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
21- BLUE BOAT (Francis-Henri Graffard)
1- EBBA (Francis-Henri Graffard)
1- ELDAR ELDAROV (Roger Varian)
1- MIGHTY ULYSSES (John & Thady Gosden)
1- NEW DIMENSION (Sir Michael Stoute)
1- NEW LONDON (Charlie Appleby)
1- SHAARA (John & Thady Gosden)
1- TOSEN LYDIA (Joseph O’Brien)
01- VILLANOVA QUEEN (Jessica Harrington)
1- ZARAFA (Jean-Claude Rouget)
MAIDENS
2- A CAPPELLA (John & Thady Gosden)
4- ALYTH (Hughie Morrison)
89– BUNKER BAY (William Knight)
43– CHICHEN ITZA (Sir Michael Stoute)
5- DOUBLE CHERRY (Tom Ward)
43- DUTY BOUND (Andrew Balding)
9- EBTIHAAJ (Brian Meehan)
42- FRESH HOPE (Charlie Fellowes)
99- HIGHLAND KING (Johnny Murtagh)
4– KHURUMBI (Ed Bethell)
0- KING EAGLE (Michael Bell)
87- KINGDOM COME (Clive Cox)
2- LIONEL (David Menuisier)
4- MORAG MCCULLAGH (Michael Bell)
5– POSTWICK (Harry Eustace)
32- RIVER OF STARS (Ralph Beckett)
42- THE GADGET MAN (Ralph Beckett)
3- THESIS (Harry & Roger Charlton)
6- WITCH OF THE WOOD (Fozzy Stack)
70- WOLF OF OXSHOTT (Joseph Parr)
HANDICAPS
866– ALBION PRINCESS (Harry & Roger Charlton)
807- ALNWICK CASTLE (Harry Eustace)
731- BUSHFIRE (Hughie Morrison)
709– COPPERPLATE (Richard Hughes)
688- CROMARTY (David Simcock)
021- EDUCATOR (William Haggas)
789– FULFILLED (David Simcock)
670- HAARAR (Michael Bell)
586- HEAD CHEF (David O’Meara)
737- HILTS (Jedd O’Keeffe)
61– MISS DOWN UNDER (Amanda Perrett)
434- MYSTERY MONARCH (Eve Johnson Houghton)
731– NIKHI (Jedd O’Keeffe)
242- ROACH POWER (Tim Easterby)
221- SAGA (John & Thady Gosden)
5351– SEA KING (Sir Mark Prescott)
800– SUGAR CANDIE (Hughie Morrison)
31- TROJAN HORSE (Charlie & Mark Johnston)
754- VEE SIGHT (Ralph Beckett)
1– ZANBAQ (Roger Varian)
UNRACED
ADORABLE YOU (Kevin Philippart de Foy)
BEAU RIVAGE (Simon & Ed Crisford)
CAPH STAR (Roger Varian)
COUNTERATTACK (James Tate)
COURAGE MON AMI (John & Thady Gosden)
DARKANIYA (Francis-Henri Graffard)
HIGH RENAISSANCE (Charlie Appleby)
MALABU DRIVE (Ger Lyons)
MORNING POST (Sir Michael Stoute)
OKEECHOBEE (Harry & Roger Charlton)
QUEEN OF CHANGE (Simon & Ed Crisford)
QUEEN OF THE SKIES (John & Thady Gosden)
RULING DYNASTY (Charlie Appleby)
SEA OF GEMS (Nicolas Clement)
SOLEBAY (Edouard Monfort)
STAR FORTRESS (Ralph Beckett)
SURREY KNIGHT (Charlie Fellowes)
SWOOSH (Francis-Henri Graffard)
THE GREEN MAN (Joseph Parr)
UPTIME (Ralph Beckett)
VEGA SICILIA (Andrew Balding)
WHIRLWIND (Richard Hannon)
WHITEBEAM (Harry & Roger Charlton)
WUNDERKNABE (Francis-Henri Graffard)
ZAIN FARHH (William Haggas)
Dan Briden Horse Racing 