Flat Horses To Follow for 2018
OLDER&HORSES!! The$'Older$Horses'$section$of$my$list$is$dedicated$to$horses$aged$four$and$above.$ I'm$pretty$hopeful$the$following$horses$have$what$it$takes$to$progress$further$in$ 2018$and$have$the$scope$to$do$well$this$season.$Many$are$trained$by$very$patient$ trainers$that$do$very$well$with$their$'Older$Horses'$while$others$are$open$to$ plenty$of$improvement$on$what$they've$achieved$to$date.$$ This$section$produced$plenty$of$winners$last$year$most$notably;$Group$1$Diamond$ Jubilee$Stakes$winner$The$Tin$Man$and$Group$1$Queen$Elizabeth$II$Stakes$winner$ Persuasive.$$ ! !
ALJEZEERA!$ 4$b$f$Frankel$–$Dynaforce$ $
Form:$1/3321R$ Trainer:$Luca$Cumani$ Owner:$Al$Shaqab$Racing!
Aljezeera$was$a$filly$I$had$pretty$high$hopes$for$last$season$and$I$thought$on$the$ overall$she$had$a$pretty$decent$campaign.$She$was$pretty$disappointing$on$her$ seasonal$debut$at$Newbury$on$very$soft$ground$before$leaving$the$impression$ there$was$a$lot$more$to$come$when$third$in$a$Listed$contest$at$York.$Aljezeera$ finished$a$game$second$in$the$Group$2$Park$Hill$Stakes$at$Doncaster$before$ deservedly$landing$the$Beckford$Stakes$(Listed)$at$Yarmouth$over$1m6f$a$month$ later$in$very$impressive$fashion.$This$filly$was$big,$immature$and$far$from$the$ finished$article$last$season$and$I$thought$Luca$Cumani$looked$after$her$with$her$ fourRyearRold$season$in$mind.$I'm$pretty$hopeful$she$can$take$another$step$ forward$in$2018$and$get$competitive$in$Group$races$throughout$the$campaign.$ She's$clearly$a$filly$that$stays$very$well$and$I$wouldn't$rule$out$a$step$up$to$twoR miles$with$her$but$I'm$sure$the$Group$2$Park$Hill$Stakes$will$be$on$her$agenda$ again$this$season.$As$I$said$previously,$she$was$a$big$and$raw$last$season$and$I$ think$she'll$be$more$the$finished$article$now$and$there's$plenty$of$exciting$times$ ahead$with$her$in$2018.$$ $ ! !
ALWAYSANDFOREVER$ 4$b$f$Tefilo$R$Deep$Winter$ $ Form:$2/1R$ Trainer:$Luca$Cumani$ Owner:$M$Tabor,$Mrs$J$Magnier$&$D$Smith$ Alwaysandforever$is$a$filly$that$made$a$very$promising$debut$at$Leicester$as$a$ twoRyearRold$behind$the$very$smart$Ribblesdale$winner$Coronet.$She$made$her$ belated$after$almost$a$year$off$the$track$with$a$very$straightforward$victory$in$a$ twoRrunner$maiden$at$Brighton.$She's$clearly$taken$a$lot$of$time$and$has$been$ handled$with$a$great$deal$of$caution$by$Luca$Cumani.$She's$a$filly$with$a$lot$of$ scope$for$further$improvement$as$there's$no$doubt$we$haven't$even$scratched$ the$surface$of$her$ability$yet.$This$daughter$of$Teofilo$is$they$type$of$filly$Luca$ Cumani$excels$with$and$I'm$sure$he$will$get$the$best$out$of$her$this$season$and$is$ a$very$exciting$prospect$for$middleRdistance$races$in$2018.$I'm$very$hopeful$her$ connections$patience$can$be$rewarded$this$season$and$I'm$sure$the$target$will$be$ to$get$some$blackRtype$with$her$throughout$the$campaign.$
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AJMAN!KING$ 4$ch$c$Lope$De$Vega$R$Third$Dimension! $ Form:$52/211R$ Trainer:$Roger$Varian$ Owner:$Sheikh$Mohammed$Obaid$Al$Maktoum$ There's$no$doubt$this$imposing$son$of$Lope$De$Vega$took$plenty$of$time$to$come$ to$hand$last$season$but$he$ended$the$campaign$with$a$very$impressive$win$in$a$ competitive$handicap$at$Doncaster.$Ajman$King$has$plenty$of$stamina$in$his$ pedigree$and$he's$actually$a$halfRbrother$to$the$very$useful$chaser$Third$ Intention,$so$I'm$hopeful$there'll$be$a$lot$more$to$come$from$this$colt$when$ competing$over$further$this$season$with$trips$between$1m4fR1m6f$looking$ ideal.$Ajman$King$enters$the$2018$flat$season$on$a$mark$of$93,$which$I$feel$is$very$ fair$considering$the$visual$impression$his$victory$at$Doncaster$left$last$time.$I'd$be$ very$confident$he$could$land$another$handicap$before$going$onto$bigger$and$ better$things$in$the$near$future.$
BOWERMAN$ 4$b$c$Dutch$Art$–$Jamboretta! $ Form:$2/11R$$ Trainer:$Roger$Varian$ Owner:$Paul$Smith$ Bowerman$finished$a$head$second$to$no$other$than$Group$1$Goodwood$Cup$ winner$Stradivarius$on$his$debut$at$Newcastle$before$running$away$with$a$ Kempton$maiden$last$April$with$now$96$rated$Ply$over$3$lengths$back$in$second.$ This$son$of$Dutch$Art$made$a$mockery$of$his$handicap$mark$at$Chelmsford$last$ time$when$returning$from$an$8Rmonth$spell$on$the$sideRlines$to$easily$defy$a$mark$ of$87.$He's$a$horse$open$to$an$enormous$amount$of$improvement$this$season$ and$still$looks$very$well$handicapped$off$his$current$mark$of$94.$Bowerman$is$yet$ to$race$on$turf$but$I$can't$see$that$being$too$much$of$an$issue$for$him$and$has$ plenty$of$options$over$1m.$Similar$to$the$previously$mentioned$Ajman$King,$I$ think$this$colt$can$land$a$nice$handicap$before$going$onto$better$things$this$ season.$ $ $
CRYSTAL!OCEAN!$ 4$b$c$Sea$The$Stars$R$Crystal$Star! $ Form:$2/13312R$ Trainer:$Sir$Michael$Stoute$ Owner:$Sir$Evelyn$De$Rothschild$ Crystal$Ocean$was$only$a$once$raced$maiden$when$heading$into$the$2017$flat$ season$but$quickly$established$himself$as$a$very$smart$horse$for$Sir$Michael$ Stoute.$He$fairly$bolted$up$in$his$maiden$before$running$a$very$nice$race$when$set$ a$stiff$task$in$the$Dante$Stakes$on$just$his$third$career$start.$Crystal$Ocean$ showed$his$class$when$landing$the$Gordon$Stakes$at$Goodwood$very$easily$ before$running$an$excellent$race$in$a$decent$renewal$of$the$St$Leger$at$Doncaster$ behind$Capri.$This$son$of$Sea$The$Stars$isn't$exactly$an$unknown$quantity$but$I$ feel$he$has$a$lot$more$to$come$as$a$fourRyearRold$and$I'm$very$hopeful$he$can$ land$that$important$Group$1$win$this$season.$Sir$Michael$Stoute$does$very$well$ with$his$older$horses$and$he$showcased$that$last$season$with$Ulysses$landing$two$ Group$Ones.$I$think$Crystal$Ocean$has$a$very$similar$profile$to$Ulysses$heading$ into$this$season$and$I'd$be$disappointed$if$doesn’t$improve$on$last$seasons$ exploits.$
DARK!PEARL!$ 4$b$g$Born$To$Sea$R$Lunas$Pearl! $ Form:$32137R$ Trainer:$Ed$Walker$ Owner:$OTI$Racing$&$Chi$Un$Fred$Ma! I$like$this$horse$a$lot$and$I$think$he's$one$of$the$bestRhandicapped$horses$you'll$ find$on$this$section.$I$seen$him$in$the$flesh$when$he$finished$a$game$second$on$ very$soft$ground$at$Chepstow$behind$the$pretty$smart$Zenon$and$he$looked$the$ type$that$needed$time$to$mature$and$would$make$a$very$nice$fourRyearRold$in$ time.$I$thought$he$ran$two$eyeRcatching$races$at$Ascot$and$York$the$last$twice$ when$having$excuses$on$both$occasions.$As$I$mentioned$previously,$I$think$Dark$ Pearl$is$a$seriously$wellRhandicapped$horse$and$I’ll$be$shocked$if$he$can't$win$ races$off$a$mark$of$82$this$season.$He's$been$gelded$since$we$last$seen$him,$so$ I'm$hopeful$that$can$settle$him$down$and$bring$out$further$improvement.$I$think$ he$has$the$ability$to$do$well$over$2m$this$year$if$settling$better$and$I'm$sure$his$ Australian$owners$will$be$dreaming$of$a$Melbourne$Cup$in$time.$That$dream$ looks$a$mile$away$but$I$wouldn't$be$surprised$if$he$ended$the$campaign$a$100+$ horse$for$his$connections$with$the$Ebor$at$York$looking$a$potential$midRseason$ target.$$ !
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DASH!OF!SPICE!$ 4$b$c$Teofilo$–$Dashiba$ ! Form:$421R$ Trainer:$David$Elsworth$ Owner:$J$C$Smith$ A$big,$strapping$colt$that$hails$from$a$very$good$family$being$a$fullRbrother$to$ Dashing$Star$and$halfRbrother$to$dual$Lancashire$Oaks$winner$Barshiba$(dam$of$ Juddmonte$International$winner$Arabain$Queen).$It's$a$family$that$improve$with$ time,$age$and$racing$experience$and$I’d$be$very$hopeful$this$horse$would$be$ exactly$the$same.$He$ran$two$promising$races$in$maidens$behind$two$useful$types$ before$breaking$his$maiden$in$fine$style$at$Lingfield$over$the$winter.$Dash$Of$ Spice$heads$in$the$2018$campaign$on$a$very$fair$mark$of$82$and$I’ll$be$ disappointed$if$he$couldn't$make$his$mark$in$middleRdistance$handicaps$this$ season$for$David$Elsworth.$His$family$performed$well$with$some$cut$in$the$ground$ but$this$horse$shown$he's$pretty$versatile$regards$to$ground$conditions.$
DYNAMIC$ 4$b$f$Teofilo$R$White$Cay$ $ Form:$3/151R$ Trainer:$William$Haggas$ Owner:$Michael$&$Mrs$Michelle$Morris$ Dynamic$has$been$a$bit$of$a$work$in$progress$as$she$suffered$a$few$setbacks$after$ her$promising$second$as$a$juvenile$at$Newbury,$which$meant$she$didn't$make$the$ track$until$late$August$last$season.$She$won$on$her$reappearance$with$the$ minimum$of$fuss$at$HQ$before$looking$pretty$unlucky$when$fancied$for$a$ competitive$Fillies'$Handicap$at$Sandown.$She$made$up$for$that$effort$when$ landing$a$decent$Class$2$Fillies'$Handicap$at$Newmarket$in$game$fashion$under$a$ fine$ride$from$Tom$Marquand.$Dynamic$is$a$great$big$filly$and$I$think$what$she$ achieved$last$season$is$a$bonus.$I$think$she'll$get$a$lot$tougher$this$season$and$ looks$fairly$treated$off$her$current$mark$of$84.$She's$the$type$of$filly$that$could$ improve$through$the$ranks$this$season$and$I$wouldn't$be$shocked$if$she$could$ gain$some$blackRtype$at$some$point.$ $ $
GOLDEN!BIRTHDAY!$ 7$b$g$Poliglote$R$Gold$Or$Silver$ $ Form:$111R$$ Trainer:$Harry$Fry$ Owner:$G$C$Stevens$ It's$not$often$I$pick$a$7RyRo$gelding$as$a$horse$to$follow$but$this$horse$impressed$ me$a$lot$last$season$and$I$think$there's$plenty$more$to$come.$Golden$Birthday$is$a$ very$smart$horse$over$hurdles$and$he$established$himself$as$a$pretty$smart$flat$ horse$in$the$making$at$the$backend$of$last$season$for$Harry$Fry.$He$won$ in$workmanlike$fashion$on$his$debut$at$Leicester$in$very$testing$ground$ conditions$before$landing$two$handicaps$in$the$style$of$a$horse$going$places.$His$ latest$victory$at$Doncaster$was$very$impressive$and$he$left$the$impression$there's$ an$awful$lot$more$to$come,$especially$when$tackling$further.$I$think$Golden$ Birthday$remains$on$a$very$good$mark$currently$(90)$when$you$consider$he's$a$ 147$rated$hurdler$and$I’m$hopeful$he$could$develop$into$a$very$classy$stayer$this$ season.$I$think$races$like$the$Chester$Cup$and/or$Northumberland$Plate$look$ideal$ targets$for$him$this$season$and$he's$a$horse$that$seems$to$handle$all$ground$ types.$
TRIBUTE!ACT$ 4$b$f$Exceed$And$Excel$R$Sister$Act$ $$ Form:$1/41102R$ Trainer:$James$Fanshawe$ Owner:$Elite$Racing$Club$ Tribute$Act$is$a$filly$I$like$a$lot$and$I$think$there's$a$lot$more$to$come$from$her$in$ 2018$for$James$Fanshawe.$She$won$two$nice$handicaps$last$season$at$Kempton$ and$Doncaster$in$the$style$of$a$very$smart$filly$in$the$making$before$running$too$ badly$to$be$true$at$Goodwood$when$hanging$badly$throughout.$She$was$pretty$ unlucky$at$Ascot$on$her$final$start$when$missing$out$narrowly$by$a$nose$despite$ getting$impeded$at$the$start$and$running$very$keen.$Tribute$Act$is$a$halfRsister$to$ the$very$smart$Group$1$winner$Ribbons,$who$had$a$very$similar$profile$going$into$ her$4RyRo$campaign$for$the$same$trainer,$so$there's$hope$Tribute$Act$can$develop$ into$a$blackRtype$filly$this$season$for$connections.$I$think$the$secret$to$this$filly$is$a$ fast$pace$and$when$she$gets$it$she's$very$good$indeed$and$is$undoubtedly$good$ enough$to$step$up$in$class$this$season.$Trips$between$7f/1m$look$ideal$on$a$sound$ surface$and$she$clearly$handles$the$AW$well.$I$think$the$Listed$Snowdrop$Fillies'$ Stakes$at$Kempton$over$1m$could$be$a$realistic$starting$point$for$this$filly,$which$ connections$won$with$her$halfRsister$Ribbons$in$2014.$ $
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YELLOWHAMMER! 4$b$f$Raven's$Pass$R$Magical$Romance$ $ Form:$41/111R$ Trainer:$Roger$Charlton$ Owner:$Lady$Rothschild$ Yellowhammer$is$clearly$a$very$useful$filly$and$I$don't$think$we've$seen$the$best$of$ her$just$yet.$She$returned$after$8$months$off$last$season$to$land$a$Newmarket$ handicap$by$a$nose$before$following$up$by$the$same$distance$on$her$next$outing$ at$Kempton.$She$completed$her$hatRtrick$a$month$later$on$the$Rowley$course$at$ Newmarket$leaving$the$impression$there's$a$lot$more$to$come$with$another$ winter$on$her$back.$She's$a$filly$that$only$just$does$enough$but$has$a$great$will$to$ win$and$those$fillies$are$pretty$rare$to$find.$She$seems$to$stay$on$well$in$her$races$ and$looks$worth$a$go$over$1m$despite$her$dam$being$at$her$best$over$6f.$ Yellowhammer$is$a$filly$I’m$looking$forward$to$seeing$this$season$and$I’m$hopeful$ she$can$pick$up$where$she$left$off.$
PATTERN'CLASS! THREE:YEAR:OLDS! The$following$horses$in$this$section$are$what$I've$classed$as$'Pattern$Class$ThreeR YearROlds'.$Pattern$Class$is$a$term$used$to$describe$horses$that$compete$in$Listed$ and/or$Group$races,$which$are$the$highest$level$of$races$for$a$racehorse$to$ compete$in.$I'm$hopeful$the$following$have$the$potential$to$do$well$in$such$races$ and$are$well$worth$following$in$2018.$ Last$years$"Pattern$Class$ThreeRYearROlds'$section$threw$up$Group$1$Champion$ Stakes$winner$Cracksman$and$Group$2$Ribblesdale$Stakes$winner$Coronet.$
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AMEDEO!MODIGLIANI!$ 3$b$c$Galileo$R$Gooseberry$Fool$ $ Form:$31R$ Trainer:$A$P$O'Brien$ Owner:$Mrs$J$Magnier,$M$Tabor,$D$Smith$&$M$J$Jooste$ Saxon$Warrior$established$himself$as$a$potential$superstar$for$team$Ballydoyle$ last$season$but$I$have$a$strong$feeling$the$relatively$unknown$Amedeo$Modigliani$ could$develop$into$a$very$smart$horse$in$2018$for$the$same$connections.$This$ beautifully$bred$son$of$Galileo$is$a$firstRfoal$out$of$Gooseberry$Fool,$who$is$closely$ related$to$French$2,000$Guineas$winner$Aussie$Rules$and$a$halfRsister$to$ Approach$(dam$of$Midas$Touch,$Coronet,$Streetcar$To$The$Stars$and$the$ potentially$smart$Photographer).$Amedeo$Modigliani$finished$a$staying$on$third$ on$his$racecourse$debut$at$the$Curragh$in$July$behind$stable$mate$Gutav$Klimt$ (won$Group$2$Superlative$Stakes)$before$wining$very$easily$on$his$second$start$at$ Galway$by$over$5$lengths.$There’s$no$doubt$this$powerful$looking$son$of$superR sire$Galileo$has$a$lot$of$potential$and$looks$a$lively$contender$for$the$Epsom$ Derby.$I’m$sure$we’ll$be$seeing$Amedeo$Modigliani$in$a$classic$trial$during$the$ spring$with$the$Dee$Stakes$at$Chester$looking$most$likely$at$this$stage.$Wherever$ this$horse$goes$this$season$he’s$one$to$keep$a$close$eye$on$and$might$just$have$a$ touch$of$star$quality$about$him.$$ $ $
CONTINGENT$ 3$b$f$Frankel$–$Proportional! $$ Form:$1R$ Trainer:$D$K$Weld$ Owner:$K$Abdullah$ Contingent$is$a$halfRsister$to$1m4f$Listed$winner$Variable$out$of$Prix$Marcel$ Boussac$winner$Proportional.$I$have$pretty$high$hopes$for$this$daughter$of$ Frankel$this$season$and$I’m$hopeful$she$can$develop$into$a$classic$performer$for$ Dermot$Weld.$There$was$plenty$to$like$about$her$debut$at$Leopardstown$and$I$ thought$she$won$in$the$style$of$a$very$classy$filly$in$the$making.$She$travelled$well$ throughout$from$her$wide$draw$before$making$a$sweeping$move$on$the$outside$ to$pull$away$from$a$decent$looking$maiden$field.$She$left$the$impression$that$was$ only$the$start$of$things$to$come$and$there's$a$lot$more$to$come$from$this$filly$ owned$by$Khalid$Abdullah,$who$had$wonderRfilly$Enable$last$season.$Contingent$ looks$certain$to$appreciate$a$sounder$surface$this$season$and$although$she$clearly$ doesn't$lack$speed,$I$think$she$looks$an$ideal$type$for$an$English/Irish$Oaks.$$ $
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ELARQAM!$ 3$b$c$Frankel$–$Attraction$ $ Form:$11R$ Trainer:$Mark$Johnston$ Owner:$Hamdan$Al$Maktoum$$ Elarqam$is$bred$in$the$purple,$being$by$Frankel$out$of$fourRtime$Group$1$winner$ Attraction.$This$beautifully$bred$colt$cost$1,600,000gns$as$a$yearling$but$it's$fair$to$ say$he$hasn't$let$his$connections$down$yet$and$looks$a$very$smart$horse$in$the$ making.$He$won$on$his$debut$at$York$in$fine$style$despite$showing$clear$signs$of$ inexperience$before$following$up$in$a$7f$Group$3$at$Newmarket$just$18$days$later.$ Elarqam$looks$a$very$nice$prospect$for$the$season$ahead$and$I’m$sure$he$will$ make$a$bold$attempt$to$follow$in$his$sire’s$hoofRprints$and$win$the$Qipco$2,000$ Guineas$at$Newmarket$with$his$dam$also$a$1,000$Guineas$hero.$The$betting$for$ the$2,000$Guineas$as$I$type$is$wide$open$and$I$think$the$16/1$about$this$horse$for$ that$race$is$pretty$generous$and$I'm$confident$if$he$gets$there$on$the$day$he'll$be$ half$those$odds$and$I’m$sure$he'll$run$a$very$big$race.$
FAMILY!TREE!$ 3$ch$c$Galileo$R$Saint$Elena! $ Form:$1R$ Trainer:$A$P$O'Brien$ Owner:$Mrs$J$Magnier$&$M$Tabor$&$D$Smith$&$M$J$Jooste$ 420,000gns$yearling;$Family$Tree$is$closely$related$to$useful$Japanese$middleR distance$performer$Best$Approach$and$a$halfRbrother$to$topRclass$Group$1$ winning$sprinter$Reckless$Abandon.$This$colt$overcame$serious$signs$of$ inexperience$to$win$pretty$cosily$on$his$racecourse$debut$last$season$under$ hands$and$heels$from$Seamie$Heffernan.$He$coped$with$the$heavy$ground$well$ that$day$but$he’s$a$horse$that$will$undoubtedly$appreciate$a$sounder$surface$this$ season.$I$think$this$colt$will$be$at$his$best$over$1m$this$season$but$being$by$superR sire$Galileo,$you$wouldn’t$rule$out$him$staying$beyond$1m2f$and$he$did$stay$on$ well$in$testing$ground$conditions$on$his$debut.$This$son$of$Galileo$could$be$a$real$ dark$horse$in$the$Qipco$2,000$Guineas$this$season$and$has$a$lot$of$untapped$ potential.$He$needs$serious$respect$and$I$think$he’s$one$worth$keeping$on$your$ side$throughout$the$season.$$ $ $
HERCULEAN$ 3$ch$c$Frankel$R$African$Rose! $ Form:$1R$ Trainer:$Roger$Charlton$ Owner:$K$Abdullah$ Herculean$lived$up$the$market$expectations$when$landing$the$odds$in$very$good$ style$at$Ascot$on$debut.$$He$showed$a$great$attitude$that$day$to$win$very$ comfortably$on$ground$softer$than$ideal$and$left$the$impression$there’s$a$lot$ more$to$come.$He’s$a$fullRbrother$to$the$very$smart$Fair$Eva,$who$promised$so$ much$last$season$but$sadly$didn’t$kick$on$in$the$way$many$hoped$she$would.$This$ colt$has$a$lot$more$scope$to$his$name$and$looked$a$big$immature$horse,$so$you’d$ be$pretty$hopeful$he’d$put$his$best$foot$forward$this$season.$I’m$sure$you’ll$be$ seeing$this$flashy$chestnut$in$a$Guineas$Trial$at$the$start$of$the$campaign$with$the$ Craven$(Newmarket)$or$Greenham$(Newbury)$looking$the$most$likely$options$for$ him.$This$son$of$Frankel$clearly$has$a$big$reputation$to$live$up$to$but$I$wouldn’t$be$ surprised$if$he$made$up$into$a$very$good$miler$this$season.$
KEY!VICTORY$ 3$b$c$Teofilo$–$Patroness! $$ Form:$1R$ Trainer:$Charlie$Appleby$ Owner:$Godolphin$ I$personally$believe$the$Novice$Stakes$this$colt$won$last$season$was$one$of$the$ best$maiden/novice$races$we$seen$at$Newmarket$throughout$the$campaign$and$ is$a$race$worth$keeping$a$good$eye$on$with$this$season$in$mind.$The$second$ (Qaysar)$and$third$(Masaarr)$have$both$won$since$on$the$AW$and$look$two$very$ smart$horses$in$their$own$right.$Key$Victory$was$clueless$that$day$and$looked$ badly$in$need$of$the$run$before$the$penny$finally$dropped$late$on$and$he$stormed$ home$to$run$out$a$very$nice$winner.$He$should$improve$massively$for$that$effort$ and$he$looks$a$very$bright$prospect$for$connections.$This$son$of$Teofilo$hails$from$ the$family$of$connections$Group$1$winner$Poet’s$Voice$and$there’s$a$lot$of$hope$ in$his$pedigree$that$he$could$stay$1m4f$in$time.$He’s$a$horse$that$doesn’t$lack$ speed$and$I’m$sure$connections$will$target$the$Qipco$2,000$Guineas$before$ deciding$whether$to$go$down$the$Derby$route.$I$think$this$could$be$a$very$smart$ horse$in$the$making$and$is$one$I’m$looking$forward$to$seeing$throughout$2018.$ $ $ $
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! LIQUID!AMBER$ 3$ch$f$Kitten's$Joy$–$Pachattack$ $ Form:$21R$ Trainer:$W$McCreery$ Owner:$Flaxman$Stables$Ireland$Ltd$ Liquid$Amber$was$still$a$maiden$when$she$landed$a$Group$3$at$the$Curragh$last$ season$and$defeated$some$very$useful$fillies$in$the$process.$She$travelled$nicely$ before$quickening$up$impressively$to$pull$5$lengths$clear$of$the$useful$yardstick,$ Ballet$Shoes.$That$was$only$her$second$racecourse$appearance$so$you’d$be$pretty$ hopeful$there’s$a$lot$more$to$come$from$her$this$season.$This$daughter$of$Kitten’s$ Joy$looks$an$ideal$type$for$the$Irish$1,000$Guineas$with$valuable$C&D$experience$ under$her$belt$but$she$does$also$hold$an$entry$in$the$English$equivalent.$Her$sire$ stayed$1m4f$well$and$the$dam$also$tasted$success$over$1m2f$so$there’s$hope$that$ she$could$also$develop$into$a$very$smart$middleRdistance$performer$this$season.$
PHOTOGRAPHER! 3$b$c$New$Approach$–$Approach$ $ Form:$1R$ Trainer:$John$Gosden$ Owner:$Dentford$Stud$ Photographer$hails$from$a$family$I$like$a$lot$and$is$a$typical$homebred$from$ Dentford$Stud.$He’s$a$halfRbrother$to$Group$2$winner$and$St$Leger$second$Midas$ Touch$and$Group$2$Ribblesdale$Stakes$winner$Coronet.$Photographer$won$in$nice$ style$on$his$racecourse$debut$at$Chelsmford$and$showed$a$nice$attitude$when$ asked$a$few$questions$late$on$when$strongly$pressed$by$the$promising$ Silverbook.$Photographer$is$a$son$of$Epsom$Derby$winner$New$Approach$and$his$ dam$has$already$produced$runners$in$both$the$Derby$and$Oaks.$He’s$currently$a$ 50/1$shot$for$the$Derby$and$considering$John$Gosden$won$the$race$in$2015$with$ Golden$Horn,$who$only$had$a$maiden$victory$to$his$name$heading$into$his$3RyRo$ season,$that$entitles$this$colt$to$plenty$of$respect$throughout$the$season$ahead.$ $ $
THRAVE$ 3$b$c$Sir$Percy$R$Feis$Ceoll$ $ Form:$21R$ Trainer:$Henry$Candy$ Owner:$Thomas$Barr$ Limato$isn’t$getting$any$younger$and$soon$Henry$Candy$will$be$hoping$the$next$ star$comes$knocking$on$the$door$but$in$the$shape$of$Newmarket$maiden$winner$ Thrave$he$could$have$a$very$bright$prospect$that$could$be$a$very$nice$horse$in$the$ making.$Thrave$defeated$two$very$promising$horses$in$his$maiden$win$at$ Newmarket$including$the$101$rated$Coat$Of$Arms.$Henry$Candy$was$very$ impressed$with$the$manner$of$his$win$that$day$and$said:$“He!was!totally! professional.!I!think!he's!a!proper!horse.!He's!not!a!Derby!horse.!I!think!he'll!be!a! miler.!I'll!leave!him!alone!now.!We'll!be!looking!at!a!Guineas!trial!next!year”.$I$ found$that$quote$interesting$as$he’s$currently$not$entered$for$the$Qipco$2,000$ Guineas$but$does$have$an$Epsom$Derby$entry$to$his$name.$Either$way,$this$is$ potentially$a$very$smart$horse$in$the$making$and$I’m$sure$Henry$Candy$will$give$ him$every$chance$of$fulfilling$his$potential$this$season.$Being$a$son$of$Sir$Percy$I$ think$this$horse$will$be$at$his$best$with$some$cut$in$the$ground$this$season.$
WILLIE!JOHN!$ 3$b$c$Dansili$R$Izzi$Top$ $ Form:$1R$ Trainer:$William$Haggas$ Owner:$M$J$Jooste$&$China$Horse$Club$ 320,000gns$second$foal;$halfRbrother$to$6f/7f$2yo$winner$Dreamfield;$dam$dual$ Group$1$winner$and$herself$a$halfRsister$to$1m2f$Group$2$winner$Jazzi$Top$out$of$ 1m2f$Group$1$winner.$Willie$John$created$a$very$good$impression$when$winning$ readily$on$his$debut$at$Yarmouth$under$Gerald$Mosse.$He$fell$out$of$the$stalls$ that$day$before$running$on$well$under$pressure$to$beat$useful$stable$mate$ Humbolt$Current.$This$beautifully$bred$colt$looks$to$have$a$bright$future$and$ although$he’s$bred$to$make$a$very$smart$middleRdistance$horse$in$time,$he’s$ definitely$not$slow$and$showed$a$nice$turn$of$foot$when$landing$his$maiden.$It’ll$ be$interesting$to$see$where$this$colt$starts$of$this$season$and$is$one$I’m$looking$ forward$to$seeing$as$a$threeRyearRold.$ $
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! WITHOUT!PAROLE!$ 3$b$c$Frankel$R$Without$You$Babe$ $ Form:$1R$ Trainer:$John$Gosden$ Owner:$John$Gunther$&$Tanya$Gunther$ This$beautifully$bred$son$of$Frankel$created$a$big$impression$when$landing$a$ Novice$Stakes$at$Newcastle$over$the$winter$by$6$lengths.$That$wasn’t$exactly$the$ best$contest$you’ll$ever$see$and$the$form$is$pretty$difficult$to$weighRup$but$the$ visual$impression$this$colt$left$was$pretty$impressive.$$He’s$a$halfRbrother$to$ Breeders’$Cup$Dirt$Mile$winner$Tamarkuz$and$clearly$enjoyed$the$Tapeta$surface$ at$Newcastle$on$debut$but$I’m$pretty$confident$he’ll$be$as$effected$on$turf$this$ season.$Without$Parole$doesn’t$have$any$classic$entries$to$his$name$but$I’m$sure$ John$Gosden$will$try$him$in$a$Guineas$trial$in$the$spring.$I$think$1m$will$be$his$trip$ this$season$and$he’s$a$very$exciting$prospect$for$connections$and$might$just$be$a$ very$good$horse$in$the$making.$
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DARK%HORSES! The$'Dark$Horses'$part$of$my$horses$to$follow$list$is$for$horses$that$have$untapped$ potential$with$most$winning$their$maiden$before$being$put$away$with$2018$in$mind.$ Some$have$the$ability$to$take$a$step$up$in$class$in$their$stride,$while$others$can$ compete$in$the$highRend$threeRyearRold$handicaps$throughout$the$season$for$their$ muchRrespected$connections.$$ The$2017$renewal$of$the$'Dark$Horses'$produced$plenty$of$winners$and$top$quality$ performances.$Enable$was$only$a$Newcastle$maiden$winner$this$time$last$year$before$ going$onto$landing$5$Group$1's$including$the$Epsom$Oaks,$Irish$Oaks,$King$George$VI$ and$Queen$Elizabeth$Stakes$and$Prix$de$l'Arc$de$Triomphe.$My$personal$favourite$ was$Tisbutadream,$who$started$the$year$off$a$mark$of$just$67$before$winning$5$times$ over$the$year$including$a$Listed$success$and$two$Group$3$placed$efforts$before$ ending$the$campaign$on$a$mark$of$103.$Mojito$won$three$times$and$improved$21lbs$ over$the$course$of$the$season$ ! Other!winners!included:$ • • • • • • • •
Aljezeera$ Cape$Byron$ Eldritch$ Middle$Kingdom$ Pennsylvania$Dutch$ Precious$Ramotswe$ Red$Label$ Tribute$Act$ $
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ Photo:$ToughRfilly$Tisbutadream$wins$the$Listed$Coral$Distaff$in$usual$game$fashion$ at$Sandown$in$July.$
BRUNDTLAND!$ 3$bb$c$Dubawi$R$Future$Generation! $ Form:$1R$ Trainer:$Charlie$Appleby$ Owner:$Godolphin$$ I$was$very$impressed$with$this$horse$on$his$debut$at$Newmarket$and$I$think$he$ won$with$plenty$in$hand.$He$travelled$well$enough$before$staying$on$strongly$and$ seeing$out$the$1m2f$very$well$under$William$Buick$to$win$going$away.$The$form$ of$that$contest$wouldn’t$excite$you$but$the$potential$was$clearly$there$and$ there’s$a$lot$more$to$come$from$this$son$of$Dubawi.$This$colt$is$clearly$a$very$ smart$horse$in$the$making$and$has$a$lot$of$potential$when$tackling$beyond$1m4f.$ As$I$type$the$handicapper$hasn’t$allocated$this$horse$a$handicap$mark$but$I$can’t$ see$it$being$too$high$with$the$second$in$his$maiden$now$rated$82.$I$can$see$this$ horse$going$well$in$a$handicap$before$going$onto$better$things.$$ $ $ $
ELECTOR$ 3$b$c$Dansili$R$Enticement$ $ Form:$1R$ Trainer:$Sir$Michael$Stoute$ Owner:$The$Queen$ Sir$Michael$Stoute$doesn’t$have$many$first$time$out$twoRyearRold$winners$these$ days$and$his$horses$usually$improve$for$the$racecourse$experience,$so$the$fact$ Elector$managed$to$break$his$maiden$at$the$first$time$of$asking$on$soft$ground$at$ Ascot$last$season$gives$me$the$impression$he$could$be$very$useful$indeed.$Pat$ Dobbs$nursed$him$into$the$race$before$showing$a$great$attitude$to$fending$off$a$ horse$with$previous$racecourse$experience.$The$dam$was$a$very$smart$dual$Listed$ winner$that$stayed$1m2f,$so$you’d$imagine$this$horse$would$be$at$his$best$over$ middle$distances$this$season$on$better$ground.$Elector$is$another$that$has$yet$to$ allocated$a$handicap$mark$but$I’d$be$hopeful$the$handicapper$wouldn’t$be$too$ harsh$on$him$after$his$debut$success.$He’s$the$type$of$colt$Sir$Michael$Stoute$ does$very$well$with$and$I’m$hoping$he$can$go$well$in$a$handicap$before$ potentially$going$for$a$Derby$trial.$
EXTRA!ELUSIVE$ 3$ch$c$Mastercraftsman$–$Nessina$ $ Form:$1R$ Trainer:$Roger$Charlton$ Owner:$Saleh$Al$Homaizi$&$Imad$Al$Sagar! Extra$Elusive$impressed$me$when$winning$on$his$debut$at$Newbury$last$season$ and$is$a$clearly$with$a$lot$of$ability.$He$clearly$enjoyed$the$soft$ground$that$day$ and$picked$up$nicely$to$draw$away$from$his$rivals$late$on.$It’s$hard$to$know$what$ he$beat$that$day$but$the$manner$of$his$victory$was$very$impressive$and$he$left$ the$impression$there’s$a$lot$more$to$come.$He’s$a$halfRbrother$to$Group$2$winner$ Ajaya,$who$a$very$useful$twoRyearRold$for$connections$before$seemingly$not$ training$on$as$a$threeRyearRold.$I$think$this$horse$has$a$lot$more$scope$and$should$ develop$into$a$very$nice$threeRyearRold$this$season.$Extra$Elusive$looked$a$big$ baby$on$debut$and$is$certain$to$progress$in$2018$and$I’m$sure$a$step$up$in$trip$ should$bring$out$further$improvement$in$this$son$of$Mastercraftsman.$Like$I$said$ previously,$I$think$he$enjoyed$the$soft$ground$at$Newbury$and$he’ll$definitely$be$ at$his$best$when$soft$is$in$the$going$description$this$season.$He$seriously$could$be$ anything$and$is$an$exciting$prospect$for$his$connections$that$had$an$excellent$ 2017$with$Decorated$Knight.$ !
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HIGHGARDEN!$ 3$b$f$Nathaniel$–$Regalline$ $ Form:$1R$ Trainer:$John$Gosden$ Owner:$Mrs$C$R$Phillipson$&$Mrs$H$Lascelles$ Highgarden$created$a$very$good$impression$when$living$up$to$market$ expectations$on$her$racecourse$debut$at$Newbury.$This$daughter$of$Nathaniel$ moved$beautifully$on$the$soft$ground$before$comfortably$pulling$away$from$her$ rivals$in$the$style$of$a$very$useful$filly.$The$form$of$that$race$is$nothing$special$but$ you$couldn’t$help$but$be$impressed$and$there’s$certainly$a$lot$more$to$come$from$ her$this$season.$This$filly$could$start$off$in$a$handicap$in$the$spring$but$I’m$sure$ connections$will$want$to$find$out$how$good$she$really$is$and$she$could$show$up$in$ a$classic$trial.$She$looks$an$ideal$type$for$the$Conditions$Stakes$at$Newbury$that$ Shutter$Speed$and$Enable$ran$in$last$year.$Highgarden$could$be$anything$and$I$ can’t$wait$to$see$her$in$2018.$$
KINAESTHESIA$ 3$b$f$Sea$The$Stars$–$Kinetica$ $ Form:$1R$ Trainer:$Ralph$Beckett$ Owner:$Miss$K$Rausing$ It$was$hard$not$to$be$impressed$with$this$filly$on$her$racecourse$debut$when$ landing$a$very$competitive$maiden$at$Nottingham$in$Novemeber.$She$was$green$ and$pushed$along$before$the$penny$dropped$and$found$herself$in$front$too$soon.$ She$showed$a$great$attitude$and$toughed$it$out$well$to$hold$on$narrowly$late$on.$ The$form$of$that$race$has$worked$out$very$well$with$Glencadam$Master,$Corelli$ and$Best$Blue$all$winning$since.$Kinaesthesia$clearly$stays$very$well$being$a$ daughter$of$Sea$The$Stars$and$is$a$perfect$example$of$a$‘Dark$Horse’$as$she$ seriously$could$be$anything.$I’m$sure$we’ll$be$seeing$her$in$an$Epsom$Oaks$trial$in$ the$spring$and$she$could$be$a$lively$outsider$for$the$Epsom$classic.$ $ $ $
LADY!OF!SHALOTT!$ 3$b$f$Camelot$R$Silent$Act$ $ Form:$1R$ Trainer:$David$Simcock$ Owner:$Khalifa$Dasmal$ It$was$hard$not$to$be$impressed$with$this$daughter$of$Camelot$on$her$debut$at$ Yarmouth$and$she$looked$a$filly$with$a$bright$future.$She$travelled$supremely$well$ that$day$before$quickening$clear$of$her$field$that$were$made$to$look$very$ordinary$ and$flattered$by$the$proximity$to$this$easy$winner.$I’ll$be$the$first$to$admit$that$it$ wasn’t$a$redRhot$contest$but$she$could$only$beat$what$was$there$on$the$day$and$ the$manner$of$her$success$remains$fresh$in$the$memory.$Lady$Of$Shalott$clearly$ needed$plenty$of$time$to$grow$and$mature$as$a$twoRyearRold$and$like$many$by$ the$sire$she$looks$the$type$to$improve$as$a$threeRyearRold.$She$has$an$entry$in$the$ Darley$Irish$Oaks$and$I’m$sure$we’ll$be$seeing$her$in$a$classic$trial$at$some$point$in$ the$spring.$Like$the$previously$mentioned$filly$in$this$section,$Lady$Of$Shalott$ could$be$anything$and$looks$an$exciting$prospect$for$her$connections.$ $$
MSAYYAN!$ 3$b$c$Camelot$R$Elusive$Girl! ! Form:$21R$ Trainer:$John$Gosden$ Owner:$Al$Shaqab$Racing$ 200,000gns$first$foal;$dam$is$a$halfRsister$to$very$smart$1m$Group$2$winner$ Aljamaaheer.$Msayyan$built$on$a$promising$debut$at$Kempton$to$win$very$ comfortably$at$the$second$time$of$asking$at$Nottingham$under$Frankie$Dettori.$ He$was$very$green$at$Nottingham$and$was$clearly$still$learning$his$trade$but$he$ showed$a$nice$attitude$to$get$the$job$done$and$left$the$impression$there’s$plenty$ more$to$come$as$a$threeRyearRold.$This$son$of$Camelot$hasn’t$been$allocated$a$ rating$yet$but$I’m$sure$the$handicapper$will$give$him$a$chance$to$start$off$and$I$ can$see$him$winning$a$handicap$over$1m2f$before$going$onto$better$things$later$ in$the$season.$$ $ $
! OCCUPY!$ 3$b$c$Declaration$Of$War$R$Circumstances$ Form:$1R$ Trainer:$Ralph$Beckett$ Owner:$Highclere$Thoroughbred$Racing$ $80,000$yearling;$dam$1m2f$AW$winner,$sister$to$1m4f$Group$2$winner$Telescope$ out$of$unraced$halfRsister$to$Dubai$World$Cup$winner$Moon$Ballad.$Declaration$ Of$War$is$a$sire$that$impressed$me$with$his$first$crop$of$horses$and$it$won’t$be$ long$until$one$of$his$offspring$land$a$Group$1.$Occupy$created$a$very$pleasing$ impression$when$winning$on$his$debut$at$Kempton$last$year$and$struck$me$as$ very$useful$horse$in$the$making.$He$was$pretty$keen$throughout$before$showing$a$ bright$turn$of$foot$to$put$the$race$to$bed$inside$the$final$furlong.$I$think$this$colt$ has$decent$future$and$he’s$in$the$right$hands$to$reach$his$true$potential$this$ season.$He$should$stay$1m2f$and$I’d$be$hopeful$he$would$be$as$effective$on$turf$ this$season.$ !
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REGAL!REALITY!$ 3$b$c$Intello$R$Regal$Realm$ $! Form:$1R$ Trainer:$Sir$Michael$Stoute$ Owner:$Cheveley$Park$Stud$ Second$foal;$dam$dualRGroup$3$winner$over$7f.$I$was$very$impressed$with$this$son$ of$Intello$on$her$debut$at$Yarmouth$last$season$when$living$up$to$market$ expectations$in$great$fashion.$He$clearly$knew$his$job$that$day$and$made$all$ before$keeping$on$well$under$pressure$to$beat$a$useful$yardstick.$Intello$has$ made$a$pleasing$start$to$his$stud$career$with$his$handful$of$runners$and$they$all$ seem$to$have$scope$to$improve$as$threeRyearRolds.$Regal$Reality$doesn’t$have$any$ entries$of$note$and$hasn’t$yet$been$given$a$rating$from$the$handicapper$but$ either$way$he’s$a$horse$with$a$lot$of$potential$for$the$future$for$Sir$Michael$ Stoute.$ $ $ $
STEPHENSONS!ROCKET$$ 3$gr$c$Teofilo$R$Tipperary$Honor$ $ Form:$21R$ Trainer:$Ed$Walker$ Owner:$B$E$Nielsen$ Flashy$grey$that$built$on$his$very$promising$debut$effort$in$an$above$average$ Novice$Stakes$at$Sandown$last$September$to$get$off$the$mark$at$the$second$time$ of$asking$in$fine$style$at$Redcar.$He$was$pretty$keen$and$showed$clear$signs$of$ inexperience$on$both$occasions$and$left$the$impression$there’s$a$lot$more$to$ come$as$a$threeRyearRold.$He’s$a$big,$powerful$sort$that$should$make$up$into$a$ very$smart$middleRdistance$performer$this$season$for$his$connections$and$is$ clearly$a$horse$held$in$the$highest$regard.$Stephensons$Rocket$is$a$horse$with$a$lot$ of$potential$and$could$been$seen$in$a$Derby$trial$this$season$if$all$has$gone$well$ over$the$winter.$The$handicapper$hasn’t$allocated$this$son$of$Teofilo$a$rating$yet$ but$with$there$being$plenty$of$valuable$handicaps$around$in$April/May$over$1m2f,$ I$wouldn’t$be$surprised$to$see$him$in$a$handicap$to$start$off$but$I’d$be$hopeful$ he’ll$be$better$than$that$in$time.$
TENEDOS!$ 3$b$c$High$Chaparral$–$Garanciere$ $ Form:$1R$ Trainer:$Hugo$Palmer$ Owner:$V$I$Araci$ Very$promising$son$of$High$Chaparral$that$is$a$halfRbrother$to$winners$I$Love$Me$ (GroupRplaced$7f$2yo),$1mR1m4f$winner$Ningara$and$1m$winner$Fujaira$Bridge.$ Tenedos$put$in$a$very$impressive$display$when$getting$off$the$mark$at$the$first$ time$of$asking$at$Kempton$last$season.$$He’s$bred$to$appreciate$a$lot$further$in$ time$and$I$thought$he$done$very$well$to$win$over$1m$as$a$twoRyearRold.$I$don’t$ think$the$Novice$Stakes$he$won$was$a$brilliant$contest$but$he$couldn’t$have$won$ much$easier$and$shaped$like$a$horse$with$a$bright$future.$There’s$no$doubt$this$ colt$will$be$at$his$best$over$1m4f$this$season$and$he$looks$the$type$to$go$close$in$a$ handicap$earlier$in$the$season$before$potentially$going$onto$better$things$later$in$ the$campaign.$
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THE!REVENANT! 3$ch$c$Dubawi$R$Hazel$Lavery$ $ $Form:$13R$ Trainer:$Hugo$Palmer$ Owner:$Al$Asayl$Bloodstock$Ltd$ I$like$this$horse$a$lot$and$was$delighted$to$see$him$make$a$winning$debut$last$ season$after$a$few$pleasing$reports$over$the$season.$I$think$that$was$a$decent$ enough$contest$with$the$second$now$rated$87$and$the$third$a$promising$type$that$ was$very$well$backed$on$the$day.$The$Revenant$failed$to$back$up$that$effort$up$in$ class$on$his$next$outing$but$I$thought$there$were$plenty$of$positives$to$take$out$of$ that$effort.$The$ground$was$officially$called$heavy$on$that$occasion$and$I’m$sure$ he’ll$be$a$much$better$horse$on$better$ground$with$him$being$a$son$of$Dubawi.$ The$winner$and$second$that$day$had$plenty$of$racecourse$experience$and$I’m$ sure$that$played$a$big$part$in$the$result.$The$Revenant$looks$open$to$plenty$of$ improvement$this$season$and$he’s$bred$to$come$into$his$own$as$a$threeRyearRold$ over$middle$distances.$He’s$a$horse$with$a$nice$future$and$I’m$sure$we’ll$be$ seeing$this$colt$in$a$Derby$trial$to$start$off$with.$
HANDICAPS! The$'Handicaps'$section$is$new$to$my$Flat$Horses$To$Follow$list$for$2018$and$I'm$ hopeful$it$can$throw$up$some$nice$winners$over$the$season$ahead.$Some$have$ already$got$their$head$in$front,$while$others$have$the$scope$and$potential$to$ improve$on$what$they've$achieved$to$date$now$handicapping.$$ I'd$be$hopeful$a$few$of$these$have$what$it$takes$to$progress$through$the$handicap$ ranks$before$potentially$developing$into$patternRclass$performers$in$time.$$ $ $
ANTAGONIST$ 3$b$c$Dansili$–$Melodramatic$ $ Form:$647R$ Trainer:$Roger$Charlton$ Owner:$B$E$Nielsen$ Antagonist$is$a$very$well$bred$colt$being$a$halfRbrother$to$his$owners$very$smart$ Almodovar.$This$colt$ran$in$three$above$average$Novice$Stakes$last$season$and$ acquitted$himself$well$on$each$start.$He$seemed$to$get$outpaced$in$those$races$ before$staying$on$inside$the$final$furlong$so$there’s$no$doubt$he’ll$be$a$lot$better$ when$tackling$further.$This$colt$has$been$given$a$mark$of$73,$which$I$feel$is$very$ fair$with$the$amount$of$potential$he$posses$and$he$should$be$more$than$capable$ of$landing$a$handicap$off$that$mark$this$season.$Antagonist$is$a$likeable$type$that$ could$make$up$into$a$very$smart$prospect$for$his$connections$this$season$and$I’m$ confident$a$step$up$to$1m2f$will$be$the$key$to$him.$ $ $ $ $ $
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BOMBYX!! 3$ch$c$Sir$Percy$R$Bombazine$$ $$ Form:$31R$ Trainer:$James$Fanshawe$ Owner:$Mrs$and$Mrs$A$E$Pakenham! James$Fanshawe’s$newcomers$often$improve$dramatically$for$their$racecourse$ experience$and$this$colt$did$exactly$the$same$when$building$on$his$promising$ third$in$a$competitive$Newmarket$contest$to$get$off$the$mark$at$the$second$time$ of$asking$at$Leicester.$This$colt$needed$every$yard$of$the$distance$on$both$ occasions$and$is$a$nice$prospect$for$middleRdistance$handicaps$this$season.$ Bombyx$is$a$halfRbrother$to$several$stakes$performer$and$it$would$be$no$shock$to$ see$him$compete$at$that$level$in$the$future.$I’d$be$pretty$hopeful$he$can$go$well$ in$handicaps$this$season$and$could$be$a$London$Gold$Cup$contender$at$Newbury.$ $ $ $
BREATH!CAUGHT!$
3$b$c$Bated$Breath$R$Double$Crossed$ $ Form:$821R$ Trainer:$Ralph$Beckett$ Owner:$K$Abdullah! Breath$Caught$could$be$seriously$well$treated$off$a$mark$of$83$and$I’ll$be$very$ surprised$if$he$can’t$win$races$from$that$handicap$mark$this$season.$He$won$very$ well$when$we$last$seen$him$at$Doncaster$and$the$form$of$that$race$has$worked$ out$nicely$with$the$second$(Flavius$Titus)$winning$next$time$up.$Breath$Caught$is$a$ halfRbrother$to$fourRtime$Group$1$winner$Twice$Over,$who$improved$with$age$ and$I’m$hoping$this$colt$can$follow$suit.$Like$I$said$previously,$I’ll$be$shocked$if$this$ colt$can’t$win$races$off$his$current$handicap$mark$and$he$could$progress$into$a$ very$nice$horse$in$time.$$ $$
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COMRADE!IN!ARMS$ 3$b$g$War$Front$–$Maryinsky$ $ Form:$592R$ Trainer:$Sir$Michael$Stoute$ Owner:$Mrs$J$Magnier$&$M$Tabor$&$D$Smith$ Very$well$bred$horse$being$closely$related$to$fourRtime$Group$1$winner$Peeping$ Fawn$(dam$of$September)$and$a$halfRbrother$to$Group$1$winner$Thewayyouare.$ Comrade$In$Arms$ran$a$very$pleasing$race$on$his$debut$before$failing$to$build$on$it$ next$time$out$at$Kempton.$He$finished$a$decent$enough$second$to$an$inform$rival$ on$his$latest$outing$at$Wolverhampton$and$left$the$impression$there$could$be$ more$to$come$in$handicaps$in$2018.$He’s$been$gelded$since$we$last$seen$him$and$ will$start$life$in$handicaps$from$a$mark$of$71,$which$I$think$it$pretty$fair$on$what$ he’s$achieved$to$date$but$you’d$have$to$think$he$should$have$improved$physically$ and$mentally$over$the$winter.$I’m$very$hopeful$he$can$get$his$head$in$front$this$ season$and$looks$the$type$to$keep$on$progressing.$ $ $ $
DANCETERIA!$ 3$b$c$Redoute's$Choice$R$Bal$De$La$Rose$ $ Form:$634R$ Trainer:$David$Menuisier$ Owner:$Clive$Washbourn$ Danceteria$is$a$halfRbrother$to$winners$Blossomtime$(6fR1m$including$Listed$ contest)$and$French$1m1f$winner$Askania$Nova;$dam$1m2f$Group$3$winner,$halfR sister$to$French$2,000$Guineas$winner/French$Derby$winner$Lope$De$Vega.$This$ colt$ran$some$very$eyeRcatching$races$last$season$in$some$very$smart$maidens$ and$he$looked$a$horse$with$a$smart$future.$He’s$a$horse$with$a$lot$of$size$and$ scope$to$him$and$I$think$he$should$make$up$into$an$above$average$threeRyearRold$ this$season$for$his$connections.$His$mark$of$79$looks$pretty$fair$and$I’m$very$ hopeful$he$can$go$well$in$1m/1m2f$handicaps$this$season$and$should$progress$ nicely$throughout$the$campaign$for$David$Menuisier.$$ !
GLENCADAM!MASTER!$ 3$gr$c$Mastercraftsman$–$Coquet$ $ Form:$321R$ Trainer:$John$Gosden$ Owner:$Angus$Dundee$Distillers$plc$ 150,000gns$yearling;$dam$1mR1m2f$Listed$winner,$halfRsister$to$useful$winners$ Midnight$Oil$(1m4f)$and$Cartwright$(1m2fR2m).$This$imposing$son$of$ Mastercrafstman$ran$two$promising$races$in$useful$maidens$before$finally$getting$ off$the$mark$last$time$at$Kempton.$He$looks$a$straightforward$colt$that$should$ make$a$very$nice$threeRyearRold$this$season$for$John$Gosden$and$definitely$has$ the$size$and$scope$to$progress.$Glencadam$Master$has$been$allocated$a$mark$of$ 85,$which$looks$about$right$on$what$he’s$achieved$to$date$but$as$I$said,$he$should$ get$even$better$as$a$threeRyearRold.$He$should$stay$beyond$1m2f$and$being$a$son$ of$Mastercraftsman$out$of$a$Sir$Percy$mare,$he$should$be$at$his$best$with$some$ juice$in$the$ground.$ $ $ $
GLOBAL!EXCEL!$ 3$b$c$Exceed$And$Excel$–$Seta$ $ Form:$606R$ Trainer:$Ed$Walker$ Owner:$Kir$(hk)$Ltd$&$Dr$Johnny$Hon$ Very$wellRbred$colt$being$a$halfRbrother$to$UK/UAE$winner$Seastorm$out$of$the$ very$smart$Seta,$who$won$four$times$for$Luca$Cumani$including$three$Listed$ races.$This$colt$didn’t$quite$live$up$to$connections$expectations$last$season$but$I$ thought$he$shaped$better$than$the$result$on$each$occasion.$He$travelled$nicely$at$ Kempton$and$Nottingham$the$last$twice$before$seemingly$failing$to$see$out$the$ trip$late$on.$I$think$a$drop$back$in$trip$now$handicapping$off$a$potentially$lenient$ mark$of$69$this$season$could$bring$out$a$lot$of$improvement$in$this$nicely$bred$ son$of$Exceed$And$Excel,$who$should$improve$further$as$a$threeRyearRold.$Ed$ Walker$is$a$trainer$I$like$and$I$have$no$doubt$he’ll$find$a$race$or$two$with$this$colt$ over$the$season.$He’s$a$horse$worth$keeping$a$firm$eye$on.$ $$
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GLOBAL!STYLE!$ 3$b$c$Nathaniel$–$Danaskaya$ $ Form:$837R$ Trainer:$Ed$Dunlop$ Owner:$Dr$Johnny$Hon$ Expensive$250,000gns$purchase$that$is$a$halfRbrother$to$Group$1$ Dewhurst/Lockinge$Stakes$winner$Belardo.$This$colt$ran$three$OK$races$last$ season$in$competitive$Maiden/Novice$races$but$shaped$as$if$he$had$a$lot$more$to$ come$from$him.$He’s$from$a$family$that$progress$with$age$and$I’m$hoping$this$son$ of$Nathaniel$can$do$the$same$this$season.$I$think$the$handicapper$has$given$him$a$ very$fair$mark$of$79$and$I’ll$be$shocked$if$he$can’t$win$races$of$that$mark$this$ season$for$Ed$Dunlop$and$Dr$Johnny$Hon.$I’ll$be$interested$to$see$this$colt$on$soft$ ground$at$some$point,$as$the$majority$of$his$family$enjoyed$some$cut$in$the$ ground$during$their$careers.$$ $ $
HOUSE!EDGE!$ 3$gr$c$Nathaniel$–$Bezique$ $ Form:$51R$ Trainer:$Michael$Bell$ Owner:$Edward$J$Ware$ House$Edge$is$a$halfRbrother$to$very$smart$Listed$middle$distance$performer$ Khalidi,$who$had$a$very$good$season$as$a$threeRyearRold.$This$colt$built$on$his$ promising$debut$effort$at$Sandown$to$get$off$the$mark$at$the$second$time$of$ asking$at$Musselburgh$in$the$style$of$a$horse$going$places.$It$was$very$hard$not$to$ be$impressed$with$this$son$of$Nathaniel’s$performance$and$the$way$he$handled$ the$very$testing$ground$conditions$for$such$an$inexperienced$horse.$House$Edge$ still$looked$very$green$and$inexperienced$at$Musselburgh$and$there’s$no$doubt$ he$looks$open$to$a$huge$amount$of$improvement.$He$looks$to$have$the$size$and$ scope$to$make$up$into$a$very$useful$threeRyearRold$for$Michael$Bell$this$season.$ This$colt$hasn’t$been$allocated$a$handicap$mark$yet$but$I$have$no$doubt$he’s$got$ the$ability$to$win$a$decent$handicap$this$season$but$I$wouldn’t$be$surprised$if$ connections$went$for$a$Derby$trial$early$on$to$find$out$how$good$he$is.$He$looks$ certain$to$stay$beyond$1m2f$and$he’s$well$worth$looking$out$for.$$
PENTLAND!HILLS!$ 3$b$g$Motivator$R$Elle$Galante$ $$ Form:$805R$ Trainer:$Chris$Wall$ Owner:$Des$Thurlby$ Son$of$Epsom$Derby$winner$Motivator$that$is$a$halfRbrother$to$Group$2$King$ Edward$VII$Stakes$winner$Balios$and$ListedRplaced$fourRtime$winner$Cersei.$ Pentland$Hills$ran$in$some$very$hot$Maidens/Novices$last$season$as$a$twoRyearR old$and$looked$immature$and$green$on$each$occasion.$As$a$result$of$that$he$starts$ life$in$handicaps$from$an$appealing$mark$of$62,$which$looks$very$fair$indeed.$This$ horse$has$recently$been$gelded$and$I’m$hopeful$that$can$bring$about$some$more$ improvement$this$season$and$there’s$no$doubt$he$has$the$size,$scope$and$ potential$to$progress$through$the$ranks$this$season.$Pentland$Hills$should$ appreciate$a$step$up$to$1m4f$this$season$and$I’m$very$hopeful$he$can$land$a$ handicap$or$two$this$season$for$Chris$Wall$and$Des$Thurlby.$ $ $ $
PREENING!$ 3$b$f$Dutch$Art$R$Striving$ $ Form:$71R! Trainer:$James$Fanshawe$ Owner:$Cheveley$Park$Stud$ Nicely$bred$filly$from$a$typical$Cheveley$Park$Stud$family$being$closely$related$to$ 6f/7f$winner$Best$Endeavour$and$a$halfRsister$to$winners$Staunch$and$Showpiece.$ This$daughter$of$Dutch$Art$improved$massively$for$her$racecourse$experience$to$ run$out$a$very$promising$winner$of$a$Kempton$maiden$on$her$next$outing.$She$ made$stealthy$progress$over$2f$before$staying$on$strongly$to$run$out$an$ impressive$winner$in$the$end.$I$was$there$that$evening$at$Kempton$and$I$was$ impressed$with$the$way$this$filly$picked$up$under$pressure$and$I$thought$leaders$ set$a$very$slow$pace,$so$she$did$very$well$to$get$involved$at$the$business$end,$ never$mind$win.$I$think$there’s$a$lot$more$to$come$from$this$filly$and$she$looks$a$ typical$James$Fanshawe$improver.$I$think$this$filly$can$go$well$in$handicaps$this$ season$and$she$might$just$progress$into$something$a$bit$better$in$time.$ $
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MAIDENS$
This$section$is$dedicated$to$horses$that$have$yet$to$break$their$maiden$tag$and$ I'm$very$hopeful$they$can$get$their$head$in$front$in$during$the$2018$flat$season.$$ Some$of$these$horses$have$the$ability$to$win$a$maiden$but$I$feel$the$majority$will$ be$handled$with$handicaps$in$mind$and$look$opening$to$a$huge$amount$of$ improvement$throughout$the$campaign.$Last$years$renewal$threw$up$Group$3$ winners$Crystal$Ocean$and$God$Given.$$Other$maiden$winners$included$Stone$The$ Crows,$Valcartier$and$Neshmeya.$ $ $
! AL!MUFFRIH! 3$b$c$Sea$The$Stars$–$Scarlet$And$Gold$ $ Form:$3R$ Trainer:$William$Haggas$ Owner:$Sheikh$Juma$Dalmook$Al$Maktoum$ 260,000gns$yearling;$dam$French$winner$1m2f$winner,$halfRsister$to$1m2fR1m6f$ (including$1m4f$Group$3)$winner$Astrondereus$and$French$Derby$winner/leading$ sire$Le$Havre$out$of$halfRsister$to$highRclass$sprinter/miler/sire$Polar$Falcon.$This$ wellRbred$colt$made$a$pleasing$start$to$his$racing$career$last$season$when$chasing$ home$two$more$experienced$at$Newmarket.$The$second$that$day$(Bow$Street)$ boosted$the$form$in$fine$style$on$his$next$outing$and$along$with$the$winner$ (Knight$To$Behold)$looks$a$nice$prospect.$Al$Muffrih$looks$a$potentially$very$nice$ horse$in$the$making$for$William$Haggas$and$I’ll$be$very$surprised$if$he$can’t$land$a$ maiden$this$season$before$going$onto$bigger$targets$during$the$season.$I$think$a$ step$up$in$trip$will$be$the$making$of$this$imposing$son$of$Sea$The$Stars$and$he$ should$stay$beyond$1m4f$in$time.$ $ $ $ $
BARITONE! 3$b$c$Camelot$–$Star$Ruby$ $ Form:$5R$ Trainer:$Sir$Michael$Stoute$ Owner:$Michael$Tabor$ Nicely$bred$son$of$2,000$Guineas/Epsom$Derby$winner$Camelot.$This$colt$is$a$ halfRbrother$to$winners$Stravagante$(1m$2yo/1m2f)$and$Stargazer$(1m2f).$ Baritone$ran$a$creditable$race$in$what$was$a$messy$Novice$Stakes$at$Newbury$ won$by$very$the$smart$Emaraaty.$This$colt$seemed$to$get$outpace$that$day$over$ the$7f$trip$before$staying$on$nicely$late$on$to$get$fifth$late$on.$This$colt$looks$open$ to$a$huge$amount$of$improvement$this$season$and$should$make$up$into$a$pretty$ useful$threeRyearRold$for$his$connections.$I$think$he’ll$improve$for$his$debut$and$ should$be$capable$of$getting$competitive$in$a$Maiden$on$his$next$start.$Baritone$ should$be$well$suited$to$middle$distance$trips$this$season$and$like$his$siblings,$ should$appreciate$1m2f.$
! ! COURT!OF!JUSTICE!$ 3$b$c$Dabirsim$R$Great$News$ $ Form:$2R$ Trainer:$David$Simcock$ Owner:$Never$Say$Die$Partnership$ Court$Of$Justice$is$a$halfRbrother$to$four$winners$including$French$1m1fR1m4f$ winner$Great$Event.$The$dam$is$a$threeRtime$winner$in$France$including$a$Listed$ victory$over$7f.$There$was$a$lot$of$good$vibes$surrounding$this$colt$before$his$ debut$at$Ascot$last$season$where$he$ran$a$very$creditable$second$behind$an$ above$average$rival$trained$by$Hugo$Palmer.$I$thought$this$colt$travelled$like$the$ winner$for$a$long$way$and$looked$set$for$victory$when$hitting$the$front$inside$the$ final$furlong$before$idling$under$pressure.$He$was$clearly$still$learning$his$trade$ on$that$occasion$and$I’m$sure$he$will$improve$for$that$experience$when$we$see$ him$next.$His$sire$Dabirsim$had$an$excellent$year$with$his$first$crop$with$Royal$ Ascot$winner$Different$League$being$the$highlight.$I$think$this$colt$could$be$ another$bright$prospect$for$him$this$season$and$he$should$be$able$to$pick$up$a$ maiden$this$season$for$David$Simcock$and$the$Never$Say$Die$Partnership.$I$think$ trips$around$1m$will$be$perfect$and$he$could$have$a$bright$future$ahead$of$him.$
GHOSTWATCH!$ 3$b$c$Dubawi$R$Nature$Spirits$ $ Form:$33R$ Trainer:$Charlie$Appleby$ Owner:$Godolphin$ This$colt$cost$a$staggering$2,100,000gns$at$Tattersalls$Book$1$as$a$yearling.$He’s$a$ son$of$Dubawi$out$of$a$dam$closely$related$to$smart$1m2f$Curtain$Call$from$the$ family$of$French$Derby$winner$Hernando$and$highRclass$§mR1m2f$performer$ Johann$Quatz,$Ghostwatch$ran$two$creditable$races$last$season$in$two$above$ average$Novice$Stakes$at$Newmarket$and$Haydock$respectively.$He$seemed$to$ get$outpaced$on$both$starts$before$plugging$on$well$enough$late$on.$There’s$no$ doubt$this$expensive$colt$will$relish$a$step$up$in$trip$this$season$and$should$be$ more$than$capable$of$landing$a$maiden.$I$think$he$could$have$a$lot$of$untapped$ potential$over$middle$distances$and$could$be$a$very$smart$colt$in$the$making.$
! ! HAZARFIYA$ 3$b$f$Fastnet$Rock$–$Hazariya$ $ Form:$3R$ Trainer:$Sir$Michael$Stoute$ Owner:$Newsells$Park$Stud$ Beautifully$bred$filly$being$a$halfRsister$to$dualRDerby$winner$Harzand$and$Group$ 3$winner$Harasiya.$This$daughter$of$Fastnet$Rock$ran$a$race$full$of$promise$on$ debut$at$Newbury$and$there$should$be$plenty$more$to$come$from$her.$Like$many$ from$the$stable$she$clearly$needed$the$outing$but$plugged$on$nicely$enough$late$ on$to$get$third$behind$two$rivals$that$had$a$run$under$their$belt.$This$filly$should$ come$into$her$own$over$middleRdistance$trips$this$season$and$should$be$more$ than$capable$of$landing$a$maiden$this$season$before$potentially$going$onto$bigger$ and$better$things$in$the$near$future.$$
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HUMBOLT!CURRENT$ 3$b$c$Fastnet$Rock$–$Humdrum$ $ Form:$2R$ Trainer:$William$Haggas$ Owner:$The$Queen$ Imposing$son$of$Fastnet$Rock$that$is$closely$related$to$1m$AW$winner$Elementary$ and$a$halfRbrother$to$6f$winner$Husbandry.$I$thought$this$colt$was$a$huge$eye$ catcher$on$his$debut$at$Yarmouth$when$chasing$home$his$very$smart$stable$mate$ Willie$John.$Humbolt$Current$was$very$slowly$way$that$day$and$looked$badly$in$ need$of$the$run$before$the$penny$finally$dropped$late$on$to$finish$a$promising$ second.$This$seems$to$have$plenty$of$size$and$scope$and$he$should$make$a$ cracking$threeRyearRold$this$season$and$he$should’ve$strengthened$up$nicely$over$ the$winter$and$I$think$this$horse$could$be$very$good$indeed$and$I’ll$be$shocked$if$ he$doesn’t$land$maiden$this$season$for$connections$and$he$looks$an$ideal$type$for$ the$1m$Maiden$Stakes$on$April$21st$at$Newbury$that$connections$won$last$year$ with$Call$To$Mind.$$
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IBRAZ!$
3$b$c$Farhh$–$Wadaa$ $ Form:$5R$ Trainer:$Roger$Varian$ Owner:$Hamdan$Al$Maktoum$ 100,000gns$first$foal;$Ibraz$is$a$son$of$Group$1$Lockinge/Champion$Stakes$winner$ Farhh,$who$has$an$excellent$first$season$with$his$debut$crop$last$year$including$ unbeaten$Group$3$Acomb$Stakes$winner$Wells$Farhh$Go.$The$dam$a$1m3f$ winner,$halfRsister$to$1m2f$Group$3$winner$Queen’s$Best,$who$is$the$dam$of$the$ very$smart$Group$1$winner$Queen’s$Trust.$Ibraz$was$the$subject$to$some$pleasing$ reports$prior$to$his$racecourse$debut$and$is$clearly$a$horse$held$in$highRregard.$ He$ran$well$enough$that$day$and$shaped$as$if$he’d$improve$plenty$for$that$effort.$ This$colt$should$improve$further$as$a$threeRyearRold$and$should$pick$up$a$maiden$ during$the$season.$Many$of$his$sire’s$offspring$seem$to$enjoy$some$cut$in$the$ ground$and$I$wouldn’t$be$surprised$if$this$colt$is$the$same.$
MEKONG!$ 3$b$c$Frankel$R$Ship's$Biscuit$ Form:$64R$ Trainer:$Sir$Michael$Stoute$ Owner:$Philip$Newton! Very$well$bred$son$of$Frankel$that$hails$from$a$family$Sir$Michael$Stoute$knows$ very$well.$He’s$a$halfRbrother$to$useful$1m4fR1m5f$winner$Pow$Wow;$dam$ListedR placed$1m4f$winner,$halfRsister$to$Group$2$winner$Hi$Calypso$and$useful$1m4f$ winner$Warringah.$Mekong$ran$two$pleasing$efforts$in$decent$Novice$Stakes$last$ year$and$shaped$as$if$there’s$a$lot$more$to$come$from$him.$He$looks$the$type$to$ improve$as$a$threeRyearRold$this$season$and$should$relish$a$step$up$in$trip$at$ some$point.$He$should$be$able$to$get$competitive$in$a$Maiden$on$his$next$outing$ but$I$see$him$as$a$very$useful$prospect$for$middle$distance$handicaps$throughout$ the$season.$ $
! ! MOMENTARILY!$ 3$b$f$Cityscape$–$Firebelly$ $ Form:$3R$ Trainer:$Hugo$Palmer$ Owner:$Tco$Gredley,$Mv$Magnier,$Mrs$P$Shanahan$ Cityscape$didn’t$quite$hit$the$heights$with$his$debut$crop$of$twoRyearRolds$last$ season$but$it’s$still$early$days$and$I$think$many$of$his$offspring$will$be$a$lot$better$ as$they$get$older.$Momentarily$is$a$halfRsister$to$GroupRplaced$6fR7f$winner$ Firebeam$and$1m$winner$Bombina.$This$filly$was$unfortunate$to$bump$into$two$ very$promising$types$on$debut$at$Yarmouth$including$Group$1$Prix$Marcel$ Boussac$winner$Wild$Illusion.$Hugo$Palmer’s$filly$was$very$green$throughout$that$ contest$and$made$steady$progress$when$the$penny$finally$dropped$before$given$ an$easy$time$when$understandably$tiring$late$on.$I$thought$that$was$a$very$good$ effort$from$this$filly$and$she$looks$open$to$a$huge$amount$of$improvement$in$ 2018.$This$filly$should$be$more$than$capable$of$landing$a$maiden$this$season$with$ that$experience$under$her$belt.$
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QAZYNA!$ 3$b$f$Frankel$R$First$$ $$ Form:$3R$ Trainer:$Roger$Varian$ Owner:$Nurlan$Bizakov$ Qazyna$is$a$very$well$bred$filly$being$by$Frankel$and$a$halfRsister$to$Listed$winner$ Perfect$Stride,$Australian$1m4f$Grade$2$winner$Au$Revoir$and$2yo$6f$Listed$ winner$Law$Lord.$Roger$Varian’s$filly$made$a$pleasing$start$to$her$racing$career$ when$chasing$home$two$more$experienced$rivals$at$Yarmouth$on$debut$and$ shaped$as$if$she’d$improve$plenty$for$the$outing.$I$thought$she$was$given$plenty$ to$do$on$that$occasion$and$ran$very$green$when$asked$to$quicken$by$Andrea$ Atzeni$before$hanging$under$pressure.$I$think$this$filly$has$a$decent$future$ahead$ of$her$and$she$should$appreciate$a$step$up$in$distance$this$season.$She’s$a$filly$ that’s$worth$keeping$an$eye$on$throughout$the$season.$
! ! RASHDAN$
3$b$c$Big$Bad$Bob$R$On$Fair$Stage$ $$ Form:$4R$ Trainer:$Hugo$Palmer$ Owner:$Al$Shaqab$Racing$ Big$horse$that$is$a$halfRbrother$to$French/Australian$Grade$1$winner,$peak$164$ rated$dualRGrade$2$winning$chaser$French$Opera$and$French$1m4f$Listed$winner$ Gale$Force;$dam$1m$(Listed)$winner$and$1m4f$winner,$out$of$Oaks$winner$Fair$ Salinia.$This$colt$ran$well$for$a$long$way$on$his$debut$last$season$before$getting$ outpaced$when$asked$to$quicken$late$on.$Rashdan$is$bred$to$stay$beyond$1m4f$ and$I$think$that$trip$will$bring$out$further$improvement$in$this$colt.$He$seemed$to$ handle$the$soft$ground$very$well$on$his$debut$and$with$him$being$a$son$of$Big$Bad$ Bob;$he$should$be$at$his$best$with$plenty$of$juice$in$the$ground.$Rashdan$is$a$very$ interesting$colt$and$I’m$sure$he$will$improve$this$season$as$a$threeRyearRold$for$ Hugo$Palmer$and$Al$Shaqab$Racing.$ $$
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SHARJA!SILK!$ 3$b$c$Dubawi$R$So$Silk! $ Form:$5R$ Trainer:$Roger$Varian$ Owner:$Sheikh$Mohammed$Obaid$Al$Maktoum$ Expensive$850,000gns$purchase;$Sharja$Silk$is$a$very$well$bred$colt$being$a$halfR brother$to$Group$2$Park$Hill$Stakes$winner$Silk$Sari$out$of$a$unraced$halfRsister$to$ Racing$Post$Trophy$winner$Ibn$Khaldun.$This$colt$ran$a$pleasing$race$on$debut$ behind$a$potentially$very$smart$horse$in$the$shape$of$Extra$Elusive.$Sharja$Silk$ settled$out$that$day$and$couldn’t$quite$get$into$a$position$to$challenge$on$the$soft$ ground$before$plugging$on$well$enough$towards$the$end.$He’s$a$horse$with$a$lot$ of$scope$and$I’m$sure$he’ll$appreciate$a$step$up$to$1m2fR1m4f$on$better$ground$ this$season.$I$think$he’s$potentially$a$very$smart$prospect$for$Roger$Varian$and$I’ll$ be$surprised$if$he$can’t$win$a$Maiden$this$season$before$going$onto$better$things.$
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! ! STARCASTER!$ 3$b$c$Dansili$–$Shirocco$Star$ $ Form:$33R$ Trainer:$Hughie$Morrison$ Owner:$Castle$Down$Racing$ First$foal;$out$of$Hughie$Morrison’s$1mR2yo$winner/Epsom$Oaks$and$Irish$Oaks$ second$Shirocco$Star.$This$son$of$Dansili$produced$two$very$promising$efforts$in$ decent$Novice$Stakes$at$Leicester$and$Goodwood$last$season,$noticeably$on$ unsuitable$ground$last$time$behind$a$horse$that$was$supplemented$for$the$Group$ 1$Racing$Post$Trophy$on$his$next$outing.$Starcaster$looks$a$typical$improver$from$ the$yard$and$I$think$he’ll$come$into$his$own$over$middle$distances$this$season.$ This$colt$should$get$competitive$in$a$Maiden$on$his$next$start$before$going$down$ the$handicap$route.$He$looks$a$very$useful$prospect$for$his$connections.$ !!
VOLUMINOUS!$ 3$b$f$Nathaniel$R$Capacious$ $ Form:$0R$ Trainer:$James$Fanshawe$ Owner:$Cheveley$Park$Stud$ WellRbred$filly;$dam$a$sister$to$twoRtime$Group$2$winner/1,000$Guineas$second$ Spacious$and$a$halfRsister$to$Canadian$Grade$2$winner$Dimension.$I$don’t$think$ Voluminous$was$seen$to$best$affect$on$her$racecourse$debut$in$a$messy$Maiden$ on$soft$ground$at$Nottingham$and$I$thought$she$ran$a$lot$better$than$the$bare$ result$on$that$occasion.$This$daughter$of$Nathaniel$was$very$green,$settled$way$ off$the$pace$and$I$thought$George$Wood$give$her$a$nice$introduction$that$day$and$ looks$open$to$plenty$of$improvement.$James$Fanshawe$likes$to$bring$on$his$ newcomers$for$their$debut$and$they$all$seem$to$improve$dramatically$for$the$ experience$and$I’d$be$very$hopeful$this$filly$ought$to$be$the$same.$I’ll$be$surprised$ if$this$wellRbred$filly$can’t$progress$this$season$for$her$connections.$ $ $ $ $
WADILSAFA!$ 3$b$c$Frankel$–$Rumoush$ $$ Form:$2R$ Trainer:$Owen$Burrows$ Owner:$Hamdan$Al$Maktoum$ Nicely$bred$colt$that$hails$from$a$brilliant$Shadwell$family.$Wadilsafa$is$a$halfR brother$to$7f$Group$3$winner$Talaayeb$and$useful$7f$winner$Muntazah;$dam$1m$ and$1m1f$winner/Park$Hill$Stakes$second,$halfRsister$to$connections$brilliant$ 1,000$Guineas$winner$Ghanaati.$This$son$of$Frankel$ran$a$very$nice$race$on$his$ racecourse$debut$behind$the$potentially$very$smart$Herculean.$I$thought$this$colt$ handled$the$soft$ground$well$enough$on$that$occasssion$but$I$think$he’ll$be$at$his$ best$on$better$ground$this$season.$Wadilsafa$looks$a$very$smart$prospect$for$ Owen$Burrows$and$I$think$he’ll$be$bang$there$on$his$next$start$in$maiden$ company$before$connections$set$their$sights$on$bigger$and$better$targets$later$in$ the$season.$
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MAIDENS$
This$section$is$for$horses$that$failed$to$make$the$track$last$season$as$twoRyearR olds$but$bred$to$do$well$as$threeRyearRolds$for$their$connections.$Many$of$these$ are$from$families$of$numerous$winners$and$even$classic$winners$in$their$own$ right.$$ Obviously,$their$ability$is$unknown$but$these$wellRbred$horses$are$well$worth$ looking$forward$to$in$2018$and$I’m$going$to$give$you$a$brief$summary$about$their$ pedigree$and$future$plans$for$the$season$ahead.$ $
! AL!AMIR! 3$b$c$Frankel$–$Emirates$Queen$ $ Form:$R$$ Trainer:$Simon$Crisford$ Owner:$Sheikh$Mohammed$Obaid$Al$Maktoum$ First$foal;$dam$1m2f$and$1m4f$Group$2$winner,$halfRsister$to$7fR1m$Group$1$ winner/top$sire$Dubawi,$1m2f$Listed$winner$Princess$Nada$and$Listed$Placed/2m$ winner$UAE$King$(by$Frankel).$This$colt$has$a$beautifully$pedigree$and$should$ make$up$into$an$above$average$threeRyearRold$this$season$for$Simon$Crisford.$ $ !!
!ALMOGHARED!$ 3$b$c$Dansili$–$Ezima! $ Form:$R$ Trainer:$John$Gosden$ Owner:$Hamdan$Al$Maktoum! Very$wellRbred$son$of$Dansili$that$is$a$halfRbrother$to$Epsom$Oaks$and$King$ George$VI$and$Queen$Elizabeth$Stakes$winner$Taghrooda$and$1m4f$Maiden$ winner$winner$Taqaareed.$This$colt$should$come$into$his$own$over$middle$ distances$this$season$and$looks$a$name$worth$keeping$an$eye$on$in$Maidens.$
ARGENTELLO! 3$b$c$Intello$–$Evita$ $ Form:$R$$ Trainer:$John$Gosden$ Owner:$Sheikh$Juma$Dalmook$Al$Maktoum$ 140,000gns$yearling;$closely$related$to$French$winner$Daana$Qatar,$halfRbrother$ to$1m$winner$Mooharib;$dam$halfRsister$to$multiple$Group$1$winners$Rewilding$ and$Dar$Re$Mi.$This$colt$has$clearly$taken$time$to$come$to$hand,$like$many$by$the$ sire$but$this$well$related$threeRyearRold$looks$an$interesting$prospect$for$maidens$ this$season$
! ! ! ! CRYSTAL!KING$ 3$ch$c$Frankel$R$Crystal$Star$ $ Form:$R$ Trainer:$Sir$Michael$Stoute$ Owner:$Sir$Evelyn$De$Rothschild! Potentially$very$smart$colt;$Crystal$King$hails$from$a$very$good$family$with$class$ running$right$through.$He’s$a$halfRbrother$to$Group$2$winner$Crystal$Capella,$ Canadian$Grade$1$winner$Hillstar$and$Group$3$winner$Crystal.$This$colt’s$debut$is$ eagerly$anticipated$and$this$beautifully$bred$son$of$Frankel$could$be$a$very$dark$ horse$this$season.$He$looks$a$middle$distance$performer$in$the$making.$
! ! !
FALCON!EIGHT! 3$b$c$Galileo$–$Polished$Gem$ $ Form:$R$$ Trainer:$D$K$Weld$ Owner:$Moyglare$Stud$Farm$ Very$well$bred$son$of$Galileo;$this$colt$is$closely$related$to$1m2f$Group$1$winner$ Free$Eagle,$halfRbrother$to$Group$2$winners$Sapphire$and$Custom$Cut;$dam$7f$ 2yo$winner$out$of$Irish$1,000$Guineas$winner.$This$colt$should$come$into$his$own$ as$a$threeRyearRold$and$looks$a$colt$worth$following$this$season.$
! ! ! ! GRATOT!$ 3$b$c$Le$Havre$R$Absolute$Lady! $$ Form:$R$ Trainer:$John$Gosden$ Owner:$Abdullah$Saeed$Al$Naboodah$ This$son$of$Le$Havre$is$a$halfRbrother$to$unbeaten$French$1,000$Guineas/French$ Oaks$winner$Le$Cressoniere.$Gratot$was$described$as$a$“Big,$rangy$colt$that’s$ immature$at$present.$He’s$all$about$middleRdistances$at$three”.$This$colt$could$ have$a$bright$future$ahead$and$is$one$worth$following$closely.$ $ $ $ $
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HOWMAN!$ 3$b$c$Sea$The$Stars$R$Hoity$Toity! $ Form:$R$ Trainer:$Roger$Varian$ Owner:$Sheikh$Mohammed$Obaid$Al$Maktoum$ Very$expensive$450,000gns$purchase$as$a$yearling$this$colt$is$a$halfRbrother$to$ twoRtime$Group$1$winner$Lillie$Langtry,$dam$of$sevenRtime$Group$1$winner$ between$1mR1m4f$Minding.$This$son$of$Sea$The$Stars$has$clearly$taken$time$to$ mature$but$he$looks$an$exciting$threeRyearRold$prospect$for$his$connections.$ $ $ $ $
! IMPROVE! 3$b$f$Iffraaj$–$Choose$Me$ $ Form:$R$ Trainer:$William$Haggas$ Owner:$Yvonne$Jacques$ Nicely$bred$filly$being$a$halfRsister$to$Group$1$QEII$Stakes$winner$Persuasive$and$ Listed$winner/Group$3$placed$Tisbutadream,$who$had$an$excellent$campaign$last$ year.$This$filly$has$been$named$very$well$as$all$her$family$does$is$improve.$She’s$ an$interesting$prospect$for$the$season$ahead.$$ $ $
! !
KITE!WING!$ 3$ch$c$Pivotal$R$Gull$Wing$ $ Form:$R$ Trainer:$John$Gosden$ Owner:$Lady$Bamford! Very$well$bred$colt;$brother$to$Group$2$winner/Group$1$placed$Eagle$Top,$Group$ 2$Dante$Stakes$winner$Wings$Of$Desire$and$Group$2$Park$Hill$Stakes$winner$The$ Lark;$dam$1m6f$Listed$winner,$halfRsister$to$Oaks/Irish$Oaks$winner$Sariska.$This$ could$is$bred$to$make$an$above$average$threeRyearRold$and$has$to$be$respected$ this$season$for$top$connections.$
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! ! SURYA!$ 3$b$c$Frankel$–$Sariska$ $ Form:$ Trainer:$John$Gosden$ Owner:$Lady$Bamford$ Son$of$Frankel$that$is$a$halfRsister$to$maiden$winner/Listed$placed$Snow$Moon;$ dam$brilliant$winner$of$the$Epsom$Oaks/Irish$Oaks$for$Michael$Bell,$halfRsister$to$ Gull$Wing$the$dam$of$previously$mentioned$Eagle$Top,$Wings$Of$Desire,$The$Lark$ and$newcomer$Kite$Wing.$Surya$has$a$pedigree$to$die$for$and$is$one$I$personally$ can’t$wait$to$see$in$2018.$ ! ! ! ! ! ! !
OLDER&HORSES! Aljazeera$ Alwaysandforever$ Ajman$King$ Bowerman$ Crystal$Ocean$ Dark$Pearl$ Dash$Of$Spice$ Dynamic$ Golden$Birthday$ Tribute$Act$ Yellowhammer$ $ $ ! ! !
PATTERN'CLASS! THREE:YEAR:OLDS! !
Amedeo$Modigliani$ Contingent$ Elarqam$ Family$Tree$ Herculean$ Key$Victory$ Liquid$Amber$ Photographer$ Thrave$ Wille$John$ Without$Parole! !
! DARK%HORSES! ! Brundtland! Elector! Extra$Elusive! Highgarden! Kinaesthesia! Lady$Of$Shalott! Msayyan! Occupy! Regal$Reality! Stephensons$Rocket! Tenedos! The$Revenant! !
! HANDICAPS! Antagonist$ Bombyx$ Breath$Caught$ Comrade$In$Arms$ Danceteria$ Glencadam$Master$ Global$Excel$ Global$Style$ House$Edge$ Pentland$Hills$ Preening$ !
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MAIDENS$ Al$Muffrih$ Baritone$ Court$Of$Justice$ Ghostwatch$ Hazarfiya$ Humbolt$Current$ Ibraz$ Mekong$ Momentarily$ Qazyna$ Rashdan$ Sharja$Silk$ Starcaster$ Voluminous$ Wadilsafa$ ! ! $$
MAIDENS$
!
Al$Amir$ Almoghared$ Argentello$ Crystal$King$ Falcon$Eight$ Gratot$ Howman$ Improve$ Kite$Wing$ Surya$