gns half-brother to 2022 US 1m 1f 3yo stakes winner Unanimous Consent. Dam a maiden half-sister to Lowther Stakes winner Silk Blossom and French dual 7f 3yo Group 3 winner Mashoora. This colt shaped with promise when fourth on debut in a 6f novice event at Salisbury last July (solid form) and duly got off the mark next time out in a 7f contest at Wolverhampton two months later, finishing off strongly to score by ¾ length from Conquistador. Golden Passport was still rough around the edges last time, rather green off the bridle initially but picking up well inside the final furlong to score readily in the end. He looks the type to improve with racing, and it would be rather surprising if there wasn’t a good deal of improvement come from him this term.

GREYSFUL STORM (gr f Kingston Hill – Ros Mountain)
Form: 557-  Trainer: Darryll Holland  Owner: Diamond Racing Ltd

Fourth foal of an unraced sister to Group 2/3-placed Irish 8-10f Flat/2m hurdle winner Mountain and half-sister to Group 3/Listed-placed Irish 7f 2yo winner Gluteus Maximus. This filly showed a similar level of form in a trio of outings at two, keen/green when fifth of six at Chelmsford (1m) on debut before catching the eye under considerate handling when fifth at Southwell and seventh at Newmarket (both 7f) within a fortnight of each other. Although she isn’t much on pedigree and it’s one prone to quirkiness, it is hard to believe Greysful Storm won’t do better 10f+ handicaps this season. The assessor has refused to give her a mark thus far, likely on course for something in the low 70s.

HADRIANUS (b c Galileo – Laugh Out Loud)
Form: 21–  Trainer: Charlie Johnston  Owner: Susan And John Waterworth

62,000gns full brother to smart Irish/US 8-10f winner (including at Grade 2/Group 3 level) Platinum Warrior and useful 2022 12f-2m 3yo winner Pons Aelius. Dam a Group 1-placed multiple 1m winner (including at Group 2/Listed level) who was a half-sister to dual 12f Listed winner Suzi’s Decision. This colt shaped with significant promise despite odds of 50/1 on debut in a 10f event at Newcastle last November, sticking on well for pressure and finding only well-backed fellow newcomer Chesspiece too good. He went one better in an 11f maiden at Kempton the following month (7/4 favourite), making just about all the running at a good tempo and seeing things out well to score by 1¼ lengths from Star Mood. Hadrianus is clearly as strong a stayer as his year-older brother for these connections, but he has pretensions of reaching a higher level based on what he has achieved already, able to sustain a good gallop last time. Time will tell whether he’s a Queen’s Vase or Melrose Handicap horse, certainly having the pedigree to be good enough to progress into a contender for the former.

KAMANIKA (gr f Roaring Lion – Raddeh)
Form: 809-  Trainer: Joseph Parr  Owner: Trevor and Ruth Milner

36,000gns half-sister useful 2022 French 12-13f 3yo winner Whileuweresleeping. Dam an 8.5f 3yo winner who was a half-sister to Group 1-placed 7-10f winner (including at Listed level) Hadaatha out of a 1m 3yo Listed winner/1000 Guineas third. This filly was clearly rushed through the qualification process in a trio of outings at Nottingham (8.5f) and Newmarket (twice, both 7f) within the space of a month last autumn, racing at the rear of the field and never a factor on each occasion. Handed an opening mark of 61, middle-distance handicaps ought to show Kamanika in a more favourable light at three.

LAWMAKER (gr c Mastercraftsman – Zacchera)
Form: 066–  Trainer: William Jarvis  Owner: The Raceology Partnership & WJ

52,000gns full brother to Canadian 10f/US 11f Grade 2 winner Santa Monica and a half-brother to Australian 12.5f Group 3 winner Grand Promenade. Dam a 6f 3yo winning half-sister to July Cup winner Sakhee’s Secret and five-time 5-7f Listed winner Palace Affair. Having failed to beat a rival home on debut in a 1m novice event at Newmarket last October, Lawmaker kept on nicely to take sixth in a 9.5f novice contest at Wolverhampton next time. His best effort came in an 11f maiden at Kempton in December, tracking the leaders and challenging between the two and one-furlong markers, unable to sustain his effort as he faded into sixth behind Hadrianus (beaten 6 lengths). Lawmaker had chased the pace in a truly-run affair and that appeared to stretch his stamina at this early stage, only giving best inside the final furlong. Handed an opening mark of 71, he appeals as the type to do well in 10f+ handicaps during his second season.

LIEBER POWER (b c Cracksman – Astrelle)
Form: 71–  Trainer: Andrew Balding  Owner: King Power Racing Co Ltd

200,000gns three-parts brother to 2022 US 10f 3yo Grade 1 winner McKulick (by Frankel) and a half-brother to Mehl-Mulhens-Rennen winner Fearless King and 7f 3yo Group 3/Listed winner Just Beautiful. Dam a Group 3-placed dual 7f 2yo winner. This colt stepped up on his debut seventh in a 7f novice event at Newbury last September to land a similar contest at Kempton the following month, finishing off well to lead close home and deny Supreme King by half a length. The eventual winning margin rather masked Lieber Power’s superiority, only really winding up inside the final furlong and nicely on top at the line. Boasting a good pedigree, Liber Power will almost certainly make above-average improvement at three over 1m+, perhaps enough to skip handicaps altogether.

LOVELY LADY (ch f Mastercraftsman – Kylia)
Form: 655-  Trainer: Keith Dalgleish  Owner: Frank Brady

85,000gns full sister to French 9.5-10.5f winner Kyra and a half-sister to several winners, notably Listed-placed French winners Cosmique (8-10f) and Standing Up (10f). Dam a maiden half-sister to Australian 11.5/12.5f Group 3 winner Great House and French 7f 2yo Group 3 winner Aboulie. This nicely-bred filly hinted at ability on all three outings at/around 1m last term, particularly on her final outing when travelling well off the pace and keeping on late to finish fifth to Boy Douglas at Ayr. Bred to do better both in general and with time, an opening mark of 63 enables Lovely Lady to begin life in handicaps at a realistic level and work her way up the ranks. She ought to stay 10f at the very least.

MARINAKIS (b g Ulysses – Giennah)
Form: 675–  Trainer: Ian Williams  Owner: Ian Williams Racing Club

45,000gns first foal of a 6f 2yo winning half-sister to Listed-placed 5-5.5f winner Rathaath and very useful 7f-1m winner Raaeq. This gelding showed a similar level of form in a pair of 7f/1m novice contests at Kempton last autumn, considerately handled both times and finishing with running left on the second occasion when seventh of 11 to Dionysian (beaten 7¾ lengths). His third outing came in a 6f novice at Wolverhampton in December, waited with in midfield and pushed along over two furlongs out, unable to muster the pace to get on terms as he came home in fifth behind So Many Questions (beaten 8½ lengths). Marinakis has clearly been brought along with handicaps in mind, and he ought to make more of an impact in that sphere from an opening mark of 63.

MICHAEL’S PLEDGE (b g Churchill – Promise Me)
Form: 069-  Trainer: John Quinn  Owner: G C Woodall

€190,000 half-brother to 2022 Doncaster Cup winner Coltrane. Dam an unraced sister to Irish 14f-2m Flat/very useful jumper Tigris River, closely related to Listed-placed Irish 8-12f Flat/triple 2m hurdle winner The Fist of God and a half-sister to Listed-placed Irish 5f 3yo winner You’resobeautiful out of an Irish 1000 Guineas winner. Michael’s Pledge didn’t go unbacked ahead of his debut in a 1m maiden at York last October, but he offered very little on that occasion and indeed on his subsequent two outings at Redcar (1m 1f and 7f). It has been an inconspicuous start from this now-gelding, but his pedigree alone offers hope that he’ll do better this time over middle/staying distances. An opening mark of 58 also allows him to start out at a lowly level in handicaps.

NOBODY TOLD ME (b g Intello – Dubka)
Form: 8664-  Trainer: Jedd O’Keeffe  Owner: Ellipsis II

42,000gns close relation to 2022 11.5f 3yo winner Campese (by Australia). Dam a Group 3-placed multiple 12f 3yo winner who was a half-sister to Group 3-placed 6f 2yo winner Soffika, family of Juddmonte International Stakes/Eclipse Stakes winner Notnowcato. Nobody Told Me proved unsurprisingly uncompetitive on all four outings kept to 7f/1m at two, albeit did hit at ability on more than one occasion, particularly when last seen at Thirsk in September. Gelded since and given plenty of time to mature, Nobody Told Me appeals as the type to come good in a big way in 10f+ handicaps this season from an initial mark of 70.

NOTTURNO (b g Zoffany – Albarouche)
Form: 879-  Trainer: Noel Meade  Owner: Eagles Partnership

€40,000 brother to useful triple 2m hurdle winner Britzka and a half-brother to Listed-placed French 10-11f winner Nibbling. Dam a 10f 3yo winner who was a sister to 11.5f Listed winner/Derby runner-up Dragon Dancer. Notturno shaped a lot better than the bare result on debut in a 1m maiden at Gowran Park last September, well off the pace but travelling better than most into the straight, coming wide and unable to sustain his effort. He was unable to land a blow in a pair of subsequent outings in maidens at the Curragh (6f) and Naas (5.5f), but that was a merely a means to an end with regards a mark. Now gelded and rated 65, Notturno ought to make more of an impact in 10f+ handicaps this season. It’s worth noting that a few in this family were quirky/required headgear.

TAFREEJ (b g Shamardal – Taqaareed)
Form: 631-  Trainer: William Haggas  Owner: Shadwell Estate Company Ltd

Half-brother to 2022 5f winner Ubahha. Dam a 12f 3yo winner who was a full sister to Oaks/King George winner Taghrooda out of a triple 10-12f Listed winner. This gelding left his debut effort at Haydock a long way behind when contesting a 6f maiden at Newbury last September, travelling with a lot more fluency and keeping on well to come home third of 14 behind Lajooje (beaten 1¼ lengths). He duly justified 5/6 favouritism in a 6f novice event at Yarmouth the following month, travelling strongly close up and hitting the front entering the final furlong, clearing away to score by 2¼ lengths from Poseidon Prince. A late-May foal who is bred to stay further, it’s to Tafreej’s immense credit that he was able to achieve as much as he did over six furlongs at two, strong at the finish the last twice. Tafreej is liable to improve again once tackling another furlong, and it would be disappointing if he couldn’t progress into an above-average handicapper this season. He will begin in that sphere from a mark of 84.

TORRE DEL ORO (b c Almanzor – Roystonia)
Form: 544–  Trainer: Andrew Balding  Owner: Mick and Janice Mariscotti

55,000gns first foal of a Listed-placed 12f 3yo winning daughter of an unraced sister to Irish 2000 Guineas winner Roderic O’Connor and Irish 3yo Listed winners Dazzling (10f) and Laburnum (9.5f). This colt progressed steadily with each run last term, coming home fifth of nine on debut in a 1m 1f novice event at Goodwood in September before finishing fourth in a similar event over 10f at Chelmsford the following month. He rounded off his juvenile campaign with another fourth place finish in an 11f maiden at Kempton in December, unable to go with the leaders initially and then short of room before rallying well from over a furlong out. Torre Del Oro very much appeals as the type to do well in 14f 3yo handicaps this season, asked to start out in that sphere from a mark of 77.

TROON (b c Gleneagles – Sacred Harp)
Form: 1–  Trainer: Eve Johnson Houghton  Owner: Primera Partnership

€32,000 third foal of a maiden daughter of a Listed-placed 6f 2yo winning half-sister to dual 1000 Guineas winner Finsceal Beo and Mehl Mulhens-Rennen winner Frozen Power. This colt made a winning start to his career in a 7f novice at Kempton last October (18/1 chance), dropped right out from his wide draw until shaken up to make progress over two furlongs out, switched left to challenge and sustaining a strong to run to lead close home and see off Divine Libra by ¾ length. It was a visually taking display from Troon, coming from a long way back and making up his ground in fine style to eventually come clear with another and score decisively. Such was the promise of that debut win, it would come as no surprise to see Troon prove capable of defying a penalty in a novice and set himself up for a crack at something better. He will stay 1m at least.

UNITED APPROACH (b c Fastnet Rock – Bright Approach)
Form: 51-  Trainer: James Tate  Owner: Saeed Manana

Half-brother to 2022 dual 6f 3yo winner Lightning Approach and 9.5f 3yo winner Aim For The Stars. Dam a Listed-placed 10f 3yo winner who was a half-sister to 14/15.5f 3yo Listed Flat winner/very smart hurdler Nichols Canyon and Group 1-placed 9-14f winner Fujaira Prince. This colt finished strongly to take fifth on debut in a 6f event at Ascot last September and confirmed that promise in a 6f maiden at Ayr three weeks later, travelling strongly and clearing away inside the final furlong to score by 3¾ lengths from Quintus Arius. The manner in which United Approach travelled and then sealed matters suggested he’ll be more than capable of holding his own in stronger company, admittedly beating some fairly ordinary sorts on the day but vastly superior to them in every way. From a smart family that get better with age, he ought to reach a good level in 2023.

VILLAGE LEGEND (b c Australia – Imalwayshotforyou)
Form: 41–  Trainer: James Ferguson  Owner: K K Ho

€40,000 third foal of a US 1m 3yo winner who was a half-sister to Group 2-placed multiple 7-9f winner (including at Group 3/Listed level) Jack Sullivan and the dam of US 6f 3yo Grade 3 winner La Traviata (herself later dam of Irish Oaks winner Seventh Heaven and Middle Park Stakes winner Crusade). This colt showed distinct promise through greenness on debut when fourth in a 7f novice at Yarmouth last September, and he duly got off the mark at the second time of asking in a 1m maiden at Kempton the following month. He raced in midfield and was ridden to make progress inside the three-furlong marker, taking an age to get going but picking up strongly inside the final 100 yards to collar the floundering Lion Tamer and score by 1¾ lengths. Village Legend relished the extra furlong on that occasion, taking most of the home straight to unwind but doing so impressively inside the final furlong. He is bound to do better still once faced with middle distances during his second season.

UNRACED

John & Thady Gosden have the usual surfeit of unraced talent to unleash from their Clarehaven base, and a quartet of particular interest for the season ahead are Gregory (8/2 b c Golden Horn – Gretchen), a half-brother to 2022 11f 3yo Listed winner Lionel. Dam a smart 12-14.5f 3yo winner (including at Group 2/Listed level) who was a half-sister to Irish St Leger winner Duncan, Doncaster Cup winner Samuel, Listed-placed 1m 2yo winner Deirdre, useful 11.5-12f 3yo winner Alexana and 12f 3yo winners Romina and Stella Bellissima out of a 1m 3yo Listed winner/1000 Guineas fourth; Jeff Koons (11/2 b/br c Frankel – Quidura), the first foal of a Grade 1-placed German/US 8-9f winner (including at Grade 2/3 level) who was a half-sister to Italian 10f Group 1 winner Querari, German 10f 3yo Group 3 winner Quasillo and Group 2-placed 8-8.5f winner (including at Listed level) Sharja Bridge out of a German 10f Listed winner.

Lmay (8/3 b f Frankel – Alienate), a 650,000gns second foal of an unraced half-sister to St Leger winner Logician (by Frankel), US triple 9.5-12f Grade 3 winner Suffused, French 12.5f Listed winner Collide (by Frankel) and Listed-placed 7f-1m 3yo winner Battlement out of a Listed-placed 8-8.5f 3yo winner who was a half-sister to UAE 1m 1f Group 1 winner Cityscape and Group 1-placed 5-6f winner (including at Group 2/Listed level) Bated Breath; and Queen For You (13/3 b f Kingman – Fallen For You), a full sister to Group 3-placed dual 7f 2yo winner (including at Listed level) Love Is You and a half-sister to triple 7f Group 2 winner Glorious Journey. Dam a Coronation Stakes winner who was a half-sister to 1m 3yo Listed winner Fallen Idol and Group 2/Listed-placed 1m 2yo winner Fallen In Love (later dam of US 11f Grade 2 winner Serve The King (by Kingman) and French 10.5f Group 3 winner Loving Things) out of a 1m Listed winner.

French handler Henri-Alex Pantall has some nice unraced three-year-olds to go to war with this year, and a pair of particular interest are French Glory Day (23/1 ch c French Fifteen – Marina Piccola), a full brother to Grosser Preis von Berlin winner French King and 2022 French 12f Group 3/Listed winner Mutabahi. Dam a French 12f 3yo Listed winner who was a half-sister to UAE 1m Group 2 winner Military Law; and Sea Breaker (6/5 b f Cracksman – Harbour of Hope), the third foal of a useful French 10-12f 3yo winner who was a full sister to Listed-placed French 10-12f winner Khareef and a half-sister to Group 3-placed Irish 10.5f 3yo winner Regent Street, Listed-placed French 11.5-15f winner Holly Polly and useful 10-12f winner Evania out of an Irish 10f 3yo Group 2 winner.

Archie Watson has a handful of unraced three-year-olds for the forthcoming campaign, and a couple that make particular appeal are Elusive Empire (1/4 b c Territories – Elusive Galaxy), a €45,000 half-brother to 2022 Irish 12/13f 3yo Listed winner/Irish Oaks third Cairde Go Deo, very useful 7f-1m winner Afjaan and useful French 7.5-11f winner Heroine. Dam a Listed-placed Irish 6f 2yo winner; and Mojeyrr (26/4 b c Profitable – For Joy), a 110,000gns half-brother to Italian 1m Group 3 winner Victoria Regina, Irish 7f 2yo winner/2022 Irish 2000 Guineas runner-up New Energy and fairly useful 3yo winners Eyecatcher (12f) and Geizy Teizy (8.5/10f). Dam a useful French 9.5-12f winner who was a full sister to 2m Group 3 winner Gloomy Sunday and 1m 2yo Group 3 winner Abjer.

Others from various stables worth a mention are the Ed Walker-trained English Oak (3/2 b c Wootton Bassett – Forest Crown), a 200,000gns three-parts brother to 10f Group 3 winner Forest of Dean (by Iffraaj) and a half-brother to Group 2/Listed-placed French 7.5f 2yo winner Golden Crown and Group 3/Listed-placed Irish 7.5f-1m 3yo winner Rionach. Dam a Listed-placed 6-8.5f winner who was a half-sister to Racing Post Trophy winner Crowded House; Jane Chapple-Hyam’s Gemstar (22/1 b f Zoustar – Permission), a 280,000gns second foal of a 1m Listed winning half-sister to Group 1-placed multiple 5-6f winner (including at Group 3/Listed level) Cotai Glory out of an unraced sister to 6f 2yo winner/Middle Park Stakes third Huntdown and half-sister to the dam of Sun Chariot Stakes winner/1000 Guineas runner-up Saffron Beach; and the Alessandro & Giuseppe Botti-trained Golden Tornado (16/5 b c Toronado – Sleek Gold), an €85,000 half-brother to 2022 US 6.5f 3yo Grade 3 winner Ouraika and Listed-placed French 7f 3yo winners Complication and Simplicity. Dam a 10f 3yo winner who was a half-sister to Irish 7f 3yo Listed winner Prince of All.

The Owen Burrows-trained Hailey Ya Mal (4/5 gr c Dark Angel – Miranda Frost), a half-brother to Group 1-placed UK/UAE 6-9f winner (including at Listed level) Eqtiraan and Group 3-placed multiple 6-7f winner Ejitlaab. Dam an unraced half-sister to triple 5f Group 3 winner Majestic Missile; James Tate’s Majestic Warrior (8/3 ch c Churchill – Zam Zoom), a close relation to Listed-placed 10f 3yo winner Bright Approach (by New Approach) and a half-brother to 14/15.5f 3yo Listed Flat winner/very smart hurdler Nichols Canyon and Group 1-placed 9-14f winner Fujaira Prince. Dam an unraced half-sister to 10f Group 3/Listed winner Nideeb; and Charlie Appleby’s Measured Time (4/2 b c Frankel – Minidress), a brother to 2022 Breeders’ Cup Turf winner Rebel’s Romance and 7f 2yo winner Dubai Beauty and a half-brother to Listed-placed Irish 7f-1m winner Petticoat. Dam a Listed-placed 7f 2yo winning sister to UAE 14f Group 3 winner Volcanic Sky out of a Group 1-placed 7-12f winner (including at Group 3/Listed level)/Oaks third.

The Fabrice Chappet-trained Memory Road (3/4 b c Sea The Moon – Pure Song), a 300,000gns half-brother to 10f Listed winner/St Leger runner-up Romsdal and Listed-placed 7-10f 3yo winner Pure Art. Dam a maiden half-sister to French 10.5f 3yo Group 3 winner Goncharova out of an Irish Oaks winner/Oaks third; George Margarson’s Mythical Guest (18/3 b c Make Believe – Fonda), a 58,000gns half-brother to 2022 US 1m stakes winner Hamwood Flier, useful Irish dual 7f winner Klute and useful 6f 2yo winner Ribaat. Dam a once-raced maiden half-sister to Group 1-placed 6f-1m winner (including twice at Group 3 level) Layman; and Saeed Bin Suroor’s Open Road (15/5 b c Teofilo – West Wind), a full brother to 2022 French 10f 3yo Group 3 winner West Wind Blows and a half-brother to Group 3-placed 10-12f winner Setting Sail. Dam a Prix de Diane winner who was a half-sister to the dam of dual Dubai World Cup winner Thunder Snow and grandam of 2022 2000 Guineas winner Coroebus.

The Harry Eustace-trained Realised (13/4 b f Wootton Bassett – Wake Up Call), a 60,000gns close relation to 2022 7f 3yo Listed winner Snooze N You Lose (by Ribchester) and a half-sister to Group 2-placed UK/UAE 6f-1m winner (including at Listed level) Zaman. Dam a Listed-placed 6-7f winner who was a half-sister to UAE Oaks winner Tamarillo (grandam of 5/6f 2yo Group 2 winner Raffle Prize); Simon & Ed Crisford’s Rotational (23/3 b/br f Kingman – Pivotique), a three-parts sister to Group 1-placed 7f-1m winner (including at Listed level)/1000 Guineas runner-up Cloak of Spirits (by Invincible Spirit). Dam a maiden half-sister to 1m winners Subaana (3yo) and Subastar (2yo) out of an 8.5f 3yo winning close relation to Irish 2000 Guineas winner/Derby third Dubawi; and Paddy Twomey’s Run Zarak Run (26/2 ch f Zarak – Nidina), a €110,000 half-sister to French 6.5f 2yo winner Kalganov. Dam a French 10f 3yo winner who was a half-sister to Group 1-placed French 5f-1m winner (including at Group 2/3 level)/Poule d’Essai des Pouliches third Joanna (later dam of French 1m 2yo Listed winner Rafaadah, herself the dam of Prix Saint-Alary winner Tawkeel).

The Henri-Francois Devin-trained Salient Point (1/2 b f Golden Horn – Contribution), a half-sister to 2022 French 10.5f 3yo Group 3 winner Agave. Dam a Group 3-placed French 12-15f 3yo winning close relation to Group 3-placed 1m 3yo winner Entitle and half-sister to 11-time 10-12f Group/Grade 1 winner Enable; Hughie Morrison’s Surrey Belle (3/4 b f Golden Horn – Al Reem), a €61,000 half-sister to useful French 7f 3yo winner Coefficiente. Dam a useful French 12f 3yo winner who was the daughter of a Group 2/3-placed French 12f 3yo winning sister to French 12.5f 3yo Group 3 winner/Deutsches Derby runner-up Tres Blue and half-sister to German triple 2m Group 3 winner Tres Rock Danon and French 12f 3yo Listed winner Tres Rock Glory; and finally the Jack Davison-trained Yamalia Star (18/5 b f Sea The Stars – Mamonta), a full sister to Group 1-placed multiple 8-14f winner (including at Group 2/3 level) Endless Time and 3yo winners Sea of Style (12f) and The Sky Is Blazing (1m). Dam a maiden half-sister to French 12.5f 3yo Group 2 winner Mouramara.

Runner Jacket  41- ANANDA (John & Thady Gosden)
Runner Jacket  1- ARTISTIC STAR (Ralph Beckett)
Runner Jacket  1DRAGON ICON (Roger Varian)
Runner Jacket  1EMPRESS WU (David Simcock)
Runner Jacket  1EVERYTHING COUNTS (Pia & Joakim Brandt)
Runner Jacket  1- IMPERIAL EMPEROR (Charlie Appleby)
Runner Jacket  1- JANNAH ROSE (Carlos Laffon-Parias)
Runner Jacket  1- REMARQUEE (Ralph Beckett)
Runner Jacket  41- TARJEEH (Owen Burrows)
Runner Jacket  1- VALIMI (Jean-Claude Rouget)

Runner Jacket  4- AWTAAR (Patrick Owens)
Runner Jacket  5BANDERAS (Michael Bell)
Runner Jacket  2- DOCKLANDS (Harry Eustace)
Runner Jacket  9DUE DATE (Clive Cox)
Runner Jacket  2- ELEANOR CROSS (Andrew Balding)
Runner Jacket  5- ELEGANCIA (Harry & Roger Charlton)
Runner Jacket  5- ELRAAED (Owen Burrows)
Runner Jacket  5- GLOWING SKY (John & Thady Gosden)
Runner Jacket  2MISTRAL STAR (Hughie Morrison)
Runner Jacket  23MR BUSTER (Ralph Beckett)
Runner Jacket  4- PICTURE OF A CITY (Andrew Oliver)
Runner Jacket  9ROYAL CAPE (Hughie Morrison)
Runner Jacket  2- SANDY CREEK (Joseph O’Brien)
Runner Jacket  7- SIXPACK (Johnny Murtagh)
Runner Jacket  3- UP AND UNDER (Joseph O’Brien)
Runner Jacket  6WAIPIRO (Ed Walker)

Runner Jacket  51- CLOUDBREAKER (Charlie Fellowes)
Runner Jacket  1- COUPLET (Harry Eustace)
Runner Jacket  803EYETRAP (Jane Chapple-Hyam)
Runner Jacket  541- GENTLE WHINNY (Denis Coakley)
Runner Jacket  060- GIVEMEFIVE (Johnny Murtagh)
Runner Jacket  41GOLDEN PASSPORT (Ed Walker)
Runner Jacket  557- GREYSFUL STORM (Darryll Holland)
Runner Jacket  21 HADRIANUS (Charlie Johnston)
Runner Jacket  809- KAMANIKA (Joseph Parr)
Runner Jacket  066LAWMAKER (William Jarvis)
Runner Jacket  71LIEBER POWER (Andrew Balding)
Runner Jacket  655- LOVELY LADY (Keith Dalgleish)
Runner Jacket  675MARINAKIS (Ian Williams)
Runner Jacket  069- MICHAEL’S PLEDGE (John Quinn)
Runner Jacket  8664- NOBODY TOLD ME (Jedd O’Keeffe)
Runner Jacket  879- NOTTURNO (Noel Meade)
Runner Jacket  631- TAFREEJ (William Haggas)
Runner Jacket  544TORRE DEL ORO (Andrew Balding)
Runner Jacket  1TROON (Eve Johnson Houghton)
Runner Jacket  51- UNITED APPROACH (James Tate)
Runner Jacket  41 VILLAGE LEGEND (James Ferguson)

Runner Jacket  ELUSIVE EMPIRE (Archie Watson)
Runner Jacket  ENGLISH OAK (Ed Walker)
Runner Jacket  FRENCH GLORY DAY (Henri-Alex Pantall)
Runner Jacket  GEMSTAR (Jane Chapple-Hyam)
Runner Jacket  GOLDEN TORNADO (Alessandro & Giuseppe Botti)
Runner Jacket  GREGORY (John & Thady Gosden)
Runner Jacket  HAILEY YA MAL (Owen Burrows)
Runner Jacket  JEFF KOONS (John & Thady Gosden)
Runner Jacket  LMAY (John & Thady Gosden)
Runner Jacket  MAJESTIC WARRIOR (James Tate)
Runner Jacket  MEASURED TIME (Charlie Appleby)
Runner Jacket  MEMORY ROAD (Fabrice Chappet)
Runner Jacket  MOJEYRR (Archie Watson)
Runner Jacket  MYTHICAL GUEST (George Margarson)
Runner Jacket  OPEN ROAD (Saeed Bin Suroor)
Runner Jacket  QUEEN FOR YOU (John & Thady Gosden)
Runner Jacket  REALISED (Harry Eustace)
Runner Jacket  ROTATIONAL (Simon & Ed Crisford)
Runner Jacket  RUN ZARAK RUN (Paddy Twomey)
Runner Jacket  SALIENT POINT (Henri-Francois Devin)
Runner Jacket  SEA BREAKER (Henri-Alex Pantall)
Runner Jacket  SURREY BELLE (Hughie Morrison)
Runner Jacket  YAMALIA STAR (Jack Davison)

Advertisement

National Hunt Horses To Follow 2022/23

ADJOURNMENT (6 b g Court Cave – Cherry Eile (Alderbrook))
Form: 633-  Trainer: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero  Owner: Stockton Hall Farm Racing

Twice a runner-up in British point-to-points a year apart, Adjournment was picked up by current connections for £45,000. He made a pleasing start under Rules in a trio of outings last term, running on well at the death to finish sixth of 11 on his debut at Cheltenham (2m) in October before coming home in third at Wetherby (2m 3f) the following month. His third and final outing came at the beginning of December in a 2m 4f novices’ hurdle at Market Rasen when he paid the price for pushing a strong pace, leading between the final two flights but unable to see things out on the run-in. Not seen again thereafter, he was handed a handicap mark of 112 and appeals strongly as the type to do better still in that sphere, especially once sent chasing. Should stay 3m.

AMIRITE (6 b g Sholokhov – Belle Again (Shantou))
Form: 451-  Trainer: Henry de Bromhead  Owner: Patrick Hale

Having accounted for a host of subsequent winners when winning his point-to-point at Loughrea, he caught the eye on his Rules debut when finishing fourth to much-vaunted stablemate Journey With Me in a 2m 4f maiden hurdle at Leopardstown last December. Disappointing when next seen just over a couple of weeks later (beaten 11/8 favourite; checked out rather tamely after an error three out), he completed a simple task in style when routing the opposition to the tune of 30 lengths in a 2m 3f maiden hurdle at Kilbeggan in April. He has achieved a useful level of form over hurdles, but it’s once he is sent chasing that the very best of Amirite will be seen (dam an unraced half-sister to Back In Focus and herself daughter of the smart chaser Dun Belle).

ART DECCO (6 br g Dapper – Lewesdon Duchess (Alhaatmi))
Form: 494-  Trainer: Robert Walford  Owner: Buckingham, Chapman, Langford & Ritzema

A full brother to fairly useful 2m 4f jumps winner Quest For Life, this gelding showed a bit of promise on debut in a 2m 3f maiden hurdle at Chepstow last October though couldn’t build on that in an identical contest over the same course and distance the following month. However, he rounded off his first campaign with a rather more encouraging effort in a 2m 3f novices’ hurdle at Fontwell in February, never threatening to get involved but closing up come the line to take fourth behind Has Troke (beaten 11¼ lengths). His yard very much brings its younger horses along with handicaps in mind and Art Decco ought to enjoy a good deal of success in that sphere from an opening mark of 102, while chasing further down the line should also bring about further improvement.

BALLYGRIFINCOTTAGE (7 b g Stowaway – Long Long Time (Dr Massini))
Form: 314-  Trainer: Dan Skelton  Owner: Friends From Insurance

A triple point-to-point winner (in the space of a month) for Marie Harding, this gelding was far from disgraced when finishing third of six to the smart Blazing Khal in a 3m Grade 2 novice hurdle at Cheltenham on his Rules debut. He confirmed that promise when strong at the finish to deny High Stakes by 1½ lengths in a 2m 7f novices’ hurdle at Lingfield some six weeks later. Ballygrifincottage ended a pleasing first season under Rules with a fourth place finish in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in March, struggling once the tempo lifted but plugging on well in the straight and again looking an out-and-out stayer. Despite achieving a useful level of form over timber, he can hardly fail to do better still as a chaser (certainly built for that discipline). Quite whether he will have the speed/class to compete at the highest level is questionable, but races such as the Towton at Wetherby and the NH Chase back at Cheltenham next March appeal as viable long-term targets.

BARON BRIGGS (5 b g Ocovango – Off She Goes (Sadler’s Wells))
Form: 853-  Trainer: Sandy Thomson  Owner: Raymond Anderson Green

A half-brother to useful 3m-3m 1f hurdle winner My Immortal and out of a twice-raced maiden sister to Gold Cup winner Synchronised, this well-related, stoutly-bred individual hinted at ability when kept to 2m for a trio outings last term. The pick of those efforts came on his third and final outing when contesting a novices’ hurdle at Hexham in April, considerately handled and keeping on after the last to take third behind Clear White Light (beaten 19 lengths). The surface has barely been scratched with Baron Briggs, quite clearly brought along with handicaps in mind in a light campaign over a wholly inadequate trip. He ought to prove a far more competitive force in that sphere this term from a lowly opening mark of 91 and once moving up in distance.

BRIDGE NORTH (6 b g Sholokhov – What A Breeze (Naheez))
Form: 321P15-  Trainer: Henry Daly  Owner: Exors of the late Trevor Hemmings

Half-brother to several winners including 2m 4f/3m Grade 1 chase winner No More Heroes and out of an unraced half-sister to high-class staying chaser Celestial Gold and 2m 4f/3m Grade 1 hurdle winner Fiveforthree. This gelding improved with racing last season, making the frame on his first three outings – including when bumping into a well-treated Green Book on his handicap debut – before getting off the mark in a 2m 5f maiden hurdle at Ludlow in January. Pulled up with a breathing problem in the 3m Grade 2 River Don Novices’ Hurdle at Doncaster, he was operated on for that issue and duly made a winning return in a 2m 3f novices’ hurdle at Bangor despite an indifferent round of jumping. He signed off his first campaign with a creditable fifth place finish behind Gelino Bello in the 3m Grade 1 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree, waited with and unable to muster the pace to challenge. While all eyes will be on stablemate Hillcrest as he switches to fences, Bridge North shouldn’t be forgotten himself as he has all the ingredients to make up into a useful chaser.

CAPTAIN QUINT (6 b g Flemensfirth – Vics Miller (Old Vic))
Form: 13-  Trainer: Rose Dobbin  Owner: Mr & Mrs Duncan Davidson

Picked up for £110,000 after chasing home Guily Billy in a point-to-point at Tinahely in October 2020, he made a winning start to his career under Rules in a 2m novices’ hurdle at Hexham last November, travelling powerfully and asserting on the run-in after an extravagant leap at the final flight. He was unable to follow up under a penalty in a 2m 6f novices’ hurdle at Newcastle the following month, a couple of sloppy jumps (including at the final flight) not helping his cause albeit still recording a solid effort in defeat. Captain Quint was always going to make better chaser, very much having the pedigree (dam a half-sister to Kymandjen and Maljimar) and physique for that discipline, and it’d be disappointing if he couldn’t reach a useful level in the novice chase division.

COME ON GRUFF (6 b g Mahler – Annie Grit (Bach))
Form: 4/3161-  Trainer: Tom George  Owner: N T Griffith & H M Haddock

The winner of an all-weather bumper before finishing fourth to Jonbon at Newbury, Come On Gruff built on an encouraging hurdling debut third to Young Butler at Chepstow last December with victory in a 2m 4f maiden event at Uttoxeter the following month. Unable to land a blow when a well-held sixth on his handicap debut at Doncaster in January, he appeared to relish the step up to 2m 5f under testing conditions when landing a novices’ handicap hurdle at Ludlow in early March, strong at the finish. Typically for one by this sire, Come On Gruff looks sure to progress further still over fences this season, shaping as though 3m will prove an optimum test in time.

DELTA RUN (5 b g Ocovango – Curragheen (Sadler’s Wells))
Form: 421-  Trainer: Richard Bandey  Owner: Wendy & Malcolm Hazel

A half-brother to Listed-placed dual 2m hurdle/3m chase winner Theclockisticking who improved by the run in bumpers last season, shaping like the stayer he’s bred to be when fourth on debut at Worcester and finding only Benign Dictator too good at Uttoxeter. He came good at the third time of asking when edging out Red Windsor in a 2m 2f bumper at Plumpton in December, attempting to make all and rallying well having been headed to score by a neck. The fact he achieved as much as he did in bumpers bodes incredibly well for his future prospects, bred to relish a stamina test over obstacles (out of a sister to Gold Cup winner Synchronised). His trainer enjoyed a stellar 2021/22 campaign, but Delta Run was his first ever bumper winner, which further underlines this gelding’s potential for 2m 4f+ novice hurdles this season.

EAST STREET (6 b g Mores Wells – Serpentine Mine (Rashar))
Form: 12731-  Trainer: Sue Smith  Owner: Exors of the late Trevor Hemmings

Twice-raced in points (chased home the useful Arizona Cardinal on the second occasion), this gelding enjoyed a solid first campaign under Rules. He made a winning start in a 2m novices’ hurdle at Wetherby last November, rallying well having been headed between the final two flights to lead again close home. Put firmly in his place by Since Day One in a similar event at Newcastle next time, he was badly hampered by a faller at the second flight on his handicap debut at Catterick before running well when staying on into third in a similar event at Haydock. He signed off with victory in a 2m 4f handicap hurdle at Hexham in April, racing exuberantly close up and looking in control turning for home but forced to fight to see off Foster’sisland by 1¾ lengths. As is typical for one representing these connections, it is only when tackling 3m+ over fences that East Street will reach his full potential, with it encouraging that he was able to show a decent level of form over hurdles last season.

FENLAND TIGER (6 ch g Schiaparelli – La Calinda (Presenting))
Form: 98307-  Trainer: Sam England  Owner: J C England and Valerie Beattie

Having shaped like the stayer he’s bred to be in a pair of bumpers at Uttoxeter and Newcastle, it was much the same story in a trio of 2m novice/maiden hurdles (all in January) at Catterick and Wetherby (twice), dropped out and uncompetitive on each occasion. Handed an opening mark of 89 and quite clearly rushed through the qualification process, it isn’t difficult to envisage much better forthcoming from Fenland Tiger in handicap company over 2m 4f+ this term. He has plenty about him physically and should make a chaser.

FINAL ENCORE (5 b g Dunaden – Act Three (Beat Hollow))
Form: 71-  Trainer: Hughie Morrison  Owner: Mouse Hamilton-Fairley

A half-brother to smart 2m 3f-3m hurdle winner (including at Grade 2/3 level) Third Wind who was sent off a 5/1 chance for his debut in a bumper at Wincanton on Boxing Day, but he was unable to sustain a move from the rear of the field and could only manage seventh. However, he had clearly learned a good deal from that experience as he landed a similar contest at Taunton when next seen in April, coming from a fair way back and sustaining a strong challenge throughout the final furlong which carried him into the lead close home, scoring by ¾ length from Holetown Hero. It is worth noting that his illustrious sibling failed to win his bumper before making up into a smart hurdler, and there’s no reason to believe Final Encore won’t himself have a good amount of improvement to come for the move into novice hurdles/up in trip.

GARS DE SCEAUX (6 gr g Saddler Maker – Replique (April Night))
Form: 211/9-  Trainer: Gordon Elliott  Owner: John P McManus

A winning pointer who built on a promising hurdling bow to land a 2m 4f maiden hurdle at Navan back in January 2021 in determined fashion, and he followed that with an effortless 9-length win in a 2m 7f novices’ hurdle at the same venue six weeks later. His only outing last term came in a 2m 5f beginners chase at Fairyhouse in December, sitting in behind the leaders and needing to be cajoled away from the odd fence but yet to be asked for an effort when clipping the top of the third last, soon done with and finishing a well-beaten ninth behind Stattler. It is interesting that he was scheduled to run in a Grade 2 hurdle back there in April (withdrawn on account of the ground), indicating connections very much wanted to preserve his novice chase status for this season. Bred on the same cross/hailing from the family as very smart staying chaser Bristol de Mai, it’s hoped that Gars de Sceaux can get a clearer run this time around and make up for lost time in staying novice/handicap chases.

GEORDIES DREAM (7 gr g Geordieland – Dream Leader (Supreme Leader))
Form: 1/2305-  Trainer: Pauline Robson  Owner: John Wade

This gelding made a winning start to his career in a bumper at Kelso last April, coming with a strong run late in the day to score by a length from Dixieland Swing. He found one too good on his return under a penalty in a bumper at Ayr some seven months later but was unable to land a telling blow on his hurdling bow at Newcastle the following month. Having dropped away tamely in a 2m 4f maiden hurdle at Ayr another two months on, he shaped with a little more promise in a novice hurdle over the same trip at Newcastle in April, travelling well and making good progress until screwing over the third last flight and fading thereafter. Handed a mark of 100 for handicaps, Geordie Dream ought to make more of an impact in that sphere, while a switch to chasing at some stage should also bring forth further improvement (has smart chasers Cloudy Dream and Get Real close up in his pedigree).

GINGER MAIL (6 gr g Sinndar – Queenly Mail (Medaaly))
Form: 285U1-  Trainer: Nick Alexander  Owner: Mrs David Coltman & Mrs J Douglas Miller

Half-brother to four winners, notably useful 2m-2m 2f hurdle/very useful 2m chase winner Elvis Mail, out of a maiden half-sister to French 2m 2f Listed hurdle winner True Love Mail. This nicely-bred gelding showed a similar level of form in a pair of bumpers and shaped with some promise on his hurdling debut at Ayr in early January, briefly looking a threat on the outer between the final two flights. Looking set to win when unseating the rider at the penultimate flight at Kelso a month later, he got off the mark in impressive fashion in a 2m novices’ hurdle at Doncaster a further 20 days on, travelling powerfully and merely pushed clear on the flat to score by 10 lengths from Ridgeway. Ginger Mail has been learning by the run and remains open to improvement, especially where handicap hurdles are concerned from an opening mark of 114.

HARBOUR LAKE (6 br g Shantou – Aibrean (Winged Love))
Form: 11B1-  Trainer: Alan King  Owner: Exors of the late Trevor Hemmings

This nicely-bred gelding made a successful start to his career in a 2m novices’ hurdle at Wetherby last October, finishing strongly to pull 4½ lengths clear of Guardino. He was again strong at the finish when dispatching Ritson to the tune of 11 lengths in a similar event over the same course and distance two months later, though his inexperience was apparently holding him back (typically keen, made errors) when brought down at the final flight on his hat-trick bid in a 2m 3f Listed event at Huntingdon. However, he signed off his first season with an impressive victory from a mark of 126 in a 2m 3f handicap hurdle at Bangor in March, never too far away and challenging at the last where he was untidy but coming off better than runner-up Jungle Jack who was also clumsy, eventually drawing 3¾ lengths clear of that rival. For all he will need to brush up on his jumping and curb his keen-going tendencies, Harbour Lake is unquestionably one to follow over fences this season, though there’s certainly a good handicap hurdle in him this winter from his revised mark of 130 if kept to timber.

NETYWELL (5 b g Willywell – Netova (Network))
Form: 4/4241-  Trainer: Lucinda Russell  Owner: County Set Five, K Hunter & P Russell

Of little account on pedigree, this gelding shaped nicely on his sole outing in bumpers and confirmed that promise in a handful of outings over timber last term. Having chased home Livelifetothemax in a 2m maiden hurdle at Ayr in early January, he followed that with a good fourth place finish in a well-contested 2m 1f novices’ hurdle at Carlisle the following month, losing his hind legs at the final flight but sticking the task on the run-in. He registered his first success in a 2m maiden hurdle at Wetherby a further month on, travelling best and kept up to his work on the flat (displayed a slightly ungainly head carriage) to come home 5½ lengths clear of an admittedly nondescript bunch. A sizeable individual, Netywell will surely do better still over fences if asked to tackle that discipline this season, though he’s undoubtedly capable of making his mark in handicap hurdles from an initial rating of 111.

O’TOOLE (6 ch g Mahler – On Galley Head (Zaffaran))
Form: 1/2143-  Trainer: Stuart Crawford  Owner: Simon Munir & Isaac Souede

An extremely impressive debut winner of a bumper at Fairyhouse last February, he followed that with a creditable second place finish to Kilcruit in a Grade 1 at Punchestown a couple of months later. He was a comfortable winner on his hurdling debut in a 2m 1f maiden event at Down Royal on Boxing Day but proved a disappointment under a penalty 2m 3f novices’ hurdle at Naas in February, coming home a well-held fourth behind Journey With Me. He rounded off his campaign with a third place finish in a 2m 4f handicap hurdle at Down Royal a month later, again shaping like one in need of a stiffer test of stamina. The surface has barely been scratched with O’Toole, campaigned sensibly over hurdles last term despite having achieved a high level of form in bumpers. The solid foundations laid to date ought to bear fruit over fences this term, particularly once tackling trips in excess of 2m 4f, though there ought to be a handicap hurdle in him from his current mark of 123.

ONEWAYORTOTHER (4 b g Great Pretender – Betwixt (Sinndar))
Form: 1-  Trainer: Toby Lawes  Owner: Andrew & Sarah Wates

Although from an old Juddmonte family, he is a half-brother to the useful but sadly ill-fated jumper Golden Boy Grey. That Flat lineage came to the fore as Onewayortother made a winning start to his career in a bumper at Kempton in February (strong 9/4 chance), travelling strongly in behind the leader and working his way through greenness upon hitting the front to eventually finish 5 lengths clear of Itso Fury. Although it wasn’t a particularly strong race, the visual impression Onewayortother created in justifying strong pre-race market support was a deep one, sealing matters readily despite initial signs of inexperience off the bridle/once hitting the front. For all another bumper under a penalty would be well within his capabilities, he has the basic materials to make up into an above-average 2m novice hurdler this term for his burgeoning stable.

PARC D’AMOUR (5 b g Walk In The Park – Mal d’Amour (Flemensfirth))
Form: 1-  Trainer: Kim Bailey  Owner: The Strollers

€60,000 third foal of an unraced half-sister to 3m Grade 1 hurdle winner More of That, 2m Grade 2 hurdle winner Santenay and 2m 5f Grade 3 chase winner Eastlake. This well-bred gelding made a winning start to his career in a bumper at Doncaster in March, tracking the pace and intermittently showing signs of inexperience. He moved through smoothly to dispute the running over two furlongs out, soon ridden and taking a while to assert his authority, responding well inside the final furlong to edge ahead close home and see off Ohnodonttakemehome by 1½ lengths. Parc d’Amour looked far from the finished article first time out, niggled to hold his position on the odd occasion and taking a while to seal matters, all very much in keeping with his pedigree. Bred to stay at least 2m 4f and come into his own over obstacles, he ought to enjoy a fruitful novice hurdling campaign.

PIAFF BUBBLES (6 b/br g Fame And Glory – Liss Na Tintri (Presenting))
Form: 63/U7-  Trainer: Rebecca Menzies  Owner: Titanium Racing Club

From the marvellous family of Liss A Paoraigh, this gelding always had something of a reputation when based with Tom Lacey but fell short of living up to expectations. Not best placed when sixth/beaten favourite on debut in a bumper at Plumpton, he performed with credit when third at Warwick next time out, running on well having been hampered on the approach to the home straight. His hurdling campaign last season was a truncated one, hesitating and getting rid of his rider at the third flight on his debut at Exeter in November before finishing seventh of 17 at Lingfield in a similar event three weeks later (both over 2m). Not seen again thereafter, he was picked up by current connections for £16,000 in May. It’s a switch that could paid dividends as the Rebecca Menzies yard has enjoyed multiple success stories with cast-offs from other yards, and it would be something of a surprise if Piaff Bubbles wasn’t a far more competitive force in 2m 4f+ handicap hurdles this term.

PURE SIRLOIN (4 ch g Shantou – Shedan (Perpendicular))
Form: 0890-  Trainer: Gavin Cromwell  Owner: Flooring Porter Syndicate

Full brother to useful Irish 2m 2f-3m hurdle/useful 2m 3f chase winner Jimmy Two Times and out of an unraced half-sister to Irish 3m 1f Grade 2 chase winner The Midnight Club. This gelding was kept to 2m for four maiden hurdles last term (all of which came within the space of six weeks), dropped out and uncompetitive each time but not knocked about on any occasion. He has quite clearly been brought along with handicaps in mind and an opening mark of 102 will allow Pure Sirloin to begin at a realistic level in that sphere. His pedigree alone suggests he’ll prove better than that initial rating (also bred to make his mark over fences, with smart chaser Toby Tobias further back on the page), while distances in the range of 2m 4f-3m ought to elicit improvement.

RARE EDITION (5 b g Califet – Quaspia (Fragrant Mix))
Form: 1-  Trainer: Charlie Longsdon  Owner: Pay The Bill Syndicate

A half-brother to Irish 2m 6f Grade 2 chase winner Pencilfulloflead who was picked up by current connections for £45,000 following a second place finish to subsequent wide-margin bumper winner Kalanisi Star in a point-to-point at Corbeagh House last December (subsequent Punchestown bumper winner Path d’Oroux back in fifth). Rare Edition gave that form a boost himself when making a winning start under Rules in a bumper at Southwell in April, tanking along close up and taking over two furlongs out, taking a little while to assert but doing so inside the final furlong to run out a ready 2-length winner over Itso Fury. It bodes well for Rare Edition’s future prospects that he was able to win a bumper in such convincing style, very much bred to want a stiffer test over obstacles (hails from a good jumping family that contains the likes of Cepage, Notre Pere and Osana). He ought to make a significant impact in the novice hurdling division this term, highly likely to require further than 2m before too long.

SPORTING ACE (6 b g Shantou – Knockbounce View (Old Vic))
Form: 521-1  Trainer: Neil King  Owner: Ken Lawrence & Roy Mousley

From the good jumping family of Our Vic, Siegemaster and Emperor’s Choice, this gelding shaped well on his sole outing in points when chasing home the promising Grangeclare West in a race packed full of subsequent Rules winners. He was bought for £90,000 and shaped well in bumpers, improving with each run and making it third time lucky when getting up late to deny Master Chewy at Chepstow in February. He made a winning start to his hurdling career when landing a 3m 1f maiden contest at Warwick three months later, dominating from the outset and jumping accurately as he coasted home to a 5½-length victory. Far sterner tests lie ahead for Sporting Ace but it’s all been positive to this point and, bearing in mind his pedigree, the best is surely yet to come. It’s not outlandish to think he could make up into a contender for something like the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham come March.

WEVEALLBEENCAUGHT (5 b g Getaway – Curvacious (Anshan))
Form: 1-  Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies  Owner: Jimmy & Susie Wenman Edward & Jane James

This gelding was picked up for £210,000 following victory on his sole outing in the point-to-point sphere at Dromahane last December, clearing away on the flat to score by 3 lengths. He also made a winning start under Rules in a bumper at Newbury in March, waited with and racing exuberantly in midfield, caught a little cold as the modest tempo finally lifted in the home straight. However, he soon found full flow to take up the running passing the two-furlong marker and responded well for pressure inside the final furlong to see off fellow six-figure point recruit Collectors Item by half a length. It’s to Weveallbeencaught’s immense credit that he was able to win at all, still green and also unsuited by the way the race unfolded, proving strong at the finish. A sizeable individual, he ought to reach a good level in 2m 4f+ novice hurdles this season.

UNRACED

BROOMHILL ROAD (3 b g Shirocco – Ussee (Vangelis))
Trainer: Alan King  Owner: J Law  Sales price: €32,000 (Highflyer/A King)

Second foal of a maiden half-sister to Grade 2/Listed-placed bumper/Grade 3-placed dual 2m hurdle winner Montbazon and useful 2m 3f-2m 5f hurdle winner Valleres out of a French 2m winner who was a half-sister to French 2m 2f Grade 3 hurdle/2m 7f Grade 3 chase winner Saute Au Bois.

GLOBAL BRIEF (4 b f Aizavoski – Grand Diem (Trans Island))
Trainer: Noel Meade  Owner: Global Brief Syndicate  Sales price: n/a

Third foal of a maiden half-sister to bumper/smart multiple 2m hurdle (including at Grade 2/Listed level)/smart 2m-2m 3f chase (including at Grade 1 level) winner Hardline, bumper/Grade 1-placed 2m hurdle winner Whatdeawant (by Aizavoski) and bumper/dual 2m hurdle winner Sangha River out of a bumper winning sister to Grade 2 bumper winner Crocodiles Rock and the dam of Grade 3/Listed bumper winner The Model Kingdom (by Aizavoski).

IL MAGNIFICO (4 b g Spanish Moon – Unique Star (Khalkevi))
Trainer: Anthony Honeyball  Owner: Ms Gill Langford  Sales price: £26,000 (Anthony Honeyball)

Half-brother to dual bumper/2m 5f hurdle winner Fifrelet. Dam a French 11-13.5f winner who was a half-sister to bumper/Grade 3-placed 2m-3m hurdle/Grade 3-placed 3m chase winner Tony Star and the grandam of French 2m 3f Grade 2 hurdle winner, French 2m 3f Grade 3 hurdle winner Atuvuedenuo and French 2m 2f Listed hurdle winner Biendenuo.

ILESTDANCINGSPIRIT (4 ch g Coastal Path – Une d’Ex (Brier Creek))
Trainer: Jonjo O’Neill  Owner: The Magic Circle Partnership  Sales price: €42,000 (Stroud Coleman/Jonjo O’Neill)

Half-brother to Irish bumper/2m hurdle winner Festival d’Ex and bumper/2m-2m 5f hurdle winner Good Look Charm. Dam a maiden half-sister to French 2m 3f hurdle/Listed-placed 2m 5f-2m 7f chase winner Azrou d’Ex and the dam of Irish bumper/2m hurdle winner Happy d’Ex, family of bumper winners Fine Brunello, Gazelle d’Authie and Tabac Brun.

JAVERT ALLEN (3 ch g No Risk At All – Une Epoque (Dom Alco))
Trainer: Jane Williams  Owner: HoltMacnabbRobinsonMiltonTuckerWeedon  Sales price: n/a

Half-brother to Grade 3-placed 2m 5f hurdle/2m 3f chase winner Gladiateur Allen. Dam a 2m 5f Grade 3 chase winner who was a half-sister to 2m hurdle/Grade 1-placed 2m-2m 7f chase (including three times at Grade 2 level) winner Eldorado Allen, bumper/2m 2f hurdle/useful 2m 2f-4m 1f chase winner Auvergnat and the dam of Grade 1 bumper/hurdle/chase winner Envoi Allen.

JERISK STAR (3 b g No Risk At All – Tulipe Star (East of Heaven))
Trainer: Elizabeth Doyle  Owner: Jerisk Star Partnership  Sales price: n/a

Half-brother to French multiple bumper winner (including twice at Grade 3 level) Harmonie Star, Grade 3-placed French dual bumper winner Inedit Star and French dual bumper winner Star Flight. Dam a maiden half-sister to French triple bumper/2m 1f-2m 5f chase winner Balki Win and French multiple bumper winner Utoni Star out of a maiden half-sister to bumper/Grade 3-placed 2m-3m hurdle/Grade 3-placed 3m chase winner Tony Star.

JERSEY GEM (3 b/br f Mount Nelson – Rose Revived (Midnight Legend))
Trainer: Oliver Sherwood  Owner: A Taylor  Sales price: £32,000 (Highflyer/Oliver Sherwood)

Second foal of a bumper/2m 4f hurdle winner who was a full sister to bumper/2m 3f hurdle/Grade 2-placed 2m 3f-2m 5f chase winner Twelve Roses and bumper/2m-2m 5f hurdle winner Cinderella Rose and a half-sister to Grade 2-placed bumper/Listed-placed 2m hurdle winner Peking Rose and three other winners (all of whom scored in bumpers) out of a bumper winning half-sister to smart jumpers Cardinal Red, Frosty Canyon and Ringaroses.

L’ALLIER (3 b/br g Balko – La Romanee (Robin des Champs))
Trainer: Gavin Cromwell  Owner: Gavin Cromwell Racing Limited  Sales price: €26,000 (Galtrim BS)

Half-brother to French 2m 1f-2m 2f chase winner Le Bearn and French 2m 1f hurdle winner Le Corrizen. Dam an unraced half-sister to high-class jumpers Gevrey Chambertin, Grands Crus and Le Richebourg and useful Irish 2m hurdle winner Le Musigny out of an unraced half-sister to Scottish Grand National winner Al Co and the grandam of high-class chaser Al Boum Photo.

LADY CARO (4 b f Soldier of Fortune – Springinherstep (Saddlers’ Hall))
Trainer: Emma Lavelle  Owner: Alison & Tony Millett & Charles Dingwall  Sales price: €55,000 (Gerry Hogan Bloodstock)

Closely related to dual bumper winner Firestep (by Mahler) and a half-sister to bumper winner Lightfoot Lady. Dam a bumper/useful dual 2m hurdle winner who was a sister to useful 2m 3f hurdle winner Truckers Hall and closely related to dual bumper/2m 4f hurdle winner Oathkeeper out of an unraced half-sister to the dam of bumper/useful 2m-2m 1f Listed hurdle/2m 1f Listed chase winner Stephanie Frances, family of Grade 2/Listed-placed bumper winner Miss Lamb.

LARGY RAY (4 b g Westerner – Debut (Presenting))
Trainer: Stuart Crawford  Owner: Raymond Scullion/Martin McGrogan  Sales price: €30,000 (Largy Bloodstock)

Half-brother to 2m hurdle/useful 2m-2m 5f chase winner A Little Magic, useful Irish 2m hurdle winner Largy Debut and Irish bumper/2m hurdle winner Pride of The Braid. Dam a bumper winner who was a half-sister to Irish 2m 4f hurdle/useful dual 2m 4f chase winner Go All The Way and Irish bumper/2m 4f hurdle/useful 2m 6f chase winner Dont Tell No One (by Westerner).

NORMAN FLETCHER (3 ch g No Risk At All – Hiho Silver Lining (Silver Patriarch))
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies  Owner: N A Twiston-Davies  Sales price: £21,000 (Nigel Twiston-Davies)

Half-brother to dual bumper/2m-2m 2f hurdle winner Super Six and 2m 6f-3m chase winner Cardboard Gangster. Dam a point-to-point winner who was a half-sister to smart triple bumper (including at Grade 2 level)/useful 3m hurdle/12f-2m 4f Flat winner Secret Ploy and bumper winner The Thunderer.

SAMAZUL (4 b g Blue Bresil – Samandara (Kris))
Trainer: Ben Pauling  Owner: OAP III  Sales price: €110,000 (Highflyer Bloodstock)

Half-brother to 2m 4f-2m 6f hurdle/Listed-placed 2m 4f-3m chase winner Warriors Tale, Listed-placed dual bumper winner Flying Sara, bumper/2m 5f hurdle winner Samarquand and two other winners. Dam a French 8-11f winner who was a half-sister to smart 2m hurdler Samapour.

SILENT AUCTION (3 b f Blue Bresil – Odello (King’s Theatre))
Trainer: Toby Lawes  Owner: Eventmasters Racing  Sales price: £20,000 (Simon Christian)

First foal of a bumper winner who was the daughter of an unraced half-sister to several winners, notably dual bumper/smart 2m-2m 5f hurdle (including at twice at Listed level)/Grade 3-placed 2m 4f chase winner Banjaxed Girl (later dam of 2m Listed hurdle winner Kid Commando) and bumper/Grade 3/Listed-placed 2m 5f hurdle winner La Marianne (dam of 2m 4f Listed chase winner Maire Banrigh).

SOLDIER AT ARMS (4 ch g Soldier of Fortune – Hear The Thunder (Presenting))
Trainer: Rebecca Menzies  Owner: John Wade  Sales price: €52,000 (Park Farm)

Second foal of a maiden sister to dual bumper/very smart 2m-2m 5f hurdle (including three times at Grade 1 level)/high-class 2m-2m 7f chase (including at Grade 1 level) winner Yorkhill out of an unraced half-sister to four-time 2m 4f/3m Grade 1 chase winner The Listener, 3m Grade 2 chase winner Distant Thunder and 3m Grade 3 chase winners Fork Lightning and Offshore Account.

SURREY FORTUNE (3 b g Soldier of Fortune – Brog Beanri (Flemensfirth))
Trainer: Billy Aprahamian  Owner: Surrey Racing (SFo)  Sales price: £35,000 (Jerry McGrath/Billy Aprahamian)

Third foal of a once-raced maiden half-sister to smart triple bumper (including at Grade 2/Listed level)/very useful multiple 2m hurdle winner Knappers Hill, useful 2m 5f-3m hurdle/Grade 1-placed triple 2m 4f chase (including twice at Listed level) winner Rene’s Girl, useful 13f-2m 1f Flat/very useful 2m-2m 4f hurdle winner Swamp Fox and bumper/2m-2m 3f hurdle winner Alrightjack.

633- ADJOURNMENT (Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero)
451- AMIRITE (Henry de Bromhead)
494- ART DECCO (Robert Walford)
314- BALLYGRIFINCOTTAGE (Dan Skelton)
853- BARON BRIGGS (Sandy Thomson)
321P15- BRIDGE NORTH (Henry Daly)
13- CAPTAIN QUINT (Rose Dobbin)
4/3161- COME ON GRUFF (Tom George)
421- DELTA RUN (Richard Bandey)
12731- EAST STREET (Sue Smith)
98307- FENLAND TIGER (Sam England)
71- FINAL ENCORE (Hughie Morrison)
211/9- GARS DE SCEAUX (Gordon Elliott)
1/2305- GEORDIES DREAM (Pauline Robson)
285U1- GINGER MAIL (Nick Alexander)
11B1- HARBOUR LAKE (Alan King)
4/4241- NETYWELL (Lucinda Russell)
1/2143- O’TOOLE (Stuart Crawford)
1- ONEWAYORTOTHER (Toby Lawes)
1- PARC D’AMOUR (Kim Bailey)
63/U7- PIAFF BUBBLES (Rebecca Menzies)
0890- PURE SIRLOIN (Gavin Cromwell)
1- RARE EDITION (Charlie Longsdon)
521-1 SPORTING ACE (Neil King)
1- WEVEALLBEENCAUGHT (Nigel Twiston-Davies)

BROOMHILL ROAD (Alan King)
GLOBAL BRIEF (Noel Meade)
IL MAGNIFICO (Anthony Honeyball)
ILESTDANCINGSPIRIT (Jonjo O’Neill)
JAVERT ALLEN (Jane Williams)
JERISK STAR (Elizabeth Doyle)
JERSEY GEM (Oliver Sherwood)
L’ALLIER (Gavin Cromwell)
LADY CARO (Emma Lavelle)
LARGY RAY (Stuart Crawford)
NORMAN FLETCHER (Nigel Twiston-Davies)
SAMAZUL (Ben Pauling)
SILENT AUCTION (Toby Lawes)
SOLDIER AT ARMS (Rebecca Menzies)
SURREY FORTUNE (Billy Aprahamian)

Image: Francesca Altoft

In loving memory of Cyril E. Briden (1931-2022)

Three-Year-Olds To Follow 2022

PATTERN CLASS

BLUE BOAT (b c Frankel – Blue Waltz)
Form: 21-  Trainer: Francis-Henri Graffard  Owner: Exors of The Late K Abdullah

450,000gns second foal of a useful triple 10f winner who was a half-sister Group 1-placed UK/US 6-9.5f winner (including at Group/Grade 3 level)/Poule d’Essai des Pouliches third Fantasia (later dam of 10f 3yo Group 3 winner Berlin Tango), Irish 12f Group 3 winner Pink Symphony and the dam of French 10f 3yo Group 2 winner Western Hymn. This well-related colt confirmed the promise of his debut second at Deauville (7.5f) last August with victory in a 1m contest at Saint-Cloud a month later, moving through to lead approaching the final furlong and holding off Dreamflight to prevail by a short head. Blue Boat didn’t need to improve on his debut effort to get the job done last time, impressing with how he travelled and got to the lead but rather forced to hold on in the end. However, the form of both his runs to date reads very well, as does his pedigree – his dam related to several at least smart performers, while he’s bred on the same Frankel/Pivotal cross as top-flight winners Cracksman, Veracious and Wild Beauty.

EBBA (b f Medaglia d’Oro – Ebiyza)
Form: 1-  Trainer: Francis-Henri Graffard  Owner: H H Aga Khan

Half-sister to Group 1-placed French 10-12f winner (including at Group 2/3 level) Ebaiyra and Group 2/3-placed French/US 10-11f winner (including at Listed level) Edisa. Dam a French 12.5f 3yo Group 2 winner from the excellent family of Ebadiya, Ebadiyla, Enzeli and Estimate. This filly made a successful to her career for the now-retired Alain de Royer Dupre in a 1m 1f fillies’ maiden at Fontainebleau last November (28/10 chance), close up from the outset off a sedate gallop, shaken up to lead approaching the final furlong and nicely on top at the line as she saw off Lindura by 1¾ lengths. The lack of any appreciable pace until the home straight rather masked this filly’s superiority, requiring just one slap with the whip to go clear inside the final furlong. Ebba could hardly have more to recommend her on pedigree, and it’d be most disappointing if she couldn’t prove herself capable of securing black type at the very least in 2022.

ELDAR ELDAROV (b c Dubawi – All At Sea)
Form: 1-  Trainer: Roger Varian  Owner: KHK Racing Ltd

£480,000 half-brother to Listed-placed 8-10f 3yo winner A La Voile. Dam a French triple 10/10.5f Listed winner who was a close relation to 12.5f Listed winner Alignak and a half-sister to 11f 3yo Group 3/Listed winner Algometer and German 2m 3f Listed winner Alwilda (later dam of German triple 12f Group 1 winner Alpinista). This colt made a winning start to his career in an 8.5f maiden at Nottingham last October (13/8 market leader), never too far off the pace and moving through stylishly to lead over two furlongs out, running green out in front but drawing clear to score by 5 lengths over Janoobi. For all he came through the breeze-up process, Eldar Eldarov is very much bred to improve with age/racing, visibly green once hitting the front but still able to put distance between himself and the remainder of the field whilst clocking the fastest time of the four races run over the extended mile on the card. Quite whether he’ll stay much further than 10f remains to be seen given his exuberance on debut, but he is an exciting prospect whatever his stamina requirements.

MIGHTY ULYSSES (b c Ulysses – Token of Love)
Form: 1-  Trainer: John & Thady Gosden  Owner: Saeed Suhail

170,000gns third foal of a 1m 3yo Listed winner who was the daughter of a half-sister to Coronation Stakes winner Rebecca Sharp, Cheshire Oaks winner Hidden Hope (later dam of Ribblesdale Stakes winner/Oaks third Frankly Darling) and the dam of Derby/Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Golden Horn. This colt’s sole outing at two was a successful one in a 1m maiden at Yarmouth last September (9/4 chance), slowly away and waited with off a moderate gallop, easing into things over two furlongs out and bursting clear once asked for his effort approaching the furlong pole, scoring by 3¼ lengths from Ingleton. For all the level of form is likely nothing more than ordinary, Mighty Ulysses impressed with the manner in which he sealed matters, doing well to put as much distance between himself and his rivals given the steadily-run nature of the race. He hails from a talented family that excels with time/racing and which has served this stable with distinction, and it would be no surprise to see this colt make significant progress over middle distances during his second season.

NEW DIMENSION (b c Ulysses – Azhar)
Form: 1-  Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute  Owner: Flaxman Stables Ireland Ltd

120,000gns second foal of a 6f 2yo winner who was the daughter of an unraced sister to Breeders’ Cup Mile winner Domedriver and half-sister to French 10f Group 3 winner Tau Ceti and the grandam of Prix Marcel Boussac winner Albigna. This colt made a winning start to his career in a 7f novice event at Leicester last September (9/2 chance), slowly away and showing signs of inexperience at the rear of the field, picking up well with over two furlongs left to run and sustaining his run to lead close home and edge out Carbon by a head. New Dimension deserves plenty of credit for overcoming greenness to run down a pair of next-time-out winners who boasted previous experience, all without being asked for maximum effort. It is hard to believe this colt won’t leave the bare form of that debut effort well behind this term, when he’ll stay at least 1m.

NEW LONDON (b c Dubawi – Bright Beacon)
Form: 1-  Trainer: Charlie Appleby  Owner: Godolphin

Full brother to Group 2/3-placed dual 7f 2yo winner (including at Listed level) Al Dabaran. Dam a maiden three-parts sister to French 10.5f 3yo Group 3 winner Waldlerche (later dam of Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Waldgeist and French 12f 3yo Group 2 winner Waldlied) and half-sister to St Leger winner Masked Marvel. This colt made a winning start to his career in a 10f maiden at Newmarket last October (5/2 favourite), slowly away and in rear, pushed along with over half a mile left to run and running green but knuckling down really well inside the final furlong, picking up strongly to lead close home and score by a neck from Soul Stopper. New London looked all about stamina on debut, needing just about every yard of the ten-furlong trip on rain-softened ground. He is bred to excel at three and beyond, sure to appreciate middle distances and likely even further than that in time, appealing as the type to make up into a contender for something like the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot in June.

SHAARA (b f Shamardal – Yasmeen)
Form: 1-  Trainer: John & Thady Gosden  Owner: Shadwell Estate Company Ltd

Third foal of a Listed-placed 7f 3yo winning close relation to 7f 2yo Listed winner Mudaaraah and half-sister to Group 3/Listed-placed dual 7f winner/Poule d’Essai des Poulains fourth Muwaary, 6f 3yo Listed winner Ethaara (later dam of 1m 3yo Listed winner Etaab) and 7f 2yo Listed winner Sudoor (later dam of French 10.5f 3yo Group 3 winner Raseed). This well-related filly made a successful start to her career in a 1m fillies’ novice event at Yarmouth last October (12/1 chance), missing the break and in rear, switched right and making good progress from the two furlong marker, leading entering the final furlong and fending off stablemate A Cappella to score by neck. For all Shaara hails from a good family with a fine first-time-out record, her debut victory owed little to know-how having missed the break badly and then being forced to overcome traffic problems, finishing off strongly to prevail. The bare form of that debut is difficult to rate highly, but Shaara appeals as the type to improve with racing during her second season. May not want much further than 1m if her pedigree’s any guide.

TOSEN LYDIA (b f The Gurkha – Early Addition)
Form: 1-  Trainer: Joseph O’Brien  Owner: Takaya Shimakawa

Second foal of an unraced half-sister to 1000 Guineas/Oaks winner Love, dual 6f 2yo Group 2 winner Lucky Kristale, Irish 12f 3yo Group 3 winner Flattering and Irish 14f 3yo Listed winner Peach Tree. This well-related filly made a successful start to her career in a 1m fillies’ maiden at Bellewstown last July (11/2 chance), racing a little worse than midfield until making good progress over two furlongs out, weaving her way through in the straight to lead inside the final 100 yard and run out an authoritative 1¾-length winner from Cyclamen. That proved to be her only appearance of the season but she could hardly have created a deeper impression, travelling smoothly throughout and readily picking up more experienced rivals to score with plenty in hand (form proved strong). So long as everything is fine after such a lengthy absence, it isn’t difficult to see Tosen Lydia competing for black-type honours at some point this season, having a smart pedigree to go along with the excellent impression created first time out.

VILLANOVA QUEEN (ch f Mastercraftsman – Quads)
Form: 01-  Trainer: Jessica Harrington  Owner: William Crager

£60,000 half-sister to UK/Qatari 5-7.5f winner Vedute. Dam an unraced half-sister to Sussex Stakes winner Here Comes When and Group 2/Listed-placed 10-12f 3yo winner Melodic Motion out of a 1m 2yo Group 3 winning half-sister to Grade 1-placed US 8-11f winner (including at Grade 2 level) Bonapartiste and French triple 10-12f Listed winner Go Got. This filly stepped up markedly on her 10th of 15 at the Curragh on debut last September to land a similar contest at Leopardstown three weeks later (both over 1m), tracking the leaders and ridden to challenge two furlongs out, leading entering the final furlong and responding well for pressure to score by ¾ length from Kerkiyra. Villanova Queen showed the benefit of her debut outing last time, seeing things out strongly and showing a good attitude for pressure to prevail. She is bred along similar lines as multiple Group-race winner Here Comes When and is from a family that gets better with racing/age, so it would be no surprise whatsoever to see her competing for black-type honours sooner rather than later. Ought to find 10f well within range.

ZARAFA (b f Zarak – Amour A Papa)
Form: 1-  Trainer: Jean-Claude Rouget  Owner: Denford Stud

€75,000 second foal of a French 8-10.5f winner/Prix de Diane runner-up who was a full sister to Group 2/3-placed French 10.5-13f winner (including twice at Listed level) Bebe d’Amour out of a French 1m 3yo Listed winner. This filly made a winning start to her career in a 7.5f fillies’ maiden at Tarbes last October (7/5 market leader), sitting in behind the leader until shaken up to take over approaching the final furlong, soon in full control and eased close home to finish 1¼ lengths clear of the running on Winema. Zarafa’s superiority on the day wasn’t done full justice by the eventual margin of victory, taking control for firm hand riding before being eased up as the line approached whilst the runner-up was hitting full stride. Zarafa is very much bred to come into her own with time and distance, and she looks a one of a few exciting prospects for her promising young sire for the season ahead. She ought to find 10f well within reach.

MAIDENS

A CAPPELLA (b f Frankel – Sivoliere)
Form: 2-  Trainer: John & Thady Gosden  Owner: Lord Lloyd Webber

360,000gns third foal of a French 6f 2yo Listed winner who was a half-sister to smart French 8-9f winner (including at Group 3/Listed level) Suphala (by Frankel) out of a French 1m 3yo Listed winning daughter of Coronation Stakes winner/Cheveley Park Stakes runner-up Sophisticat. This well-connected filly’s only outing at two came in a 1m fillies’ novice event at Yarmouth last October (6/1 chance), waited with and travelling better than most, forced to wait for room and following her stablemate and eventual winner Shaara through inside the final furlong, failing by just a neck to reel that one in. It was a debut effort chock full of potential from A Cappella, not getting a run when she needed it and that proving crucial, although the same could also be said for the useful-looking winner. However, she looks banker material for a similar event and given her smart pedigree and top connections, it may not be long until she’s contesting black-type events. As a daughter of Frankel, she ought to find 10f within range.

ALYTH (b c Muhaarar – Permission)
Form: 4-  Trainer: Hughie Morrison  Owner: Mrs J Scott, J F Dean & Lady Trenchard

First foal of a 1m Listed winner who was a half-sister to Group 1-placed multiple 5-6f winner (including at Group 3/Listed level) Cotai Glory out of an unraced sister to 6f 2yo winner/Middle Park Stakes third Huntdown and half-sister to the dam of 2021 Sun Chariot Stakes winner Saffron Beach. This colt debuted in an 8.5f maiden at Nottingham last November (28/1 chance), racing in midfield and pushed along over three furlongs out, more or less holding his position thereafter as he came home in fourth behind Walk of Stars (beaten 5¼ lengths). Alyth’s pedigree has plenty of speed/precocity about it, but his dam was a late-blooming daughter of Authorized and he appears to have taken after her on the evidence of his debut effort. As is the case with most from this stable, Alyth appeals as the type to improve with racing during his second season, likely to be fully up to speed by the time handicaps become an option. Should stay 10f.

BUNKER BAY (b g Australia – Alf Guineas)
Form: 89–  Trainer: William Knight  Owner: Kennet Valley Thoroughbreds X

47,000gns first foal of a useful 9.5-10f winner who was a full sister to 12f 3yo Group 3 winner Star Storm out of a maiden half-sister to Champagne Stakes winner Almushahar and the dam of Group 1-placed 8-12f winner (including at Group 2/Listed level) Mehdaayih. This gelding was uncompetitive in a pair of 1m novice events at Kempton within 11 days of each other last November, big prices on both occasions and not given an overly time on either outing. Bunker Bay requires one more run for a handicap mark and appeals as the type to make a far more significant impact in that sphere over 12/14f this campaign.

CHICHEN ITZA (b f Fastnet Rock – Phaenomena)
Form: 43–  Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute  Owner: Flaxman Stables Ireland Ltd

Half-sister to Japanese 12.5f Grade 2 winner King of Koji and 2021 French 10.5f 3yo Group 3 winner Harajuku. Dam an 11-12f 3yo winner who was a full sister to Irish 1000 Guineas winner Nightime (later dam of Eclipse Stakes/Juddmonte International Stakes winner Ghaiyyath and US 11f Grade 1 winner Zhukova). This filly hinted at ability in a pair of 7f events at Leicester and Newcastle last September, keeping on well late on both starts and shaping as though ready for a stiffer test of stamina. Chichen Itza is very much bred to improve with time and distance, and that she showed as much as she did over 7f at two bodes well for her future prospects (travelled notably well second time out). She is open to significant improvement in 2022 once tackling distances in excess of 1m, and it’s worth nothing she is bred on the potent Fastnet Rock/Galileo cross that has produced 24 individual top level winners including relation Zhukova.

DOUBLE CHERRY (b g Make Believe – My Uptown Girl)
Form: 5-  Trainer: Tom Ward  Owner: C Holt, M White, C Voysey, C & R Russell

£58,000 half-brother to three winners, notably useful 12f-2m winner Uber Cool. Dam an unraced half-sister to Group 3 winners Anna Nerium (three times, 6-8.5f), Middle Club (1m 2yo) and Piping Rock (7f 2yo) and the dam of 1000 Guineas winner Billesdon Brook. He debuted in a 1m 1f novice contest at Goodwood last October (18/1 chance), waited with in midfield and pushed along three furlongs out, keeping on well from over a furlong out to come home in fifth behind Secret Image (beaten 4½ lengths). Double Cherry shaped like one that will stay well eventually, hardly surprising given he’s a half-brother to useful stayer Uber Cool, going on nicely at the finish under considerate handling in a race where the first four home all raced close to the action. He has been gelded since and ought to win a race or two this term, especially in 12f+ handicaps.

DUTY BOUND (b c Kingman – Key Point)
Form: 43-  Trainer: Andrew Balding  Owner: The Queen

Half-brother to useful 12f 3yo winner Punctuation. Dam an unraced half-sister to Champion Stakes/Breeders’ Cup Turf winner Kalanisi, Group 1-placed 8-10f winner (including at Group 2/Listed level) Kalaman and Group 2-placed French 9-12f winner (including twice at Listed level) Kaloura. This colt shaped like one for the longer term in a pair of 8.5f maidens at Nottingham last backend, knowing more second time out, outpaced before rallying close home as he finished third behind Walk of Stars. There is little doubt that Duty Beyond has inherited the stamina on the distaff side of his family, an extended mile simply not enough of a test for him last year. Requiring just one more run for a handicap mark, he looks the type to do well in that sphere over 10f+ in 2022.

EBTIHAAJ (b c Night of Thunder – Gold Sands)
Form: 9-  Trainer: Brian Meehan  Owner: Martin Hughes & Michael Kerr-Dineen

200,000gns half-brother to 2021 10-12f 3yo winner Ocean Wave. Dam a Listed-placed 8.5-12f winner who was a half-sister to Group 2/Listed-placed Irish/US 8-8.5f winner (including at stakes level) Paris Winds and the dam of Poule d’Essai des Pouliches/Prix de Diane winner La Cressonniere. This colt debuted in a 7f maiden at Yarmouth last October (12/1 chance), slowly away and in rear, shaken up approaching the two-furlong marker and making only modest late gains to come home ninth of 12 behind Samburu (beaten 8¼ lengths). It is interesting that Ebtihaaj was bought back for 80,000gns from the Shadwell draft to remain in the Meehan yard for new owners. His debut effort certainly wasn’t devoid of promise, running green and appearing to find 7f an inadequate test but getting the message come the finish. Bred to improve with time and distance, it’s not difficult to envisage much better forthcoming from Ebtihaaj this year.

FRESH HOPE (b f New Approach – Wiener Valkyrie)
Form: 42-  Trainer: Charlie Fellowes  Owner: The Eclipse Partnership

Half-sister to Listed-placed 8-10f winner Declared Interest. Dam a Grade 3/Listed-placed 7f 2yo winner who was a half-sister to Racing Post Trophy winner Crowded House, French 10.5f Listed winner On Reflection, Listed-placed 6-8.5f winner Forest Crown (dam of 2021 Lingfield Winter Derby winner Forest of Dean) and the dam of Prix Maurice de Gheest winner Brando. This well-related filly was unable to put a seal on matters when a strong-travelling fourth on her debut in a 7f fillies’ maiden at Newcastle last September, and she found Cave Diver half a length too good when contesting an 8.5f fillies’ maiden at Nottingham some three weeks later. She has been well found in the market for both outings, proving why to some extent without quite having the end product to match her smooth-travelling style thus far. That is sure to be honed in the fullness of time, however, with most of her family improving significantly with age, and Fresh Hope promises to make above-average progress herself during her second season. She ought to find 10f well within range in time.

HIGHLAND KING (ch g Highland Reel – Lindikhaya)
Form: 99-  Trainer: Johnny Murtagh  Owner: Anthony Paul Smurfit

Second foal of a maiden half-sister to 8/10f Group 1 winner Linngari and the dam of French 12f 3yo Group 1 winner Mount Ormel and grandam of 2021 Coronation Cup winner Pyledriver. He was uncompetitive in a pair of 7f maidens at the Curragh and Leopardstown within nine days of each last October, soon in rear division and closing up late for considerate handling on both occasions. Gelded since, it very much looks as though Highland King is being teed up for a handicapping campaign this term, sure to stay at least 10f in that discipline and on course for a mark in the low-mid 70s as things stand.

KHURUMBI (b f The Gurkha – Sharaarah)
Form: 4–  Trainer: Ed Bethell  Owner: Geoffrey Van Cutsem & Partners

£25,000 half-sister to Group 1-placed multiple 5f winner (including at Listed level) Moss Gill, useful 6f-1m winner Ulshaw Bridge and two other winners. Dam a useful 5-6f winner who was a half-sister to Group 2/3-placed 5f 2yo winner Burwaaz out of a 6f 2yo Listed winner. This filly made her debut in a 6f fillies’ maiden at Newcastle last November (11/2 chance), waited with in rear and shaken up two furlongs out, running green and taking a while to find top stride before finishing off well throughout the final furlong to take fourth behind Azure Blue (beaten 4¾ lengths). There was a good deal of encouragement to take from Khurumbi’s debut effort, going on nicely at the finish having worked her way through greenness, also coming from further back than the trio that beat her (runner-up and third along with the fifth all subsequent winners). From a good stable that has enjoyed recent success with this family, Khurumbi ought be up to winning a race or two this year. She should find 7f within range.

KING EAGLE (ch c Frankel – The Lark)
Form: 0-  Trainer: Michael Bell  Owner: Lady Bamford

Half-brother to very useful triple 1m winner Magical Morning. Dam a Park Hill Stakes winner/Oaks third who was a full sister to King Edward VII Stakes winner/King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes runner-up Eagle Top and Dante Stakes winner/Derby fourth Wings of Desire. This colt made his debut in an 8.5f maiden at Nottingham last October (25/1 chance), slowly into stride and in rear, pushed along halfway and unable to get beyond midfield, coming home 10th of 16 behind Island Falcon (beaten 10½ lengths). King Eagle was too green to make any meaningful impact first time up, bred to be above-average but also to be suited by middle/staying distances at three and beyond. It could be that handicaps after a couple more runs will provide him the platform on which to shine, by which time he ought to be fully up to speed on what’s required.

KINGDOM COME (b c Kingman – Monami)
Form: 87-  Trainer: Clive Cox  Owner: China Horse Club Int Ltd & Gandharvi UK

£500,000 half-brother to Preis der Diana winner Miss Yoda. Dam a German 10f 3yo Group 2 winner who was a half-sister to Oaks d’Italia winner Meridiana. This colt didn’t come close to living up to his lofty price tag in two starts late last summer but hinted at ability all the same, travelling well to a point on debut at Newbury and then not best placed either in terms of pace or track position when seventh of 16 to Thunder Max in a similar event at Doncaster (both over 7f). Kingdom Come boasts a smart pedigree and is entitled to do a lot better at some point, possibly enough to be competitive in maiden/novice company next time, with whatever happens on that occasion sure to dictate the level at which he enters handicap company. Will stay 1m and possibly a bit further than that.

LIONEL (ch c Lope de Vega – Gretchen)
Form: 2-  Trainer: David Menuisier  Owner: Normandie Stud Ltd

Second foal of a smart 12-14.5f 3yo winner (including at Group 2/Listed level) who was a half-sister to Irish St Leger winner Duncan, Doncaster Cup winner Samuel, Listed-placed 1m 2yo winner Deirdre and three other winners out of a Group 1-placed 1m 3yo Listed winner/1000 Guineas fourth. This smartly-bred colt debuted in a 1m novice event at Newbury last October (9/1 chance), slowly away and racing at the rear of the field, dragged across to the centre of the track inside the two furlong marker and soon challenging, unable to sustain his effort fully and having to settle for a ¾-length second behind Zain Nights. It was a debut effort packed full of promise from Lionel, overcoming a slow start and circuitous route to almost make a winning start, all the more meritorious considering his yard failed to saddle a single winning newcomer in 2021. His pedigree alone proposes above-average improvement over middle distances at three, and it’d be most disappointing if he couldn’t reach a good level in time.

MORAG MCCULLAGH (b f Exceed And Excel – Whazzat)
Form: 4-  Trainer: Michael Bell  Owner: The Gredley Family

Full sister to Group 1-placed 6-7f winner (including at Group 2/3 level) James Garfield, a three-parts sister to Listed-placed 7.5f-1m winner The Shrew (by Dansili) and a half-sister to useful 8-10f 3yo winner Eva Maria. Dam a Chesham Stakes winning half-sister to smart 7f-1m winner (including at Group 3/Listed level) Whazzis and the dam of Breeders’ Cup Mile winner Uni. This well-bred filly debuted in a 7f fillies’ maiden at Newmarket last September (20/1 chance), racing enthusiastically close up and ridden along to challenge two furlongs out, unable to get on terms with the leader and fading close home to finish fourth behind Siamsa (beaten 3¼ lengths). It was by no means a vintage contest for the track but Morag McCullagh shaped a little better than the bare facts could communicate on the day, not settling and that clearly impacting on her finishing effort. There is likely a lot better to come at some point, especially once cultivating a more professional edge. Could be worth a try at six furlongs.

POSTWICK (bl g Postponed – Sated)
Form: 5–  Trainer: Harry Eustace  Owner: Major M G Wyatt

First foal of a French 1m 2yo winner who was closely related to Australian 7.5/12.5f Group 3 winner Excess Knowledge and a half-sister to useful French 5.5f-1m winner On The Sea and useful 8-12f winner Rain Mac. This gelding debuted in an 8.5f novice contest at Wolverhampton last November (66/1 chance), slowly away and taking a firm hold at the rear of the field, shaken up turning into the home straight and merely nudged out thereafter to come home in fifth behind Security Code (beaten 6¾ lengths). There is little doubt there will be bigger performances in Postwick at some stage, very much spared a hard time of things on debut but still closing in nicely come the line. It is likely his best will be reserved for handicap company given his stable’s modus operandi.

RIVER OF STARS (b f Sea The Stars – Amazone)
Form: 32-  Trainer: Ralph Beckett  Owner: Woodford Thoroughbreds LLC

400,000gns half-sister to German 14f Listed winner Apadanah and Listed-placed German 7f 2yo winner Ancona. Dam an unraced half-sister to German 10f 3yo Group 3 winner Amazona out of a Preis der Diana winner who was a full sister to French 10-11f winner/Prix du Jockey Club third Arras and a half-sister to the dam of Melbourne Cup winner Almandin. This well-related filly stepped up on her debut third of five in a 1m event at Sandown last September when contesting an 8.5f fillies’ maiden at Nottingham a month later, taking a while to hit full flow but doing so inside the final furlong to eventually get within half a length of Cet Horizon. River of Stars is very much bred to excel over middle/staying distances, clearly finding trips at/around 1m an insufficient test and sure to improve another chunk once her stamina needs are better catered for in 2022.

THE GADGET MAN (b g Jack Hobbs – Kallisha)
Form: 42-  Trainer: Ralph Beckett  Owner: D & J Newell

First foal of a Listed-placed 10-12f winner who was a half-sister to dual 10f 3yo winner Ultimate Destiny out of an unraced three-parts sister to useful triple 7f winner Silk Fan and half-sister to 5/5.5f 2yo Group 2 winner Gutaifan. This gelding ran on late to take fourth in a 1m novice contest at Salisbury on debut last September and duly improved on that when contesting a similar event at Newmarket the following month, still rough around the edges and not getting the clearest of runs through as he finished off well to take second behind Juan Bermudez (beaten a neck). The Gadget Man deserves credit for achieving as much as he did at two, very much bred to come into his own with time and distance, worth remembering his dam and her half-sister (both of whom raced for these connections) didn’t make the track as juveniles. He has shown enough to suggest he’s capable of landing a maiden/novice event this spring before embarking on handicap company, liable to reach a good level in that sphere.

THESIS (b c Kingman – Nimble Thimble)
Form: 3-  Trainer: Harry & Roger Charlton  Owner: Juddmonte

Full brother to useful French/UK 7f-1m winner Boardman and a half-brother to Fillies’ Mile winner/1000 Guineas third Quadrilateral. Dam a 9.5f 3yo winner who was a half-sister to Group/Grade 1-placed UK/US 6-8.5f winner (including at Grade 2/Group 3 level) Three Valleys. This colt’s only outing to date came in a 7f maiden at Sandown last July (3/1 chance), close up and travelling smoothly, shaken up to dispute the lead two furlongs out and taking over soon after but unable to sustain his effort and flattening out to finish third behind Zechariah (beaten 3¾ lengths). It was a promising first effort from Thesis, a lack of cutting edge at the business end due to a lack of know-how and/or fitness but impressing with how he travelled for two-thirds of the race. Thesis presumably met with a setback to not be seen again though the form of that debut race worked out well subsequently, and hopefully he can make up for lost time.

WITCH OF THE WOOD (b f Lope de Vega – Elle Woods)
Form: 6-  Trainer: Fozzy Stack  Owner: Cayton Park Stud & Craig Bernick & Mrs Paul Shanahan

£95,000 half-sister to 2yo winners Excelled (6f) and San Pedro (7f). Dam a useful 6-7f winner who was a half-sister to 5/6f 2yo Group 3 winner Brown Sugar and very useful 6-7f winner (including at Group 3 level) Burnt Sugar (by Lope de Vega) out of a useful 5-6f winning half-sister to Mill Reef Stakes winner Galeota and the grandam of 2021 Mill Reef Stakes winner Wings of War. This filly debuted in a 6f maiden at the Curragh last October (9/1 chance), racing in midfield and travelling smoothly, switched right two furlongs out and attempting to challenge approaching the final furlong, unable to sustain her effort as she faded into sixth behind Belle Fourche (beaten 2¾ lengths). There was much to like about Witch of The Wood’s first attempt, travelling best but shaping as though a lack of fitness was the issue when it came to the crunch. Bred to be useful, she ought to find a maiden well within her capabilities this spring.

WOLF OF OXSHOTT (gr g Almanzor – Marie Rossa)
Form: 70-  Trainer: Joseph Parr  Owner: O S Harris

€75,000 half-brother to Listed-placed French dual 1m winner Zvarov and Listed-placed French 7.5-10.5f winner Recover Me. Dam a useful French/US 8.5-10f winner who was a half-sister to French 10f Group 2 winner/Prix de Diane third Ana Marie and US 1m Grade 2 winner Charmo. This nicely-bred sort made some late gains when seventh of 12 to Secret Image in a 1m 1f maiden at Goodwood on debut last September, but he could only beat one rival home in an 8.5f maiden at Nottingham 17 days later (attempting to stay on into midfield when intimidated by an errant rival inside the final furlong). He has since been gelded and left the David Menuisier yard, but he has joined another good handler and strikes as the type to do well for him in handicap company after one more run.

HANDICAPS

ALBION PRINCESS (b f Kingman – Langlauf)
Form: 866–  Trainer: Harry & Roger Charlton  Owner: Tony Bloom

First foal of a fairly useful French/US 9-14f winner who was a half-sister to Listed-placed UK/UAE 6f-1m winner Fly At Dawn. This filly wasn’t unfancied (5/1) when managing only eighth on debut in a heavy-ground 1m fillies’ maiden at Newbury last October, but she caught the eye with her finishing effort from off the pace the next twice in 1m events at Kempton and Lingfield the following month. It is clear Albion Princess has been brought along with handicaps firmly in mind, handed an opening mark of 63 for that sphere and sure to do a whole lot better once faced with distances of 10f and upwards this term.

ALNWICK CASTLE (b f Sir Percy – Iron Butterfly)
Form: 807-  Trainer: Harry Eustace  Owner: Harold Nass

Second foal of a 2m Flat/2m 1f-3m hurdle winner who was a full sister to useful 10f-2m 2f Flat/2m 1f hurdle winner Wind Place And Sho and a half-sister to triple 2m winner Next Train’s Gone, 11.5-12f winner Iron Condor and 14f-2m Flat/2m-2m 6f hurdle winner At The Money. This stoutly-bred filly was uncompetitive in a trio of outings in 7f events at Yarmouth (May), Sandown (July) and Newmarket (September), never involved on her first two outings before soon done for speed when racing prominently on the third occasion. She has now been handed a lowly opening mark of 56 for handicaps and will be seen to far greater effect in that sphere during 2022 once faced with 12f+.

BUSHFIRE (ch c Australia – Aflame)
Form: 731-  Trainer: Hughie Morrison  Owner: Michael Kerr-Dineen & Martin Hughes

50,000gns second foal of a useful triple 7f 3yo winner who was a half-sister to Group 2-placed UK/Australian 8.5-13f winner (including twice at Listed level) Tall Ship and six other winners including the dam of Prix de Diane winner Channel out of a Cheveley Park Stakes winning three-parts sister to Oaks winner Alexandrova. This colt learned by the run in three outings at two, much too green to do himself justice when last of seven on debut at Goodwood last August but faring better when running on into third in a strong event at Salisbury a month later. He signed off with victory in a 1m novice event at Newbury some three weeks later (9/4 favourite), close up from the outset and ridden to lead approaching the final furlong, responding well to see off the staying on My Mate Ted by a head (pair clear of remainder). Bushfire very much appeals as the type to go improving in his second season once tackling middle distances, showing good battling qualities on bad ground last time. He has been handed an opening mark of 85 for handicaps and his early-season programme is likely to be tailored towards something like the King George V Handicap.

COPPERPLATE (ch g Nathaniel – Rosika)
Form: 709–  Trainer: Richard Hughes  Owner: Julian Reed

8,000gns half-brother to Group 3-placed multiple 12f winner Dubka, Group 3-placed 6f 2yo winner Soffika and three other winners. Dam a Listed-placed 10-12f 3yo winning half-sister to 12f 3yo Listed winner Rambling Rose (later dam of Juddmonte International/Eclipse winner Notnowcato). This well-related sort was picked up cheaply given his pedigree and showed little immediate promise in a trio of outings in 7/7.5f events at Ffos Las, Wolverhampton and Kempton within five weeks of each other last autumn. He is bred to do a whole lot better over middle distances in his second season, 7f or thereabouts nowhere near enough of a test for him at two. Gelded since and handed an opening mark of 52, he ought to be seen to much better effect in low-grade handicaps in 2022.

CROMARTY (b f Lope de Vega – Carnachy)
Form: 688-  Trainer: David Simcock  Owner: St Albans Bloodstock Limited

Second foal of a 10/12f Listed winner who was a full sister to 14f-2m winner Master Grey and a half-sister to useful 7f-1m winner Saucy Minx. This filly was sent off a relatively fancied 11/2 chance for her debut outing in a 1m fillies’ novice event at Yarmouth last August, but she showed signs of greenness and lacked the pace to get competitive as she came home sixth of eight behind Five Stars. She faded from prominence to eventually finish last at Wolverhampton next time but showed a bit more on her third and final outing at two when eighth of 16 to Shaara in a 1m fillies’ novice contest at Yarmouth in October. Dragged back from the stalls and waited with in last, she made good progress between the two and one furlong markers but ran green off the bridle and was unable to go with the leaders thereafter. However, Cromarty always appealed as the type to do better in her second season, her dam not reaching her peak until her four-year-old career (unraced at two), and it would be surprising if this filly couldn’t a lot better this year in 10f+ handicaps from an initial mark of 66.

EDUCATOR (br c Deep Impact – Diploma)
Form: 021-  Trainer: William Haggas  Owner: The Queen

Full brother to 2021 Listed-placed dual 10f 3yo winner Portfolio. Dam a 10.5f 3yo Group 3 winning half-sister to useful 7f-1m winner Pick Your Choice and useful 7-9f winner Elector out of a 1m 2yo Listed winner. This colt came with good home reports and pattern entries prior to a muted debut 12th of 14 in a 7f maiden at Newbury last August, but he fared better when a neck second to Inverness in a 1m maiden at Goodwood the following month, getting into a duel early in the straight and paying the price late on. He signed off with victory in a 1m novice event at Haydock two and half weeks later (evens favourite, wore cheekpieces), close up and taking over approaching the final furlong, responding well for pressure to score by a neck from Asean Legend. Like year older sister Portfolio, it is likely the best of Educator will only begin to be seen once tackling middle distances as a three-year-old. An opening mark of 87 allows him to start off in handicap company and work his way up the ladder gradually, having the looks, pedigree and basic potential to develop into something better in time.

FULFILLED (b g Ulysses – Zoella)
Form: 789–  Trainer: David Simcock  Owner: Khalifa Dasmal & Partners

Second foal of a 1m 3yo winner who was a half-sister to 1m 3yo Group 3/Listed winner Zibelina (later dam of French 6f 3yo Group 3 winner Royal Crusade) and 6f 2yo Listed winner Floristry (later dam of dual 5f Group 3 winner Lazuli), family of Carlton House. This nicely-bred sort shaped as though one for the long term in a trio of outings at two, firstly in a 7f maiden and 1m novice event at Newmarket (July) last summer. His third and qualifying run came in a 7f maiden at Wolverhampton in November, waited with and pushed along two furlongs out, never able to get remotely competitive under hands-and-heels riding as he came home in ninth behind Dark Swansong (beaten 6½ lengths). Gelded since last seen and handed an opening mark of 64, the move into handicap company over distances in excess of 1m is sure to see Fulfilled in a far better light.

HAARAR (b g Muhaarar – Intercharge)
Form: 670-  Trainer: Michael Bell  Owner: D W & L Y Payne And G & T Blackiston

50,000gns three-parts brother to useful Irish 7-7.5f 3yo winner Bronte (by Oasis Dream) and a half-brother to Listed-placed 6f 2yo winner Tiburtina and useful multiple 11.5-14f winner Prince Alex. Dam a 12f 3yo winning half-sister to 12f 3yo winner Carenage (grandam of dual 12f Group 3 winner Cubanita). This nicely-related sort shaped with some promise when a staying on sixth of nine behind Modern Games in a 7f maiden at Newmarket (July) on debut last July, but he was wholly unsuited by the step back to 6f when contesting events at Yarmouth and Windsor within a fortnight of each other the following month. Haarar was gelded soon after and wasn’t seen again for whatever reason, but he appeals as the type to do better in 1m+ handicaps from an initial mark of 66.

HEAD CHEF (b g Awtaad – Always A Dream)
Form: 586-  Trainer: David O’Meara  Owner: Brook Farm Partnership

80,000gns half-brother to Champagne Stakes/2021 Greenham Stakes winner Chindit. Dam a 7f 3yo winner who was a half-sister to useful 10-12f winner Goldie Hawk out of an unraced close relation to Racing Post Trophy/Derby winner Motivator and Hardwicke Stakes winner Macarthur. This nicely-bred individual shaped as though needing the run when fifth of eight to Encountered in a 7f novice event at Doncaster on debut last June, and he was unable to sustain his effort from off the pace when eighth to Leopold Bloom in a similar contest at Thirsk three months later. His third and final outing at two came in a 7f maiden at Doncaster’s St Leger meeting the following month, leading the main group down the centre until ridden and headed over a furlong, fading close home to finish sixth of 16 to Thunder Max (beaten 3 lengths). It was an improved effort, albeit one that inflated his opening mark to 75 having looked set for something in the mid-high 60s. However, he boasts a good pedigree, one that suggests he will improve significantly at three. Gelded since last seen, he’ll stay at least 1m and should win a race or two in handicap company this year.

HILTS (b g New Bay – Creme Anglaise)
Form: 737- Trainer: Jedd O’Keeffe Owner: Ellipsis

45,000gns half-brother to useful multiple 12f winner Point In Time and 2021 8-10f 3yo winner Crema Inglesa. Dam a Listed-placed dual 10f winner who was a half-sister to Swedish triple 8/10f Listed winner Graffiti and German 10f 3yo Listed winner Reine Magique. Too green to show much first time out when seventh of 12 in a 7f maiden at Newcastle last July, Hilts offered a bit more when running on having been off the bridle sooner than most when third to Tuscan in a similar event at Thirsk the following month. He signed off his two-year-old campaign with an eyecatching seventh place finish to Mythical Dancer back at Thirsk three weeks later, restrained right back to the rear of the field and still there two furlongs out, running on without threatening throughout the final furlong. Gelded since and handed an opening mark of 63, it isn’t difficult to envisage Hilts achieving a good bit more in 1m+ handicaps during 2022.

MISS DOWN UNDER (ch f Australia – Pocket of Stars)
Form: 61–  Trainer: Amanda Perrett  Owner: Miss Down Under Partnership

6,000gns second foal of a once-raced maiden half-sister to Poule d’Essai des Poulains winner Silver Frost, French 12f Group 2/3 winner Spiritjim and Group 3/Listed-placed Irish 7f-1m 3yo winner In My Pocket. This filly shaped with promise when sixth on debut at Goodwood (7f) last September and duly backed up that good first impression when landing a 1m fillies’ novice event at Kempton the following month (14/1 chance). She travelled well in behind the leaders and was shaken up to lead over a furlong out, extending the advantage inside the final 150 yards to run out a comfortable 2-length winner over Dungar Glory. The level of form achieved on the day was nothing more than fair from Miss Down Under, prevailing over one carrying a penalty, but it would be something of a surprise if that proved to be the limit of her potential. Despite being picked up cheaply at auction, she boasts a useful pedigree that suggests the very best of her won’t be seen until tackling middle distances at three.

MYSTERY MONARCH (b g Aclaim – King’s Miracle)
Form: 434-  Trainer: Eve Johnson Houghton  Owner: Mcnamee Hewitt Harding Rice

11,000gns second foal of a maiden half-sister to smart 5-7f winner (including at Group 2/Listed level) Twilight Blues and Listed-placed 5f 2yo winner Incise (later dam of dual 5f Listed winner My Propeller). This speedily-bred individual shaped in a similar fashion on his first two outings in a pair of 6f novice events at Newbury last July, running on to take fourth behind Bosh (strong form) before again finishing well when filling third place in a 17-runner contest won by Tropez Power. He wasn’t seen again until contesting a 7f novice event at Leicester in October, waited with in midfield and travelling fluently, shaken up over a furlong out but rather one paced as he could only manage fourth behind Ikhtiraaq (beaten 2 lengths). Mystery Monarch has shaped on all three outings to date as though there will be a bigger performance in him at some point, appearing to not see out the trip fully last time over 7f (didn’t really settle). Now gelded and handed a mark of 78, he strikes as the type to thrive in the handicap arena, perhaps back at 6f though the gelding operation could enable him to ration his energies a little better and stay a seventh furlong with more conviction.

NIKHI (ch f Nathaniel – Elysian Fields)
Form: 731–  Trainer: Jedd O’Keeffe  Owner: Ellipsis

16,000gns first foal of a Listed-placed multiple 11-13f winner who was a half-sister to useful 8-14f winner Lion Beacon out of a 1m 3yo winning half-sister to 10f Group 3 winner Take A Bow. This filly improved steadily with each outing at two, showing a similar level of form on her first two starts in 7f events at Carlisle in July and Ayr in August. She came good at the third time of asking in a 1m novice event at Lingfield a month later, tracking the leader and ridden to take over approaching the final furlong, keeping on well to score by 1½ lengths from the fast-finishing Lyrical Lady. The overall level of form Nikhi has achieved thus far is nothing more than fair, but it’s worth bearing in mind that the majority of this family has improved significantly with time and distance, her dam unraced at two and being by a sire whose progeny progress particularly well. An opening mark of 76 looks a reasonable starting point and it would be a surprise if there wasn’t a fair bit more to come from Nikhi in 10f+ handicaps during 2022.

ROACH POWER (gr c Ribchester – Evening Time)
Form: 242-  Trainer: Tim Easterby  Owner: King Power Racing Co Ltd

Three-parts brother to useful UK/US 7-10f winner Shaan (by Iffraaj) and a half-brother to seven winners, notably Group 1-placed multiple 5-6f winner (including twice at Group 3 level) Art Power, Irish 6f Group 3 winner Penny Pepper and French 7f 3yo Listed winner Morning Frost. Dam an Irish dual 6f Listed winner. This well-bred colt shaped well on debut when chasing home subsequent Listed placer Breeze Easy in a 6f novice contest at Carlisle last August, though he could only manage fourth (of six) in a 7f novice event at Musselburgh the following month. However, a return to sprinting saw an improved performance when contesting a 6f novice event at York 13 days later, travelling powerfully and leading over two furlongs out, headed approaching the final furlong and having to settle for second behind Another Investment. Although unlikely to scale the same sort of heights as connections’ classy half-brother Art Power, this strong-travelling colt appeals as the type to thrive in big-field/strongly-run sprint handicaps this term from an initial mark of 79.

SAGA (gr/ro c Invincible Spirit – Emily Bronte)
Form: 221-  Trainer: John & Thady Gosden  Owner: The Queen

Full brother to Group 2-placed 6-7f winner (including twice at Group 3 level) Lockwood and a half-brother to French 1m 2yo Group 3 winner Earnshaw. Dam a French 1m 2yo Group 3 winning half-sister to 6f 3yo Listed winner Zelanda (later dam of French 6f Group 3 winner Time Prisoner). This colt was rather unfortunate to bump into a couple of good ones on his first two starts, chasing home future Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf winner Modern Games on debut at Newmarket (July) in a 7f maiden last July before finding only subsequent Autumn Stakes winner Coroebus too good in a strong 1m novice event back there the following month. He duly went one better on his third outing in a 7f maiden at Ascot in early September (2/5 favourite), making all and never really troubled as he was driven out to account for next-time-out scorer Koy Koy by 1¼ lengths. It was a straightforward enough task for Saga, but he did it well and clocked a solid time in the process. He strikes as the type to land a good 7f/1m handicap from an opening mark of 92 before progressing onto something better, with a race such as the 7f handicap at Newbury in April won by the same stable’s Mithras last year appealing as a logical starting point for him in 2022.

SEA KING (br c Sea The Stars – Pamona)
Form: 5351–  Trainer: Sir Mark Prescott  Owner: Charlie Walker – Osborne House III

87,000gns half-brother to 2021 10.5f 3yo winner Rival. Dam a Group 2-placed 7-14f winner (including at Listed level) who was closely related to Grade 3-placed Irish/US 6f-1m winner Kitty Hawk and a half-sister to Italian 1m 3yo Listed winner Prianca. This colt was notably strong in the market (2/1 joint-favourite) when debuting in a 7f novice event at Haydock last May, green and unable to muster the pace to mount a challenge. He stepped up on that when a staying on third to the smart Westover in a 1m maiden at Sandown in August but did too much too soon when fifth in a similar event at Goodwood a month later. He signed off with victory in a 10f maiden at Newcastle a fortnight later (10/11 market leader), waited with until moving closer from halfway, tanking along as he took up the running two furlongs out before clearing away to score by 3¾ lengths from Freedom Charter. The surface has barely been scratched with Sea King so far, boasting a solid level of form and sure to do better still this campaign once tackling 12/14f handicaps from an initial mark of 83.

SUGAR CANDIE (b f Highland Reel – Sweet Selection)
Form: 800–  Trainer: Hughie Morrison  Owner: Paul & Catriona Brocklehurst Bloodstock

First foal of a smart 10f-2m 2f winner (including at Group 3 level) who was a half-sister to smart dual 6f 2yo winner/1000 Guineas runner-up Lightning Thunder, very useful multiple 6-7f winner Gulliver, useful multiple 11-14f winner Lucky Punt and fairly useful 14f-2m 1f winner May Contain Nuts. This filly offered limited promise in a trio of outings within the space of a month last autumn, contesting novice events at Wolverhampton (8.5f), Kempton (1m) and Chelmsford (7f) and faring best on the second occasion when fading from prominence. Her dam won the Cesarewitch Handicap and Sagaro Stakes for these connections and was related to some smart sorts as well as a couple of winning stayers, so it’s hardly surprising that she found 7f-1m a wholly inadequate test at two. Handed a basement opening mark of 50, Sugar Candie can be expected to prove a different proposition in 12f+ handicaps this year.

TROJAN HORSE (ch c Ulysses – Guardia)
Form: 31-  Trainer: Charlie & Mark Johnston  Owner: Atlantic Racing & R W Huggins

6,000gns close relation to 12-13f Flat/2m-2m 2f hurdle winner Gambol (by New Approach) and a half-brother to four winners, notably Group 3-placed German 1m 1f 3yo/Irish 2m 4f hurdle winner Guiri. Dam a Listed-placed German 10-10.5f winning sister to German dual 12f Group 1 winner Getaway and Oaks d’Italia winner Guadalupe (later dam of German triple 12f Group 1 winner Guignol and German 10f Group 1 winner Guiliani). This well-related colt shaped like a stayer when third to Luna Dorada in a 1m novice event at York on debut last September and confirmed that view and indeed promise when landing a 1m 1f novice contest at Redcar 17 days later, leading going best over two furlongs out and staying on well to score by 1¾ lengths from Three Start. Trojan Horse hails from a very good German middle distance/staying family that goes back to this yard’s dual Ascot Gold Cup winner Royal Rebel, shaping in kind last year to land a race named in honour of connections’ top stayer Double Trigger. While unlikely to prove in that sort of league, Trojan Horse appeals as the type to make up into an above-average 12f+ handicapper this season.

VEE SIGHT (b g Churchill – Look So)
Form: 754-  Trainer: Ralph Beckett  Owner: J H Richmond-Watson

Closely related 2021 Prix Royal-Oak winner Scope (by Teofilo) and a half-brother to Group 3-placed 8-10f winner (including at Listed level) Regardez, French 9.5f 3yo Listed winner Glance and Listed-placed 6-7f winner Compton. Dam a 7f-1m winner who was a half-sister to Oaks winner/St Leger third Look Here (later dam of 14f Listed winner Hereby). This well-bred individual shaped with some promise in a trio of 7f events at Sandown, Leicester and Newmarket last term, unable to muster the speed to challenge at the business end on all three occasions but shaping well to a point the last twice. Now gelded and allocated a mark of 74, Vee Sight is bound to do better still in 1m+ handicaps at three, remembering how close relative Scope improved with racing last year.

ZANBAQ (gr f Oasis Dream – Princess de Lune)
Form: 1–  Trainer: Roger Varian  Owner: Shadwell Estate Company Limited

£450,000 first foal of a 7f 3yo winner who was a sister to Australian 7f/1m Group 2 winner Puissance de Lune and 2021 10.5f Group 2 winner Queen Power and a half-sister to French 1m 1f Group 1 winner Zabeel Prince and the dam of high-class 5f-1m winner (including twice at Group 1 level) Rizeena and smart 6-9f winner (including at Group 2/3 level) Summer Romance. This well-bred filly made a successful start to her career in a 7f fillies’ novice event at Kempton last November (8/1 chance), recovering from a tardy start to race in midfield until shaken up and making good progress over two furlongs out, switched left approaching the final furlong and picking up well to lead inside the final 100 yards and score by half a length from Washraa. Zanbaq looks the part on paper and created an excellent first impression, conceding first run and overcoming trouble in running to score with plenty in hand, her rider never having to use his stick. Given her pedigree, it could be she that she’ll be fast-tracked into smart company, but the Sandringham Handicap at Royal Ascot appeals as a medium-term target if connections opt to tread a more cautious route.

UNRACED

Francis-Henri Graffard has a surfeit of well-bred unraced three-year-olds, and a trio of particular interest are Darkaniya (20/2 ch f Frankel – Daryakana), a half-sister to Prix Ganay winner Dariyan, US 1m 1f Grade 2/3 winner Devamani and Group 3-placed French 9-10.5f winner (including at Listed level) Dariyza. Dam a Hong Kong Vase winning daughter of a Prix de Diane winner, family of Almanzor and Darjina; Swoosh (29/4 b f Adlerflug – Soudaine), a sister to French 12.5f 3yo Group 2 winner/Deutsches Derby runner-up Savoir Vivre and a half-sister to French 8/9f Listed winner Sussudio. Dam a German 11f Listed winner who was a sister to German dual 11f Group 2 winner Simoun and a half-sister to German 7.5f 2yo Listed winner Soignee (later dam of six-time 9.5-12f Group/Grade 1 winner Stacelita, herself the dam of Yushun Himba winner Soul Stirring); and Wunderknabe (4/1 ch c Sea The Moon – Wunder), the second foal of a Group 1-placed German/French 9-9.5f winner (including at Group 3/Listed level) who was a half-sister to Group 3/Listed-placed multiple 6-7f winner Advanced and the dam of German 11f 3yo Group 2 winner Wonderful Moon (by Sea The Moon), family of Deutsches Derby/Deutsches St Leger runner-up Winwood.

Charlie Appleby has plenty of nicely-bred unraced sorts to unleash in 2022, with two of specific interest being High Renaissance (9/3 b c Farhh – Patroness), a three-parts brother to UAE 1m 1f Group 1 winner Blair House (by Pivotal) and a half-brother to 10f 3yo Listed winner Key Victory and two other winners. Dam a maiden sister to Queen Elizabeth II Stakes winner Poet’s Voice and a half-sister to Japanese 8.5f Grade 3 winner Gold Tiara and the grandam of Japanese 11f 3yo Grade 1 winner/Yushun Himba second Mozu Katchan; and Ruling Dynasty (12/4 ch c Night of Thunder – Indian Petal), a close relation to high-class multiple 8-12f winner (including at Group/Grade 1 level) Old Persian, useful 2021 12f-2m winner Bandinelli (both by Dubawi) and Listed-placed dual 5f 2yo winner Chapelli (by Poet’s Voice). Dam a maiden sister to Ribblesdale Stakes winner Silkwood and a half-sister to Cherry Hinton Stakes winner Silent Honor.

Ralph Beckett has a pair of particularly interesting unraced fillies for 2022 in the shape of Star Fortress (27/2 br/gr f Sea The Stars – Lady Aquitaine), a 130,000gns half-sister to Group 2/3-placed French 11-12f 3yo winner (including at Listed level) Lady of Kyushu, US 1m 3yo stakes winner Clint Maroon, useful 8-12f winner Group One Power and three other winners. Dam a Group 3-placed 6f 2yo winner who was a half-sister to 7f 3yo Listed winner Secret Garden (later dam of Irish 2000 Guineas winner Roderic O’Connor and Irish 9.5f 3yo Listed winner/Irish Oaks fourth Laburnum); and Uptime (25/4 b f Nathaniel – Time On), a half-sister to 7f 2yo Group 3 winner Mot Juste, useful 2021 10f 3yo winner Movin Time and three other winners. Dam a smart 9.5-12f 3yo winner (including at Group 2/Listed level) who was a full sister to the dam of Albany Stakes/Moyglare Stud Stakes winner Cursory Glance and grandam of US 12f Grade 1 winner Digital Age and a half-sister to 1m Listed winner Posted.

Harry & Roger Charlton have a couple of unraced three-year-old homebreds for Juddmonte that hail from a family which has served Beckhampton with distinction over the years, namely Okeechobee (6/5 b c Time Test – Scuffle), a half-brother to St Leger winner Logician, US triple 9.5-12f Grade 3 winner Suffused, French 12.5f Listed winner Collide and Listed-placed 7f-1m 3yo winner Battlement. Dam a Listed-placed 8-8.5f 3yo winner who was a half-sister to UAE 1m 1f Group 1 winner Cityscape, Group 1-placed 5-6f winner (including at Group 2/Listed level) Bated Breath and the dam of 2021 UAE 5f Group 2 winner Equilateral; and Whitebeam (5/3 gr f Caravaggio – Sleep Walk), a half-sister to dual 7f 2yo winner Lucid Dreamer. Dam a 5.5-6f winner who was a half-sister to St Leger winner Logician, US triple 9.5-12f Grade 3 winner Suffused, French 12.5f Listed winner Collide and Listed-placed 7f-1m 3yo winner Battlement.

Simon & Ed Crisford are well stocked with smartly-bred unraced three-year-olds for 2022 and there are a couple of fillies among them that make particular appeal on pedigree, namely Beau Rivage (1/2 b f Nathaniel – Baisse), a half-sister to Australian 1m Group 1 winner Best of Days and dual 10f 3yo winner Birdcage Walk. Dam a German 1m Listed winner who was a half-sister to smart 7-10f winner (including at Group 3/Listed level) Azmeel and the dam of smart Irish 7f-1m winner/Irish 1000 Guineas third Foxtrot Liv; and Queen of Change (9/3 b f Sea The Stars – Salacia), a three-parts sister to Group 1-placed multiple 8-10f winner (including at Group 2/3 level) Century Dream (by Cape Cross) and a half-sister to Queen Elizabeth II Stakes winner/2000 Guineas runner-up King of Change. Dam a 6f 3yo winner who was a half-sister to Listed-placed French dual 1m 3yo winner Melicertes and Listed-placed UK/UAE 9.5-12f winner Submariner.

John & Thady Gosden typically have a host of well-bred unraced three-year-olds in their care, and a couple of Anthony Oppenheimer-owned/bred individuals of particular interest at Clarehaven for the forthcoming season are Courage Mon Ami (11/3 b c Frankel – Crimson Ribbon), a close relation to Group 3-placed 8-12f winner (including at Listed level) Crimson Rosette (by Teofilo), Australian 10f Listed winner Astronomos (by New Approach) and useful 2021 8-10f 3yo winner Purple Ribbon (by Gleneagles). Dam a 12f 3yo winner who was a sister to dual 12f Group 2 winner Bronze Cannon and US 1m 1f Grade 3 winner Valiant Girl and half-sister to King Edward VII Stakes winner Across The Stars; and Queen of The Skies (19/3 ch f Lope de Vega – Westwiththenight), the second foal of a useful 8-8.5f winner who was a half-sister to Ribblesdale Stakes winner/Oaks third Frankly Darling and 12f 3yo Listed winner Our Obsession out of a Cheshire Oaks winning half-sister to Coronation Stakes winner Rebecca Sharp and the dam of Derby/Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Golden Horn.

Others from various stables worth a mention are the Kevin Philippart de Foy-trained Adorable You (9/3 b f Zarak – Embraceable You), the first foal of an unraced three-parts sister to Group 2/Listed-placed 1m 2yo winner Fallen In Love (later dam of French 10.5f Group 3 winner Loving Things) and half-sister to Coronation Stakes winner Fallen For You (later dam of dual 7f Group 2 winner Glorious Journey and 7f 2yo Listed winner Love Is You) and 1m 3yo Listed winner Fallen Idol; Roger Varian’s Caph Star (24/2 b c Siyouni – Caskelena), a half-brother to Listed-placed 7f-1m winner Canagat. Dam a 10f 3yo winner who was a sister to Lingfield Derby Trial winner/Ascot Gold Cup second Age of Aquarius and a half-sister to Prix Jean Prat winner Turtle Bowl and Grade 1-placed French 8-10.5f winner (including at Group 2/3 level)/Prix de Diane fourth Turtle Bow; and the James Tate-trained Counterattack (21/2 b c Frankel – Impala), the first foal of an unraced half-sister to Grand Prix de Paris winner Zambezi Sun, French 10f 3yo Group 2 winner Kalabar, French 9.5f 3yo Listed winner Zero Gravity and Listed-placed French 10f 3yo winner Shared Account (dam of 2021 US 1m 1f Grade 3 winner Pocket Square and 2021 14.5f 3yo Listed winner Yesyes).

The Ger Lyons-trained Malabu Drive (26/5 ch c Frankel – Tates Creek), a close relation to Australian 10/12f Group 3 winner Spirit Ridge (by Nathaniel). Dam a US 9/10f Grade 1 winner who was a half-sister to seven-time US 7-9f Grade 1 winner Sightseek and the dam of 1000 Guineas/Poule d’Essai des Pouliches winner Special Duty and grandam of Breeders’ Cup Mile winner Expert Eye; Sir Michael Stoute’s Morning Post (5/4 b c Time Test – Hayyona), a close relation to 2021 10f 3yo Listed winner Bay Bridge (by New Bay). Dam a maiden half-sister to French 12f 3yo Group 2 winner Shimraan out of a French 11.5f 3yo winner who was a half-sister to French 10f 3yo winner/Prix du Jockey Club second Shamkiyr; and the Nicolas Clement-trained Sea of Gems (26/4 b f Siyouni – Aigue Marine), a €180,000 half-sister to 2021 French 12f 3yo Listed winner Fenelon. Dam a US 11/12f Grade 3 winner who was related to 10 winners, notably Prix d’Ispahan winner Mekhtaal, French 11f 3yo Group 2 winner Democrate and French 1m 2yo Group 3 winner Normandy Bridge, out of a French 10.5f 3yo Group 3 winner.

The Edouard Monfort-trained Solebay (1/2 b f Fastnet Rock – Camerone), the first foal of a useful 8-12f winning three-parts sister to 2021 French 15f Listed winner Big Five and a half-sister to Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf/Poule d’Essai des Pouliches winner Flotilla and the dams of Irish 10f 3yo Group 3 winner Crossfirehurricane and 2021 French 7f 2yo Group 3 winner Mangoustine; Charlie Fellowes’s Surrey Knight (15/5 b c Le Havre – Millionaia), a €38,000 half-brother to French 12.5f 3yo Listed winner Modern Eagle and 2021 Irish 14f Listed winner Mighty Blue. Dam a French 10f 3yo winner/Prix de Diane runner-up who was a half-sister to Irish 7f 2yo winner/Dewhurst Stakes runner-up Fencing Master and the dam of French 12f 3yo Group 2 winner Ming Dynasty and grandam of Ebor winner/Melbourne Cup runner-up Heartbreak City; and Joseph Parr’s The Green Man (2/3 b c Acclamation – Lydia Becker), a 45,000gns second foal of an unraced sister to 7f 2yo Group 3 winner Crazy Horse and half-sister to 7f Group 2/Listed winner Richard Pankhurst out of a 1m winning sister to smart 8-10.5f winner (including at Group 3/Listed level) Lateen Sails.

The Andrew Balding-trained Vega Sicilia (23/1 ch c Lope de Vega – Stone Roses), a 130,000gns full brother to useful 2021 1m 3yo winner Abstinence. Dam a French 10f 3yo Listed winner who was a half-sister to Group 3-placed French/UK 6f-1m winner (including at Listed level) Straight Right out of a French 7.5f 2yo winning half-sister to French 10f 3yo Group 3 winner Sersia (later the dam of Australian 8/10f Group 1 winner Contributer); Richard Hannon’s Whirlwind (14/2 b c Night of Thunder – Hokkaido), a half-brother to useful dual 1m 3yo winner Mutafani. Dam an unraced half-sister to Prix Saint-Alary winner Sobetsu out of a dual 10f Listed winning half-sister to 7f 2yo Listed winner Sixth Sense and the dam of Satsuki Sho winner Dee Majesty; and finally the William Haggas-trained Zain Farhh (22/3 ch c Farhh – Local Spirit), a 35,000gns three-parts brother to useful UK/UAE 6-10f winner Active Spirit (by Pivotal) and half-brother to very useful UK/UAE 7-12f winner Al Saham and useful UK/UAE 7-10f winner Classic Collection. Dam a Group 2/Listed-placed 10f 3yo winning sister to Irish 1000 Guineas/Nassau Stakes winner Crimplene and half-sister to Chester Vase winner Dutch Gold and the dam of UAE 12f Group 2 winner Prize Money.

PATTERN CLASS

Runner Jacket 21- BLUE BOAT (Francis-Henri Graffard)
Runner Jacket 1- EBBA (Francis-Henri Graffard)
Runner Jacket 1- ELDAR ELDAROV (Roger Varian)
Runner Jacket 1- MIGHTY ULYSSES (John & Thady Gosden)
Runner Jacket 1- NEW DIMENSION (Sir Michael Stoute)
Runner Jacket 1- NEW LONDON (Charlie Appleby)
Runner Jacket 1- SHAARA (John & Thady Gosden)
Runner Jacket 1- TOSEN LYDIA (Joseph O’Brien)
Runner Jacket 01- VILLANOVA QUEEN (Jessica Harrington)
Runner Jacket 1- ZARAFA (Jean-Claude Rouget)

MAIDENS

Runner Jacket 2- A CAPPELLA (John & Thady Gosden)
Runner Jacket 4- ALYTH (Hughie Morrison)
Runner Jacket 89BUNKER BAY (William Knight)
Runner Jacket 43CHICHEN ITZA (Sir Michael Stoute)
Runner Jacket 5- DOUBLE CHERRY (Tom Ward)
Runner Jacket 43- DUTY BOUND (Andrew Balding)
Runner Jacket 9- EBTIHAAJ (Brian Meehan)
Runner Jacket 42- FRESH HOPE (Charlie Fellowes)
Runner Jacket 99- HIGHLAND KING (Johnny Murtagh)
Runner Jacket 4KHURUMBI (Ed Bethell)
Runner Jacket 0- KING EAGLE (Michael Bell)
Runner Jacket 87- KINGDOM COME (Clive Cox)
Runner Jacket 2- LIONEL (David Menuisier)
Runner Jacket 4- MORAG MCCULLAGH (Michael Bell)
Runner Jacket 5POSTWICK (Harry Eustace)
Runner Jacket 32- RIVER OF STARS (Ralph Beckett)
Runner Jacket 42- THE GADGET MAN (Ralph Beckett)
Runner Jacket 3- THESIS (Harry & Roger Charlton)
Runner Jacket 6- WITCH OF THE WOOD (Fozzy Stack)
Runner Jacket 70- WOLF OF OXSHOTT (Joseph Parr)

HANDICAPS

Runner Jacket 866ALBION PRINCESS (Harry & Roger Charlton)
Runner Jacket 807- ALNWICK CASTLE (Harry Eustace)
Runner Jacket 731- BUSHFIRE (Hughie Morrison)
Runner Jacket 709COPPERPLATE (Richard Hughes)
Runner Jacket 688- CROMARTY (David Simcock)
Runner Jacket 021- EDUCATOR (William Haggas)
Runner Jacket 789FULFILLED (David Simcock)
Runner Jacket 670- HAARAR (Michael Bell)
Runner Jacket 586- HEAD CHEF (David O’Meara)
Runner Jacket 737- HILTS (Jedd O’Keeffe)
Runner Jacket 61MISS DOWN UNDER (Amanda Perrett)
Runner Jacket 434- MYSTERY MONARCH (Eve Johnson Houghton)
Runner Jacket 731NIKHI (Jedd O’Keeffe)
Runner Jacket 242- ROACH POWER (Tim Easterby)
Runner Jacket 221- SAGA (John & Thady Gosden)
Runner Jacket 5351SEA KING (Sir Mark Prescott)
Runner Jacket 800SUGAR CANDIE (Hughie Morrison)
Runner Jacket 31- TROJAN HORSE (Charlie & Mark Johnston)
Runner Jacket 754- VEE SIGHT (Ralph Beckett)
Runner Jacket 1ZANBAQ (Roger Varian)

UNRACED

Runner Jacket ADORABLE YOU (Kevin Philippart de Foy)
Runner Jacket BEAU RIVAGE (Simon & Ed Crisford)
Runner Jacket CAPH STAR (Roger Varian)
Runner Jacket COUNTERATTACK (James Tate)
Runner Jacket COURAGE MON AMI (John & Thady Gosden)
Runner Jacket DARKANIYA (Francis-Henri Graffard)
Runner Jacket HIGH RENAISSANCE (Charlie Appleby)
Runner Jacket MALABU DRIVE (Ger Lyons)
Runner Jacket MORNING POST (Sir Michael Stoute)
Runner Jacket OKEECHOBEE (Harry & Roger Charlton)
Runner Jacket QUEEN OF CHANGE (Simon & Ed Crisford)
Runner Jacket QUEEN OF THE SKIES
(John & Thady Gosden)
Runner Jacket RULING DYNASTY (Charlie Appleby)
Runner Jacket SEA OF GEMS (Nicolas Clement)
Runner Jacket SOLEBAY (Edouard Monfort)
Runner Jacket STAR FORTRESS (Ralph Beckett)
Runner Jacket SURREY KNIGHT (Charlie Fellowes)
Runner Jacket SWOOSH (Francis-Henri Graffard)
Runner Jacket THE GREEN MAN (Joseph Parr)
Runner Jacket UPTIME (Ralph Beckett)
Runner Jacket VEGA SICILIA (Andrew Balding)
Runner Jacket WHIRLWIND (Richard Hannon)
Runner Jacket WHITEBEAM (Harry & Roger Charlton)
Runner Jacket WUNDERKNABE (Francis-Henri Graffard)
Runner Jacket ZAIN FARHH (William Haggas)

National Hunt Horses To Follow 2021/22

BALLYBEGG (6 b g Mahler – Rebel Flyer (Presenting))
Form: 3/2119-  Trainer: Kerry Lee  Owner: Glass Half Full

A seven-race maiden in the point-to-point sphere, he confirmed the promise shown in a bumper at Doncaster (for Warren Greatrex) and a 2m ½f novice hurdle at Bangor when winning a 2m 3½f maiden hurdle at Hereford in January by 18 lengths. He showed good battling qualities when following up under a penalty in a 2m 3½f novices’ hurdle at Wetherby the following month, fending off the challenge of Papa Charley Tango. His final outing of the season saw him finish a 27-length ninth of 17 in a 3m ½f handicap hurdle at Aintree, unable to sustain his challenge from off the pace. He is very much the type to do better still over fences this term, by a sire whose stock are noted for excelling over the larger obstacles and from a stable adept with such types.

CALL OF THE WILD (4 b g Fame And Glory – Glory Days (Tiger Hill))
Form:Trainer: Alan King  Owner: John P McManus

Half-brother to dual bumper/dual 2m hurdle winner Master Red, dual bumper winner My Inheritance and very useful multiple 1m Flat/2m-2m 1f hurdle winner Chatez. This nicely-bred gelding made an impressive winning debut in a bumper at Huntingdon back in May (11/4 market leader), travelling powerfully just off the pace and quickening to lead with over two furlongs left to run, soon clear as he ran out an emphatic 8½-length scorer over Urban Grit. It was a visually taking display, with the third’s next-time-out win adding some substance to the style. Both his pedigree and the speed he showed on debut suggests he is well worth a crack at one of the better bumpers staged this autumn in order to test his championship bumper credentials for later on in the season.

CEDARWOOD ROAD (6 b g Stowaway – Valleyboggan (Saddlers’ Hall))
Form: 1/721F-  Trainer: Gearoid O’Loughlin  Owner: Chris Jones

Out of a half-sister to smart jumper Felix Yonger, this gelding quickly made up into a very useful novice hurdler during 2019/20, signing off a three-race campaign with victory in a 2m Listed event at Naas. Following a considerate introduction over fences he chased home the smart The Big Getaway in a 2m 5f beginners chase at Leopardstown over the Christmas period, simply no match for that rival. He duly went one better in a similar event at Gowran Park in early March before falling at the tenth fence in a 2m 4f Grade 1 novice chase at Fairyhouse a month later. He is still low mileage, especially over fences, and while he may ultimately prove shy of mixing it at the highest level, it wouldn’t at all surprise to see him develop into a contender for something like the Paddy Power Plate Handicap Chase at Cheltenham next March.

COACHMAN (5 b g Maresca Sorrento – La Pelodette (Sagamix))
Form: 31–  Trainer: Oliver Signy  Owner: Mrs Sarah McLean

Half-brother to once-raced bumper winner Au Fleuron. Dam a maiden half-sister to Grade 2-placed 2m 5f hurdle/very useful 2m 4f-3m chase winner Le Bec and bumper/smart multiple 2m hurdle (including twice at Listed level) winner Tocca Ferro. He won the second of his starts in point-to-points at Tipperary back in April, taking over between the final two fences and clearing right away on the run-in to score by 6 lengths. Coachman was picked up by current connections for £140,000 not long after, and he is very much bred to make an immediate impact at 2m under Rules, as evidenced by his year younger half-brother making a winning start in bumper company back in the spring (himself sold for £220,000), while the dam’s hugely talented relation Tocca Ferro did similar before making up into a smart 2m hurdler. Incidentally, he will carry the same colours as those worn to victory on Rules debut last term by the useful Sambezi.

DELUXE RANGE (6 b g Westerner – Kildea Cailin (Anshan))
Form: 521323-  Trainer: Sandy Thomson  Owner: Watson & Lawrence

A maiden pointer who improved with each run and distance increase in novice/maiden hurdles towards the end of last year, culminating in victory in a 2m 6½f event at Kelso when drawing clear of the useful Le Cheval Noir to score by 2¾ lengths. He was unsuited by the step back in distance under a penalty at Newcastle next time and was far from disgraced when third in a 3m Listed event at Kelso on his final outing of the season, and he had run well in defeat when working hard to get the better of Tupelo Mississippi in a 2m 6f novices’ handicap hurdle at Newcastle in between those efforts – only for old rival Le Cheval Noir to run him down close home. A brother to the good chaser Kupatana, it isn’t hard to envisage Deluxe Range doing better still over fences this term.

DONNA’S DOUBLE (5 b g Fair Mix – Elegant Accord (Accordion))
Form: 1-  Trainer: Sandy Thomson  Owner: D&D Armstrong Ltd

This gelding made a winning start to his career in a bumper at Newcastle back in March (not unfancied 9/1 chance), tanking along close to the pace and taking over with a little under half a mile left to run, kept up to his work as he began to idle inside the final furlong as he came home 1¾ lengths clear of Clear White Light. He was a fairly inexpensive purchase at €12,000 and his immediate family is rather sparse, though the likes of Carvill’s Hill and Flemenstar feature further back. However, he clearly possess a good amount of ability with the way he went about things first time up, hardly bred to shine in bumpers (sire’s progeny notorious for improving over obstacles). That Donna’s Double was able to make a winning start in that sphere bodes incredibly well for his future prospects, and he ought to make his mark in 2m 4f+ novice hurdles up north this season.

ENTRE DEUX (7 b g Khalkevi – Evitta (Le Triton))
Form: 80664-  Trainer: Paul Henderson  Owner: S Tulk

Entre Deux looked a strong stayer in point-to-points, getting up late to win at Aghabullogue last January and again running on well when second at Ballyvodock the following month, soon after which he joined current connections. He didn’t shape at all badly on his Rules debut in a bumper at Ascot but finished lame when tailed off at Warwick next time. His three runs in maiden/novice hurdles thereafter all hinted at better to come, specifically in handicaps from an opening mark of 109. He would be of particular interest if switched straight over fences, with his sire’s progeny particularly effective in that discipline and his stable enjoying the bulk of its success with chasers.

FRINGILL DIKE (4 ch g Mahler – Credo Star (Presenting))
Form: 1-  Trainer: Jedd O’Keeffe  Owner: Caron & Paul Chapman

€20,000 first foal of an Irish 2m-2m 4f hurdle winner who was a half-sister to 3m Grade 2 hurdle winner/Albert Bartlett runner-up Mossley, family of good jumpers Commanche Court and Golan Way. This nicely-bred gelding made a winning start to his career in a bumper at Hexham back in April (7/2 co-favourite), racing somewhat exuberantly in behind the pacesetters and coming wide into the home straight, running green off the bridle initially but picking up well to lead over a furlong out and strong at the finish as he saw off Ailes d’Amour by 2½ lengths. Given his evident inexperience and predominantly jumps pedigree, the fact he was able to make a winning start in a bumper is to his credit, the power-packed finish he produced after racing with zest the hallmark of one with a big engine. So long as he cultivates a more professional edge as he gains experience, Fringill Dike ought to make a significant impact over hurdles on the northern scene over the coming months.

GALLOW FORD (6 b g Westerner – Magical Theatre (King’s Theatre))
Form: 555621-  Trainer: Katy Price  Owner: Nick Elliott

This dual winning pointer shaped like the future chasing prospect he is when contesting a trio of novice hurdles at Hereford, Wincanton and Kempton, unable to remain/get competitive. He got better by the run in handicap company, narrowly denied in a 2m 3½f contest at Chepstow in April before going one better at Exeter over a furlong shorter a couple of weeks later, travelling best and finding plenty for pressure from two out to score by 2¾ lengths from Magic Dancer. Just 4lbs higher for that victory, he will remain competitive in that discipline, but it’s over fences where the very best of Gallow Ford will be seen.

GENTLEMAN JOE (3 b c Authorized – Bella Lulu (Iffraaj))
Form:  Trainer: Henry de Bromhead  Owner: Robcour

Lightly raced on the Flat for Joseph Tuite, he built on the promise shown on his sole outing at two at Kempton when landing a 1m median auction maiden back there in March (strong 2/1 chance), leading over a furlong out and soon in control as he saw off Prontissimo (a dual winner since and now rated 91) by 3¾ lengths. He was highly tried thereafter and showed a similar level of form when sixth in a 1m 1f Listed event at Newmarket next time and third of six behind smart pair Lone Eagle and Yibir in the 11f Cocked Hat Stakes at Goodwood next time. He could hardly have joined a better outfit with which to embark on a juvenile hurdling campaign, while his sire’s progeny – notably via the likes of Goshen, Nichols Canyon and Tiger Roll – have enjoyed plenty of success over timber. Should he take to hurdling, it would be rather disappointing if Gentleman Joe couldn’t reach a high level in the juvenile hurdling division.

GLENDRUID (7 b g Beneficial – Carrigeen Diamond (Old Vic))
Form: 08/7-41  Trainer: Neil Mulholland  Owner: Murphys Law (Ireland) Syndicate

A well-related sort who offered little more than a modicum of promise in a handful of outings in Ireland for Colm Murphy, and he proved somewhat disappointing when well-supported on his stable/British debut in a 2m 1½f novices’ hurdle at Fontwell in May. He relished the step up to 2m 7f, the move into handicap company and more forceful tactics when getting off the mark at Bangor at the end of July, making all and turning the screw from before three out, responding generously for pressure to run out a 3¼-length winner over next-time-out scorer White Walker. Up 7lbs for that success, Glendruid is liable to go on improving for a good while yet, just two runs into his time with this stable and having scope for further improvement, especially once going chasing.

HERE WE HAVE IT (6 b g Mahler – Islands Sister (Turtle Island))
Form: 22-  Trainer: Laura Morgan  Owner: Hanbury & Fretwell

A three-time runner-up in point-to-points, Here We Have It has also endured a couple of near misses in his first two outings under Rules, starting with a half-length second to Aviewtosea in a bumper at Carlisle last November. He filled the same position on his hurdling debut when contesting a 2m novice event at Newcastle the following month, travelling better than most but proving no match whatsoever for Tommy’s Oscar. That one’s subsequent achievements (has won twice more since, finished third in the Scottish Champion Hurdle and is now rated 139) rather puts that performance into perspective, and it’s worth remembering how well this gelding had travelled that day. Here We Have It is bred to stay well and jump fences in time, so that he was able to show as much as he did over 2m last term bodes well. He ought to find 3m within range.

HILLCREST (6 br g Stowaway – Shop Dj (Dushyantor))
Form: 21-  Trainer: Henry Daly  Owner: Trevor Hemmings

The second foal of his high-class dam, he fetched €190,000 at auction and nearly made the perfect start to his career in a bumper at Doncaster in January, failing by just a nose to reel in odds-on favourite Wiseguy. He went one better at Wetherby the following month but it didn’t look at all likely at one stage, looking held in third early in the straight but aided by the errancy of the eventual third cutting across the challenging runner-up, picking up strongly to mow them both down near the finish and score by a neck. He is a sizeable individual, coming in at a reported 18hh, so that he was able to prove such a competitive force in bumpers marks him out as a very exciting prospect for novice hurdles this season. It is highly likely he will require further than 2m from the outset.

JAY BEE WHY (6 b g Yeats – Lady Bernie (Supreme Leader))
Form: 0/1515-  Trainer: Alan King  Owner: David J S Sewell & Tim Leadbitter

Picked up for £68,000 following his point-to-point win, this gelding proved a bitter disappointment on his Rules debut when finishing 10th of 13 in a bumper at Newbury last January. Given time and a breathing operation in the interim, he made a winning return/hurdling debut in a 2m 5f maiden contest at Warwick in December, making smooth headway from the fourth last flight and taking over approaching two out, forging clear to eventually score by 9½ lengths. His relative inexperience perhaps told when only fifth in a Grade 2 event over the same course and distance the following month, but he returned to winning ways in a 2m 3f novices’ hurdle back there next time, clearing away on the run-in to score by 7 lengths. He signed off with a creditable fifth place finish in a 2m 4f Grade 1 event at Aintree in April, soon on the retreat after a mistake at the third last flight. Another summer on his back is sure to see Jay Bee Why better equipped to cope with such demands over larger obstacles this term, all over a chasing type (from the family of Calgary Bay, Grey Abbey and The Grey Monk).

KING ORRY (6 b g Oscar – Deer Island Peg (Bob’s Return))
Form: 900U-  Trainer: Sue Gardner  Owner: Gardner Wheeler

Out a winning half-sister to very smart jumper Peddlers Cross (by Oscar), King Orry has yet to show much in four outings, racing keenly and dropping away tamely on his debut in a bumper at Exeter in January. He was then rushed through novice hurdles at Wincanton (2m, twice) and Taunton (2m 3f), never involved on the first occasion and fading from prominence next time before unseating when well held on his third hurdles run. He has been handed a lowly mark of 87 with which to go handicapping and the vast majority of his stable’s winners are gained in that sphere, so it would come as no surprise to see King Orry prove more competitive at some point this campaign.

MARBLE SANDS (5 gr g Martaline – Sans Rien (Poliglote))
Form: 5152-  Trainer: Fergal O’Brien  Owner: DL Adams, JA Adams & G McPherson

A well-bred individual who confirmed the promise of his debut fifth in a bumper at Warwick last October when scoring at Ascot some four weeks later, travelling strongly close up and taking over going easily early in the home straight, running green off the bridle but always doing enough as he came home 2½ lengths clear of Italian Spirit. He attempted to make all and was far from disgraced when fifth in a Listed event over the same course and distance next time, though he could only manage a 4¾-length second to the speedy Washington at Huntingdon in March. His latest effort rather confirmed that he is ready to step up in distance/switch to hurdling, done for speed in a tactical affair last time. Bred to excel over obstacles, he could make into a useful hurdler this term.

MUMBO JUMBO (5 b g Califet – Touched By Angels (Saffron Walden))
Form: 2-  Trainer: Emma Lavelle  Owner: Nick Mustoe

The second foal of an unraced half-sister to smart jumper Morning Assembly, this gelding shaped with a deal of promise on his sole outing to date in a bumper at Newbury back in January (18/1 chance). He raced close to the action throughout and travelled strongly, still going easily over two furlongs out but showing signs of inexperience once asked to close down the leader, eventually having to settle for a 1½-length second to Fine Casting (8 lengths clear of remainder). His relative inexperience to that of the winner was a crucial factor, but it was a highly encouraging start to his career in a race that has worked out well. Bred to make his mark over obstacles, he ought to make above-average progress in the novice hurdle division over trips in excess of 2m this term.

NOT LONG NOW (5 b g Flemensfirth – Drop of Spirit (Westerner))
Form: 2-  Trainer: Evan Williams  Owner: Mr & Mrs William Rucker

Second foal of an unraced half-sister to 3m Grade 1 hurdle winner Prince of Scars (by Flemensfirth) and very useful staying chaser Folsom Blue. His only outing to date came in a bumper at Huntingdon (for Mel Rowley) in April, racing in midfield and creeping closer until challenging two furlongs out, unable to go with Shantou’s Melody inside the final furlong and coming home 8 lengths adrift of that rival at the line. He was purchased for £70,000 by new connections a month later and appeals as the type to make into a useful novice hurdler this term, bred to jump and stay further than 2m in time.

PARRAMOUNT (5 b g Mount Nelson – Queen Soraya (Persian Bold))
Form: 2218-  Trainer: Charlie Longsdon  Owner: Andrew Fox-Pitt

A half-brother to connections’ smart jumper Snow Leopardess, this gelding had to settle for second in a pair of heavy-ground bumpers at Haydock and Wetherby last December, picked off very late on debut before unable to put a seal on matters having travelled well when chasing home Mr Glass on the latter occasion. He went one better at Stratford some 11 weeks later, travelling typically well and settling matters in clinical fashion, and he was far from disgraced when eighth in the Grade 2 bumper at Aintree the following month. Half-sister Snow Leopardess was useful in bumpers but got better with age/when going jumping and Parramount is likely to follow suit this season, certainly having the physical scope to reach a useful level at least in that sphere.

PATS FANCY (6 b g Oscar – Pat’s Darling (Supreme Leader))
Form: 612P06-  Trainer: Rebecca Curtis  Owner: Hydes, McDermott, Spencer, Frobisher & Lee

Out of a half-sister to Champion Chase winner Big Zeb (by Oscar), this gelding shaped with promise on debut in a bumper at Ffos Las last October though wasn’t so good next time at Hereford. He made a successful switch to timber when landing a 2m 4f maiden hurdle back at Ffos Las a couple of weeks later, overcoming a couple of novicey jumps to come clear between the final two flights and see off Gladiateur Allen by 2¼ lengths. He ran well in defeat in a 3m Grade 2 novice hurdle at Cheltenham but came unstuck on his next three outings, pulled up in a similar event at Doncaster next time before predictably coming up short at the top level at Cheltenham and Aintree. So long as those experiences haven’t soured him, Pats Fancy’s potential remains intact for novice chasing, very much bred to excel over fences and representing a stable that does well with such types.

SAM BARTON (6 b g Black Sam Bellamy – Bartons Bride (Anshan))
Form: 3/5214-  Trainer: Emma Lavelle  Owner: Trevor Hemmings

This gelding’s pedigree isn’t much to write home about, but he is a physically imposing sort who showed promise on his sole outing in a bumper at Exeter back in February 2020. He shaped well in defeat in a 2m 3½f maiden hurdle at Chepstow on his return last October before finishing second to Optimise Prime in a novice event over the same sort of trip at Hereford the following month. He went one better in a maiden hurdle at Doncaster (2m 3½f), travelling best and merely kept up to his work to score before running with plenty of credit when fourth in the EBF Final at Sandown. Sam Barton built up a good profile over timber last term, much to his credit considering he has the make and shape of one that will positively thrive over the larger obstacles. He rates a cracking novice chasing prospect for the 2021/22 season.

SHANTOU’S MELODY (5 b g Shantou – Glen’s Melody (King’s Theatre))
Form: 421-  Trainer: Jonjo O’Neill  Owner: Perfect Strangers Partnership

A €72,000 first foal of a 2m 2f/2m 4f Grade 1 hurdle winner, he found only a Flat-bred rival too good on his debut in a bumper at Fontwell last September though could only match that form when fifth in a stronger race at Cheltenham the following month. He was wisely given a break thereafter and duly returned with victory in calmer waters at Huntingdon in mid-April, waited with and travelling powerfully throughout, taking over in the home straight and forging clear inside the final furlong to score by 8 lengths from Not Long Now. His pedigree alone points to him doing even better over obstacles, also shaping last time as though a stiffer test of stamina would bring about significant improvement. It would be disappointing if Shantou’s Melody couldn’t develop into an above-average 2m 4f+ novice hurdler this season.

TIME FOR TIMONE (6 b g Mahler – Letterwoman (Fourstars Allstar))
Form: 7-7545  Trainer: Alex Hales  Owner: S Brackenbury

A half-brother to useful 2m 3f-3m chase winner The Kings Writ who made little impact in bumpers, and he has clearly been brought along with handicaps in mind over hurdles so far, kept to 2m for all three runs at sharp tracks and racing off the pace each time. He has been handed an opening mark of 97 with which to go handicapping and appeals strongly as the type to enjoy a far more productive time of things in that discipline, particularly once tackling longer trips (has the likes of Grand National winner Ballabriggs and Scottish Grand National third Out The Black in his pedigree).

TIP TOP MOUNTAIN (6 b g Mountain High – The Central Lady (Lord Americo))
Form: 080-  Trainer: Robert Walford  Owner: R J Brown

£30,000 point-to-point winner (at the third time of asking) who was another to be hurried through maiden/novice hurdles over inadequate distances in order to acquire a mark. He has been handed a rating of 93 with which to tackle handicaps, representing a stable that enjoys plenty of success in that sphere, especially chasers. Tip Top Mountain promises to prove a far more competitive force in 3m+ handicap chases this term from his lowly opening mark.

TWOMINUTES TURKISH (6 ch g Mahler – Kilbarry Cliche (Classic Cliche))
Form: 6/124P-  Trainer: Chris Gordon  Owner: The Cabal

A second foal of an unraced half-sister to high-class chaser Racing Demon, he unsurprisingly lacked the speed to get competitive in a pair of bumpers at Newbury and Huntingdon during the 2019/2020 season. He showed immediate improvement for a switch to timber when landing a 2m maiden hurdle at Fakenham on his seasonal reappearance last October and followed that with a second place finish to the very useful Cadzand in a 2m novices’ hurdle at Warwick the following month, attempting to make all under an attacking ride but absolutely no match for the winner. He wasn’t seen again until the spring, kept to 2m and finishing fourth at Warwick before turning in a lacklustre effort on his handicap debut at Sandown. For all his season ended on something of a low note, there is almost certainly better to come from Twominutes Turkish once tried over further than 2m, with his limit seemingly reached at that distance now. He also appeals as the type that will make more of an impact once going chasing, having both the pedigree and physique for that discipline.

UNRACED

BEN BULBEN (4 b g Yeats – Mystic Masie (Turgeon))
Trainer: Harry Fry  Owner: Tom Chadney & More Friends  Sales price: €10,000 (T Chadney)

Half-brother to 2m Grade 2 hurdle/2m 5f Grade 2 chase winner Angels Breath and bumper/2m 4f hurdle winner Outofthisworld. Dam an unraced half-sister to 2m Listed hurdle/smart dual 2m chase winner Toubab, French 11f 3yo Flat/Listed-placed 2m 2f hurdle/Grade 2/3-placed 2m 1f-2m 3f chase winner Narock and useful maiden chaser Milanford out of a maiden half-sister to the dam of 2m Grade 2 hurdle winner/Champion Bumper third Pique Sous and Listed-placed bumper winner Laveroque.

BILLY BOI BLUE (4 b g Blue Bresil – Kentucky Sky (Cloudings))
Trainer: Fergal O’Brien  Owner: BDRSyndicates  Sales price: £21,000 (Graeme McPherson)

Half-brother to dual bumper/smart 2m-2m 4f hurdle (including at Listed level) winner Martello Sky, bumper/Listed-placed 2m-2m 2f hurdle winner Mystic Sky and Listed-placed bumper/dual 2m 4f hurdle winner Brief Ambition. Dam a Listed-placed bumper winner who was the daughter of an unraced half-sister to the dam of 2m Grade 2 hurdle winner General Miller.

BLUE HOP (4 b g Soldier of Fortune – Afaraka (Flemensfirth))
Trainer: Tom George  Owner: R S Brookhouse  Sales price: £80,000 (Shaun Brookhouse)

Fourth foal of an unraced half-sister to bumper/high-class 2m-2m 5f hurdle (including twice at Grade 2 level) winner Younevercall, Grade 3-placed Irish 2m-2m 3f hurdle winner Afasheen, dual bumper/2m 5f hurdle winner Ballyhenry and the maiden dam of 2m 4f Grade 1 hurdle winner Black Op; family of smart hurdlers Afsoun and Agrapart and smart/versatile jumper Balthazar King.

FIRESTREAM (4 b g Yeats – Swincombe Flame (Exit To Nowhere))
Trainer: Anthony Honeyball  Owner: Buckingham, Chapman, Langford & Ritzema  Sales price: £35,000 (Anthony Honeyball)

Full brother to dual bumper (including at Listed level)/smart dual 2m hurdle (including at Grade 2 level) winner Master Debonair and useful bumper winner Swincombe Fleat. Dam a dual bumper (including at Listed level)/Grade 2-placed 2m-2m 1f hurdle winner who was a sister to 2m 3f chase winner Lady Everywhere out of a 2m Flat/useful 2m 7f-3m hurdle winner.

HENRI THE SECOND (4 b g Saddler Maker – Rock Treasure (Video Rock))
Trainer: Paul Nicholls  Owner: Martin Broughton & Friends 7  Sales price: n/a

Half-brother to very useful dual bumper/2m 4f Grade 2 hurdle/Grade 3-placed 2m 7f-3m chase winner Enrilo and French APQS/Listed-placed 2m 2f hurdle/2m 1f chase winner Colere Noire. Dam a French 11.5-13f Flat/dual 2m 2f chase winner who was a half-sister to the dam of bumper/useful dual 2m hurdle winner Diamond Guy out of a French 2m 4f Grade 3 chase winner.

IDEM (3 b g Rail Link – Reflexion (Discover D’Auteuil))
Trainer: Lucinda Russell  Owner: The Boltons and Atholl Duncan  Sales price: €26,000 (Morten Buskop/Lucinda Russell)

Half-brother to French 2m 5f Listed hurdle winner Cote d’Azur and French 2m 1f-2m 2f hurdle winners Fortuitous and Honoris Causa. Dam a French 2m 2f Grade 3/Listed hurdle winner who was a half-sister to triple bumper/Grade 3-placed 2m-2m 1f hurdle/smart 2m 3f-3m 4f chase (including three times at Grade 3 level) winner Vieux Lion Rouge and French 2m 2f Listed winner Azza out of a Belgian 2m hurdle winning half-sister to Tolworth Hurdle winner Marcel and the dam of Irish 2m 4f Grade 2/3 chase winner Royal Rendezvous.

MONEY SPINNER (4 b g Soldier of Fortune – Floral Spinner (Alflora))
Trainer: Philip Hobbs  Owner: Alan Peterson  Sales price: n/a

First foal of a dual bumper/2m 3f-3m hurdle winner who was a half-sister to bumper/3m Grade 1 hurdle/3m Grade 2 chase winner Sam Spinner and bumper winner Misty Dawn out of a bumper winning half-sister to high-class jumper The Tsarevich, bumper/2m 5f hurdle/useful multiple 2m 4f chase winner Golden Spinner, the dam of 3m Grade 2/3 chase winner Gungadu and the great-grandam of Listed-placed dual bumper/dual 2m hurdle winner Apollo Lady.

NO RISK NO FUN (4 b g No Risk At All – Incorrigible (Septieme Ciel))
Trainer: Sam Thomas  Owner: Walters Plant Hire Ltd  Sales price: €35,000 (Highflyer Bloodstock)

Full brother to bumper/2m hurdle winners L’Incorrigible and Nickolson and a half-brother to 2m 2f hurdle/Grade 3-placed 2m-2m 3f chase winner Hollywoodien and bumper/useful 2m 3f-3m hurdle winner Jabulani. Dam an unraced half-sister to French 2m 3f Listed hurdle winner Dioscoride and the dams of dual Listed bumper winner Israel Champ and bumper winner/smart jumper Stellar Notion.

NOLLYADOR (4 b g No Risk At All – Playa du Charmil (Saint des Saints))
Trainer: Emma Lavelle  Owner: Highclere Thoroughbred Racing – Nollyador  Sales price: £82,000 (Gerry Hogan Bloodstock)

Half-brother to once-raced bumper winner Peejaybee. Dam a maiden close relation to Grade 1-placed dual 2m hurdle/Grade 3-placed 2m 4f-3m chase winner Patman du Charmil and half-sister to French dual 2m 2f hurdle/2m 1f Grade 2 chase winner Pablo du Charmil.

NURSE SUSAN (4 ch f Doctor Dino – Hembra (Croco Rouge))
Trainer: Dan Skelton  Owner: Colm Donlon  Sales price: €32,000 (Vincent Le Roy)

Half-sister to bumper/useful 2m hurdle/2m-2m 1f chase winner Le Martalin and French 15f Flat/very useful Irish 2m hurdle winner Vision D’honneur. Dam a French 12f 3yo Flat winner from a good Flat family including South African triple 8/9f Grade 1 winner Captain America.

ONESTEPTWOSTEPS (4 b g Getaway – Total Gossip (Take Risks))
Trainer: Nick Gifford  Owner: Mrs L Bowtell & Mr P Bowtell  Sales price: £31,000 (Nick Gifford)

Third foal of a maiden half-sister to useful Irish triple bumper winner Macbride and bumper/dual 2m hurdle winner Are They Your Own out of a 12f 3yo winner who was a full sister to dual 2m Grade 1 hurdle winner Straw Bear.

PATAILLE (3 ch g Martaline – Panzella (Kahyasi))
Trainer: Jane Williams  Owner: Gascoigne Brookes Barker & Jakeman  Sales price: n/a

Full brother to bumper/useful 2m-2m 3f hurdle winner Prudhomme and a half-brother to Irish 2m 4f Grade 1 hurdle winner Pont Alexandre, Irish bumper/2m 4f hurdle winner Pont Aval and French 14-15f 3yo Flat/Listed-placed 2m 1f hurdle winner Ponte Fortune. Dam an unraced half-sister to Prix Kergorlay winner Ponte Tresa and French 12f 3yo Listed winner Pontille.

PICNIC IN THE PARK (4 b f Walk In The Park – Cherry Pie (Dolpour))
Trainer: Harry Fry  Owner: Trevor Hemmings  Sales price: n/a

Closely related to bumper/Grade 3-placed dual 2m hurdle winner Great Try (by Scorpion) and a half-sister to dual bumper/Grade 2-placed 2m 4f-3m hurdle (including at Grade 3 level) winner Stoney Mountain and 2m 4f hurdle winner Padstow Harbour. Dam a maiden half-sister to Grade 2-placed bumper/useful 2m 3f hurdle/dual 2m 4f Grade 2 chase winner The Nightingale.

SAINT BIBIANA (4 b f Sholokhov – En Vedette (Astarabad))
Trainer: Kim Bailey  Owner: Mrs M Peterson  Sales price: €20,000 (William Bryan)

Full sister to once-raced bumper winner Lady Adare and closely related to bumper winners Sabrina (by Yeats) and The Milan Girl (by Milan). Dam a French 2m 2f Listed hurdle winner who was a full sister to 2m 1f-2m 2f hurdle/Listed-placed 2m 1f-2m 4f chase winner Bretaye.

SCARFACE (4 b g Milan – Consider Her Lucky (Silvano))
Trainer: Colin Tizzard  Owner: Taylor & O’Dwyer  Sales price: €62,000 (Doyle/Tizzard)

Second foal of a maiden half-sister to Listed-placed 11f-2m Flat/high-class 2m-3m hurdle (including at Grade 1 level)/Grade 1-placed 2m 4f chase winner Catch Me and bumper/smart triple 2m hurdle (including at Grade 1 level)/2m-2m 4f chase winner Cash And Go out of a winning half-sister to the dam of bumper/2m 3f hurdle winner Caitys Joy; family of high-class Flat performers Inspiral, Medicean and Sanam.

Three-Year-Olds 2021

PATTERN CLASS

AROUSING (b f Kodiac – Enticing)

Form: 1-  Trainer: William Haggas  Owner: Lael Stables

Closely related to triple Prix de la Foret winner One Master (by Fastnet Rock) out of a dual 5f Group 3 winning daughter of high-class sprinter Superstar Leo. This smartly-bred filly made a winning start to her career in a 6f fillies’ novice event at Yarmouth last September (4/1 chance). Slowly away and in rear off just an ordinary gallop, she began to move closer from halfway, having to wait for a gap to appear but forcing her way through to challenge approaching the final furlong, quickening smartly to lead inside the final 100 yards and going on to score by a neck from a battling Ville De Grace. For all she was receiving weight from the winner, Arousing did extremely well to get to the front at all given she challenged into a quickening pace, nicely on top come the line without her riding having to resort to the whip. Although the bulk of her pedigree suggests she should have been a precocious two-year-old, a few members of the family improved with age and racing. Open to significant improvement, it would be disappointing if this daughter of Kodiac wasn’t competing for black-type honours at some point during 2021.

HICKORY (b c Free Eagle – Badr Al Badoor)

Form: 1-  Trainer: James Fanshawe  Owner Fred Archer Racing – Galliard

125,000gns half-brother to 6f Listed winner Archer’s Dream out of a useful 6-6.5f winning half-sister to high-class sprinters Profitable and Ridge Ranger. This colt’s sole outing to date came in a 7f novice contest at Yarmouth last August (7/1 chance), breaking slowly and racing in rear, still there but travelling better than most over two furlongs out, switched soon after and making good progress to lead entering the final furlong, driven out to score by 1¼ lengths from Ridgeway Avenue. It was performance more about style than substance, conceding both experience and track position to his rivals but still winning with plenty in hand, admittedly bred to be sharper than a few of his rivals on the dam’s side. That said, he hails from a stable that brings along its youngsters steadily, and the manner in which he sealed matters marked him down as an above-average prospect. Sensibly put away after that debut success, it would come as no surprise to see Hickory quickly make up into a very useful performer at least this term.

HURRICANE LANE (ch c Frankel – Gale Force)

Form: 1-  Trainer: Charlie Appleby  Owner: Godolphin

200,000gns brother to Listed-placed 8-12f winner Frankel’s Storm out of a 15.5f Listed winning half-sister to 12f Group 1 winner Seal Of Approval, family of Derby winner Harzand. This colt made a winning start to his career in a five-runner 1m novice event at Newmarket last October (3/1 chance). Racing in behind the pacesetters, he was pushed along and ran green/became outpaced with around three furlongs left to run, picking up well approaching the final furlong and staying on strongly to lead inside the final 150 yards and score by 2 lengths from Parachute. The testing conditions and lack of runners holds to the form down to some extent, but Hurricane Lane still impressed with how he went about things, working his way through greenness to run out an ultimately authoritative winner. His pedigree strongly suggests that he will come into his own over middle/staying distances during his second season, and it wouldn’t at all surprise to see him make up into a contender for something like the Queen’s Vase.

NOON STAR (b f Galileo – Midday)

Form: 31-  Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute  Owner: Khalid Abdullah

Full sister to 10/12f Group 3 winner Midterm and a three-parts sister to Group 2-placed 10f 3yo Listed winner Mori (by Frankel), out of a six-time 10-12f Group 1 winning half-sister to Nell Gwyn Stakes winner Hot Snap and 10f Group 3 winner Sun Maiden. This beautifully-bred filly shaped with distinct promise on her debut outing in a 7f fillies’ maiden at Salisbury last September, green and outpaced by halfway but coming home strongly to take third in a race that worked out nicely. She duly confirmed that initial promise when landing an 8.5f fillies’ maiden at Nottingham the following month (11/4 chance), travelling well in behind the leaders and ridden to lead two furlongs out, soon challenged but staying on well throughout the final furlong to draw clear and run out a commanding 3¼-length winner over Ocean Road. She has been strong at the finish on both outings so far, very much in keeping with her excellent middle-distance pedigree, the majority of the family excelling with age including her dam who was rated 86 following her maiden win as a two-year-old (this filly had been given an opening mark of 87). It is hard to believe Noon Star won’t follow suit and make rapid strides at three, with an Oaks trial of some description surely on her agenda this spring.

PORT SUNLIGHT (b f Harzand – Liber Nauticus)

Form: 41-  Trainer: Dermot Weld  Owner: Moyglare Stud Farm

Half-sister to 2020 7f Listed winner Miss Celestial out of a Musidora Stakes winner from the excellent family of Conduit, Glass Harmonium, Petrushka and Spectrum. This filly debuted in a 1m fillies’ maiden at Navan last August, slowly into stride and in rear until moving closer in smooth fashion on the outer over two furlongs out, ridden and keeping on steadily without reaching the principals to come home in fourth behind April Showers. She confirmed that initial promise when landing a similar event at Navan some eight weeks later (9/4 market leader), slowly into stride once again and waited with, making good progress down the near side rail in the straight, responding well for pressure to lead inside the final 150 yards and run out a commanding 3-length winner from Even Flow. Her stamina clearly came into play last time, readily overhauling the strong-travelling runner-up in the end, but she had to make up plenty of ground to do so and deserves extra credit for that alone. Port Sunlight hails from an excellent Ballymacoll Stud family that excels with time and distance and for all she needs to prove herself as effective on better ground, it would be rather disappointing if she couldn’t secure herself some black type at the very least during 2021.

ROYAL CHAMPION (b c Shamardal – Emirates Queen)

Form: 1-  Trainer: Roger Varian  Owner: Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum

Half-brother to Listed-placed 12-13.5f winner Outbox out of a Lancashire Oaks winner who was a half-sister to numerous smart performers, most notably Irish 2000 Guineas winner/Derby third Dubawi. This well-bred colt made a winning start to his career in a 1m maiden at Newmarket last October that has produced the likes of Telescope, Eminent and Ghaiyyath in recent times. Sent off a well-fancied 100/30 chance, he recovered from a tardy start to race close to the action, ridden to challenge over two furlongs out and going on approaching the final furlong, kept up to his work to see off Toromona by 1¼ lengths. The eventual margin of victory somewhat masks Royal Champion’s superiority on the day, appearing to idle once hitting the front but never looking likely to be caught, merely driven out hands and heels to score. He has all the right credentials – from pedigree, to connections, to looks – to make up into a high-class performer during his second season, when he ought to stay at least ten furlongs.   

SIR LUCAN (b c Camelot – Sparrow)

Form: 541-  Trainer: Aidan O’Brien  Owner: Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Mrs John Magnier

Full brother to high-class 10-12.5f winner (including at Group 1 level) Sir Dragonet out of a Group 3-placed 6f 2yo winning half-sister to Cheshire Oaks winner/Oaks runner-up Wonder Of Wonders, exceptional family of Galileo, Sea The Stars and King’s Best. This resplendently-bred colt offered little when last of five on debut in a 1m maiden at Killarney last July but showed much more when staying on into fourth behind stablemate High Definition in the Group 2 Beresford Stakes at the Curragh a couple of months later, not getting the clearest of runs through. He made it third time lucky in workmanlike fashion in a 1m maiden at Cork 17 days later (5/4 favourite), responding well for pressure to lead in the dying strides and deny Flying Visit by a neck. The runner-up is a consistent sort who went on to land a Group 3 next time, and Sir Lucan was never going to be seen to best effect in a steadily-run contest over a mile. For all this colt may not prove a leading light amongst his stable’s classic generation, it’d come as no surprise to see him improve a good amount for tackling middle distances in 2021, remembering how quickly brother Sir Dragonet made up into a Derby contender (unraced at two; sent off favourite when fifth in the 2019 renewal).

TAIPAN (b c Frankel – Kenzadargent)

Form: 1-  Trainer: Jessica Harrington  Owner: Ms Fiona Carmichael

€500,000 half-brother to 2020 6f 3yo Group 3/Listed winner Brad The Brief out of a 7f 2yo Listed winner. This colt made a successful start to his career in a big-field 1m maiden at Naas last November (7/1 chance), in rear after breaking a step slow and chased along from before halfway, beginning to get the idea two furlongs out and coming with a strong and sustained run throughout the final furlong which carried him into the lead close home, scoring by half a length from Team Of Firsts. That he was able to overhaul a pair that had shown useful form previously was to his immense credit, visibly green in rear and leaving himself with plenty to do as a result but making up the ground in good fashion inside the final furlong. Although related to a smart sprinter and from a family of milers, he has clearly inherited a good bit of staying power from the top line of his pedigree. All in all, it would be rather disappointing if Taipan couldn’t progress into a high end performer in 2021, when he ought to stay 10f at least.

TANMAWWY (b c Invincible Spirit – Rufoof)

Form: 1-  Trainer: Charlie Hills  Owner: Hamdan Al Maktoum

Half-brother to a couple of winners and out of a dual 7f winner who was a half-sister to several at least useful performers, notably four-time 6/6.5f Group 1 winner Muhaarar. This colt’s sole outing to date came in a 6f novice event at Haydock last September (4/1 chance), breaking slowly and racing in rear until making smooth progress on the outer over two furlongs out, shaken up to lead approaching the final furlong and soon quickening clear to run out an impressive 4½-length winner over Rogue Nation. It was a visually taking display from this son of Invincible Spirit, quickening smartly upon request to take several lengths out of the field in the manner of one destined for much better things. The overall level of form he achieved looks nothing out of the ordinary, but Tanmawwy certainly does and for all it’s asking him a lot to match the exploits of relation Muhaarar, he has the latent talent to make an impact in the three-year-old sprinting division in 2021. He will almost certainly stay a seventh furlong if required, though.  

WILLOW (b f American Pharoah – Peeping Fawn)

Form: 431-  Trainer: Aidan O’Brien  Owner: Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Mrs John Magnier

Half-sister to Group/Grade 1-placed dual 7f 2yo winner (including at Listed level) September and Irish 6f 2yo winner/Coventry Stakes third Sir John Hawkins, out of a four-time 10/12f Group 1 winner/Oaks runner-up. This filly made the frame in fillies’ maidens at the Curragh (7f) and Leopardstown (1m) last summer, attempting to make all on both occasions but coming up just short. However, she was given time and reappeared at Leopardstown over the same distance nearly three months later, tracking the leaders and ridden to challenge two furlongs out, taking over at the furlong pole and staying on strongly to score by 2¼ lengths from Unmeyaat. Willow’s progress so far has been incremental, but a step up to middle distances allied with another winter under her belt is likely to see her improvement prove swifter and more pronounced this term, remembering her dam’s rapid progression into a high-class performer at three. It is also worth noting how her stable’s youngsters were struggling for form at the time of her first two runs and, like many, she proved a different proposition entirely in the autumn, so it shouldn’t be held against her or indeed fellow list member Sir Lucan that they weren’t able to make a more immediate impact.

MAIDENS

AVA GO JOE (b g Dragon Pulse – Elusive Ellen)

Form: 73-  Trainer: Tim Easterby  Owner: B Valentine & Partner

10,000gns first foal of a fairly useful multiple 6-7f winning daughter of a fairly useful multiple 1m winner who was a half-sister to Group 1-placed Irish dual 6f 2yo winner (including at Listed level) Miss Beabea (later dam of Moyglare Stud Stakes winner Miss Beatrix) and good sprint handicappers Ellens Academy, Ellens Lad, Invincible Lad and Novellen Lad. This gelding was much too green to make an impact when closing up late into seventh in a 5f novice event on debut at York last October, and his only other outing at two came in a lesser 5f novice race at Catterick 18 days later (10/1 chance). He was soon off the bridle and some way detached from the principals, working his way into contention from over a furlong out and staying on well thereafter to take third behind Secret Eagle (beaten half a length). Ava Go Joe’s lack of experience has likely played a major part in his inability to get competitive throughout the first half of a race so far, though he ought to stay a sixth furlong without any issues whatsoever. From a solid family of sprint handicappers, it isn’t difficult to envisage him making an impact in that sphere once gaining a mark after one more run. Better ground than he has encountered so far should also see him in a better light.

BASHFUL (b c Manduro – Inhibition)

Form: 9-  Trainer: Andrew Balding  Owner: Kingsclere Racing Club

Half-brother to useful 12-14f Flat/bumper winner Swashbuckle out of a useful 12f 3yo winning half-sister to high-class miler Passing Glance, 7f Group 3 winner Hidden Meadow, 3yo Listed winners Kingsclere (1m) and Scorned (11f) and several other winners including the dams of 2020 Hong Kong 1m Group 3 winner Ka Ying Star and 2020 2m Listed winner Ranch Hand. This well-related colt’s only outing to date came in a 1m median auction novice event at Salisbury last September (10/1 chance), breaking slowly and racing in rear, ridden over two furlongs out and slightly hampered soon after, eventually coming home ninth of 11 to Percy’s Lad (beaten 14½ lengths). Bashful’s greenness off the bridle was plain to see, never able to get competitive from off the pace and seemingly finding it happening all too quickly, and it was no surprise to see him put away for the year afterwards. He is very much bred to come into his own with time and distance and for all handicaps will be his thing, it would come as no surprise to see him prove a much more competitive force in maiden/novice events when returning to action.

CASUARINA (b f Sea The Moon – Caribana)

Form: 3-  Trainer: Ralph Beckett  Owner: Miss Kirsten Rausing

Full sister to very useful 12.5-14.5f winner Durston and a half-sister to Group 1-placed 8.5-12f winner (including at Group 3/Listed level) Cubanita and very useful 7-10.5f winner Aquarium. This filly started off in a 7f fillies’ novice event at Leicester last September (5/1 chance), slowly into stride and very green in rear, driven along from three furlongs out and finally getting the idea entering the final furlong, keeping on well to take third behind easy winner Star Seeking (beaten 7 lengths). Casuarina was borderline clueless throughout the first half of the race and off the bridle before most, but the late work she put in over an almost certainly inadequate trip bodes well for the future. Her pedigree points to her doing a whole lot better at three, with her brother making up into a good middle distance/staying handicapper in his second season whilst half-sister Cubanita was a smart middle distance performer for these connections. She ought to prove capable of winning a maiden/novice event at the right level this spring.

COLDSTREAM (b c Australia – Balandra)

Form: 93–  Trainer: Eve Johnson Houghton  Owner: Aston House Stud

Closely related to Listed-placed Polish 6f 2yo winner Nathan Mnm (by Nathaniel) and 2020 French 12f 3yo winner Civilian (by Teofilo), out of a maiden half-sister to smart 10-14f winner (including at Group 3/Listed level)/Melbourne Cup runner-up Bauer, useful 12-14f winner Boz and useful 11f 3yo winner Kiefer, family of Irish Derby/St Leger winner Capri and Doncaster Cup winner Desert Skyline. This stoutly-bred colt unsurprisingly failed to cut much ice in a couple of outings at two, never involved on debut at Kempton (1m) last November before finishing third of four in a muddling event over 10f at Chelmsford the following month. He requires one more run for a handicap mark and strongly appeals as the type to come into his own in that sphere once tackling distances in excess of ten furlongs.

HOPEFULLY DARLING (b f Frankel – Rhadegunda)

Form: 3-  Trainer: John Gosden  Owner: Anthony Oppenheimer

Full sister to top-class 8-12f winner (including four times at Group 1 level)/Derby third Cracksman and a half-sister to 7f 2yo Group 3 winner Fantastic Moon, out of a 1m 1f 3yo Listed winner. This smartly-bred filly made her debut in a 7f fillies’ novice event at Newmarket last October (3/1 chance), slowly into stride and in rear, ridden over two furlongs out and making steady but sustained progress thereafter to eventually work her way into third behind Urban Violet (beaten 4½ lengths). Hopefully Darling was quite clearly held back by inexperience whilst the trip also appeared to be an inadequate test, taking a while to find full flow but hitting the line hard. For all the level of form achieved on the day was nothing more than average, it is highly likely this well-related daughter of Frankel will leave that a long way behind in due course. It is perhaps also worth noting that she debuted in a race her handler has used as a launchpad for the careers of high-class performers such as Dar Re Mi, The Fugue and Infallible.

JASMINE JOY (b f Lope De Vega – Pecking Order)

Form: 4-  Trainer: James Fanshawe  Owner: Merry Fox Stud Limited

First foal of a Listed-placed 12-12.5f winner who was a three-parts sister to Listed-placed French dual 1m winner Shendaya and a half-sister to French 10f 3yo winner/French Derby runner-up Shemkiyr and the dam of French 10f 3yo Group 2 winner Shimraan, family of French 12f 3yo Group 1 winner Shakeel. This filly debuted in a 1m fillies’ maiden at Doncaster last October (3/1 joint-favourite), racing enthusiastically in midfield and travelling smoothly into things over two furlongs out, ridden to challenge soon after but unable to sustain her effort fully and fading to finish fourth behind Vesela (beaten 2½ lengths). It was a debut performance packed full of promise, her exuberance under restraint seemingly blunting her finishing effort having briefly looked like playing a part approaching the final furlong. Not only was her strength in the market significant but that she was aimed at that particular maiden is perhaps also telling given her handler started off subsequent Group 1 winner Speedy Boarding in the 2014 renewal as well as winning it with the talented Zest 12 months later. So long as she learns to settle better, the way Jasmine Joy travelled first time out suggests she has plenty of ability waiting to be exploited to its fullest extent in 2021.

JOHN LEEPER (b c Frankel – Snow Fairy)

Form: 4-  Trainer: Ed Dunlop  Owner: Anamoine Limited

Closely related to Group 3-placed 10f 3yo winner Virgin Snow (by Gleneagles) out of a six-time 10-12f Group/Grade 1 winner, family of Big Bad Bob, Lucky Guest and Elusive Pimpernel. This smartly-bred colt made his debut in a 7f maiden at Doncaster’s St Leger meeting last September (8/1 chance), in touch towards the rear of the field and pushed along and outpaced over two furlongs out, short of room when beginning to make headway over a furlong out and staying on nicely once in the clear to come home in fourth behind Tawaareq (beaten 3¼ lengths). A steadily-run race over seven furlongs was never going to be beneficial to John Leeper, very much bred to come into his own over middle distances and only hitting full flow as the line approached. He will obviously garner plenty of attention given his illustrious parents (winners of 16 Group/Grade 1 races between them), but it’d be disappointing if he couldn’t at the very least win a maiden/novice contest close to hand before tackling better company.

JUST JACOB (b g Charm Spirit – Bari)

Form: 8-  Trainer: William Haggas  Owner: Ian & Christine Beard & Family

15,000gns half-brother to useful 2020 Irish dual 7f 3yo winner Maud Gonne Spirit out of a 12f winning half-sister to several winners, notably 1m Listed winner Brindisi (later dam of 12f Listed winner Livia’s Dream) and useful 8.5f 3yo winner La Spezia (later dam of smart dual purpose performer Thomas Hobson), family of Staying On and Talent. He debuted in a 1m novice event at Newbury last October (20/1 chance), close up from the outset and travelling better than most, shaken up two furlongs out and fading inside the final furlong to come eighth of 15 behind Scope (beaten 14 lengths). It appeared as though fitness under very testing conditions was the main issue for Just Jacob, going along on the bridle for longer than most but dropping away quite quickly. For all his pedigree has a fair bit of stamina to it, his year older half-sister won twice at seven furlongs whilst his sire is also a relative speed influence, so it could also have been the case that 1m on heavy ground stretched him at that stage of his career. Gelded since that first run, this son of Charm Spirit is the type to be well placed to win a small novice/maiden event by his handler before moving onto handicap company.

LUISA CASATI (b f Vadamos – La Marchesa)

Form: 7–  Trainer: Tom Ward  Owner: Every Girl’s Dream Limited

30,000gns close relation to Italian 1m 2yo winner Laurus Nobilis (by Maxios) out of an unraced half-sister to 12f Listed winner Livia’s Dream. This filly is from the same family as the aforementioned Just Jacob and also caught the eye on her sole outing at two, debuting in a 1m median auction maiden at Kempton last November (20/1 chance). She raced in touch in mid-division and travelled better than most into the straight, shaken up and outpaced soon after but staying on nicely inside the final furlong to finish seventh behind Napper Tandy (beaten 7¼ lengths). It was a more promising effort than the bare facts perhaps imply, travelling fluently in behind the leading cluster and closing up nicely come the finish having been done for speed initially in the straight. The form of that race looks pretty solid for the grade and there ought to be a good bit more to come from Luisa Casati over 10f+ in 2021.

MARIEGOLD (b f Golden Horn – Sinnamary)

Form: 5–  Trainer: Charlie Fellowes  Owner: Anthony Oppenheimer

Full sister to 2020 13.5f 3yo winner Golden Rules out of a French 1m 1f 2yo winning sister to high-class 8-12f winner (including at Group 1 level) Magic Wand and close relation to Irish Oaks winner Chicquita, family of Alexandrova, Rekindling, English King etc. This filly debuted in a 1m fillies’ novice contest at Kempton last November (40/1 chance), racing towards the rear of the field and pushed along over two furlongs out, running green but making good progress throughout the final furlong to come home in fifth behind Auria (beaten 5½ lengths). It wasn’t a surprise to see her find it happening all a bit too quickly over a mile on debut, but the late work she put in under hands-and-heels riding promised much better to come. Mariegold ought to make good progress at three once her stamina needs are better catered for, hailing from a very successful middle distance/staying family.

NAVEGAON GATE (b c Frankel – Cascata)

Form: 4-  Trainer: Ed Walker  Owner: Stuart Stuckey

Half-brother to Listed-placed 10-12f winner Pacharana, Listed-placed US 5-6f winner Misericordia, useful 2020 8-10f 3yo winner Matthew Flinders and useful 10-12f winner Richard Of Yorke, out of a 1m 2yo winner who was a sister to six-time 8-12f Group/Grade 1 winner St Nicholas Abbey, family of Aristotle, Starborough and Charming Thought. This colt’s only outing at two came in an 8.5f maiden at Nottingham last November (11/1 chance), racing in rear and pushed along with over three furlongs left to run, making progress over a furlong out and staying on into fourth close home behind Simons King (beaten 7¼ lengths). He was one of the few to make any sort of impression from off the pace in an understandably steadily-run race on testing ground, his inexperience off the bridle plain to see but coming home stronger than most. It is a family that often improves significantly with age and, by the stoutest influence his dam has been paired with to date, Navegaon Gate is liable to progress throughout 2021 as his stamina is drawn out.

RANI OF JHANSI (b f Invincible Spirit – Madame Chiang)

Form: 3-  Trainer: David Simcock   Owner: Miss Kirsten Rausing

Three-parts sister to Group 2-placed 1m 2yo winner Oriental Mystique (by Kingman) out of a 12f Group 1 winner, family of French 10f 3yo Group 1 winner Villa Marina. This filly debuted in a 1m fillies’ maiden at Doncaster last October (16/1 chance), steadied and taking a keen hold in rear, shaken up and making good progress with over a furlong left to run, keeping on well inside the final furlong without quite being able to match the winner and collared for second close home (beaten half a length). She had been withdrawn ahead of her intended debut at Newmarket a fortnight earlier having become fractious in the stalls. Hopefully that along with her keenness at Doncaster doesn’t limit her potential as it was a debut run full of promise, seeing things out well despite not settling fully and having come from a fair way back. Rani Of Jhansi ought to stay further than a mile in time, with close relation Oriental Mystique proving effective at 10/12f last term and her dam a smart middle distance performer.

STAY WELL (b c Iffraaj – Sweeping Up)

Form: 2-  Trainer: Hughie Morrison  Owner: Ben & Sir Martyn Arbib

First foal of a Group 3/Listed-placed 12-14f winner who was a half-sister to smart 8-10f winner (including at Listed level) Under The Rainbow (later dam of very useful pair Luncies (by Iffraaj) and Watersmeet) and useful dual 12f 3yo winner/Park Hill Stakes runner-up Starfala (later dam of 12f 3yo Listed winner Star Rock). This nicely-bred colt made his debut in a 1m maiden at Doncaster’s St Leger meeting last September (9/1 chance), waited with in rear and pushed along with three furlongs left to run, making good progress for pressure over a furlong out and looking a major threat 150 yards out but unable to sustain his challenge, having to settle for a 1½-length second to Latest Generation. It was a hugely promising first effort from Stay Well, asked to make up a lot of ground on one with the benefit of a previous outing and who had the run of things. That form hasn’t worked out as well as expected so far, but this colt appealed as one of the best prospects in the field that day and ought to prove the point this season. By a speed influence but having plenty of stamina on the distaff side of his pedigree, he is sure to stay 10f at least.

TEOFILO STAR (b c Teofilo – Georgie Hyde)

Form: 3–  Trainer: James Ferguson  Owner: Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott Racing

60,000gns second foal of an unraced half-sister to useful 11.5-13f Flat/2m 4f hurdle winner Mysterious Man and useful 12f-2m Flat/Grade 3-placed 2m hurdle winner Edeymi out of a 7f 2yo Group 1 half-sister to Irish Oaks winner Ebadiyla and Ascot Gold Cup winners Enzeli and Estimate. This stoutly-bred colt made his debut in an 8.5f novice contest at Wolverhampton last October (15/2 chance), recovering from a tardy start to race close up, shaken up two furlongs out and keeping on well for pressure in the straight to come home in third behind Beau Nash (beaten 2 lengths). Given his stamina-laden pedigree it was encouraging to see Teofilo Star show as much as he did on debut, with an extended mile hardly going to provide him with the sort of test he will eventually require. He ought to win a maiden/novice event on that evidence and should progress throughout 2021 as his stamina is drawn out.

TWO TWO TIME (ch f Al Kazeem – Alla Breve)

Form: 4–  Trainer: James Fanshawe  Owner: Cheveley Park Stud

Second foal of a 12f 3yo winner who was a half-sister to 2020 12f 3yo Listed winner Cabaletta and useful 12f 3yo winner Baihas out of the high-class stayer Allegretto. This filly debuted in a 1m median auction novice event at Lingfield last October (28/1 chance), travelling fluently in rear and still well off the pace at the top of the straight, shaken up and forced to switch left approaching the final furlong, staying on strongly inside the final 100 yards to take fourth behind Beautiful Bertie (beaten 4 lengths). Over a wholly inadequate distance and under considerate handling, Two Two Time did very well to get as close as she did, faring best of those that raced off the pace despite not getting a clear run initially in the home straight. Her pedigree is all about stamina and it would be somewhat surprising if she couldn’t progress plenty once tackling distances in excess of ten furlongs this season.

HANDICAPS

ALABAMA BOY (b c Awtaad – Gabardine)

Form: 975–  Trainer: Ed Walker  Owner: Laurence Bellman

€35,000 first foal of an Irish 12f 3yo winning daughter of a 7-10f winner who was a sister to US 12f Grade 2 winner Always First. This colt caught the eye in three runs at two, closing up late from off the pace to finish ninth of 15 to Scope in a 1m novice event at Newbury last October before coming home in seventh in a 7f novice contest at Kempton the following month (raced keenly close up and faded out of contention). His third and most recent outing came in a similar event back at Kempton a fortnight later, settled into midfield and shaken up two furlongs out, keeping on nicely inside the final furlong to finish fifth behind Royal Fleet (beaten 9 lengths). Alabama Boy is very much the type do better in handicap company from an initial mark of 70, too free on his second outing but catching the eye with his finishing effort under considerate handling either side. He will stay 1m at the very least.

ALEAS (ch g Archipenko – Alea Iacta)

Form: 211–  Trainer: Ralph Beckett  Owner: Miss Kirsten Rausing

Half-brother to useful dual 7f winner Animal Instinct out of a French 1m 2yo Listed winning sister to 10f 3yo Listed winner Aloe Vera and half-sister to Park Hill Stakes winner Alyssa and Group 3-placed 2020 10f 3yo winner Albaflora. This gelding shaped very well in defeat on debut in a 1m novice event at Salisbury last October, racing prominently and responding well for riding from halfway to lead inside the final 100 yards or so, only to be run down close home by subsequent Listed scorer Belloccio. He confirmed that initial promise when making all to score in the mud at Newbury three weeks later before making short work of an opening mark of 82 to follow up in a 1m nursery at Kempton the following month, again making all and finding plenty once pressed to score by ¾ length from Surprise Picture. Aleas looks a straightforward and thoroughly likeable individual, his dam a Listed winner at two but his pedigree overall suggesting that he’ll only come into his own with time/distance. A 4lb rise in the weights ought not to halt his progress anytime soon, appealing as the type to climb the ladder in 10/12f handicaps during 2021.

BAGUE D’OR (ch g Belardo – Ravensburg)

Form: 765–  Trainer: Chris Wall  Owner: Salah Fustok

Half-brother to Listed-placed multiple 10f winner Black Lotus and fairly useful multiple 7f-1m winner Forseti, out of a twice-raced maiden half-sister to Group 1-placed 7-14f winner (including at Group 2/3 level)/St Leger runner-up High Accolade and the dam of 7f Group 3 winner Mix And Mingle. He shaped with some promise in a trio of outings at two, unable to sustain his effort in a 7f novice auction event at Yarmouth on debut last July and shaping similarly when upped to 1m at Goodwood a month later. His third and qualifying run saw finish fifth in a 1m novice auction at Chelmsford in mid-October (popular 13/2 chance), rousted along from the stalls to sit in behind the leaders, ridden three furlongs out and hanging persistently in the home straight to the point where his rider gave up close home (beaten 7¾ lengths). It is hoped his ungainly head carriage last time was down to greenness and nothing more sinister, though there is past form for such awkwardness within the family (has been gelded since last seen). However, it’s a family that is well to known to connections and which positively thrives with time and distance, so it’s hard to believe Bague D’Or won’t do a whole lot better this season in handicaps from an initial mark of 69.

BIG BOY BOBBY (b g Vadamos – Duchess Of Foxland)

Form: 858–  Trainer: Roger Charlton  Owner: Paul & Clare Rooney

€60,000 half-brother to useful 5.5-6f winner Tawdheef and 7f 3yo winner Arabian Coast, out of a Group 3-placed Irish 6-9.5f winner (including at Listed level). This gelding debuted in a 7f novice event at Kempton last September, never involved and showing signs of inexperience before closing up late into eighth behind Secret Protector. He caught the eye second time out in the 1m novice contest at Newbury won by the aforementioned Aleas, racing towards the rear of the field and shaken up over two furlongs from home, making sustained progress throughout the final furlong to latch onto the main first group home (beaten 2¼ lengths). His third and final outing at two came back over 7f at Kempton 19 days later, slowly into stride and racing a little worse than midfield, ridden two furlongs out but unable to muster the speed to throw down a serious challenge and coming home in eighth behind Bullace (beaten 4¼ lengths). The drop back to seven furlongs last time was clearly against Big Boy Bobby, but it was a means to an end in gaining him an opening mark of 77 with which to go handicapping. Although related to a useful sprinter, he is by a stouter influence and out of a 9.5f Listed winner so is likely to prove best suited by 10f at least.

GWENHWYVAR (b f Camelot – Quiz Mistress)

Form: 43–  Trainer: Hughie Morrison  Owner: The Fairy Story Partnership

Third foal of a Group 3-placed 9.5-14f winner (including three times at Listed level) who was closely related to Lingfield Derby Trial winner Saddler’s Quest and the maiden dam of high-class stayers Marmelo and Vent De Force and a half-sister to French 12.5f Listed winner Seren Hill. This nicely-bred filly debuted in an 8.5f fillies’ maiden at Nottingham last November, racing in mid-division and improving over three furlongs out, ridden to challenge with two furlongs left to run and sticking to her task well to come home in fourth behind Twisted Reality (beaten 4¼ lengths). She achieved a similar level of form when contesting an 8.5f novice event at Wolverhampton 17 days later, slowly away and in rear until recovering into midfield by halfway, ridden over two furlongs out and keeping on well in the straight to come home in third behind Mawenzi (beaten 3 lengths). Gwenhwyvar has shaped very much in line with her stout pedigree in both outings so far, neither race getting remotely close to the bottom of her stamina reserves. From a family that connections have enjoyed good recent success with, it’d be disappointing if a step up to middle/staying distances allied with a move into in handicaps didn’t see this filly in a far better light.

JUAN DE MONTALBAN (ch c Lope De Vega – Abilene)

Form: 431-  Trainer: Andrew Balding  Owner: Mick and Janice Mariscotti

85,000gns second foal of a Listed-placed 11f 3yo winner who was a half-sister to Group 1-placed French 9-9.5f 3yo winner (including at Listed level) Akatea, family of Angara, Aquarelliste, Cape Verdi and Dartmouth. This colt shaped with promise on debut in a 1m novice event at Haydock last August, missing the break completely but keeping on well in the straight to take fourth, though he could only manage third when 4/5 favourite for a six-runner 10f maiden at Goodwood the following month. However, he came good at the third time of asking back there in a 1m 1f novice contest 18 days later, close up from the outset and switched right to challenge two furlongs out, responding well to lead entering the final furlong and clearing away near the finish to score by 3 lengths from King Frankel. The surface has barely been scratched with Juan De Montalban, improving by the run at two and comfortably reversing form with the runner-up having been picked off by both that rival and subsequent scorer Act Of Wisdom the time before, rather setting things up for the pair that day. He will begin life in handicap company from a mark of 84 and has all the right credentials to reach a very good level in that sphere, sure to find 12f within range.

KINGMANIA (b f Kingman – Greek Goddess)

Form: 641-  Trainer: Chris Wall  Owner: Salah Fustok

Half-sister to fairly useful 13.5-14f winner Houlton out of an Irish 8.5f 2yo winner who was a sister to four winners including Group 3-placed 7f 2yo winner Iberia and the subsequent dam of German 7f 3yo Listed winner Nashmiah, family of Aldebaran and Spinning World. This filly caught the eye in no uncertain terms on debut in a 6f fillies’ maiden at Newbury last July, running on strongly under considerate handling from the rear of the field to finish sixth, but she was still rough around the edges kept to 6f at Pontefract next time when a beaten 7/4 chance. However, the step up to 7f and a move into nursery company at Yarmouth a month later saw her off the mark, waited with and staying on strongly to lead close home and deny Ajrad by a length. It is hard to believe the best of Kingmania has yet to be seen, especially as she looks certain to improve as her stamina is drawn out (will stay 1m at least). Up 6lbs for that Yarmouth success, she starts 2021 from a mark of 72 and looks the type to climb the handicap ranks throughout the campaign.

NORTHERN EXPRESS (ch g Zoffany – Hint Of A Tint)

Form: 127-  Trainer: Michael Dods  Owner: Sekura Group

€47,000 second foal of a Group 3/Listed-placed Irish 6-8.5f winner who was a sister to Listed-placed 10-11.5f winner Songbird out of an unraced close relation to French 10.5f 3yo Group 1 winner Johann Quartz and half-sister to top-class middle distance performer Hernando. He made a winning start to his career in a 7.5f novice event at Beverley last August, waited with and pushed along two furlongs out, running green off the bridle but staying on well inside the final furlong to lead close home and deny Il Bandito by ¾ length. However, he hasn’t quite gone on as expected in two subsequent outings, refusing to settle fully and that seeming to dull his finishing effort when second in a 1m novice event at Ayr the following month before coming home seventh of 11 in a 1m nursery at York a further month on, unable to sustain a forward move from off the pace. Now gelded, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Northern Express go a long way to confirming the excellent impression he had created on debut, still keen/looking raw when beaten favourite on both subsequent outings. From a family that gets better with age, hopefully he’ll be able to cultivate a more professional edge this time around and make a bigger impact in handicaps from a revised mark of 80.

OLYMPUS (b g Kingman – Carpe Vita)

Form: 775–  Trainer: Tim Easterby  Owner: Sir Robert Ogden

First foal of a 14f 3yo winner who was a full sister to St Leger/Ascot Gold Cup winner Leading Light, Irish 13f 3yo Flat/smart multiple 2m hurdle (including at Grade 3/Listed level) winner John Constable and useful Irish dual 10f 3yo winner Warwick Avenue and a half-sister to very useful 6-7f winner Castles In The Air. He ultimately offered little in a trio of outings at Haydock (1m), Redcar (1m 1f) and Newcastle (10f) last autumn, though it was notable that he was only 10/1 for the second of those outings. Gelded since last seen, it is clear Olympus has been brought along with handicaps in mind, an opening mark of 67 allowing him to start out at a realistic level in that domain. Although he will almost certainly never live up to his smart pedigree, he should do a lot better once tackling 12f/14f this year.

PARACHUTE (ch c Sea The Stars – Fly)

Form: 821–  Trainer: Ed Walker  Owner: Highclere Racing, T Vestey & P Silver

First foal of a fairly useful 7f-1m winner who was a half-sister to 12f Group 1 winner Seal Of Approval, French 15.5f Listed winner Gale Force and Group 3-placed 6-7f winner Instance, family of Derby winner Harzand (by Sea The Stars). This smartly-bred colt left behind a muted debut effort at Sandown when chasing home cousin Hurricane Lane in a 1m maiden at Newmarket a month later, keeping on well for pressure to come home 2 lengths adrift at the line. He duly made it third time lucky when landing a 10f novice event at Lingfield three and a half weeks later, caught wide from his high draw but soon tucking in and racing prominently, pushed into the lead turning for home and responding well for pressure to score by ¾ length from subsequent dual winner Castlebar. Parachute’s pedigree is mainly about stamina, his dam best up to 1m but herself related to a host of smart middle distance/staying performers. Handed an opening mark of 84, it is hard to believe there won’t be another chunk of improvement to come from this colt once tackling middle distance handicaps in 2021, appealing as the type to reach a good level in that sphere with a race such as the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot sure to be uppermost in connections’ minds.

PRIDE OF HAWRIDGE (b g Vadamos – Face The Storm)

Form: 695–  Trainer: Rod Millman  Owner: Eric Gadsden

105,000gns half-brother to Group 2-placed 5-7f winner Roi De Vitesse, Listed-placed 6-7f winner Rebel Surge and three other winners, out of a 1m 2yo winner who was a half-sister 10f 3yo Listed winner Santa Isobel (later dam of smart stayer Whiplash Willie). He offered a modicum of promise in a trio of outings at two, firstly in a pair of 1m novice events at Salisbury before finishing fifth of 10 to Quintillus in a decent 7f novice contest at Kempton, unable to the muster the speed to sustain his challenge into the final furlong. Gelded soon after, Pride Of Hawridge appeals as the type to fare a lot better in handicaps this time around from an opening mark of 65, coming from a good stable that tends to do well with such horses. Pinning down exactly what distance he will want isn’t easy given his pedigree is something of a mixture, but it is highly likely that he will stay beyond a mile in time.

RAINBOW’S GIFT (b g Nathaniel – Riot Of Colour)

Form: 745–  Trainer: Jedd O’Keeffe  Owner: Highbeck Racing 1

11,000gns half-brother to useful 2020 dual 10f 3yo winner Kaleidoscopic out of a useful 7f 3yo winner who was a half-sister to 6f 2yo Listed winner Invincible Warrior, useful 7-8.5f winner Crowdmania and useful dual 10f 3yo winner Dubai Instinct, family of Brando, Crowded House and Reckless Abandon. This well-related individual found it happening all too quickly first time out in a 7f novice event at Thirsk last September, but he showed more when fourth behind Titian in a 1m novice contest at Newcastle 18 days later, keeping on well having been outpaced initially (beaten 5½ lengths). He signed off with a fifth place finish back at Newcastle over 7f the following month, blowing the start and racing in rear, pushed along over two furlongs out and staying on well inside the final furlong (beaten 10½ lengths). Gelded since, Rainbow’s Gift looks all over the type to excel once tackling 10f+ handicaps in 2021 from an initial mark of 62, his pedigree alone proposing plenty of improvement.

RHEBUS ROAD (ch g Champs Elysees – Red Riddle)

Form: 994-  Trainer: Ralph Beckett  Owner: The Lucra Partnership

55,000gns half-brother to Listed-placed dual 5f winner Sarshampla out of a maiden half-sister to Group 2/3-placed Irish/UAE 7-10f winner Elleval and useful 10f 3yo winner Heddwyn, family of Rainbow Quest. This nicely-bred individual offered some promise in a trio of outings in 7f maiden/novice events at Sandown, Kempton and Leicester last summer, closing up late on debut but completely blowing the start and never involved next time. His third outing saw him break on terms and race in touch towards the rear of the field, pushed along three furlongs out and soon outpaced, responding well for pressure inside the final furlong to run on into fourth behind Tawleed (beaten 5 lengths). Gelded since, Rhebus Road appeals strongly as the type to prove a different proposition in handicap company in his second season from an initial mark of 68. Although a half-brother to a useful sprinter, he is by a stout influence and from a predominantly middle distance family so should prove best suited by 10f+ this term.

RICH DREAM (b g Make Believe – Poppet’s Lovein)

Form: 41-  Trainer: Ed Bethell  Owner: The Vickers & Clark Racing Partnership

40,000gns three-parts brother to Group 3-placed 7f-1m winner Make Time (by Makfi) and a half-brother to Grade 3-placed Irish 1m 2yo winner Secret Stash, out of a fairly useful triple 7f winner who was a half-sister to high-class sprinter Overdose. It was interesting that he started off in the valuable 7f Convivial Maiden Stakes at York last August, too green to play a major role but catching the eye with his finishing effort from off the pace as he worked his way into fourth. He duly went one better without necessarily improving quite as much as anticipated when landing a 7f novice contest at Haydock three weeks later, tracking the leaders and pushed along three furlongs out, taking a while to knuckle down for pressure but doing so to lead inside the final furlong and score by a length from Echo Beach. There was nothing flashy about Rich Dream’s performance last time, but the fact he was gelded and not seen again at two suggests connections viewed him more of a long-term project, and it’s worth remembering it was only his second career start after a fairly recent debut. There ought to be further improvement forthcoming from this nicely-bred son of Make Believe in handicap company this season.

RUN TO FREEDOM (b c Muhaarar – Twilight Mistress)

Form: 021–  Trainer: Henry Candy  Owner: Godfrey Wilson

Half-brother to high-class multiple 6f winner (including twice at Group 1 level) Twilight Son, Group 1-placed 6-7f winner (including at Group 3 level) Music Master, 6f Listed winner Spring Fling and useful multiple 6-7f winner The Confessor. This colt shaped as though needing the run when fading from prominence to finish down the field on debut in a 7f event at Newbury last September, duly stepping up on that effort when chasing home Quintillus over the same distance at Kempton the following month. He went one better in a similar event over the same course and distance seven weeks later, racing enthusiastically in behind the leader until quickening to lead with two furlongs left to run, driven out to fend off Highland Avenue by a neck. The pair were nicely clear of the remainder which included a pair of next-time-out scorers and Run To Freedom probably did well to see things out given his early exuberance. He not only has a smart pedigree but one that suggests he’ll do better still at three, and it would come as no surprise to see him contesting some good quality handicaps this term, asked to start in that sphere from a mark of 85.

SISKANY (b c Dubawi – Halay)

Form: 51–  Trainer: Charlie Appleby  Owner: Godolphin

First foal of an unraced half-sister to Grade 1-placed 8-14f winner (including at Group 2/3 level) Dartmouth (by Dubawi), French dual 12f Group 2 winner Manatee, French 15.5f Listed winner Gaterie and very useful 2020 12-14f 3yo winner Kingswear (by Dubawi) out of an Irish 10f 3yo Group 3 winner. This well-related colt debuted in a 1m maiden at Sandown last September, pulling very hard in behind the leaders early on, short of room and running green when shaken up two furlongs out, switched left at the furlong marker and keeping on well to take fifth behind Just Fine (beaten 4¾ lengths). He confirmed that initial promise when landing a 1m novice contest at Kempton a fortnight later, tracking the leaders and ridden to close over two furlongs out, taking a while to respond but leading inside the final 150 yards and running out a half-length winner over Barn Owl. For all it was only workmanlike stuff from Siskany, it came just two weeks on from his debut when showing plenty of inexperience, while a fairly ordinary gallop wouldn’t have benefited one so stoutly bred. He ought to come into his own over middle distances during his second season, sure to have another hit of improvement for tackling 10f+.

SPANGLER (gr c Starspangledbanner – Sixpenny Sweets)

Form: 1-  Trainer: Hughie Morrison  Owner: Martin Hughes & Michael Kerr-Dineen

€55,000 half-brother to useful 8-8.5f winner Contrive and useful 10f 2yo winner Kipps, out of an unraced half-sister to French 10f 3yo Group 2 winner Knight To Behold, Irish 10f 3yo Group 3 winner Beauty O’Gwaun and Japanese 2m 1f Grade 3 winner Cosmo Meadow, family of Millenary and Spectrum. This colt made a winning start to his career in a 7f novice event at Leicester last October (notably strong 100/30 chance), racing in midfield and making good progress on the outer with two furlongs left to run, leading approaching the final furlong and keeping on well despite greenness to score by 3¼ lengths from Knowwhentorun. That Spangler was up to the task at the first time of asking says much about his latent ability, debuting on testing ground and hailing from a stable hardly renowned for its first-time-out scorers. Year older half-brother Kipps has plenty of ability but became a frustrating individual for connections and it is hoped this colt enjoys a more fruitful three-year-old campaign, when he ought to find 10f within range.

SPY LEGEND (b/gr g Mastercraftsman – Colima)

Form: 760–  Trainer: Ralph Beckett  Owner: Mr and Mrs David Aykroyd

Half-brother to Group 1-placed UK/Australian 10-14f winner (including twice at Group 3 level) Brimham Rocks, 2020 10f 3yo Listed winner Chamade and 12f 3yo winner Philonikia, out of a Listed-placed 1m 2yo winning three-parts sister to 12f Listed Flat/dual 2m Grade 3 hurdle winner Eradicate and half-sister to Irish 1m 3yo Group 3 winner/Irish 1000 Guineas third Oh Goodness Me. This nicely-bred individual was well found in the market for his first two outings in 1m novice events at Haydock (5/2 favourite) and Lingfield (9/2 chance) last autumn, but he finished last of seven on debut before coming home sixth of nine next time. He was sent off at 40/1 when failing to beat a rival home in an 8.5f novice event at Wolverhampton in early December, once again off the bridle from an early stage and never able to get competitive. It is clear Spy Legend found the trip an inadequate test on all three occasions, much like half-brother Brimham Rocks had during his two-year-old campaign before he improved to the tune of 36lbs over middle distances at three. Although it’d be asking a lot for this son of Mastercraftsman to repeat that feat, an opening mark of 65 allows him start off at a low enough level and work his way up, sure to stay 10f at the very least.

WHENTHEDEALINSDONE (b c Dark Angel – Maureen)

Form: 313-  Trainer: Roger Teal  Owner: Austin Whelan

65,000gns third foal of a Group 2-placed 6-7f winner (including twice at Group 3 level) who was the daughter of a maiden half-sister to 6f 2yo Group 2 winner Spinola and 1m Group 3 winner Shot To Fame. This colt debuted in a 6f novice event at Windsor last August, slowly away and exhibiting clear signs of greenness at the rear of the field, weaving his way through runners in the straight and finishing off well to take third behind Onaraggatip (beaten 5¾ lengths). He duly stepped up on that first run to land a 6f novice contest at Newbury the following month, making up good ground down the outer to lead entering the final furlong and keeping on determinedly to see off Twilight Calls by a head. His final outing came in a four-runner 6f conditions event at Salisbury at the start of October, waited with and shaken up two furlongs out, hanging left approaching the final furlong but keeping on well close home to finish third to Apollo One (beaten 1 length). It is perhaps no coincidence his best performance came on the soundest surface he tackled last year, also shaping last time as though coming off a steady gallop in a small field didn’t see him to best effect. He appeals as the sort to make a significant impact in the good early-season 6/7f three-year-old handicaps from a mark of 89, having the potential to progress quickly through the ranks and into better company.

ZAAJEL (gr f Awtaad – Elshaadin)

Form: 1–  Trainer: Roger Varian  Owner: Hamdan Al Maktoum

Half-sister to 2020 Britannia Handicap winner Khaloosy and useful 1m 3yo winner Moqtarreb, out of a twice-raced maiden daughter of a 1m 1f 3yo winning half-sister to several smart performers, notably King George/Eclipse winner Nathaniel and Irish Oaks winner Great Heavens. This filly made a successful start to her career in a 7f maiden at Kempton last November (5/2 chance), travelling well in behind the leaders and pushed along to challenge two furlongs out, picking up well entering the final furlong to lead inside the final 100 yards and score by 1¼ lengths over Campeao. For all the bare form is nothing out of the ordinary, Zaajel could not have done much more than she did, travelling nicely and coming with a sustained run to win with a fair bit in hand at the line. Her pedigree alone proposes significant progress during her second season, sure to stay another furlong at least. She could well be the type that makes up into a contender for something like the Sandringham Handicap at Royal Ascot and attempt to follow up year older half-brother Khaloosy’s win in the Britannia over that course and distance 12 months prior.

UNRACED

William Haggas has a surfeit of unraced talent at his disposal for 2021 and those that appeal most from his Somerville Lodge stable are Artemisia Lomi (2/3 b f Galileo – Sharp Susan), a half-sister to South African four-time 9/10f Group 1 winner Oh Susanna and Australian triple 6f Listed winner Signore Fox. Dam a Grade 1-placed US 8.5-9f winner (including at Grade 2/3 level) who was closely related to US 1m 1f Grade 1 winner Spring At Last and a half-sister to US 1m Grade 1 winner Sharp Lisa (later dam of Australian 12f Group 1 winner Foundry and 13f 3yo Group 3 winner/St Leger third Housesofparliament (both by Galileo)); Baaeed (8/4 b c Sea The Stars – Aghareed), a full brother to 2020 Geoffrey Freer Stakes winner Hukum and a half-brother to useful 8-10f winner Kasbaan. Dam a French 10.5f 3yo Listed winning daughter of a US 10/11f Grade 1 winner, family of Nashwan, Nayef, Ghanaati etc; Candleford (8/2 b c Kingman – Dorcas Lane), a half-brother to Listed-placed 8-12f winner Atty Persse. Dam a Group 2/3-placed 8-10f 3yo winner (including at Listed level) who was a half-sister to very useful 6f-1m winner Mutawaqed and 7-12f Flat/smart multiple 2m hurdle (including at Grade 1 level)/useful 2m 3f-3m chase winner Faasel out of a maiden sister to the dam of UAE 1m 1f Group 1 winner Tryster and half-sister to 1000 Guineas winner Harayir.

Gaassee (21/3 b c Sea The Stars – Oojooba), a half-brother to useful 8.5f 3yo winner Sharamm and useful 2020 12.5f 3yo winner Midrarr. Dam a Listed-placed 1m 2yo winner who was a full sister to useful Australian 9.5-11f Flat/very useful multiple 2m hurdle (including at Listed level) winner High Bridge out of a 1000 Guineas winning half-sister to the dam of dual 12f Listed winner Polly’s Mark; Sea Karats (29/3 b f Sea The Stars – Kitcara), a full sister to 2020 13f 3yo Group 3 winner Al Aasy. Dam a French 1m 3yo winner who was a half-sister to Group 2-placed French/Australian 9.5-12f winner (including twice at Listed level) Kapour out of a German 1m 3yo Listed winning sister to German 10f 3yo Group 3 winner/German Oaks runner-up Karavel and Group 2-placed French 10-12.5f 3yo winner (including at Group 3/Listed level) Kalla and half-sister to 1m 2yo Group 1 winner Konigstiger; and Usloob (14/3 b c Invincible Spirit – Thawaany), the second foal of a Group 1-placed French 6f-1m winner (including at Group 3/Listed level) who was a half-sister to very smart 1m-2m winner (twice at Group 1 level, including the St Leger)/Derby runner-up Kew Gardens and 2020 Irish 12f 3yo Group 3 winner Snow out of a Moyglare Stud Stakes winning half-sister to Group 2-placed Irish/Australian 7-14f winner (including at Group 3/Listed level) Downdraft and Irish 1m 3yo Listed winner European.

John Gosden is another top handler typically well stocked with smartly-bred three-year-olds, and an unraced trio of interest from Clarehaven are Gal Wonder (24/2 b f Galileo – J Wonder), a half-sister to Listed-placed triple 7f winner Boccaccio. Dam a smart 6-7f winner (including twice at Group 3 level) who was a full sister to high-class 6f-1m winner (including at Group 1 level) Chachamaidee (later dam of 12f Group 3 winner Klassique (by Galileo)) and a three-parts sister to smart UK/Hong Kong 6-7f winner (including at Group 3 level) California Whip, family of High-Rise and In The Wings; Netherton (23/3 b f Frankel – Lynnwood Chase), a half-sister to very smart 10-12f winner (three times at Group 1 level, including the Irish Oaks) Star Catcher, high-class 10-12f winner (including at Grade 1 level) Cannock Chase and smart 8-10f winner (including at Group 2/3 level) Pisco Sour. Dam a maiden half-sister to 1m 1f Group 2/3 winner Lord Admiral; and Well Spent (30/4 b f Siyouni – Pleasemetoo), the first foal of a Group 3-placed French 7f 2yo winner who was a half-sister to Group 1-placed French 7f-1m winner (including at Group 3/Listed level) Siyoushake (by Siyouni) and smart French 9.5-12.5f winner (including at Group 3/Listed level) Skyward out of a French 11.5f 3yo winning sister to US 10f Grade 1 winner Frost Giant.

Jessica Harrington has some interesting unraced three-year-olds for the forthcoming campaign, chief among them Climate (31/3 b f Australia – Frappe), a three-parts sister to high-class 10-12f winner (including at Grade 1 level)/Irish Oaks third Curvy (by Galileo) and a half-sister to high-class 5f-1m winner (twice at Group 1 level, including the Irish 2000 Guineas) Power and Ribblesdale Stakes winner Thakafaat. Dam a 6f 2yo winner who was a half-sister to 2000 Guineas winner Footstepsinthesand, Irish 6f 2yo Group 1 winner Pedro The Great and 1m 3yo Listed winner Belle D’Or; Pappina (14/2 ch f Sea The Stars – Padmini), a full sister to 2020 French 9.5f 3yo Listed winner Conte De Fee and a half-sister to French 7f 3yo Listed winner Lucie Manette. Dam a once-raced 7f 2yo winner who was a half-sister to Listed-placed 8.5-14f Flat/2m 4f Grade 1 hurdle winner Parlour Games out of a triple 10/12f Group 1 winner/1000 Guineas third/Oaks fourth; and Valle De La Luna (13/3 b f Galileo – Fiesolana), a full sister to Group 3-placed Irish 8.5-9.5f 3yo winner (including at Listed level) Up Helly Aa. Dam a high-class 6-10f winner (including at Group 1 level) who was a three-parts sister to French 2m 3f Grade 1 hurdle winner Tidal Reach and half-sister to smart 5-10f winner (including at Grade 2/Group 3 level) Innit and French 2m 2f Grade 1 hurdle winner Tidal Fury.

Sir Michael Stoute has his usual collection of well-bred three-year-olds to go war with this term, and an unraced pair of particular interest are Queen’s Fair (16/4 b f Dansili – Queen’s Best), a full sister to Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf winner Queen’s Trust and useful dual 7f 3yo winner Royal Seal. Dam a Group 2-placed 6-12f winner (including at Group 3/Listed level) who was a half-sister to Listed winners Reverie Solitaire (12f) and Urban Castle (13f) and the dam of Group 1-placed triple 7f winner (including at Group 3 level) Dabyah, family of Avenir Certain, Mehmas, Warrsan etc; and Thaler (2/3 b c Dubawi – Timepiece), a full brother to 2020 7f 3yo winner Tacitly. Dam a high-class 8-11f winner (including at Group 1 level) who was a half-sister to high-class 7-10.5f winner (including at Group 1 level) Passage Of Time (later dam of Grade 1-placed 7-10.5f winner (including at Group 2/3 level) Time Test (by Dubawi)) and 12f 3yo Group 2 winner/St Leger fourth Father Time out of a 12f 3yo winner who was a half-sister to Lingfield Oaks Trial winner Double Crossed (later dam of four-time 10/10.5f Group 1 winner Twice Over).

Simon & Ed Crisford are another Newmarket operation that boast an array of well-bred unraced talent for 2021, and a couple that take the eye in particular from Gainsborough Stables are Figures (13/2 b f Fastnet Rock – Gadfly), a 200,000gns second foal of an unraced half-sister to 1000 Guineas winner Speciosa, US 12f Grade 3 winner Major Rhythm and Listed winners Liberally (10.5f) and Special Meaning (12f) out of a US 8.5f 2yo winning half-sister to triple 10/12f Group 1 winner Pride (later dam of French dual 12f Group 2 winner One Foot In Heaven (by Fastnet Rock)) and French 10.5f Group 3 winner Fate, family of Touching Wood; and Saleymm (13/5 b c Dubawi – Talmada), the first foal of a Grade 1-placed 10-12f winner (including at Listed level) who was a full sister to useful 7-10.5f winner Yarroom and a half-sister to Champagne Stakes winner Saamidd and smart triple 1m winner (including at Listed level) Masaarr out of a 12f 3yo winning half-sister to Irish 7f 2yo winner/Irish 2000 Guineas third Oracle and Group 2/3-placed French 6-7.5f winner Mathematician, family of Barathea, Gossamer, Desert Style etc.

Roger Charlton has a couple of unraced fillies that make plenty of appeal on paper for the season ahead, namely Dolphin (4/3 b f Sea The Stars – Dolma), a half-sister high-class 8-10f winner (including at Group 1 level) Thistle Bird, Group 1-placed UK/Australian 7-10f winner (including twice at Group 3 level) McCreery and 10f 3yo Flat/smart 2m-2m 1f hurdle (including at Grade 2/3 level)/2m 1f chase winner Old Guard. Dam a Group 1-placed French 6-7f winner (including three times at Listed level) who was a half-sister to the dam of 6f 2yo Listed winner/Cheveley Park Stakes third Madeline; and Dorte (27/1 b f Dubawi – Gretchen), the first foal of a smart 12-14.5f 3yo winner (including at Group 2/Listed level) who was a half-sister to Irish St Leger winner Duncan, Doncaster Cup winner Samuel, Listed-placed 1m 2yo winner Deirdre (by Dubawi), useful 11.5-12f 3yo winner Alexana and 12f 3yo winners Romina and Stella Bellissima out of a Group 1-placed 1m 3yo Listed winner/1000 Guineas fourth, family of Carlton House.

Others from various stables worth a mention are the Owen Burrows-trained Alghadeer (27/2 b c Lope De Vega – Dark Crusader), a €425,000 second foal of a Group 3/Listed-placed 11-14f winner who was a half-sister to Irish 13f 3yo Listed winner Naughty Or Nice and useful Irish 12-13f winner Cailini Alainn out of an unraced three-parts sister to US 11f Grade 1 winner Subtle Power and half-sister to Group 1-placed 8-9f winner Mutahadee; Archie Watson’s Badlands (4/3 b c Territories – Quiritis), a 150,000gns half-brother to Irish 12.5f 3yo Listed Flat/2m Grade 1 hurdle winner Sir Erec. Dam an unraced sister to Queen’s Vase winner/St Leger runner-up Mahler out of an unraced sister to 7f 2yo Group 3 winner Glatisant (later dam of 2000 Guineas winner Footstepsinthesand) and half-sister to Cheshire Oaks winner Rockerlong, 10f 3yo Listed winner Gai Bulga and the dam of high-class sprinter Superstar Leo and grandam of Racing Post Trophy winner Rivet; and Charlie Appleby’s Beautiful Future (25/5 b f Night Of Thunder – Miss Lucifer), a three-parts sister to high-class 6.5-8.5f winner (including at Group 1 level) Space Blues (by Dubawi) and half-sister to smart 7-9.5f winner (including at Group 2/3 level) Shuruq and useful 7f 2yo winner Capel Path. Dam a 7f 3yo Group 2 winner who was a half-sister to six winners and from the family of Chachamaidee, High-Rise and In The Wings.

The Ed Walker-trained Closing Bell (26/2 b f Siyouni – Wiener Valkyrie), a half-sister to useful 8-10f winner Declared Interest. Dam a Grade 3/Listed-placed 7f 2yo winner who was a half-sister to Racing Post Trophy winner Crowded House, French 10.5f Listed winner On Reflection and the dam of French 6.5f Group 1 winner Brando and US 9/10f Grade 1 winner Ticker Tape and grandam of Prix Morny/Middle Park Stakes winner Reckless Abandon; Dermot Weld’s Emilie Gray (14/2 gr f Dubawi – Carla Bianca), the first foal of a smart Irish 9-10f winner (including at Group 3/Listed level) who was a half-sister to German 7f Listed winner Joailliere (by Dubawi) and Group 2/3-placed Irish 7f 2yo winner True Solitaire out of an unraced half-sister to Group 1-placed 10-14f winner (including at Group 3/Listed level) Profound Beauty (later dam of Irish dual 1m Listed winner Rose De Pierre (by Dubawi)); and the Michael Halford-trained Haziya (22/4 br f Le Havre – Hazaraba), the third foal of an Irish 7f 3yo winner who was a half-sister to Derby winner Harzand, Group 1-placed Irish dual 7f 2yo winner (including at Group 3 level) Harasiya, Australian 8/12f Listed winner Haripour, Irish 12f 3yo Listed winner Hazarafa (later dam of Irish 8/10f Group 3 winner Hazapour) and Group 3/Listed-placed Irish dual 10f 3yo winner Haziyna out of an Irish 7f 3yo Group 3 winner.

The Mark Johnston-trained Home And Dry (5/4 ch c Sea The Stars – Pale Mimosa), a 100,000gns second foal of a Group 1-placed 12f-2m winner (including at Group 2/Listed level) who was a sister to Listed-placed 12f-2m winner Suailce and a half-sister to Group 1-placed 10f-2m 2f winner (including at Group 2/Listed level) Nearly Caught out of a 1m 1f 3yo winning half-sister to Musidora Stakes winner/Oaks second Kalypso Katie; the Charlie Fellowes-trained Injazati (11/4 ch c Night Of Thunder – Mathanora), an 85,000gns third foal of a French 11f winner who was closely related to the dam of 1m Group/Grade 2 winner Rhythm Of Light and a half-sister to US 1m Grade 2 winner Little Treasure, US 8.5f 2yo Grade 3 winner Keep Quiet and Listed-placed French 1m 1f 2yo winner Annee Lumiere (later dam of Irish 7f 2yo Group 3 winner/Irish 1000 Guineas fourth New York Girl); and James Fanshawe’s Loving Dash (23/3 b f Lope De Vega – Miss Dashwood), a half-sister to smart 8.5f-2m winner (including at Group 2/3 level) Dashing Willoughby. Dam a useful 8.5-12f winner who was a half-sister to dual 10f Group 1 winner Speedy Boarding, useful dual 10f 3yo winner Elwazir and useful dual 1m winner Next Stage out of an 11f Listed winning half-sister to Group 1-placed 8-10f winner (including at Listed level) Dash To The Top (later dam of Oaks winner Anapurna).

The Tom Clover-trained Rogue Power (12/2 b c Pivotal – Strawberry Sorbet), a 35,000gns first foal of a 1m 3yo winning half-sister to 2020 1m 3yo winner Lehwaiyla and French 10.5f 3yo winner Zalzalah out of a Group 1-placed multiple 8-9f winner (including at Group 2/3 level) who was a sister to useful multiple 5-6f winner Wentworth Falls and a half-sister to 8.5-10f winner Strawberry Lolly (later dam of 1m 2yo Listed winner Tony Curtis); James Tate’s State Of Play (4/1 b c Dark Angel – Ambiguous), a half-brother to 6f 2yo winner Jamaheery. Dam an unraced half-sister to high-class multiple 5f winner (including at Group 1 level) Alpha Delphini, high-class multiple 5-6f winner (including at Group 1 level) Tangerine Trees, smart triple 5f winner (including at Group 3/Listed level) Kurious and Listed-placed 5f 3yo winner Fairy Falcon; and finally Marcus Tregoning’s Waajeeha (1/2 b f Kingman – Hawaafez), the fourth foal of a smart 8-13.5f winner (including at Group 3/Listed level) who was a half-sister to useful UK/Bahraini 8-9f winner Midhmaar and fairly useful 14-15f 3yo winner Nateeja, family of six-time 6.5f-1m Group 1 winner Moonlight Cloud, Derby/King George winner Generous and Irish 1000 Guineas/Oaks winner Imagine.

PATTERN CLASS

1- AROUSING (William Haggas)
1- HICKORY (James Fanshawe)
1- HURRICANE LANE (Charlie Appleby)
31- NOON STAR (Sir Michael Stoute)
41- PORT SUNLIGHT (Dermot Weld)
1- ROYAL CHAMPION (Roger Varian)
541- SIR LUCAN (Aidan O’Brien)
1- TAIPAN (Jessica Harrington)
1- TANMAWWY (Charlie Hills)
431- WILLOW (Aidan O’Brien)

MAIDENS

73- AVA GO JOE (Tim Easterby)
9- BASHFUL (Andrew Balding)
3- CASAURINA (Ralph Beckett)
93COLDSTREAM (Eve Johnson Houghton)
3- HOPEFULLY DARLING (John Gosden)
4- JASMINE JOY (James Fanshawe)
4- JOHN LEEPER (Ed Dunlop)
8- JUST JACOB (William Haggas)
7LUISA CASATI (Tom Ward)
5MARIEGOLD (Charlie Fellowes)
4- NAVEGAON GATE (Ed Walker)
3- RANI OF JHANSI (David Simcock)
2- STAY WELL (Hughie Morrison)
3TEOFILO STAR (James Ferguson)
4TWO TWO TIME (James Fanshawe)

HANDICAPS

975ALABAMA BOY (Ed Walker)
211ALEAS (Ralph Beckett)
765BAGUE D’OR (Chris Wall)
858BIG BOY BOBBY (Roger Charlton)
43GWENHYVAR (Hughie Morrison)
431- JUAN DE MONTALBAN (Andrew Balding)
641- KINGMANIA (Chris Wall)
127- NORTHERN EXPRESS (Michael Dods)
775OLYMPUS (Tim Easterby)
821PARACHUTE (Ed Walker)
695PRIDE OF HAWRIDGE (Rod Millman)
745RAINBOW’S GIFT (Jedd O’Keeffe)
994- RHEBUS ROAD (Ralph Beckett)
41- RICH DREAM (Ed Bethell)
021RUN TO FREEDOM (Henry Candy)
51SISKANY (Charlie Appleby)
1- SPANGLER (Hughie Morrison)
760SPY LEGEND (Ralph Beckett)
313- WHENTHEDEALINSDONE (Roger Teal)
1ZAAJEL (Roger Varian)

UNRACED

ALGHADEER (Owen Burrows)
ARTEMISIA LOMI (William Haggas)
BAAEED (William Haggas)
BADLANDS (Archie Watson)
BEAUTIFUL FUTURE (Charlie Appleby)
CANDLEFORD (William Haggas)
CLIMATE (Jessica Harrington)
CLOSING BELL (Ed Walker)
DOLPHIN (Roger Charlton)
DORTE (Roger Charlton)
EMILIE GRAY (Dermot Weld)
FIGURES (Simon & Ed Crisford)
GAASSEE (William Haggas)
GAL WONDER (John Gosden)
HAZIYA (Michael Halford)
HOME AND DRY (Mark Johnston)
INJAZATI (Charlie Fellowes)
LOVING DASH (James Fanshawe)
NETHERTON (John Gosden)
PAPPINA (Jessica Harrington)
QUEEN’S FAIR (Sir Michael Stoute)
ROGUE POWER (Tom Clover)
SALEYMM (Simon & Ed Crisford)
SEA KARATS (William Haggas)
STATE OF PLAY (James Tate)
THALER (Sir Michael Stoute)
USLOOB (William Haggas)
VALLE DE LA LUNA (Jessica Harrington)
WAAJEEHA (Marcus Tregoning)
WELL SPENT (John Gosden)