50 To Follow – 2025 Flat Season
by Owen Johnson
I would like to thank Owen for forwarding his 50 To Follow - 2025 Flat Season. He was good enough to forward an impressive list of winners last year In fact, it was one of the most post popular posts on the blog with several thousand page views.
If you want to keep up to date, I would suggest you follow him on X @OwenJohnson4. Owen has a growing following and I can personally recommend his information and tips. The best way to appreciate someone's worth is by following them.
Kalpana - Trainer: Andrew
Balding
As is tradition with
my fifty to follow, I like to get my 'obvious' horses out of the
way to begin with. However, I had no hesitation in putting this Study
Of Man filly in as she progressed throughout last season culminating
in her win on Champions Day at Ascot in the Fillies & Mares.
Kalapana was somewhat of a surprise package last season as she
unexpectedly routed a field of decent handicappers at the Craven
meeting by ten lengths, including Align The Stars who went on to win
at Glorious Goodwood. It then seemed as if defeat was out of the
question when she was extremely strong in the market to win the
Pretty Polly back at Newmarket, in which she came off second best to
Friendly Soul in a protracted duel on the Rowley Mile. But there was
no shame in that, as despite Friendly Soul's disappointing run in the
Musidora, she bounced back to remain unbeaten throughout the rest of
her campaign in taking a Group 3, Group 2 and the prestigious Group 1
Prix De L'Opera on Arc Day. Kalapana herself then found the ground
too quick at Royal Ascot when third in the Ribblesdale, but nearly a
month later easily secured the Glasgow stakes at Hamilton Park. Given
a freshen up after that she easily dismissed her rivals in the
September Stakes by four and three quarter lengths, the fifth home
that day Hamish went on to boost the form by winning a listed race at
the Curragh by five lengths. As aforementioned Kalpana's season ended
with victory in the Fillies & Mares on Champions Day. This showed
for sure that she can cope with testing ground and with that in mind
she should hopefully handle the likely testing conditions in the Arc
De Triomphe, as that is her main aim this year. She is currently 20/1
with Betfair for the Arc which I think is a good price as she will
likely take a similar route to last year's winner Bluestocking and
given that currently Lake Victoria is heading the market with some
firms for the Arc she could well be worth an interest now as I think
I've got more chance of winning the Tour De France than Lake Victoria
staying the Arc distance!
The Lion In Winter - Trainer:
Aidan O'Brien
This lad came to my
attention before he even made his debut at the Curragh as I was
informed by a well-known bloodstock judge that this Sea The Stars
colt was an impressive type and lots of the big players were looking
at him. However, it was a surprise to see M V Magnier buy him for the
Coolmore partners as Aidan O'Brien said after he won the Acomb: 'He's
the only Sea The Stars we have'. Therefore he must have impressed the
team as he had my friend for them to go to 375,000 Euros at the 2023
Goffs Orby Sale. Anyway The Lion In Winter made his debut on Irish
Oaks Day and if you ever want to see a horse learning on the job in a
maiden he would be it. As he ended up winning going away from
Currawood, who was beaten subsequently at odds on next time at Naas,
the third Ides Of March (also trained by Aiden O'Brien) won a maiden
at the Curragh and then went back to win the Group three Round Tower
Stakes. I then got to see The Lion In Winter in the flesh in the
aforementioned Acomb Stakes at York and he didn't disappoint. Despite
many pundits saying the quick seven furlongs at York would be too
sharp for him, Ryan Moore was always up there in the van and from
three out led all the way to the line in convincing fashion. The
second that day Wimbledon Hawkeye went on to win the Royal Lodge on
his next start before then finishing third on really deep ground in
the Futurity. It was a shame that we didn't get to see The Lion In
Winter after that as I'm sure he would have stamped himself as the
champion two year old. However, after two runs I've seen enough to
suggest he's a star in the making and I'm also sure he'll appreciate
a step up in trip this year which is hopefully the case as I've got a
nice 16/1 voucher for the Derby.
Desert Flower - Trainer:
Charlie Appleby
This Night Of
Thunder filly was another case of learning on the job when on debut
and still managed to be impressive. Despite missing the break
slightly and running green early on, she also won going away
devouring the uphill rise to the line on Newmarket's July course. The
second that day Flight made no mistake in winning a fillies maiden at
Sandown next time by four lengths, before then having to see Desert
Flower's backside again in the May Hill at Doncaster in which I was
present. After seeing Desert Flower in the paddock, her calm
demeanour really stood out and to boot she has large ears which the
late great Sir Henry Cecil always looked for in his Fillies. It was
therefore no surprise to see her comfortably land the contest by one
and a half lengths. As is also tradition with May Hill winners their
next port of call is the Fillies Mile at Newmarket and Desert Flower
was devastating winning by five and a half lengths from January (a
four length improvement on that of the May Hill) where despite edging
right she once again powered away. It does seem that Desert Flower
has an affinity with Newmarket and for my money she's the most likely
winner of the 1,000 Guineas at this stage albeit Lake Victoria will
not be an easy nut to crack.
Verse Of Love - Trainer -
Charlie Appleby
On the same day that
Desert Flower won the Fillies Mile this Siyouni filly also made her
debut and it was a striking one. Despite running green and having to
be pushed along inside the final furlong, it was a case of how far
for Verse Of Love who had everyone signing her praises afterwards, to
the extent that she is now 16/1 for the 1,000 Guineas. From what I
was told, she is a lengthy and imposing filly which would be in
contrast to her then stable companion Wild Angel, who finished second
to her that day and on her next start was third to a filly Ralph
Beckett told me: ' Could be special'. More on her in a minute but
from what Verse of Love showed on debut I'd be more than hopeful she
can enhance her claims further in either a Guineas trial or possibly
something later down the line if she wasn’t to come to hand in the
spring but she is a winner in waiting.
Bright Times Ahead - Trainer:
Ralph Beckett
No prizes for
guessing that this is the filly Ralph Beckett told me: 'Could be
Special'. I chatted to him after he had just won the November
Handicap with Lord Melbourne. Given time to mature and strengthen as
a two year old we didn't see Bright Times Ahead until the second of
November, but it was worth the wait! She travelled strongly and in
the last furlong it was a case of when Hector Crouch was going to
press the button. The response was pretty immediate and she won
impressively by three and a half lengths. What
was striking that day was the market confidence behind her, as late
on the market couldn't keep as she was sent off the 13/8 favourite
but a Betfair SP of 2.62 so the money certainly had kept coming in
for her (which is always a positive given who owns her).
Indeed Doreen Tabor had to go to 460,000 Euros at the 2023 Arqana
August Yearling Sale with Bloodstock agent of the year Alex Elliott
signing the ticket for her. It may have been a big price tag but from
what we saw on debut and what Ralph Beckett told me everything
suggests that there certainly are Bright Times Ahead for this Lope De
Vega filly.
Banyan - Trainer: John &
Thady Gosden
Given what I said
about Bright Times Ahead the horses in behind were always going to be
of interest despite the third's somewhat limited ability. But Banyan
was also making her racecourse debut and ran like her pedigree
suggests that she just wanted further. Weak in the market and
seemingly the stable's second string on the day to Swiss Lightning,
Banyan just took the eye in how she stayed on and although she was no
match for the winner, it would be no surprise to see her break her
maiden in a Newmarket or Newbury maiden come the spring over more of
a test of stamina.
Cosmic Year -
Trainer: Harry Charlton
Of all the horses in
this list this fellow is the one I'm looking forward to seeing the
most for a couple reasons. Firstly, the performance he put up at
Sandown on debut was that of a top class performer in the making, as
he bolted up by six and a half lengths. Secondly, the form of the
race is starting to work out well as the second Rock d'Oro had
already given the future Champagne Stakes winner Bay City Roller
plenty to think about on his debut before being switched to America
to join Jorge Delgardo's stable and quickly made an impact by
breaking his maiden impressively at Tampa Bay Downs, albeit on the
synthetic. Furthermore, the third from Sandown Quai De Bethune only
this week came out and won easily at Kempton in what admittedly
looked a weak race, however his trainer Andrew Balding said: ' he had
been working well and that the Kentucky Derby Trail was the plan for
his horse'. Despite all of this, what alerted to me to the fact that
Cosmic Year could be a talented horse was the fact that Harry
initially had wanted to run him in a seven furlong maiden at Newbury,
a race that like his father Roger sent out their best two year old
in. However it was too warm to risk him that day and even Harry said
when interviewed after he won: ‘He lost quite a bit of weight
coming back from the races that day so it was probably the right
decision’. To boot Cosmic Year has a big pedigree being a full
brother to Tempus and half-brother to Time Test and out of the classy
mare Passage Of Time. I expect great things of this son of Kingman
and I hope my 33/1 wager for the 2,000 Guineas is still alive after
he takes in classic trail in the spring.
Windlord - Trainer: Andrew
Balding
Another Juddmonte
owned colt with classic aspirations is this Dubawi colt. Always
highly thought of, it was clear that he needed his first run when a
promising fourth at Sandown before he went back to the Esher track
when he had to give second best to Anno Domini who was given a 25/1
quote for the 2,000 Guineas immediately afterwards. Windlord then got
off the mark in a class two novice at York by five and a half lengths
and the second Shah had been second in the valuable Convivial maiden
at York before that before winning decisively after getting put in
his place by Windlord. Jockey Tom Marquand said : 'He didn't handle
the ground that well'. It was off to Ireland for the Beresford next
for Windlord in which he was very well supported in the market going
off the 2/1 joint favourite with Hotazhell, who ended up taking the
contest by three quarters of a length before then going onto win the
Group 1 Futurity at Doncaster. The second that day Tennessee Stud
also went onto win the Group One Criterium De Saint Cloud. However, I
feel when he ran in Ireland the Irish did a bit of a job on Windlord
and I think in a less tactical affair he can be seen to better effect
in higher company. He is likely to head to a Derby trail in the
spring with the Dante mooted as a possibility.
Regal Ulixes - Trainer:
Andrew Balding
Another who could be
heading for a Derby Trial from the Balding stable is this Ulysses
colt. He was an eye-catcher on debut in the Peter Willett at Goodwood
in September having been carried left at the start and then squeezed
for room at the finish. He returned later the same month in the
prestigious Haynes Hanson & Clark Stakes at Newbury, where he
made light work of the opposition winning comfortably under Oisin
Murphy. Out of the Group three winner Regal Realm he was bought for
70,000 guineas at the 2023 Book 2 Tattersalls sale in Newmarket and
from what we've seen so far that may look a bargain.
Centigrade - Trainer: Ralph
Beckett
Ralph Beckett's
horses will be featuring plenty in this list and this Too Darn Hot
colt could be the most promising of the males. Out of a half-sister
to crack two-year-old Sergei Prokofiev. He was second on debut to the
smart Jonquil (now with Andrew Balding) on his debut in the summer at
Sandown and after a break made all to score by five and a half
lengths at Newbury in October. Beckett said: ' He's a nice horse for
next year and we should have plenty of fun with him'. Bought at the
Arqana Breeze-Up sale by Highclere and their members have a lot to
look forward to with this lad.
That's Amore - Trainer: Ralph
Beckett
Another late-season
winner this time on debut for Beckett was this New Bay filly out of
the Lope De Vega mare Rubira whose progeny include the smart
handicapper Persica. That's Amore's connections however will be
hoping that she can reach greater heights as she shone on debut when
clearly well fancied going off the 11/10 favourite and winning
impressively by six lengths. You could say it wasn't a strong race
that That's Amore won which at the moment is borne out by what some
of those in behind have done since. However the second Celestial
Pearl was thought good enough to start in the Newmarket maiden which
was won by Verse Of Love. Celestial Pearl certainly stepped up from
her debut as at one point she threatened to give That's Amore a race
but once Hector Crouch asked her to go it was a case of name the
distance. Interestingly since her debut Lady Bamford has purchased
That's Amore privately and she could be looking at an Oaks Trial come
the spring where hopefully we are all bursting into song!
Alobayyah - Trainer: William
Haggas
Another filly who
could be looking at an Oaks Trial come springtime is this Ghaiyyath
filly. Bought for 115,000 guineas at Tatts Book 2 in 2023, Alobayyah
went some way to paying that back when scoring at Yarmouth over a
mile in October, when beating the more experienced Karl Burke trained
Royal Agenda. Bred to stay on both sides being by the aforementioned
Ghaiyyath and of a Samum mare which means she comes from a stout
staying German family, Samum did manage to win the Prix Miesque at
two and is from the immediate family of Queen Mary winner Dramatised.
However, I expect Alobayyah to take after her staying genes and is
currently 25/1 for the Oaks itself.
Crown Of Oaks - Trainer:
William Haggas
After talking about
the Oaks it's now time to talk about Crown Of Oaks. Bought for
260,000 at the 2023 Tatts Book 1 Sale by William Haggas, though it
was professional gambler Patrick Veitch who advised Crown Of Oaks’
owner Tony Bloom and Ian McAleavy, who are both also known for their
punting exploits. Back to the horse who enters his three year old
career as a maiden but he should have no problem shedding that tag
based on what he did on the Rowley Mile on his debut. During the race
his position of mid-division proved a disadvantage. As it developed,
front runners had a distinct advantage (as is normally the case at
Newmarket). But he ate up the ground in the last furlong to be a
strong staying on third to Secret Theory and Spirit Of Summer who is
now rated ninety. His finishing effort was not only striking, but he
can be marked up on that based on where he was positioned. Likely to
stay at least a mile and possibly further William Haggas should have
another nice colt to go to war with this year.
Kibris - Trainer: Joseph
O'Brien
Back over the Irish
sea now and this son of Lope De Vega was another that my bloodstock
friend liked when he saw Kibris as a yearling at the Goffs Orby Sale
who is out of May Hill Stakes runner-up Dark Rose Angel. He was
bought by Anthony Bromley of Highflyer for 155,000 Euros and judging
by his debut win at the Curragh that could be money well spent. Well
backed late on he took the scalp of no less than twenty-six rivals in
the mile maiden at Irish Flat Racing HQ. Kibris’ jockey Dylan
Browne McMonagle was full of praise saying:' He's a gorgeous big
horse and the race set up lovely for him. He travelled well and was
very professional', he continued. 'He picked up better than I thought
he would. He has plenty about him and is one to look forward to'. All
I say is Dylan let's hope so.
Almeric- Trainer: Andrew
Balding
Back to the
Balding’s now and another middle-distance prospect for them is by
the same sire as Kalpana in Almeric, a Study Of Man half-brother to
nine winners, including group three winner Alla Speranza and the dam
of another Kingsclere favourite Shine So Bright. It's fair to say
Balding knows the family well, and he decided to wait until
mid-September to give the debut where he was a bit slow on the uptake
as most of Balding’s newcomers are when the stalls opened, before
finishing strongly to take fourth in a mile maiden at Sandown.
Almeric was much more streetwise at York on his second start when
getting the better of the well regarded Roger Varian trained Ride The
Thunder in what was a prolonged battle on the Knavesmire. Hopefully
he could be a group horse for his owner-breeder Kirsten Rausing.
Cathedral - Trainer: Ralph
Beckett
The day before
Almeric got off the mark at York, this Frankel filly was also on her
second outing, but had to settle for second behind the Aidan O'Brien
trained Merrily in the Oh So Sharp Stakes at Newmarket. However she
got off the mark in sparkling fashion at Lingfield where according to
the market, winning was a formality as she was sent off the 1/2
favourite having opening at 4/5 in the show and was bigger prices
than that the night before. Cathedral certainly read the script and
won by four and a quarter lengths without a moments worry. My
thoughts on why she didn't win the Oh So Sharp was put simply as lack
of experience. The winner Merrily had five previous starts before
beating Cathedral where she had only had one, and on a difficult
track such as Newmarket with all it's undulations I'm taking a
positive view about her moving forward. Bought for 800,000 Euros for
Amo Racing they will be hoping she can make an impact this year
especially after the loss of their Convivial winner Angelo
Buarranotti.
Thunder Run - Trainer: Karl
Burke
Normally in this
list I focus on the improving three year olds, but this time around I
wanted to put some handicappers in who could potentially progress to
something better and Thunder Run is the first of those. This Night Of
Thunder gelding first came on my radar when easily disposing of The
Reverend in a mile novice at Thirsk. After that he went onto to score
comfortably at prohibitive odds at Hamilton Park. However, it was in
the William Hill Summer Cup back at Thirsk where he caught my eye as
he was heavily backed into 4/6 favourite but plenty went wrong as
jockey Danny Tudhope dropped his whip inside the final furlong and
then was tenderly handled after that, and finished third as a result.
Thunder Run was on his game in the Clipper Handicap at York which his
owner sponsors, so no doubt it was great to see him lead for the
majority of the contest before getting on top close home to win by
half a length from Mirsky. Thunder Run then went to the Balmoral
Handicap on Champions Day but was disadvantaged when having to race
away from the main group in the early stages, and when he eventually
joined the main group he looked like he was going to play a serious
hand in the finish. However those early exertions put paid to his
chances as Carrytheone came over the top to win. What this showed
though was that Thunder Run can cope with soft ground and with him
being entered in the Lincoln I can see him been a serious player in
that race if indeed he goes there and conditions are in his favour.
Mount Atlas - Trainer: Andrew
Balding
The Kingsclere
handler had a raft of nice middle-distance and staying three year
old’s last year and one of them was this Masar gelding. Unraced at
two, he had an inauspicious start to his career when unseating Will
Carver at Windsor in April last year and was then very green at
Nottingham in May, but he then won two of his next three starts, the
latter being a handicap at Ascot over twelve furlongs. Mount Atlas
then had a slight hold up before being beaten by the highly
progressive Sun God in the Old Rowley Cup at Newmarket. He travelled
supremely well that day and I personally believe that Oisin Murphy
went for home too soon and although he wouldn't have beaten Sun God
he rather played into his hands. Now gelded, he remains very lightly
raced and could be a candidate for the Ebor this season.
Sun God - Trainer: Hughie
Morrison
If I'm putting Mount
Atlas in I have to also but Sun God in, a half-brother to group
winner Sumo Sam. Before Sun God got the better of Mount Atlas at
Newmarket he ran a very respectable fifth in the Melrose but didn't
see the trip out in the final furlong. As always the Melrose looked a
strong race and third home Master Builder since won impressively in a
competitive handicap at Haydock before been undone in a small field
tactical affair at York afterwards. However, down in trip he proved
too good for Mount Atlas and drew clear in the style of a possible
pattern performer. Even if I do think his winning margin slightly
flattered him on the day there is no getting away from the fact that
Sun God is a horse who will be worth following in those
middle-distance staying handicaps this season.
King's Gambit - Trainer:
Harry Charlton
Now this lad is far
from a handicapper but he started as a three year old by routing his
opposition in the London Gold Cup Handicap on Lockinge Day at
Newbury. It's a race the Charlton's have done well in the past with
the likes of Al Kazeem, Time Test, Imperial Aviator and Headman all
winning the contest for the yard. King's Gambit indeed won by four
lengths and Persica who finished fourth that day went on to enhance
the form by winning three times subsequently. Royal Ascot then
beckoned for the son of Saxon Warrior but unfortunately it all went
wrong as William Buick had him too far back and then ran into trouble
in the home straight and still only went down narrowly to ill-fated
Jayarebe. I then saw King's Gambit for the first time in the flesh
for the Sky Bet York Stakes, and I have to say I haven't seen many
better looking horses in my time of following the sport as he has a
beautiful long stride and just oozes class. However, unfortunately he
was undone by a tactical affair there. He then came back to York for
the Great Voltigeur which again was a small field and for my money he
didn't stay, but he wasn't helped by Buick deciding that the middle
of the track was a better place to be than nearer the far rail as
Ryan Moore was on the winner Los Angeles. Charlton then rolled the
dice with King's Gambit and put him in the Qipco Champion Stakes, now
he may only have finished seventh but Oisin Murphy was full of praise
for him afterwards saying:' We went too fast but for him to still
keep on and to be only beaten six lengths in that field was
extraordinary and he hated the ground'. It's fair to say not much has
gone right for King's Gambit since Newbury but hopefully that will
change this season and since his last run he's been purchased
privately by Wathnan Racing and is likely to reappear soon to try and
claim a big money pot out in Qatar.
Field Of Gold - Trainer: John
& Thady Gosden
Back to the
three-year-olds now and this Kingman colt was bought for 530,000
euros as a foal from the Goffs November sale in 2022. Like most
Gosden newcomers Field Of Gold was in need of his first run which was
compounded by the fact that he got upset in the stalls and was slowly
away. Despite all that Field Of Gold looked like he was going to make
a serious challenge over a furlong out but when let down he was
completely clueless, wandered around and in the end stuck on to be
third beaten two and three quarter lengths by New Century, who since
then went onto win the Listed Stonehenge Stakes at Salisbury and then
won a big pot in a Grade One out in Canada at Woodbine. Field Of Gold
himself then bolted up on the July Course and after the race one of
his trainers John Gosden was full of praise saying: ' I loved that
it's always a race we like bringing a nice horse to you know and say
he's a best two year old as we stand here'. The second that day
Starzintheireyes has remained unbeaten since including taking the
Group Three Zetland Stakes at Newmarket. Gosden’s as is their
custom bring their best colts to the Solorio Stakes in which he
comfortably dealt with some smart types in Matauri Bay and Royal
Playwright. His final run then came in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere
but he was far too keen and given the really soft ground he was never
going to see his race out. In fairness Field Of Gold's dam Princess
De Lune was 'a bit of a hothead when I rode her' said jockey Kieran
Shoemark. But I certainly won't be giving up on him this year and
could he possibly break the Gosden hoodoo and finally win the 2,000
Guineas for them?
Chancellor - Trainer: John &
Thady Gosden
As I said earlier
most Gosden newcomers need their first run and that looked the case
on debut for Chancellor as he dwelt when the stalls opened and then
was a bit short of room, but after that everything else went fairly
smoothly. As he made headway from over two out and then in the last
hundred yards went away in the style of a promising horse. The son of
Kingman then went to the Pat Eddery Stakes at Ascot but he once again
got bumped at the start, lost a shoe and still managed third, only a
length and a half behind New Century who was second to Al Qudra. Both
those horses who finished in front of Chancellor went on to be first
and second in the Grade 1 Summer Mile out in Woodbine with New
Century turning the form around. Chancellor then stepped back into
Novice company and won comfortably from Brave Mission who has won
since. Unfortunately though Chancellor again encountered problems but
this time of his own doing at Doncaster as he burst through the front
of the stalls when favourite for the Champagne Stakes. According to
reports he's done well over the winter to the extent that Rab Havlin
put him up as a horse to follow when interviewed in the Weekender by
former jockey Georgia Cox.
Falconer - Trainer: Andrew
Balding
Nottingham maidens
at the back end of the season are always worth noting and that
certainly seems to be the case once again as this New Bay colt drew
clear with the Ralph Beckett trained El Matador coming out on top by
half a length. Again he wasn't fully wound up for his debut and he
overcame inexperience under Callum Hutchinson, in traditionally a
strong race (won by Adayar in 2020). A half-brother to three winners
over nine to fourteen furlongs, Falconer looks sure to appreciate a
step up in trip this season and could potentially be a cup horse in
the future.
El Matador - Trainer: Ralph
Beckett
As mentioned El
Matador went down to Falconer on debut, however he disappointed
punters going off the heavily backed 8/11 favourite and looked the
winner two furlongs from home. However, he was carried left by
Falconer a furlong out which may have caused him to become slightly
unbalanced and despite keeping on to the line he could never get the
past the stoutly bred Balding horse. Bought for 140,000 as a yearling
by Alex Elliott on behalf of Valmont he's a real looker and I'm sure
like many Ralph Beckett horses this season he can make his name felt
amongst the better races this season.
Gulya - Trainer: Roger Varian
This Night Of
Thunder filly was picked up as a foal on behalf of Nurlan Bizakov for
200,000 from the Goffs November foal sale in 2022. She was supposed
to make her debut at Salisbury and was well backed before being
withdrawn on the morning of the race. I then saw her in the flesh at
Doncaster’s St Leger Meeting where she was well backed again but
had to give second best to Whirl who before that had ran in the
Convivial maiden at York and therefore was running against her own
sex when accounting for Gulya. In addition Whirl then went onto win
the Group Three Staffordstown Stakes at the Curragh. So the fact
Gulya despite being keen under Silvestre De Sousa (surprise surprise)
finished an eye-catching second to a now Group Three winner It can
only be matter of time before she gets off the mark.
Janey Mackers - Trainer:
David Menuisier
This well-bred
daughter of New Bay surprisingly only cost her trainer 72,000 guineas
at the Tatts December yearling sale in 2023. It was likely that Janey
Mackers needed her debut at Yarmouth but still ran a respectable
third to the promising Hot Flame and the second Bintjeddah had won at
Haydock prior to that. But she made no mistake on her second start at
Doncaster when always prominent and then going clear under champion
jockey Oisin Murphy to win easily by five and a half lengths. Now the
form of that race from those in behind may not be much to write home
about, however it's clear that David Menuisier's horses improve as
they get older and like they hold her in high regard hence her Irish
Oaks entry.
Perfect Your Craft - Trainer:
Ralph Beckett
If you wanted a
horse that is going to stay the Oaks trip then Perfect Your Craft is
that horse. By Mastercraftsman out of the Galileo mare Pandora it was
a surprise that she only made 110,000 guineas as a yearling, as when
I saw her she looked a lovely filly. Given her pedigree, it was no
surprise to see her make her debut late in the season, which came at
Salisbury. Heavily backed in the market late on, she ran green but
when the penny dropped she managed to run down Whatcombe and win by a
cosy neck. This performance certainly indicated that Perfect Your
Craft will be better over further than a mile which would befit her
pedigree and given that she has been given an Irish Oaks entry an
Oaks Trial is once again looking on the cards for this Ralph Beckett
inmate.
I Am I Said - Trainer: Ralph
Beckett
Yes it's Ralph
Beckett again! And this Almanzor colt looks a lovely middle-distance
prospect in the making. He made his only start in the future stayers
novice over a mile on Newmarket’s two year old day fixture. The
race in question has been won in the past by the likes of Cracksman
and Hurricane Lane. Now that maybe a bit to live up to but I Am I
Said could do no more than win in decisive fashion and needing little
encouragement to go away from two rivals who were rated in the
mid-eighties. He maybe named after the Neil Diamond track but more
importantly he's a half-brother to last year's John Smith's Cup
winner Enfjaar and is sure to stay at least ten furlongs this season
and therefore a Derby trial beckons.
Digub - Trainer: William
Haggas
I was lucky to see
this Sea The Stars filly as a yearling when she took my breath away
at Tatts Book 1 sale of 2023 and it was no surprise that she made a
fair whack of 360,000 guineas for the Thoroughbred Racing
Corporation. Given her stamina ladened pedigree it was understandable
that she didn't appear until late September over seven furlongs which
looked on the sharp side for her, as after pulling quite hard and
running green she kept on well under tender handling to be a
promising fourth. The winner Saqqara Sands was second in a Listed
Race on her next start, and the second, Texas Starlight won on her
next start at Southwell before bumping into a nice sort at Lingfield
when second after that. The third was indeed Wild Angel who set the
standard. However, I'd expect Digub to improve markedly for that when
seen in the spring and a maiden or a novice looks a sheer formality
for her.
Sandtrap - Trainer: Ralph
Beckett
I'm almost trying to
stop putting so many Beckett horses in but this another filly who
can't be ignored. Again I was fortunate to see this Lope De Vega
filly as a yearling when bought for 450,000 guineas by Alex Elliott
on behalf of Valmont. However, Ballylinch who consigned Sandtrap at
the sales must have liked her as they retained a fifty percent share
in the filly. Another one given time by her trainer the dogs were
certainly barking her name when Sandtrap turned up for her debut at
Salisbury and she didn't disappoint, winning comfortably by four and
three quarter lengths from Jowddah, who had had a run before when
second at Newmarket and then finished second subsequently at Yarmouth
to Rhapsody (more on her shortly). However it was the comments
afterwards that interested me with Beckett saying: 'There was a bit
of pressure today as she had worked well ten days ago so it wasn't a
surprise that she did that, she still has to grow into her frame but
she's a nice filly and one to look forward to next year'. It was then
decided that a trip to Deauville was in the offering for Sandtrap,
and despite been well backed again I personally feel the deep ground
was to blame as although she is by Lope De Vega who is a soft ground
influence, she has an all American dam side to her pedigree and her
sister Carl Spackler certainly enjoys top of the ground in America.
Therefore back on a sounder surface this year she could be a dark
horse that could end up being a top class mile to middle distance
filly by the end of 2025.
Rhapsody - Trainer: William
Haggas
I promised we'd talk
about Rhapsody so here it goes, as mentioned she beat Jowddah on her
debut at Yarmouth when seemingly an unfancied 14/1 shot. But she
defied market expectations and kept on well to the line to win by
half a length. This year though it's all going to be about the middle
distance fillies races for Rhapsody and it will be interesting to see
where Haggas pitches her as he's got a few staying three year old
fillies to compare her too. By Ghaiyyath and out of a Motivator mare,
surely an Oaks trial has to be under consideration given her pedigree
being chocked full of stamina.
Tuscan Hills - Trainer:
Raphael Freire
It's not often
Thirsk is the breeding ground for top class horses but there were a
couple of nice types that turned up at the Yorkshire venue last year
and he's one of them. Even though he was slowly away he kept on well
and went clear in the twinkle of an eye to win by two and three
quarter lengths. The form may not have been anything special but the
time was very good with Racing TV presenter Angus McNae highlighting
him as a horse to keep on side on The Verdict. A step up in grade was
therefore warranted for Tuscan Hills and it was the Listed Silver
Tankard that was nominated. After looking the pick of the paddock by
a country mile he eased to the front two furlongs from home and won
comfortably four and three quarter lengths from Calla Lagoon who had
won prior to that at Ascot, and the Silver Tankard is a race Beckett
tends to run one of his nicer staying two year old types in (Westover
was second in 2021). Well-bred by Night Of Thunder out of a Sea The
Stars mare it's conceivable that Tuscan Hills will be even better on
better ground this year and if he is, he could be a lively outsider
for the Derby.
Chantez- Trainer: Ger Lyons
Back over to Ireland
now and this filly could be the one to make a splash this season. I
was drawn to this filly straight away as she is out of one of my
favourite race mares as I remember seeing her win her last start in
Britain for Timothy Jarvis at Newbury when taking a Listed Race by
half a length. After that she went to race in America for William
Mott and straight away won a Group Two at Gulfstream. Therefore, I
was always going to be interested in her progeny and Chantez herself
was picked up by Newtown Anner Stud as a yearling for 220,000 from
Tatts Book 1 in 2023. On debut Chantez got upset in the stalls but
ran a terrific race to be just headed on the line by Exactly with the
pair pulling three and a quarter lengths clear of the third. Chantez
made no mistake on her second start again at Leopardstown winning
comfortably by three lengths from Indigo Dream. It was then on Irish
Champions weekend where she could extract revenge on an Aidan O'Brien
runner as she made smooth headway and after leading a furlong from
home she jinked right but saw off Garden Of Eden to win by three
quarters of a length. By Wootton Bassett, she is a half-sister
to the King Edward VII Stakes winner Changingoftheguard, and having
already emulated her dam as a Listed winner, she has bright prospects
of stepping up further in grade on a sound surface.
Music Piece - Trainer: Andrew
Balding
Another lovely
prospect for Doreen Tabor and Andrew Balding is this Camelot filly.
She was second on debut at Ascot in September to subsequent Group One
placed Ballet Slippers. Music Piece then got off the mark at Haydock
at the second time of asking, when winning nicely over a mile under
David Probert. Sure to stay further - her dam was group placed over
twelve and fourteen furlongs she is one to keep onside this season.
Consent - Trainer: Sir Mark
Prescott
This was another
nice horse who started out at Thirsk. It certainly was a long way to
send her for Sir Mark Prescott but she did just that on debut and
scored by two lengths from the more experienced Shining Pearl and
looked a promising filly in the process. Consent only faced one rival
when sent to Haydock for a fillies novice but despite going off the
well backed 6/5 favourite she was outpaced and hung left two furlongs
from home and had to give second best to none other than Music Piece.
By Lope De Vega and out of a Galileo mare it's fair to assume she is
going to improve as she gets older especially given who trains her.
Bought for 260,000 euros as a yearling by Oliver St Lawrence she
could be another exciting prospect for Denford Stud and could she
even possibly develop into the next Alpinista?
Falling Snow - Trainer:
Donnacha O'Brien
Now Ballet Slippers
may have beaten Music Piece when she was making her debut, however
she couldn't fend off Falling Snow on her debut as this Justify filly
managed to get up by a neck to deny the odds on favourite. Out of the
former 1,000 Guineas winner Winter, she could well be more of an Oaks
filly based on her debut as she seemed to outstay Ballet Slippers at
the Curragh. In addition her full-brother London City won over a mile
and a half at least year's Dante Meeting so stamina could well be her
forte this term and she is currently 20/1 for the Oaks.
Treble Tee - Trainer: Simon &
Ed Crisford
This good looking
son of Persian King got off the mark on his sole start on Newmarket's
Rowley Mile when a well backed 100/30 winner, which is never a bad
thing from the Crisford stable. Always in a prominent position and
despite edging left in the dip he soon went clear when he came out of
it, winning nicely by two and a quarter lengths from Mudbir (more on
him in a second). The third Humam was then second on his next start
at Doncaster when bumping into So Darn Hot who on his last run bolted
up in a class two handicap at Newcastle. Furthermore the fifth that
day Pinhole has since comfortably won at Southwell so the form has a
strong look to it and I'm hoping Treble Tee can impose himself in the
colts division this season.
Mudbir - Trainer: John &
Thady Gosden
As promised it's
time to talk about this son of Kingman, owned by Shadwell, this horse
came to my attention before having run at Newmarket as I managed to
catch up with one of his trainers (Thady Gosden) and I asked him for
a horse to follow and he nominated this lad saying:' He's a
half-brother to Mostahdaf and he's coming along nicely he should be
out later in the season'. Now Mudbir may have needed that run behind
Treble Tee on debut but it was still a promising effort and if he can
build on that then he can surely land a maiden or novice before going
onto better things.
Bowmark - Trainer: John &
Thady Gosden
Another exciting
prospect for the Gosden's this term is also this son of Kingman who
had to wait until December to make his debut. It was certainly worth
it as he drew away in impressive fashion by four and a half lengths.
A couple of weeks later jockey Kieran Shoemark was interviewed on
Racing TV and was asked to nominate a horse to follow and he replied
saying: 'Bowmark gave me a good feel the other day at Kempton and he
looks a good horse hopefully for next year'. It also seems to be a
slight change from the Gosden's that they were bringing more of the
better two year old talent later on in the year on the all-weather
and Bowmark could well be top of tree of the ones who are within the
Clarehaven ranks.
Sand Gazelle - Trainer: John
& Thady Gosden
This Frankel filly
could well be another to keep the Gosden team warm over the winter
period. Bought for 425,000 guineas at Tatts Book 1 in 2023 she looked
lovely then and she still does now as despite been drawn in stall
eleven round Kempton and running green she ended up running out a one
and a quarter length winner, going away in the style of a promising
filly. From a deep Juddmonte family Sand Gazelle may have to improve
to get her herself into classic reckoning but rest assured she'll be
worth keeping onside in 2025.
Seacruiser - Trainer: Ralph
Beckett
This strapping son
of Sea The Stars made his debut at Goodwood in the same race that
Regal Ulixes did when finishing fifth after going off a well backed
5/2 favourite. However, he tried to make headway two furlongs out but
then was short of room when coming with a challenge over a furlong
out. Unfortunately he found nothing after that, but it was a
different story when he made his second outing on the Rowley Mile as
he was far more professional in making all and winning comfortably by
a length and a quarter from Present Times, who came out and won on
his third start at Lingfield. The third home Devil's Advocate then
bolted up at short odds on his next start at Chelmsford so the form
is there. But for me Seacruiser can go even further than a mile and a
Derby Trial again has to come under consideration for this Kimpton
Down inmate.
Devil's Advocate - Trainer:
John & Thady Gosden
The aforementioned
Devil's Advocate also makes the list and he's another who I saw when
bought at Newmarket's Book 2 sale of 2023 when Godolphin bought him
for 350,000 guineas. By Too Darn Hot out of the Nathaniel mare
Precious Ramotswe, he ran like a typical Gosden newcomer when slowly
away then looking clueless in the dip before staying on nicely when
the penny dropped to be third. As I said he went to Chelmsford and
dotted up but more is to come from this fellow I'm sure and it
wouldn't surprise me if Gosden threw him into something like the
conditions race at Newbury which Enable famously got beaten in by her
stablemate Shutter Speed.
Shout - Trainer: Simon &
Ed Crisford
This good looking
son of Advertise didn't enjoy the greatest start when blowing it many
lengths at Windsor on his debut, and as well as that he ran green but
with all that he still finished fifth beaten two and three quarter
lengths and the winner Rajeko who later on was pitched into the Acomb
Stakes, but could only finish eighth behind The Lion In Winter, after
a break came out and won at Chelmsford. On Shout's second start he
made all to win nicely under Oisin Murphy in the style of a nice
horse. However, on his third run he was less straightforward racing
awkwardly throughout and to add to that Ryan Moore dropped his
whip over a furlong out. Therefore you could forgive him that. It was
then onto Doncaster where he beat the highly touted Artagnan who had
previously finished second from a bad draw in a valuable nursery at
York's Ebor meeting. As well as that Simon Crisford recently put him
up as a horse to follow in the Weekender and they have also taken to
the decision to geld him so he may need his first run but in time
that operation may well be the making of him.
Jettie's Run - Trainer: Ralph
Beckett
We had to get
another Beckett horse in there and I'll explain why. On debut at
Kempton she was drawn widest of all in stall ten but was only beaten
a length and a half by Magic Trail who had the perfect trip from
stall one. Jettie's Run was then sent off a fairly short price for
her next start and despite not breaking well from the stalls she was
pushed out to win readily under Rossa Ryan by half a length from
Bermuda Longtail who won next time. Indeed the third Maissara also
won on her next outing at Newcastle in a nursery. By Wootton Bassett
and out of a Scat Daddy mare Jo Jo Air, maybe she will need top of
the ground to be seen at her best but looks another exciting filly
for the Beckett stable to go to war with this season.
Bermuda Longtail - Trainer:
Andrew Balding
Of course you knew I
was going to put this filly in as well, as like when Jettie's Run
made her debut Bermuda Longtail was drawn widest of all in stall ten
at Kempton but ran a race full of promise to be second. She made no
mistake on her second start when getting the better of the Beckett
trained Dash Of Azure by one and three quarter lengths but always
looked in control and was going away at the line. Her trainer was
quoted afterwards saying: 'she's a nice filly for next year'. It's
likely she will go for another novice next time though will Bermuda
Longtail before hopefully having her sights raised after that and she
could well be a flagbearer for her exciting sire Hello Youmzain.
Boatswain - Trainer: Simon &
Ed Crisford
Gelded as a two year
old we had to wait till Boatswain had turned three until we got to
see him on a racecourse but by did he deliver. Hammered in the market
late on he didn't let his backers down scoring by three and a quarter
lengths from Chartwell Jock who won on his next start at Wolves. The
third Thosewerethedays on his debut had finished seventh behind a
certain Centigrade when needing the run, and he stepped up to run
better here. However, he had no answer to Boatswain's charge. By New
Bay and out of the Lope De Vega mare Bay Light, Rabbah Racing had to
cough up 240,000 guineas for him as a yearling from Book 2 at
Tattersalls. Afterwards it was mentioned that Boatswain could be a
potential handicap project for Royal Ascot it would be interesting if
he were but maybe connections may have higher aspirations for him
than that.
The Watcher - Trainer: Karl
Burke
Karl Burke's two
year olds are always to be feared first time up and this Invincible
Spirit colt certainly was feared by the bookmakers going off the even
money favourite. He comfortably rained on Showering's parade who had
won previously that month by a length and a half, with Clifford Lee
looking around two furlongs out. The third home Rainbow Nebula also
finished second to the Burke trained Rebel's Gamble on his next start
and Rebel's Gamble himself nearly made this list so add him if you
like as a brucey bonus! A solid stamp of a horse he looks a promising
prospect for the Burke team and one we will certainly be watching in
the months to come.
Glittering Surf - Trainer:
Owen Burrows
Another impressive
maiden winner in December was this Oasis Dream colt who sparkled on
debut to win eased down by three and a quarter lengths from Pearl Of
Hope who had a previous run at Newmarket. It was interesting that
when Glittering Surf's trainer Owen Burrows spoke afterwards he said
that the owner and his family were present to see 100,000 guineas
purchase and based on what he did at Kempton that may well be money
well spent.
Jockey To Follow - Jack Doughty
Something a bit
different now but I always like putting a jockey forward for us to
follow. If I'm being honest I hadn't seen much of Jack Doughty until
I saw him win at Doncaster in the November Handicap on Lord
Melbourne. He got the tactics spot on that day. However, it was the
way he spoke to me afterwards that really impressed me as well as his
happy demeanour. He couldn't land the Champion apprentice title last
year but I'd expect that he'll make up for that this year and I'm
sure he's a young lad going places.
Sire To Follow - Zarak
A bit like Jack
Doughty I hadn't really taken much interest in Zarak's progeny,
however it was interesting that quite a few good judges bought some
of his stock at the Tattersalls Book 1 and 2 sales last year and one
of his progeny Square D'Alboni looked an exciting horse for him when
winning by four lengths in a Listed Race at Chantilly last season. At
the Tattersalls sales at Book 1 the highest price paid for one of his
progeny was the half-sister to Ottoman Fleet bought by Godolphin for
550,000 guineas. What I've also noticed is that his horses try very
hard and always put their heads down and race. Therefore I'm
intrigued to see how his two year olds fare this season given what
prices some of them made at the sales.
