Its finally here, the flat that is, not this list, although im sure my legion of followers have been eagerly awaiting it. Classic winners Taghrooda and Golden Horn emerged from the first two editions, might be asking a bit much to make it 3 in a row but you never know. Slightly different this year as I have another list of midfield maiden eyecatchers and horses I think are well handicapped but still to do the writeups for them, hopefully have them done over the next few days. And as always, no group race runners and hopefully some turn out decent animals. Enjoy the season, I think its going to be much better than last year, especially the 3yo fillies division. Colts Abdon - Michael Stoute Won soft ground maiden at Newbury on debut when not strongly fancied, runner up Navajo War Dance has a rating of 90 and subsequently ran his best race over the same course and distance on soft ground when not beaten far by Stormy Antartic 112 and Special Season 100. Abdon travelled noticeably well throughout, was 5th 2 out when asked and depsite looking green he came through to win by a comfortable 1/2L hands and heels. The 7L 3rd Al Khafji won a handicap comfortably next time and the 4th In The Red, who had previously run 3rd in a good Newbury maiden on soft, won his maiden and hacked up in a handicap on his next two runs to finish the season rated 87. It might well be that the front 2 handled the ground best on the day but it was a promising debut regardless. He is a half brother to Berkshire, out of a Prix De L'opera winner by a sire who has produced some very decent stayers. Should get 1m2 comfortably and id expect him to turn up in a Derby trial. Folkswood - Charlie Appleby Ran 3rd in a hot Newmarket maiden first time out, showing good speed to lead inside the furlong but was run down late by two nice Hamdan horses. The winner Manaafidh 98 went on to run second in the Solario and the 2nd Muntazah 103 ran 3rd in the Royal Lodge. Of the 10 horses who finished behind him, 8 have won since and 1 hasnt run, Beast Mode 98, Dal Harralid 87, Von Blucher 86 and Lovell 85 the most notable of them. Got the job done in an easier race at Goodwood next time, making a sweeping move out wide to take the lead after 2f and the result was never in doubt. He is the first foal of an unraced sister to decent stayers Galactic Star and El Salvador, but being by Exceed and Excel and with the visual impression of his of his two runs id say 6f-1m will be his range. Did not race after that as he had sore shins and im not sure how much improvement he has in him, possibly flattered by the inexperience of those in the Newmarket race, but I think he could be a half decent little sprinter/miler. Gershwin - David Lanigan Brought along steadily in typical Lanigan fashion, showing improvement race by race and winning at the 3rd attempt. Wasnt beaten far when not knocked about in a decent Newmarket maiden won by subsequent Horris Hill winner Crazy Horse and won very nicely at Haydock, travelling well and comfortably on top at the finish despite looking far from the finished article. The runner up was rated 82 after winning a Lingfield maiden easily next time but it wasnt much of a maiden truth be told. The dam was a 1m4 listed winner in France and he looks like he should be better over further next season. Id like to see Lanigan get another nice one as this owner buys a lot of well bred horses and they are always patient with them, I have read that Baker is looking forward to this one and he looks on a nice mark of 83 to start off. Midterm - Michael Stoute Already favourite for the Derby in places on the back of a Newbury maiden win. Madness you might say but its not hard to see why with his paper credentials and in a crop with no stand out Derby colt appearing from the 2yo Group races, the 3rd in the betting is only a maiden winner as well. Looked to have plenty on 2 out with more in front than behind and taking time to get the message, when the penny dropped he challenged down the supposedly disadvantaged stands side, away from the action, and got up to win 1L going on 3. It wasnt the strongest maiden but there was plenty of decent prospects in the race and a few winners have come out of it so far. He was weak in the betting and clueless through the race, won on class alone and you suspect there is a lot more to come. The son of Midday looks the standout candidate for the Derby and id expect to see him start in the Dante. Moonlight Magic - Jim Bolger Sent off 4/6 for a Cork maiden on debut and won it a shade cosily in the end, made an impressive move to go to the front and wasnt all out to win by a neck. The runner up Embiran was a big eye catcher in the race, conceding first run after getting boxed in, and has since won a very good maiden at the Curragh looking a Group 3 horse at least. Moonlight Magic was turned out a week later for a listed race at Leopardstown and got up to win with a strong run in the final furlong to beat the more experienced Zetland 2nd Landofhopandglory. The 4rth from the race Queen Blossom won the Group 3 Park Express against older fillies and mares on the opening day at the Curragh so his form has been boosted twice already this season. The dam Melikah was placed in both Oaks and he is a half brother to Arc 3rd Masterstroke and 2m winner Hidden Gold so everything is pointing towards him being best at 1m2 - 1m4. Should go the Derrinstown route and looks a serious Derby horse to me, at 25/1 he is probably the value at this stage. Mootaharer - Charlie Hills Stood out a mile when finishing 2nd in a Salisbury maiden, slow away and keen early, he was green and had 3 behind 3 out but responded really well to a crack and weaved through the field to finish best behind Royal Reserve who had experience and a lovely trip. He was 4/7 to win next time at Newmarket and it was never in doubt, handy from the start and travelling strongly, he hung left in the dip but was impressive once he straightened up on the rising ground, giving the impression he was just getting going at the end. There was a couple of decent prospects in behind in Symbolic and Poets Word but the strength of the form probably isnt worth much. He certainly isnt flashy but he has some quality about him and looks one who can still improve a lot. Half brother to last seasons champion sprinter Muhaarar but he wouldnt have the speed of that one and he wants 1m+. Mustajeer - Owen Burrows Made debut in good Doncaster maiden, held up last and given what can only be described as an educational ride, ran on really nicely for 4th and would have been 3rd in another few strides, the 3rd Carntop beat one of Obriens in a Newmarket maiden next time and the winner had good form in the book already so it was a decent race. Built on that when winning at Newmarket next time, travelling just off the pace and showing a good attitude to turn the form round with the 2nd from Doncaster Linguistic, both of them kicking clear from 2 out, with the promising Mengli Khan running on for 3rd. The dam was a 1m4 winner and Barry Hills said all he does is gallop so everything suggesting he should be a strong stayer. Hills also said he was one his better ones, although not as good as Massaat, and he could be one of Owen Burrows main hopes for the season outside the big one. Prize Money - Bin Suroor Sent off 11/8 fav for a Newmarket maiden first time out, sat just behind the leaders and moved through between horses to challenge up the centre of the track, once he got clear he hung left right over the the near side rail, Doyle gave him a smack to try and straighten him up I think but apart from that it was hands and heels. Obviously signs of inexperience there but he ran on strongly once he got the rail to win by 4L easily. It was a stallion restricted maiden so I doubt it was a particularly strong race for the track, the runner up rated 83 got nailed on the line at Chelmsford week by an interesting Hamdan 4yo debutant and the 6th won a 1m4 maiden at Kempton recently. He is out of a half sister to Irish Guineas, Coronation and Nassau winner Crimplene by Authorized, handles a bit of cut and looks like he wants 1m2 this year. Ive noticed over the last few years these Godolphin horses can go either way but he looks to have some potential. Royal Artillery - John Gosden Strongly fancied for 7f Doncaster maiden on debut and very confidently ridden by Dettori, held up in about 3rd last last, he started creeping through the field from half way, everything was busy 3 out while Frankie sat motionless in 7th or 8th, started to ask him 2 out and the race was over at the pole. He didnt beat much but the betting suggested they knew he was decent and it was one of the most visually impressive debuts of the season. By War Front out of a 1m1 Grade 2 winner in the US, he looks a miler to me and if there is a quiet one out there for the Guineas it might be him although the same connections do have the favourite. Very Talented - Bin Suroor Another for Godolphin, made an eye catching debut behind Folkswood at Goodwood, 20/1 and doing best of those held up to finish 3rd looking like he would come on plenty. Bumped into Beautiful Morning in a strong renewal of the Convivial at York, travelling as well as the winner for a long way but just not seeing it out as well as her. Looked an improved horse again when winning 3rd up at Doncaster, leading all the way, he had everything at it 2 out and put the race to bed nicely, Mustajeer 3rd and Carntop 4th both won Newmarket maidens next time out. Out of a mare who was Chilian Horse of the Year, what thats worth I dont know, who won at 1m2 and 1m4, should get 1m2.
Fillies Aljazzi - Marco Botti Bolted up in a backend fillies maiden at Newmarket over 7f, travelling best 2 out, showing a nice turn of foot and staying on strongly to win by 4 1/2 without being asked for everything. The 3rd, 4th and 5th all came into the race with decent maiden form in the book, Cersei had run 2nd to Rockfel winner Promising Run, and they couldnt live with her, the 2nd Alyday looks quite promising herself for Stoute. Her dam Nouriya was a listed winner at 1m2 and is a half sister to Yuften and Lady Nouf, its a decent family and she looks like another black type performer to add to it. Showed plenty of speed and I wouldnt be too surprised to see her start in the Nell Gwynn but the group fillies in the mile division set a very high standard. Andastra - Ralph Beckett Really impressive debut from this filly, away sharply to lead and racing with enthusiam, they couldnt lay a glove on her and she won by 3L without being asked for much. Despite the half sister to Nathanial in the race, she probably didnt beat much, but you had to be impressed by the way she done it and by her physically. By Kamsin out of a Chief Singer mare, she is a full sister to an 11f listed winner in Germany, she should be a nice middle distance filly this season and she could be player in the Oaks trials, should handle soft ground. Czabo - Mick Channon 40/1 and missed the kick by about 10L in a decent Newmarket fillies maiden, was only beaten 4 1/2 so safe to say she ran ok, dropped back to 6f at Newbury a week later she put her experience to use when getting up to win by a neck from a fancied Hamdan debutant daughter of Muthabara. She was held up, travelled well into the race and stayed on strongly. It was a decent race I think, the 3rd went on to beat a decent filly of Roger Varians at Yarmouth who went on to run 3rd in the Radley, and then ran second to Nathra, albeit well beaten. The 4th won next tiem out and went off fancied for the hottest fillies nursery of the season and the 5th won next time as well. By Sixties Icon out of a mile listed placed mare, she should stay a mile and obviously has a bit of speed. Im not expecting her to be anything special but she has a decent mark of 85 to start off and Channon does well with fillies, hoping she can pop up at a price in something. Even Song - Aidan Obrien Have to say I have not thoroughly studied the Irish maidens but this Obrien filly was one that I liked from those that I did look at. Missed the kick at Dundalk first time and was probably unlucky not to win, went on to win a Leopardstown maiden by 3L next time out. The filly she beat Nudge had previously run well in 3rd behind Rayisa and Best In The World who went on to finish 1st and 2nd in a listed race so as far as maiden go it looks quite solid. She is a half sister to Leger winner Simple Verse so its quite impressive that she has shown so much at 7f and 1m as a 2yo. She looks a potential Oaks filly although the genius has some nice established fillies already. Honorina - Michael Stoute The only maiden to make it into the list, I really like her. Beaten a neck by Bahaarah 93 first time out, giving experience and first run, and was only pushed out hands and heels in a really nice debut at 7f. She then bumped into a very smart filly at Kempton in Nemoralia who had previously run 2nd to Ballydoyle and went on to finish 3rd in the BC Juvenile Fillies. Honorina led most of the way but couldnt live with the speed of Nemoralia at the finish, she stayed on well for 2nd and the 3rd Mise En Rose won next time before running 3rd in that hot fillies nursery won by Mix And Mingle. By Sea The Stars, she is a half sister to 1m6 winner Elidor, Lingfield Oaks winner Honor Bound and Derby 2nd and Irish Derby winner Treasure Beach, so no disgrace in getting outpaced at 7f by one of the fastest 2yo fillies around. Unlucky to still be a maiden and I think she is a real player in the Oaks. Last Tango Inparis - Hughie Morrison Made very promising debut over 9f at Goodwood, running on from the back against two colts who had previous experience and had raced handy, there was another nice filly making her debut 3L behind her in Algometer. Dropped back to a mile at Newbury, she raced handy all the way, travelling best 2 out she kicked on and stayed on strongly from the promising High Hopes in 2nd with 4 1/2 back to 3rd. It was a stiff mile in the ground and she seems to be all about stamina despite being by Aqlaam, the dam is a half sister to 1m2 listed winner Marsh Daisy and she is a half sister to a 1m6 winner. Dont think she has the potential of some but she could be interesting on soft and I wouldnt be too surprised to see her in the Newbury Oaks trial. Light Music - William Haggas One of my favourites from last season, when she ran 2nd to Nathra first time I was just hoping she stayed out of group races! Bumped into a Group 1 filly that day and went on to win her maiden by 14L at Liecester, didnt beat much but you dont see many 2yo maidens won by 14L. Went on to win the Radley on soft ground at Newbury by a neck but she travelled like a different class most of the race and I think the margin doesnt do her justice. She has a rating of 98 for that and she probably isnt up to the Guineas level this season so im not sure where they will go with her, maybe something like the Sandringham at Ascot if she isnt up to running in the Coronation. Materialistic - Luca Cumani Cumani has a handful of nice 3yo fillies for this season with the likes of Haggle, Farandine, Tiptree and Sharja Queen amongst others and it was a coin toss really picking between them, in the end I went for Materialistic as she won on debut and all his others improved a lot for the run. She won a 7f Newmarket maiden in pretty straightforward stlye, handy all the way and staying on well. Colonial Classic in 2nd had previously ran green behind Haggle and the 4th had ran 3rd to Massaat, nothing to shout about but when you consider that Materialistic is out of Lancashire Oaks winner and Lillie Langtry 2nd Pongee, and the fact that Cumanis dont often win first time out, it looks a bit more impressive. She is a half sister to Pinzolo who is running at 1m6/2m just now and although by oasis Dream, he does get good middle distance horses so I think Materialistic could easily be 1m2+ horse and if thats the case then she might be quite good. So Mi Dar - John Gosden Maybe the star of the show, weak in the betting for a Windsor maiden, she had a nice position in 3rd through the race but was a bit keen, initially outpaced by the favourite 2 out she took a while to hit top stride and stayed on strongly to get up on the line under a considerate enough ride. The 2nd had the benefit of 2 runs under her belt, the latter of those a good 2nd to Thetis at Newmarket who went on to run 2nd in the Rockfel. The dam Dar Re Mi needs no introduction, a multiple Group 1 winning daughter of Darara, a half sister to Rewilding, So Mi Dar is the second foal and the first was Group 3 placed. She must have been expected to need the run first time so she done well to win and looks to be crying out for a trip, major player for the Oaks and worth a bet at 33/1. Zest - James Fanshawe Really nice run on debut in Haydock maiden over 1m, held up and keen enough, travelled nicely into 3rd but the more experienced winner Chicadoro had the run of the race in front and stole a couple of lengths, finished strongly in the final furlong under hands and heels and was up in another stride, the 3rd Architecture went on to win a nice fillies maiden at Nottingham next time. Looked much sharper next time at Doncaster when 4/9 and very keen in behind the leaders in a slowly run race, she didnt settle well at all but cruised through to lead 2 out and responded well to put the race to bed and see it out comfortably. There was promising runs in behind from September Stars and Southern Stars but I thought Zest was value for more than the winning margin considering how much energy she wasted. By The Duke, out of a 1m4 winning half sister to Soviet Song, 1m2 looks to be well within her range and she could be a really good filly if she learns to race more efficiently.
Maidens Ace Of Diamonds - Dermot Weld Half brother to decent 1m2 handicapper Breden and Listed winning sprinter Rock Jock, 50/1 and missed the kick badly on debut in hot Curragh maiden, stayed on nicely into midfield hands and heels. Should improve plenty on that and up to winning a maiden. C Note - Martyn Meade Half brother to 3 winning sprinters and 7f listed winner Alkasser, ran a blinder in good Newmarket maiden won by future Solario winner Crazy Horse, showing plenty of speed when mounting challenge from further back than most involved. Well up to winning a maiden and should make a good sprinter. Fastnet Tempest - William Haggas Dam half sister to smart stayer Lost In The Moment and Irish Guineas placed, US Grade 1 winner Luas Line, half brother to Group 3 placed Excellent Girl. Slow away and green when beaten 5 1/2 by Mootaharer at Newmarket on debut, caught the eye finishing strongly and running into a brick wall in the final furlong. Should stay 1m2 and potentially decent handicapper. Fidaawy - Michael Stoute First foal, dam a daughter of Group 3 placed half sister to Pilsudski. Fancied in betting first time out as choice of Hanagan but was very slow away and keen in last, thought he ran on quite nicely without being asked for much and should leave that well behind. One for a mile maiden and good potential. Goldmember - David Simcock Half brother to Ribbons, ran a really nice race first time in good Newmbury maiden won by Midterm, 3rd last 3 out, ran on well to finish 8th beat 4 1/2, should get 1m2 and can win maiden on way to better things. More To Come - Bin Suroor Sea The Stars half brother to Mukhadram, ran well on debut, held up and showing inexperience when asked to race, he was just getting going when completely blocked for a run about half a furlong out. Ran 4rth next time in a hot maiden at Newmarket, winner Ventura Storm 100 won next time, 2nd Culturati 94 won his next two, the 3rd and 5th also won next time and are rated mid 80s now. More To Come looked like he was just getting the hang of it late in this race and should live up to his name. Satish - John Gosden Half brother to Sariska, broke last in slowly run Ascot maiden won by Culturati, still last 3 out, stayed on nicely for 4th under hands and heels. The 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 6th and 7th all won next time and he shaped like the one to take from the race so should be well up to winning a maiden with potential for a lot more. To Be Wild - Hugo Palmer Dam a half sister to Al Kazeem, slow away and absolutely clueless in Newmarket maiden won by Mustajeer, stayed on nicely from 2 out to finish 5th, not far behind Mengli Khan in 3rd. Should come on a ton for that and a step up to 1m2. Ulysses - Michael Stoute Galileo out of Light Shift, half brother to 1m4 winner Dr yes, beaten a couple of lengths in decent Newbury maiden, held up last and staying on steadily all the way. Should be a lot of improvement when stepped up in trip and will get 1m4 no problem. Plenty of potential and can win maiden before running in some good handicaps. Wholesome - Karl Burke Ran well in midfield at Newmarket first time and improved on that second start when beaten 1/2L by future Oh So Sharp winner First Victory, the 3rd Aristocratic is a nice prospect for Stoute as well and they pulled 6L clear of an Obrien horse in 4th. One of Karl Burkes nicer ones I think and should be well up to winning a fillies maiden and running in some decent races.
Form Colts Abdon - 201 Folkswood - 103 Gershwin - 6122 Midterm - 15 Moonlight Magic - 5106 Mootaharer - Mustajeer - 2 Prize Money - 22205 Royal Artillery - 451 Very Talented - 6 Fillies Aljaazi - 401 Andastra - Czabo - 14410 Even Song - 317 Honorina - 0 Last Tango Inparis - 02 Light Music - 200 Materialistic - So Mi Dar - 11 Zest - 4541 Maidens Ace Of Diamonds - 528 C Note - 1504 Fastnet Tempest - 221 Fidaawy - 314 Goldmember - 0167 More To Come - Satish - 04 To Be Wild - 1 Ulysses - 2101 Wholesome - 1640
Need I remind you it was the 3 yo fillies who were the ones to beat the Arc winner last year Good luck with these kiddo!
Really enjoyed that Boris, a couple in particular I like and will keep an eye out on their progress through the season, though I have a busy summer ahead so may not be around so much to keep close to any racing.
Best of luck Boris. You convinced us all over the last couple of years. Hope you have a few classic horses in there.
Fantastic start Boris. I'd have to question the form before getting anywhere near involved in the Oaks at 10/1 but I'd be very happy sat on your 33s and one thing for certain is that a better pace and an extr 2f will see her in far better light. Her progress will be fascinating. All the best!
Nice start. Wouldn't mind being on that now. I always like a Ralph Beckett horse for the oaks. What's his best chance this year in your opinion bozza?
Sandown friday looks the best flat card of the season so far, not saying much with Newmarket underwhelming and Newbury moved to that dog track but should be good racing if they all stay in, hopefully its not a bog. Midterm, Gershwin and Czabo entered.
Get on for the Triumph Looked half decent but was quite heavy ground and he might have handled it better than most, about 4 seconds slower than the Ballysax.
