Flat Horses To Follow 2019

FLAT

HORSES TO FOLLOW 2019

C A L L U M

C O N N O C H I E

OLDER HORSES The 'Older Horses' section of my list is dedicated to horses aged four and above. This section produced plenty of winners in the past, most notably Group 1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes Winner The Tin Man and Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes Winner Persuasive.

Last season’s ‘Older Horses’ section produced seven individual winners, with Dash Of Spice improving from a mark of 82, to end the campaign rated 106. Other winners included, Alwaysandforver, Ajman King, Crystal Ocean, Dark Pearl and Dynamic.

I'm pretty hopeful the following horses have what it takes to progress further in 2019, and have the scope to do throughout the season ahead. 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 up until now.

CANVASSED (IRE)

4 b g Shamardal – Painter’s Prince Form: 1Trainer: Roger Varian Owner: Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum This gelded son of Shamardal didn’t make his racecourse debut until September last year but he created a very big impression to say the least. He travelled beautifully throughout before making very smooth headway under a very confident Jack Mitchell, quickening clear inside the final furlong to record a three-length victory. The form of that contest has worked out well enough with the third and fourth both winning since. Canvassed cost 350,000gns as a yearling and is out of a half-sister to outstanding Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Peintre Celebre. I think it’s fair to say this gelding has a long way to go to live-up to his pedigree and hefty price tag but he strikes me as the type that’ll progress well this season and hopefully pick up a race or two.

ELWAZIR (GB)

4 b ch Frankel – Dash To The Front Form: 24-115Trainer: Owen Burrows Owner: Hamdan Al Maktoum Very well-bred son of Frankel; Elwazir built on the promise he showed as a two-yearold last season by recording two very fluent victories, including a very good win over subsequent Melbourne Cup winner Cross Counter at Sandown. He didn’t live up to the market expectations on his final outing in the Group 3 Rose Of Lancaster at Haydock, he took a keen hold early on before chasing down the clear winner and seemingly getting tired late on. I can happily forgive him that effort on what was only his fifth career start and I strongly believe he’s a lot better than he showed there. This colt is a half-brother to Speedy Boarding, who progressed nicely as a four-year-old, which included two-Grade 1 wins. I’m hoping this scopey son of Frankel can also progress well this season and should make his mark in pattern-races over 1m2f-1m4f.

FALCON EIGHT (IRE)

4 b c Galileo – Polished Gem Form: 113Trainer: Dermot Weld Owner: Moyglare Stud Farm Well related colt; Falcon Eight is a full-brother to Group 1 winner Free Eagle, who was a very good horse for these connections. Falcon Eight shaped like he may be a very good horse in his own right last season when winning his first two starts for Dermot Weld and Moyglare Stud Farm, but possibly didn’t have the experience when stepped up in class on his final outing of the season. He finished third in a Group 3 at Naas on his first attempt over 2m, he ran an encouraging race to finish third despite never looking likely to challenge. He still seemed a bit babyish on that occasion, and possibly just got caught out on his first effort upped in class/trip. This colt is bred to make a very good four-year-old with his family progressing well with age and racing experience. He should start to look more the finished article this season, there’s a good campaign for horses like him in Ireland. The Irish St Leger will likely be one of his main targets this season.

GHAIYYATH (IRE)

4 b c Dubawi – Nightime Form: 311-1 Trainer: Charlie Appleby Owner: Godolphin Expensive purchase as a foal; half-brother to Grade 1 winner Zhukova; dam won Irish 1,000 Guineas winner. Ghaiyyath was a dark horse for the Epsom Derby last season but a few niggling issues meant he was forced to miss the majority of the 2018 Flat season. He recorded a very impressive success on his only start last season in the Group 3 Prix du Prince d’Orange at Deauville, recording a three-length victory over the very useful Sacred Life. Always travelling sweetly, William Buick eased him into the lead 1f out before putting the race to bed rather quickly.

This son of Dubawi has the necessary size and scope to excel as a four-year-old this season and should make himself known in Group 1 races throughout the campaign. I think a step up to 1m4 will unlock plenty of improvement in this colt this season and is definitely worth following through the season for Charlie Appleby, who’ll have Epsom Derby winner Masar to look forward to again in 2019.

HEY JONESY (IRE)

4 b g Excelebration – Fikrah Form: 257032Trainer: Kevin Ryan Owner: Pallister Racing Hey Jonesy is possibly one of the most exposed or to put it nicely, more experienced than most of the horses featuring on this list but I’m convinced he has a big prize in him this season. He was kept busy by his connections last season and was possibly unlucky not to win a race during his campaign, but he was pretty highly tried and ran twice in Group 1 company. I thought he ran a nice race in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot when finishing fifth and would have possibly finished a little closer if drawn a little higher and racing closer to those fighting out the finish. Hey Jonesy went off too fast in front with Harry Angel in the 32Red Sprint Cup at Haydock on ground far softer than ideal, weakening over 1f out. I thought there was a lot to like about his performance dropped in class for the Listed Wentworth Stakes on his final outing. He travelled nicely before hitting the front only to be collared by Donjuan Triumphant, who had shaped well in Group 1 company on his previous start. Now gelded, I can see this horse doing very well as a four-year-old and should be more than capable of winning races returned to better ground.

KLASSIQUE (GB)

4 b f Galileo – Chachamaidee Form: 521112Trainer: William Haggas Owner: Miss Yvonne Jacques Very well-bred filly; Klassique is by Galileo, out of Chachamaidee, who won the Group 1 Matron Stakes in the steward’s room for Sir Henry Cecil. Klassique came a long way in a short space of time last season, winning three-times in six races between June and October. I was very impressed with her when she won her second handicap under James Doyle at Newmarket, she travelled beautifully and you could have called her the winner a mile out. Pitched into a Group 3 in France on her final start, the lack of pace in French races meant connections felt she needed to be handy throughout, but with it being her first attempt at 1m6f, she found herself racing keenly in the lead setting a steady pace and always looked a sitting duck to a filly with a turn of foot.

There should be plenty more to come from her this season and I’m hopeful she can make herself known in 1m4f-1m6f Listed/Group races for fillies. I think the Group 3 Brontë Cup at York could be an ideal early season target over 1m5f.

MAID OF SPIRIT (IRE)

4 br f Invincible Spirit – Indian Maiden Form: 13Trainer: Clive Cox Owner: Con Harrington A big, powerful filly; Maid Of Spirit got off the mark at the first time of asking when winning at Windsor last season. Running green throughout, this daughter of Invincible Spirit looked pretty clueless when coming under a ride by Hector Crouch, changing her leg leads and carrying her head high but she picked up like a filly with a bright future. She was a receiving 7lb from two previous winners that day but I think the clear inexperience she showcased on that occasion negated the weight she received.

Maid Of Spirit didn’t exactly put her previous experience to good use when getting beat in a weaker contest at Kempton a month later, possibly doing well to finish fourth under a penalty after rearing coming out of the stalls and giving away plenty of ground early on. I think this filly will make a smashing four-year-old this season for her connections and should have strengthen into her big frame over the winter. I think 6f will be her ideal trip this season.

NARYNKOL (GB)

4 ch g Declaration Of War – Nazym Form: 632Trainer: Roger Varian Owner: Nurlan Bizakov This son of Declaration Of War didn’t make his racecourse debut until last season but progressed with each outing and has the size and pedigree to develop into an above four-year-old this season. He chased home two smart types in the shape of Wadilsafa, who subsequently landed a Listed race and is now rated 113. He again bumped into a smart rival when chasing home Argentello at Yarmouth on his final start. Narynkol has been gelded since his last run and I think his opening mark of 84 is very workable when you consider some of the horses he’s come up against to date. I’m more than hopeful he can win races this season off that mark and he should have no problem staying 1m2f. Narynkol is a half-brother to Nausha, who won very nicely on debut at Newbury last season and also looks a smart prospect for the same connections.

OCALA (GB)

4 ch f Nathaniel – Night Carnation Form: 232Trainer: Andrew Balding Owner: George Strawbridge Ocala showed glimpses of ability as a juvenile in 2017 but only made one appearance last season as a three-year-old but again gave the impression she’s a filly that is more than capable of winning races. The daughter of Nathaniel was no match for subsequent Grade 1 E.P.Taylor Stakes winner Sheikha Reikha off level weights, with four-time winner and Group 3 winner Maid Up six-lengths back in third. Clearly met with a few setbacks since, Ocala is believed to be back in-training and I think connections main objective will be to gain some black-type with her this season. I think her mark of 80 seriously underestimates her ability and if she returns to the same level of form this season, she’ll laugh at that rating. I think she’ll have no problem staying beyond 1m this season and might appreciate some cut in the ground being a daughter of Nathaniel.

OUTBOX (GB)

4 b g Frankel – Emirates Queen Form: 111Trainer: Simon Crisford Owner: Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum Outbox is undoubtedly one of the best-bred horses in training, being by Frankel out of Emirates Queen, a Group 2 winning half-sister to Dubawi. Outbox made his racecourse debut having already been gelded by connections in a Novice Stakes at Ffos Las last September, sent off a 5/1 shot, I think it’s fair to say not a lot was expected of this son of Frankel but he stayed on powerfully to defeat a useful type by over two-lengths. He followed up that success 19-days later, defying a 7lb penalty to make all at Leicester. Outbox made it 3/3 a month later when defeating two more experienced and higher rated rivals in a Conditions Stakes on Good to Soft ground at Newbury, seemingly relishing the 1m5f distance. This gelding quickly developed into a very smart horse in the making in just a handful of runs last season and he should have plenty more to come in 2019 with his family often improving with age and racing experience. Outbox seems versatile regards ground conditions and he might develop into a ‘Cup’ horse as the season goes on.

ROCK EAGLE (GB)

4 ch g Teofilo – Highland Shot Form: 12141Trainer: Ralph Beckett Owner: J C Smith Rock Eagle didn’t make his racecourse debut until the end of April last year but quickly developed into a very useful prospect for his connections. He defeated a well-regarded horse trained by Hugo Palmer on his debut at Windsor, travelling well before staying on well to lead inside the final furlong. He bumped into a few smart and more experienced rivals on his handicap debut, including subsequent Listed winners Communique and Global Giant.

Rock Eagle stayed on well on that occasion and looked badly in need of a step up in trip, but did give the impression he was a very well handicapped horse. He confirmed that when landing the Old Rowley Cup Handicap on his next start, relishing the step up to 1m4f to hold off Astronomer.

This son of Teofilo has only had five career starts to date and there should be plenty more to come from him this season and remains very well handicapped off 97. I think the Ebor at York looks made for him with the step up to 1m6f unlocking further improvement.

SEXTANT (GB)

4 b c Sea The Stars – Hypoteneuse Form: 212Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute Owner: The Queen Sextant hails from a family The Queen has had plenty of success with, and this son of Sea The Stars is a half-brother to winners Maths Prize, Pythagorean and Equal Sum. He ran a nice race on his debut at Nottingham last season despite having a few excuses on the day. He was slowly away and then waited with in the rear before being denied a clear run over 2f out, and only found a more experienced and better positioned rival too good on the day. Sextant got off the mark at the second time of asking in very good style despite again showing signs of greenness and again starting very slowly. He won by over two-lengths on that occasion but I thought he won with a lot more up his sleeve and it was hard not to be impressed. Beaten at 1/4 on his final outing last season in a match-race, I wasn’t too disappointed in him, he took a bump from his rival and just got worried out of it before trying to battle back. He was a big raw horse last season and should be more the finished article in 2019. He should stay 2m this season and I won’t be surprised if he’s been gelded over the winter to keep his mind on the job.

TA ALLAK (GB)

4 ch c New Approach – Nahrain Form: 3Trainer: Roger Varian Owner: Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum This son of New Approach is out of the very smart Group 1 Prix de L’Opera winner Nahrain, making him a half-brother to two-time Group 1 winner Benbatl. I was at Newbury when this horse made his racecourse at Newbury last April and I thought there was a lot to like about his performance. He looked rather green throughout and it took a while for the penny to drop with him, but when he found his feet, he finished the race in very good fashion. Ta Allak hasn’t been seen since that race, and has clearly has been met with a few setbacks since, but like I said previously, there was a lot to like about his debut run in a race that worked out nicely and there should be plenty more to come from him once upped to middle-distances this season. His dam and half-brother didn’t fulfil their potential until competing as four-year-olds, and I’m hoping this horse will be the same.

TABDEED (GB)

4 ch c Havana Gold – Puzzled Form: 1/101Trainer: Owen Burrows Owner: Hamdan Al Maktoum Tabdeed showed he was a smart horse in the making when defeating Yafta readily on his debut as a juvenile, and established himself as a potentially very smart sprinter in the making last season. He was slightly disappointing over 7f in the in the Group 3 Jersey Stakes, possibly racing on the wrong-side of the track and didn’t seem to see out the trip. Given a break before his next start, he returned in a 0-105 at Ascot dropped back to 6f, travelling very well before having to wait for a gap, he picked up very well once in the clear and was value for a lot more. That win came off a mark of 96, upped 6lb for his Ascot win, I think there’s another handicap in him off 103 this season, with the Wokingham an option if connections can protect his mark, before entering pattern-class races. I’m really excited to see how this son of Havana Gold can progress this season, and with natural progression, he could have a big say in some top 6f this season.

TILGHMAN (IRE)

4 b g Lawman – Poppet’s Lopvein Form: 242Trainer: William Jarvis Owner: Clive Washbourn This son of Lawman made good progress last season in three career starts for William Jarvis, chasing home some very useful types on each occasion. He built on his highly promising debut behind Danzan at Chelmsford to finish fourth behind the very smart First Contact in race at Doncaster that has produced plenty of future winners.

Tilghman hasn’t been seen since finishing a very good second to 100 rated Aurum at Newmarket last season, with 93 rated Ibraz, 94 rated Epaulement and a few other future winners in behind. Now gelded; Tilghman has clearly had a few niggling issues since his fine second at Newmarket last season but time off the track could be a blessing in disguise and he could be very well treated off a mark of 80 this season for William Jarvis and Clive Washbourn, who also has Thundering Blue and Danceteria to look forward to.

WADILSAFA (GB)

4 b c Frankel – Rumoush Form: 2/1911Trainer: Owen Burrows Owner: Hamdan Al Maktoum Wadilsafa was a three-time winner for the Flat Horses To Follow last season and after landing his first win, he quickly developed into a very smart colt. He got his revenge on Herculean at Newmarket in May, making good use of the 7lb he was receiving to record an eased over three-lengths win. He disappointed when quietly fancied for the Group 3 Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot on his next start but he seemed to have legitimate excuses on that occasion, which can easily be forgiven. He was keen and raced with no cover before fading after getting himself into a challenging position against more experienced rivals. This well-bred son of Frankel left that effort way behind when hacking up off a mark of 100 on his handicap debut at York before following up in the Listed Fortune Stakes at Sandown. I don’t think we’ve scratched the surface of this his ability yet and I’ll be disappointed if he couldn’t make his mark in Group races this season. I think 1m will be his likely best trip but I wouldn’t rule out another go over 1m2f in time.

DARK HORSES & PATTERN CLASS THREE-YEAR-OLDS The ‘Dark Horses & Pattern Class Three-Year-Olds’ section will hopefully unlock some horses that may have gone under the radar over the winter, and horses that could make a big impact in 2019. The ‘Dark Horses’ are pretty self-explanatory in the sense that they’re horses that have untapped potential with the majority breaking their maiden-tag before being put away with next season in mind. I’m hoping most of them can take the step up to ‘Pattern Class’ company in their stride as the season goes on.

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. Others may be seen to best effect once stepping into high-end three-year-old handicaps throughout the campaign.

The ‘Dark Horse’ section produced plenty of winners during the 2018 season, including three-time winner Brundtland (two Group 2 wins), Highgarden (Listed winner) and Regal Reality (Group 3 winner). The ‘Pattern Class’ has also produced its fair share of winners in the last few seasons, Without Parole was a Group 1 winner for the list last year when landing the St James’s Palace at Royal Ascot.

ALFAATIK (GB)

3 b c Sea The Stars – Biz Bar Form: 1Trainer: John Gosden Owner: Hamdan Al Maktoum 850,000gns yearling; half-brother to six winners, most notably Group 1 Italian Derby winner Biz The Nurse. This sizeable won pretty nicely on his racecourse debut at Chelmsford in December despite looking rather clueless throughout. He was slowly away and very green early on but made up ground rapidly when coming under a ride around the bend, in the style of a horse with a very bright future indeed. He had a good look around at the floodlights, but comfortably nursed ahead of his stablemate without his rider opting for the whip. I think this horse could be very smart, and I think we’ll be seeing this son of Sea The Stars in a Derby trial in the spring. He’s a big, raw horse that’s firmly in the ‘could be anything’ category at this stage of his career.

AL HILALEE (GB) 3 b c Dubawi – Ambivalent Form: 11Trainer: Charlie Appleby Owner: Godolphin I was impressed with this son of Dubawi when making a winning debut on the July Course last season over a distance that would have been a lot sharper than ideal. His task was possibly made a little easier when his seemingly more fancied stablemate Art Du Val was withdrawn after being unruly in the stalls, but this got the job done in good style on that occasion despite running green and hanging right over 1f out to win by over three-lengths. He maintained his unbeaten record when landing a Listed contest in Deauville, the form has worked out nicely with the second and third both landing Listed races in their own right since. I think was this colt did as a two-year-old will be a bonus as he’s bred to come into his own over middle-distances this season.

He looks a smart colt that should be seen in a Derby trial during the spring.

CAP FRANCAIS (GB) 3 b c Frankel – Miss Cap Ferrat Form: 211Trainer: Ed Walker Owner: John Pearce Racing Ltd Cap Francais built on his very promising debut at Newbury to win his next two outings in the style of a colt with a very bright future ahead of him. He appreciated the step up to 1m when drawing clear of a few subsequent winners at Salisbury in September before pulling comfortably clear under a 6lb penalty 23-days later at Haydock. This son of Frankel is bred to do appreciate middle-distance trips this season and I think that’ll unlock plenty more improvement in him. Cap Francais is potentially lurking on a good handicap mark at present (90), which gives his connections a few more options.

He strikes me as the type that could run in the London Gold Cup at Newbury, which has a very good roll of honour of horses with similar profiles to this colt.

CHABLIS (GB) 3 b f Galileo – Vadawina Form: 1Trainer: A P O’Brien Owner: Mrs John Magnier & Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith 1,550,000gns yearling; sister to The Pentagon, half-sister to six winners, most notably Group 2 winner Vadamar. This well-bred filly made a very pleasing debut at Gowran Park and did what very few from Ballydoyle manage to do on debut, win. I don’t that was it was the strongest of contests you’ll see, but she picked up well when the gaps came under a hands and heels ride and will certainly learn a lot from that experience.

Chablis is bred to develop into a very smart middle-distance filly this season and should relish the prospect of stepping up in trip. The Oaks looks very unclear at this stage and I think this filly could throw her name into the hat this season. I suspect we’ll be seeing her in a trial in the spring, along with the rest of her stables battalion.

DANCING VEGA (IRE) 3 ch f Lope De Vega – We Can Say It Now Form: 1Trainer: Ralph Beckett Owner: Waverley Racing €150,000 yearling; half-sister to 1m/1m2f Group 3 winner Sky Kingdom; dam Group 1 winner in New Zealand. Ralph Beckett and Waverley Racing unleashed some very smart fillies last season, all by Lope De Vega, but despite others achieving more than this filly last season, I thought this filly possess the most natural ability of them all.

Dancing Vega made one of the most impressive winning debuts seen last season when bolting up at Doncaster. She took a keen hold early, before making stealthy headway on the bit and quickened clear of a 93 rated filly by four-lengths. She’s bred to get 1m2f this season, but this filly is definitely not short of speed and I suspect we’ll be seeing her in a Guineas trial. She’s a filly I’m excited about and has a big future ahead of her.

FASHION’S STAR (IRE)

3 ch f Sea The Stars – Ninas Terz Form: 1Trainer: Roger Charlton Owner: Andrew Rosen Fashion’s Star made a very good impression when comfortably landing a Conditions Stakes on her racecourse debut at Newbury last September, shaping like a filly with a very bright future ahead of her. She travelled nicely in midfield, before asserting well to pull over a length clear of a decent field under an educational ride by Oisin Murphy. The ground that day was Good to Soft, which she seemed to handle well enough, but I don’t think cut in the ground will be vital for this filly as she’s a very good mover. Being a daughter of Sea The Stars you’d expect this filly to stay beyond 1m this season, and I’d expect to see her in a classic trial in the spring. She’s a sizeable filly that has the necessary scope to make an above average three-year-old this season for Roger Charlton and Andrew Rosen. She really could be anything at this stage.

FRANKELLINA (GB)

3 ch f Frankel – Our Obsession Form: 1Trainer: William Haggas Owner: A E Oppenheimer Well-bred filly; As her name may suggest, Frankellina is by the brilliant Frankel, and hails from the family of Epsom Derby and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Golden Horn. Frankellina was well supported in the betting prior or making a promising winning debut at Yarmouth last season and potentially looks a filly that could have a very good season ahead of her. She took a keen hold early on, but stayed on well when coming under a ride to record a narrow victory over Oussel Falls, who looks a bright prospect in her own right. I was impressed she could win that race despite clearly needing a lot further, and that can only bode well with this season in mind.

She’ll likely be targeted at an Oaks trial in the spring and should relish a step up to 1m4f this season for William Haggas and Anthony Oppenheimer.

HEADMAN (GB) 3 b c Kingman – Deliberate Form: 21Trainer: Roger Charlton Owner: K Abdullah Headman looked the real deal when winning on his debut at Newcastle in November, travelling extremely well throughout, he led on the bridle over 1f out before readily pulling clear, landing a gamble in the process. The straight mile at Newcastle is pretty stiff, and I was surprised to see this son of Kingman run again 20-days later over 7f at Kempton, which would have been a totally different test to what he encountered on debut. Carrying a 7lb penalty for his Newcastle success, he took a bump after leaving his wide post, getting quite lit up early on before taking up a prominent position with the leader. He soon quickened clear with the eventual winner but couldn’t match his rivals change of gear on the day, but I felt he lost little in defeat on the night with a few things going against him. I think he’d have learnt a lot from the Kempton race compared to the Newcastle race, which was more a racecourse gallop. Roger Charlton said he’ll be aiming this colt at the 2,000 Guineas and he should have plenty more to come in 2019.

KHUZAAM (USA)

3 ch c Kitten’s Joy - Afraah Form: 21Trainer: Roger Varian Owner: Hamdan Al Maktoum I thought this colt ran a very nice race on his racecourse debut in November and was pretty strong in the market despite Jim Crowley opting for the Owen Burrows trained Dawaam, who went on to win the race. I thought the winner (Dawaam) knew his job a lot more than Khuzaam and once the penny dropped, he came home strongly to post some impressive closing sectionals. This son of Kitten’s Joy built on that effort to get off the mark at the second time of asking at Kempton. Travelling nicely despite being carried wide on the home turn, Khuzaam loomed up on the outside and won rather cosily despite being chased down by a very nice horse called Deal A Dollar, with 87 rated Fightwithme seven-lengths back in third. This son of Kitten’s Joy hails from a very good Shadwell family that includes 1,000 Guineas Ghanaati and 2,000 Guineas/Epsom Derby winner Nashwan. This colt looks to have a very nice future ahead of him and has the size and scope to progress throughout 2019. 1m2f should be his optimum distance and he should be equally as effective on grass.

MADHMOON (IRE)

3 b c Dawn Approach – Aaraas Form: 11Trainer: Kevin Prendergast Owner: Hamdan Al Maktoum Madhmoon created a very good impression when brushing aside a very smart type on his debut, who subsequently went on to finish second in the Group 1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud. Madhmoon travelled very well behind the leaders before quickening clear to win by over two-lengths. Stepped up in class on his next start over the same C&D, this son of Dawn Approach only needed to be ridden under a hands and heels ride in the closing stages to convincingly defeat Group 1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagadere second Broome. This colt looks to have a very big future ahead of him and his two wins last season possibly got a little overlooked amongst the hype and brilliance of Too Darn Hot and Quorto, who both look likely to look horns in the 2,000 Guineas. Madhmoon is bred to win an English 2,000 Guineas, being by 2013 winner Dawn Approach, out of a dam sired by 2004 winner Haafhd. He could be a high-class miler in the making.

MYRMIDONS (IRE) 3 ch g Casamento – Allegrissimo Form: 1Trainer: Michael Dods Owner: Dave Stone This son of Casamento impressed me when making a winning debut at Redcar in October despite showing clear signs of inexperience and possibly finding the 7f trip on the sharp side. He was one of the first of the bridle and looked in trouble, but picked up very well entering the final furlong despite running green and edging left towards the finish to win comfortably. Michael Dods described this gelding as ‘immature and backward’ after his win, so you have to think he’ll improve plenty physically and mentally for that effort. Being by Casamento and a half-brother to a 2m hurdle winner, Myrmidons should unlock further improvement once stepped up in distance this season. I think this horse will be more a handicap type once gaining a rating and should progress as the season goes no. I’m a big fan of Michael Dods, and he’ll undoubtedly get the best out of this horse this season.

NAUSHA (GB) 3 b f Kingman – Nazym Form: 1Trainer: Roger Varian Owner: Nurlan Bizakov This daughter of brilliant miler Kingman created a very smart impression when landing a good Newbury contest on her racecourse debut last season, and was pretty well found in the betting to do so. Travelling strongly throughout, she was shaken up to lead over 1f out before showing a very likeable attitude to fend off a more experienced filly trained by John Gosden that has won since. Her Newbury win came over 1m but being out of a Galileo mare, you’d expect her to stay 1m2f this season, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see her kept to 1m. Nausha looks to have the size and scope to make a very smart three-year-old this season for Roger Varian and Nurlan Bizakov, who had a similar type in Altyn Orda place in a couple of Group 1 races last season.

QUEEN POWER (IRE)

3 ch f Shamardal – Princess Serena Form: 1Trainer: Ralph Beckett Owner: King Power Racing Co Ltd 500,000gns yearling; sister to winners Puissance De Lune, Princess De Lune and His Majesty, closely related useful winner Zabeel Prince. This daughter of Shamardal lived up to her price tag when making a good winning debut at Newmarket in October for Ralph Beckett, who seemingly holds this filly in very high regard. She got was always in the right position throughout travelling nicely, she quickened up smartly at the business end to pull nicely clear of some potentially smart fillies. Queen Power looks a very smart filly in her own right, there should be plenty more to come from her this season, and she looks another good prospect for Ralph Beckett, who has some very nice three-year-olds to look forward to this season. I think we’ll be seeing this filly in a Guineas trial in the spring, with races like the Fred Darling or the Nell Gwyn over the same C&D she won her maiden another option.

SPACE BLUES (IRE)

3 ch c Dubawi – Miss Lucifer Form: 1Trainer: Charlie Appleby Owner: Godolphin Space Blues looked a very smart colt in the making when winning very impressively on his racecourse debut at Nottingham in November. I loved the way this well-bred son of Dubawi quickened clear, only needing to be ridden with hands and heels by James Doyle in the driving rain, which would have been tough for a juvenile making their debut, he picked up like a horse with serious natural ability. He pulled nicely clear of a smart rival trained by John Gosden on that occasion, who had the benefit of experience and had shown a decent level of ability beforehand. Space Blues clearly knew his job on debut like many from the stable but there should be plenty more to come from him this season, especially when tackling middle-distances. He enjoyed the cut in the ground at Nottingham, like many by Dubawi, but I see no reason why he can’t be as effective on a sounder surface. Space Blues doesn’t hold any fancy entries, so it’ll be interesting to see where he starts his campaign.

SPARKLE ROLL (FR) 3 gr f Kingman – Ysoldina

Form: 51Trainer: John Gosden Owner: Kin Hung Kei, Qatar Racing & L Dassault 750,000gns yearling; half-sister to 2017 Epsom Derby winner Wings Of Eagles, Torentosa and Gyrella. This daughter of Kingman went off favourite on her racecourse debut last season, but ran far too green to do herself justice. She shaped as if she would improve massively on that effort on her next outing, and that she did, winning very nicely at Haydock by over three-lengths. She still looked relatively inexperienced that day, swishing her tail when given a tap with the whip

by Nicky Mackay before readily pulling. Sparkle Roll has plenty of scope to progress this season, being a halfsister to Wings Of Eagles, she should also develop into a very smart three-year-old this campaign.

This filly seems to enjoy some cut in the ground and will appreciate a step up to 1m2f this season.

She looks a very bright prospect for her connections.

SKARDU (GB) 3 ch c Shamardal – Diala Form: 1Trainer: William Haggas Owner: Abdulla Al Khalifa Skardu wouldn’t have been fully tuned-up for his debut, like many from the stable, but that didn’t stop this son of Shamardal defeating two well-touted Godolphin horses, and making a very impressive winning debut at Newmarket. He was understandably green and a tad keen early on, he was given time to learn his job, and once the penny dropped, he impressively quickened clear like a very smart colt indeed. It was hard not to be impressed with him and there should be plenty more to come from him as a three-year-old this season, and he seems to have the necessary size and scope to do very well. His dam won a maiden over the same C&D as he did as a two-year-old, before heading straight for the 1,000 Guineas. I suspect we could be seeing this colt in the 2,000 Guineas this season with or without a prep run. He’s an exciting prospect for his connections.

STORMWAVE (IRE)

3 b c Dalakhani – Celtic Slipper Form: 1Trainer: Ralph Beckett Owner: Abdulla Al Khalifa I was very impressed with this son of Dalakhani when landing a touch on debut at Salisbury last season, shaping like a colt that’ll make a smashing three-year-old. Always travelling well, he ran on well despite showing signs of inexperience to win comfortably under Harry Bentley.

Stormwave is by Dalakhani, out of Group 3 winner Celtic Slipper, making him a full-brother to Ralph Beckett’s smart mare Moonrise Landing, who won All-Weather Marathon Championship and a Listed contest over 1m6f at York. I think the fact this colt has won over 1m as a juvenile bodes very well for his future and he should come into his own over a lot further this season. I loved the way he won on debut and I couldn’t help but have a few quid on for the St Leger at 50/1. He really could be anything, and is a horse I’m very much looking forward to this season.

SURFMAN (GB)

3 b c Kingman – Shimmering Surf Form: 31Trainer: Roger Varian Owner: P Winkworth Well-bred colt; Surfman is by Kingman and a half-brother to last season’s Group 1 Prix Vermeille winner Kitesurf. He made a very pleasing debut in a good maiden at Nottingham in October, finishing third behind two useful types despite being slowly into stride and getting hampered inside the final furlong. He built on the promise he showed on that occasion to get off the mark at the second time of asking back at Nottingham, staying on very well to win comfortably. Surfman has quite a pronounced knee-action and he seemed to enjoy the ease in the ground when winning his maiden. He’s a big raw horse that should develop into a very useful middle-distances performer this season, he’s held in pretty high-regard by Roger Varian, and I’m hopeful he can hold his own in pattern-class races this season on soft ground.

TANKERVILLE (USA)

3 b c Kitten’s Joy – Starformer Form: 1Trainer: D K Weld Owner: K Abdullah Big, powerful son of Kitten’s Joy, who created a very good impression when landing his maiden at Gowran Park last season. He was very well supported in the betting on that occasion and landed the odds in very good style. Always travelling nicely, he picked up very well when asked to go and win his race, stretching away in the style of a very good colt in the making. He seemed to handle the Yielding ground well, but I suspect he’ll be even better when tackling better ground this season. Like I said, he’s a big colt and he should matured into his big frame over the winter and develop into a high-class three-year-old this season. Dermot Weld mentioned the Ballysax Stakes as a potential early target for this colt, and I’d be hopeful of a good showing from him there, if that remains the plan. He should come into his own over middle-distances this season and is in more than capable hands to reach his true potential.

HANDICAPS The ‘Handicaps’ section looks to find some well-handicapped three-year-olds to follow during the 2019 season, with the view to find some winners. 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 entering handicap company. Last year’s ‘Handicaps’ section brought us a few winners, most notably Danceteria, who won five-times, improving from a mark of 77 to end the campaign rated 103. Other winners included, Breath Caught, Comrade In Arms, Global Excel, Pentland Hills and Preening.

I’d be hopeful a few of these have what it takes to progress through the handicap ranks before potentially developing into pattern-class performers in time.

AIR FORCE AMY (GB)

3 ch f Sixties Icon – Madame Hol Form: 323Trainer: Mick Channon Owner: Norman Court Stud This daughter of Sixties Icon ran three pleasing races last season as a juvenile, leaving the impression she’ll take her form to a new level as a three-year-old. Air Force Amy chased home two very smart fillies on her racecourse debut in a useful Novice Stakes at Ascot. The winner, Shambolic, went on to finish fourth in the Group 1 Fillies’ Mile on her next start, whilst the second, Model Guest, finished a good fourth in the Group 2 Rockfel Stakes on her next start. Air Force Amy was no match for subsequent Group 3 Oh So Sharp Stakes Winner Mot Juste when second on her next outing at Beverley, but pulled over four-lengths clear of the third. She finished off her season by finishing a staying on third behind the smart-looking Sparkle Roll at Haydock, looking in need of a stiffer test. Air Force Amy is a full-sister to Nancy From Nairobi, who was a smart filly for these connections prior to being sold to America, where she won a Grade 2. Air Force Amy looks fairly treated off a mark of 76 now switched to handicaps.

ALFRED BOUCHER (GB)

3 gr g Aussie Rules – Policy Term Form: 422Trainer: Henry Candy Owner: Robert Allcock Alfred Boucher shaped very well in maiden/novice company last season, despite possibly running over a trip his pedigree suggests is shorter than ideal. He finished behind some useful types on his racecourse debut at Nottingham, including 106 rated True Mason, who had the benefit of experience. He built on the promise he showed on debut to finish a staying on second at Newbury on his next start, again shaping like a stiffer test was needed. He finished his juvenile campaign by finishing a short-head behind subsequent Group 3 winner Mohaather, now rated 108. Alfred Boucher is by Aussie Rules, who is often a good source of stamina, out of a dam that’s a half-Mores Well (won 1m4f Group 3) and Gallient (1m4f winner and 3m novice hurdle winner).

Alfred Boucher was campaigned solely over 6f last season, he should relish a step up in trip this season with his stamina packed pedigree. He looks more than capable of winning races off his current mark.

ALRAJAA (GB)

3 b c Dubawi – Ethaara Form: 452Trainer: John Gosden Owner: Hamdan Al Maktoum Nicely-bred son of Dubawi; half-brother to Etaab and Estiqaama, who both showed plenty as three-year-olds. Alrajaa ran a nice race on his debut at Sandown behind some very smart horses with the form working out extremely well. Arctic Sound (OR110) won a Group 3, Line Of Duty (OR114) won the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf and Fox Tal (OR109) finished third in the Group 1 Criterium de SaintCloud. He ended his campaign finishing a good second to Royal Meeting at Yarmouth, who went on to win the Group 1 Criterium International at Chantilly. On all known form, this son of Dubawi could be very well handicapped off his mark of 83 and should be more than capable of winning races this season. I think 7f/1m will be his trip as a three-year-old.

AUTONOMY (GB) 3 b c Dansili – Funsie

Form: 977Trainer: Sir Mark Prescott Bt Owner: Tim Bunting – Osborne House This son of Dansili is a half-brother to Epsom Derby winner Authorized, and despite not pulling up any trees in three outings last year, Autonomy should take his form to a new level this season once handicapping over middle-distances for Sir Mark Prescott.

This horse wouldn’t have been suited to the nature of the track at Wolverhampton, and looked big and backwards in all three outings. I think like many from the stable, it was all about giving him some experience and getting him to a mark that he can win races off as a three-year-old. Even though he was well-beaten in all three starts, he did plug on well enough and just looked a big baby that needed more time to mature.

Now gelded, this horse should come into his own over 1m4f+ this season and there should be races to be won off his mark of 58.

BACKSTREET GIRL (IRE) 3 b f Shamardal – Beyond Desire Form: 353Trainer: Roger Varian Owner: Clipper Logistics Well-bred filly; Backstreet Girl improved with each start on the all-weather last year for her connections and looks a nicely handicapped filly to go to war with this season.

She didn’t live up to market expectations on her racecourse debut when finishing third at Newcastle on debut, but put that experience to good use when shaping very well, despite getting hampered, in a good Novice Stakes at Kempton. The form of that race has worked out nicely, the winner landed a Conditions Stakes on his next start and the third and fourth have both landed won races since. I think this daughter of Shamardal could be very well-treated off a mark of 67 and reminds me a lot of her half-sister Queen Of Desire, who had a similar profile before winning three-times when switched to Turf.

BANGKOK (IRE)

3 b c Australia – Tanaghum Form: 244Trainer: Andrew Balding Owner: King Power Racing Co Ltd This son of Epsom Derby winner Australia is one of the horses I’m most looking forward to this season and despite not winning a race last season, I thought he shaped with real promise on each outing. He finished a head behind the very smart Sangarius on his debut at Newmarket, with the pair pulling nicely clear of some subsequent winners. Bangkok wasn’t seen to best effect on his next start at Ascot, he took a keen hold and couldn’t sustain his effort over a C&D far from ideal. He ended his campaign with a good fourth in possibly one of the best Maiden Stakes ran last season and was possibly unlucky not to finish a lot closer after faring best of those held-up. I think this colt is absolutely chucked in off a mark of 88 and should relish a step up in distance this season. He looks an ideal type for the London Gold Cup at Newbury in May, but wherever he goes, I’m hopeful he’ll have a fruitful campaign.

BREATH OF AIR (GB)

3 b c Bated Breath – Western Appeal Form: 813Trainer: Charles Hills Owner: K Abdullah Breath Of Air created a very good impression when landing his maiden at Newbury last season, showing a great turn of foot to easily defeat subsequent Group 3 Horris Hill Stakes winner Mohaather by over three-lengths. Breath Of Air still looked pretty immature when stepped up to Listed class on his next outing at Doncaster, travelling well before failing to find the same acceleration he did previously at Newbury to be beaten by two smart types. He ran well to finish third on that occasion, possibly just too weak to do himself justice, I think he’ll be a lot better this season once strengthening into his sizeable frame.

Bated Breath’s offspring seem to progress well with age and I’m hoping this colt will be the same this season. His mark of 93 gives him the opportunity to land a nice handicap earlier on before stepping back up to pattern-class races. His connections might have one eye on the Listed Cornavon Stakes back over the C&D he won his maiden, but there’ll be plenty of options for a horse of his type. He handles cut in the ground well, like many by Bated Breath, but this colt should also be as effective on a sounder surface.

BURIRAM (IRE)

3 b g Reliable Man – Wild Step Form: 535Trainer: Ralph Beckett Owner: King Power Racing Co Ltd Buriram ran a few nice races in defeat last season for his connections, shaping as if he’ll make a lovely middle-distances three-year-old. He ran a nice race on debut on the July Course, finishing fifth in a race that has produced some smart types, most notably Bye Bye Hong Kong and Kick On. Things didn’t quite go to plan on his second start at Musselburgh, possibly unlucky not to finish a lot closer after needing to switch for his effort. I suppose he didn’t run a bad race on his final outing when upped to the extended 1m1f at Wolverhampton his last outing, short of room towards the finish.

Buriram has been gelded over the winter and he should be winning races off a mark of 74 this season. He should be seen at his best over 1m2f this season, he seems pretty versatile regards ground conditions, but wouldn’t want it too quick I’d imagine.

CHARLIE’S BOY (IRE)

3 b c Poet’s Voice – Royal Sister Two Form: 076Trainer: Michael Dods Owner: Sekura Group This son of Poet’s Voice looked rather progressive in maiden/novice company last season despite finishing down the field on each occasion. He built on his effort at Carlisle from a wide draw to shape well in a decent Maiden Stakes at Redcar on his second start. That race has produced a few subsequent winners since, most notably Alkaamel, who was due to feature in this section, but the cat is firmly out of the bag now, having won twice on the AW, improving 16lbs. Charlie’s Boy was only a length behind Alkaamel that day and had 93 rated Blue Gardenia a further length in front. He ended the season with a good sixth behind some very nice types from Newmarket stables. I think the handicapper has given him a good chance off a mark of 61, there should be races to be won with this colt, who should stay 1m this season, especially once gelded.

FOX PREMIER (IRE) 3 b c Frankel – Fann

Form: 6526Trainer: Andrew Balding Owner: King Power Racing Co Ltd 700,000gns yearling; This son of Frankel didn’t exactly live up to the expectation his pedigree and price tag may suggest in a handful of runs as a juvenile last season, but he’s bred to be a middle-distance three-year-old. He was a beaten-favourite on three occasions last season, looking pretty one-paced on each occasion, with his best effort coming at Goodwood, finishing second behind Floating Artist, who finished second in a Listed race on his next start. I think this colt could be potentially very wellhandicapped off a mark of 77 this season with improvement expected as a threeyear-old once competing over 1m2f-1m4f. It’s difficult to know how far this colt can progress this season but his connections will be disappointed if he can’t win races this season.

GROUP STAGE (GER) 3 b g Maxios – Good Hopde

Form: 740Trainer: Alan King Owner: McNeill Family & Niall Farrell I thought this son of Maxios shaped very well in maiden/novice races last season, and looks a nice prospect for Alan King in handicaps this season. He could never land a blow over an inadequate trip on his debut in a decent contest at Sandown that has produced a few winners since. Group Stage built on that effort when upped to 1m for the first time at Nottingham on his next start, travelling very well before failing to land a threat. The form book shows he finished tenth on his final start at Newbury last season, but those that watched that race will know this horse ran a lot better than his finishing position. They split into two groups with Group Stage racing against the stands’ side rail with two others, travelling well, he couldn’t keep the gallop up once the groups merged close to home, but he finished well-ahead of the two others that raced on the stands’ rail. Group Stage has been gelded over the winter and has been given a mark of 68, which I think is very workable based on what we seen from him last year. He should be winning races once upped to 1m2f+ this season for Alan King.

ISANGO (GB)

3 b f Dansili – Incheni Form: 533Trainer: Charlie Fellowes Owner: A E Oppenheimer This daughter of Dansili ran three very promising races last season for Charlie Fellowes despite possibly racing over distances far shorter than ideal. This filly is definitely not short of speed but should enjoy a step up to 1m+ this season, if her pedigree is anything to go by. Isango was possibly unlucky not to finish closer on her final start last year, she travelled well before getting a little outpaced and not getting the clearest of runs before picking up well again towards the finish. I think this filly could be very nicely handicapped off a mark of 71 with natural progression and the step up in distance also potentially unlocking further improvement. She seemed to have more than enough scope to progress as a three-year-old.

JAMES PARK WOODS (IRE) 3 b g Australia – Happy Holly

Form: 526Trainer: Ralph Beckett Owner: Quantum Leap Racing Iv This son of Epsom Derby hero Australia shaped well last season in maiden/novice company, but has the scope to make a very nice three-year-old this season. He ran a nice race on his debut at Doncaster in a very good contest won by subsequent Group 1 winner Royal Marine. Possibly unlucky not too lose his maiden-tag on his next outing, he finished a head second behind Ginistrelli at Newmarket, relishing the extra furlong. He didn’t run too bad on his final start at Wolverhampton, but it’s fair to say he was a little disappointing. I think he had valid excuse that day as I felt he just didn’t handle the sharp nature of the track, and it never played to his strengths. Now gelded, this horse is a lot better than he showed on his final start and I’m hopeful he can win races in handicaps off a mark of 83, he should relish a step up to 1m2f.

KARNAVAAL (IRE)

3 bb c Dubawi – Qareenah Form: 041Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute Owner: Hamdan Al Maktoum This son of Dubawi ran a lot better than his finishing position may suggest on his debut at Ascot last September, in a race that has produced a host of future winners.

He then ran a nice race in a good maiden at Newmarket behind a horse I like a lot in Skardu, finishing fourth, he looked to get a little outpaced inside the final furlong. I put those experiences to good use when landing a gamble at Chelmsford, in a very good time. He’s been given a mark of 82, which I feel is a very lenient handicap mark for this colt with further improvement expected when upped to 1m2f+ this season. Sir Michael Stoute has a very good record in the 1m2f 3yo Handicap on Epsom Derby, which he has won with some nice horses over the years, I think this colt has the right profile for that contest, but wherever he goes, he should be winning races off this mark.

LOCH LADY (GB)

3 b f Camelot – Highland Shot Form: 05-7 Trainer: Ralph Beckett Owner: J C Smith Homebred; half-sister to Group 2 winner Highland Knight and smart prospect Rock Eagle, who looks to have a good season ahead of him in 2019. This daughter of Camelot didn’t pull up many trees in novice races over the winter over trips shorter than her breeding suggest will be her optimum, but has now qualified for a handicap mark. This filly ran green on each occasion, but looked a scopey filly that’ll improve with more time and racing experience. She’s been allocated a mark of 60, which is probably accurate based on what we seen from her so far, but she has the potential to make that look rather silly once stepped up in distance on turf. This daughter of Camelot should be seen to best effect between 1m2f-1m4f this season, and should be pretty versatile regards ground conditions.

LOUIS TREIZE (IRE)

3 ch c Slade Power – Black Rodded Form: 210Trainer: Richard Spencer Owner: Rebel Racing Premier Louis Treize ran a very promising race on his debut at Doncaster last July, travelling like the likely winner, but possibly was in front too soon and found a more experienced rival too good on the day. He put the benefit of that experience to good use when easily winning at Newcastle on his second start by three-lengths. The form of that worked out nicely, most notably with the fifth placed horse winning a good contest at York on his next start, before running very well in Dubai over the winter.

Louis Treize disappointed in big sales race at Doncaster on his final outing, but he was giving plenty of weight away on that occasion, and if that was run as a handicap off his current mark, he’d be getting plenty of weight from his rivals. His connections were talking about a possible tilt at the 2,000 Guineas prior to his defeat at Doncaster, which tells you how highly regarded this colt is. He’ll be an interesting recruit to handicaps this season off his mark of 83, which looks to have scope for improvement.

MAWSOOL (IRE)

3 b g Kodiac – Habaayib Form: 337Trainer: Ed Dunlop Owner: Hamdan Al Maktoum Mawsool ran a very promising race on his racecourse debut last August when chasing home 105 rated Khaadem, running green in rear, he picked up well-enough to finish third. He then bumped into two very smart rivals in a maiden at Newbury on his second in the shape of Breath Of Air and Group 3 winner Mohaather. He ran a nice race, seemingly struggling to quicken on the Good to Soft ground. I’ll be the first to say, he was very disappointing on his third, and final start of the season at Kempton, drifting in the market and finishing an outpaced seventh. It was a big step backwards from what he had shown on his two previous starts and there’s no doubt he’ll need to step up on that effort this season. He’s been gelded, and has been given a mark of 75, which gives him the chance to win races this campaign if he can recapture the promise of his first two efforts.

MON FRERE (IRE)

3 b g Pour Moi – Sistine Form: 777Trainer: Sir Mark Prescott Bt Owner: Elite Racing Club Mon Frere didn’t pull up any trees in his three starts last season but shaped like a typical Sir Mark Prescott handicap prospect, and there should be better to come from him this season as a three-year-old. This now gelded son of Pour Moi ran an eyecatching race on his final start last season, which was his first run on tur at Nottingham, plugging on well enough in a maiden that has produced winners since.

He looked a big, raw horse on that occasion, shaping as if a trip was needed. As I said previously, he’s a son of Epsom Derby winner Pour Moi, out of a Dubai Destination (most known for his NH offspring, most notably 3m winners Elegant Escape and Next Destination) mare, from the family of 2,000 Guineas/Epsom Derby winner Camelot.

This horse will be seen in a much better light now switched to handicaps off a mark of 63, especially once upped to 1m4+.

PREFONTAINE (IRE)

3 gr g Mastercraftsman – Cochabamba Form: 03216Trainer: Roger Varian Owner: Paul Smith Prefontaine ran well behind two very promising types before getting off the mark on handicap debut at Nottingham in October. He looked far from the finished article that day and looked very green when coming under pressure. He stayed on well under Andrea Atzeni, relishing the step up to 1m2f to beat a very easy subsequent winner in the shape of Cape Islay. This son of Mastercraftsman didn’t see to handle the track/ground on his final outing at Newmarket last season and should be seen to much better effect on a more galloping track with some cut in the ground. He’s been gelded since we last seen him and should have plenty more improvement in his locker this season over middle-distances with some cut in the ground. I’ll be disappointed if this horse can’t win more races off his current handicap mark for Roger Varian and Paul Smith.

RAMESSES (GB)

3 b g Invincible Spirit – Songbird Form: 432Trainer: Richard Fahey Owner: Sir Robert Ogden This son of Invincible Spirit shaped nicely in novice company last season, looking like he has the necessary size and scope to improve on those efforts as a three-year-old.

The race he ran in at Ayr on debut has produced some future winners since and Ramesses ran a nice race, looking a tad one paced inside the final furlong after taking a keen hold. Ramesses was no match for Sameem on his final start of the campaign, but again shaped nicely enough in second, pulling five-lengths clear of the third.

Gelded since then, this horse looks capable of winning a race or two for his connections this season off a mark of 68 over 1m. He’s a half-brother to Borodin, who was highly progressive last season for the same connections.

SOLID STONE (IRE)

3 br c Shamardal – Landmark Form: 421Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute Owner: Saeed Suhail 360,000gns yearling; half-brother to four winners, 1m4f winner and Ribblesdale Stakes second Field Of Miracles and 1m3f Listed winner Cameron Highland. Solid Stone built on his promising debut effort on ground softer than ideal at Newbury to finish second behind a much more experienced rival at Doncaster. He really should have won that day, he took the lead over 1f out before being carried left inside the final furlong and bumped close to the finish. I think he got worried out of it that day, which was more than understandable on just his second start. He did very to win at Newcastle on his final start, getting outpaced before keeping on well to win by a neck.

Solid Stone done well to win over 7f as a two-year-old, as there’s no doubt he’ll be a much better horse this season as his pedigree may suggest and he should relish a step up in distance. I’ll be disappointed if he can’t win races off a mark of 85 this season and could be one for the 1m2f 3yo Handicap at Epsom on Derby day.

STARFIGHTER (GB)

3 b g Sea The Stars – Starlit Sands Form: Trainer: Ed Walker Owner: Laurence Bellman Starfighter showed glimpses of ability in three outings last season and struck me as the type that’ll progress nicely and do well as a three-year-old. This son of Sea The Stars wasn’t seen to best effect in his first two outings in small field contests at Haydock and Doncaster respectively, but I thought he shaped very nicely when finishing second to a smart horse on his final outing at Hamilton. He was given a nice ride by Richard Kingscote on that occasion and would have learnt plenty from that experience. Starfighter has been gelded since his last start and has now joined Ed Walker for his three-year-old campaign. I think this scopey son of Sea The Stars has plenty to give off a mark of 74 this season and should be more than capable of winning races this season for his connections.

TARGET ZONE (GB)

3 ch c Champs Elysees – Sailors Path Form: 5-21 Trainer: David Elsworth Owner: G B Partnership Target Zone didn’t make his racecourse debut until December, running three-times for his connections, making it third time lucky with a good win at Kempton. He built on the promise he showed at Kempton on debut to finish a good second behind Renegade Master, who won a handicap on his next start, with subsequent winners Harvey Dent and Rectory Road in behind. Target Zone got off the mark returned to Kempton, staying on nicely to record an over two-lengths victory. This son of Champs Elysees isn’t bred to be winning a 1m Maiden on the AW, and should excel over further on turf this season. Target Zone looks a very big horse that we probably won’t see the best of this season, he’ll make a smashing four-year-old next year, but he should be winning races off a mark of 83 for David Elsworth, who will undoubtedly have a masterplan for this colt.

MAIDENS This section is dedicated to horses that have yet to break their maiden tag and I’m very hopeful they can get their heads in front in during the 2019 flat season.

Some of these horses have the ability to win a maiden before going onto bigger and better things, but I feel some will be handled with handicap races in mind, and look opening to a huge amount of improvement throughout the campaign. Last year’s renewal produced plenty of winners, including Ghostwatch, Humbolt Current, Ibraz, Mekong, Qazyna, Rashdan and Wadilsafa.

AL BATTAR (IRE) 3 b c Dubawi – Giofra

Form: 6Trainer: Ed Vaughan Owner: Phoenix Thoroughbred Limited Expensive €1,550,000 yearling; dam Group 1 Falmouth Stakes winner Giofra, herself a half-sister to winners Big Baz, Gradara and Gomati. I thought this son of Dubawi ran a very eye-catching race in a Novice Stakes at Kempton won by Set Piece that has produced plenty of future winners. Al Battar took a very keen hold throughout, before keeping on inside the final furlong with plenty of promise. I think this colt will have learnt a lot from that experience, and it may be a pretty bold should at this stage, but I think this colt will end up being one of the nicest horses that ran in that Kempton contest. He’ll need to settle better in future, but there’ll be plenty of races to be won by this colt this season, and should come into his own over middle-distances.

APPARATE (GB) 3 b c Dubawi – Appearance Form: 2Trainer: Roger Varian Owner: Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum I personally don’t think the Novice Stakes this colt ran in on debut was brilliant, but there was a lot of potential for this horse to build on that, more for what he done off the track than what he did on it. Apparate got himself very worked up beforehand, he nearly got loose in the paddock, and then sweated up pretty badly, so the fact he managed to finish second was pretty remarkable. I think he’d learn plenty for that experience and would come on mentality for the whole occasion. His family progress well with age and racing experience, and I think this colt will be the same. He should have no issues landing a similar contest this season on better ground and upped in trip.

ARABIAN KING (GB)

3 ch c New Approach – Barshiba Form: 6Trainer: David Elsworth Owner: J C Smith Well-bred colt; Arabian King hails from a family his trainer knows very well. His dam, Barshiba was a very good mare for these connections winning the Group 2 Lancashire Oaks twice, she is also the dam of Arabian Queen, who won a Group 2 over 6f as a juvenile before conquering the brilliant Golden Horn in the Group 1 Juddmonte International Stakes as a three-year-old. It’s not just a family David Elsworth knows well, but a family he’s had plenty of success with over the years. Arabian King ran a nice race on debut at Newmarket, taking a keen hold in the rear, hanging right under pressure, he kept on well enough to make an encouraging debut behind Kick On and Bye Bye Hong Kong, who look very smart prospects. This son of New Approach should have no issue winning races as a three-year-old this season once stepped up to middle-distances.

DEAL A DOLLAR (GB) 3 b c Frankel – Cape Dollar

Form: 2Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute Owner: Saeed Suhail Well-bred son of Frankel that hails from the family of Epsom Oaks/Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Imagine and Epsom Derby hero Generous. This colt made an encouraging debut at Kempton in December, finishing a very good second behind a very useful horse called Khuzaam, who had the benefit of racecourse experience, with the pair drew well clear (seven-lengths) of a useful winner rated 87. Deal A Dollar looks a colt with a fair amount of ability and should have no problem winning a maiden/novice race this season before going onto bigger and better targets later into the season. His debut run came over 1m but this son of Frankel should have no issue staying 1m2f on turf this season, and I have a sneaky feeling, he could be very useful indeed.

EAGLES BY DAY (IRE)

3 bb c Sea The Stars – Missunited Form: 2Trainer: Michael Bell Owner: Clipper Logistics 125,000gns first foal; dam bumper/smart 2m-2m4f hurdle winner, 1m2f-1m6f Flat winner and Group 1 Ascot Gold Cup second Missunited. This colt made his debut over the extended 1m at Nottingham last October, slowly into stride, he stayed on well in the closing stages to finish second behind Alnadir. This son of Sea The Stars would’ve improved plenty physically and mentally for that experience, and as you can see by his breeding, this son of Sea The Stars is bred to appreciate a trip in time, so the fact he could finish second over 1m as a juvenile bodes very well for his future. Eagles By Day should have no problem winning a similar contest this season, and should relish a step up to 1m4f+ at some point during the season. The winner of the maiden he ran in is currently rated 86, If Eagles By Day can get a similar mark after three-runs or winning a maiden, I think he could be a very nice recruit to middle-distance handicaps throughout the campaign.

GLOBAL WARNING (GB) 3 b c Poet’s Voice – Persario

Form: 32Trainer: Ed Dunlop Owner: Dr Johnny Hon Global Warning hails from a family I’ve always loved, He’s a half-brother to three-time Group 1 winner The Tin Man and Group 2 winner Deacon Blues. This son of Poet’s Voice ran two very good races last season a two-year-old behind some useful types.

He built on his debut third at Doncaster behind 100 rated Swissterious on ground possibly a lot quicker than ideal to finish a decent second at Lingfield. Despite going off the 5/4 favoruite, he bumped into one too good on the day, who went on to land and Listed contest on his next start before finishing a useful fifth in the Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes. Global Warning finished ahead of subsequent winners Fearless Warrior and Thorn on that occasion, and should have no problem getting off the mark himself this season. Being by Poet’s Voice, he should get 1m this season unlike his half-brother’s that won their races over 6f. He should have no trouble picking up races this season based on what we seen from him already and his pedigree.

HAZRAN (IRE)

3 b c Lope De Vega – Hazaraba Form: 3Trainer: M Halford Owner: H H Aga Khan Well-bred son of Lope De Vega that hails from a very good Aga Khan family. His dam won a 1m maiden as a three-year-old and is a half-sister to Epsom Derby winner Harzand and Group 3 winner Harasiya. Hazran showed plenty of ability of his racecourse debut at Naas last November, finishing a third behind two well-bred Ballydoyle colts. Held up, he made good headway 2f out before being switched right and staying on into third without challenging the front two. This son of Lope De Vega should stay at least 1m2f this season and I’m hopeful he can develop into an above average colt, based on his pedigree and promise he showed on debut. He should have no problem picking up a maiden this season before hopefully moving onto better things later on in the season. He’s a good prospect for Mick Halford.

HIGH COMMISSIONER (IRE) 3 ch c Australia – Winesong

Form: 6Trainer: Paul Cole Owner: Mrs Fitri Hay I was at Newbury when this colt made his racecourse debut last season, and without quite being able to put my finger on it, there was something about his performance that impressed me. He went of a 5/1 shot on debut, which is very short for a horse trained by Paul Cole on debut as most of his horses improve for a run. This son of Australia travelled beautifully throughout before finding himself well clear of the field with race-favourite Current Option at halfway. The pair did way too much too soon on that occasion and I thought both were value for more on the day. There was a lot to like about High Commissioner effort, and despite clearly knowing his job on debut, he’ll learn a lot and there’ll be more to come from him this season. He’s a half-brother to tough 1m4f Group 2 winner Universal and by Epsom Derby winner Australia, he’ll come into his own over a similar trip this season. He should have no issue winning races for his connections.

INCLYNE (GB)

3 ch f Intello – Lady Brora Form: 84Trainer: Andrew Balding Owner: Kingsclere Racing Club From a family his connections have had plenty of luck with in recent seasons. Inclyne is a half-sister to Group 1 Racing Post trophy winner Elm Park and 108 rated 1m2f winner/Group 2 second Brorocco. This filly built on the promise she showed on his racecourse debut at Leicester to run a very nice race in a Newmarket maiden on her second start. She wasn’t able to quicken over 7f on Good to Firm ground last season, and should be seen to much better effect over 1m2f this season with a bit more juice in the ground. She’s a daughter of Intello, who had an excellent campaign with his three-year-old’s last season with Young Rascal and Regal Reality both tasting success in Group races. This filly is bred to develop into a smart three-year-old this season and I think she is more than capable of winning races. She has the ability to win a maiden/novice under her optimum conditions, but might be one to progress up the handicap ranks.

KING POWER (GB) 3 ch f Frankel – Prowess

Form: 5Trainer: Andrew Balding Owner: King Power Racing Co Ltd 2,500,000gns yearling; By Frankel; closely related to Epsom Oaks winner Talent. King Power didn’t exactly live-up to her stable’s expectations and price tag on debut, but she offered enough to suggest she can win races this season. She travelled well early on but couldn’t quicken on the ground over 1f and weakened late on. This filly is bred to come into her own over 1m4f this season, and from what I seen of her at Newbury, there’s plenty of scope for further improvement. It’s hard to know what heights this daughter of Frankel can climb in 2019, but there’s undoubtedly races to be one and I’m sure Andrew Balding will want to find a winnable maiden/novice for her breeding value before seeking some black-type later on in the campaign. Her name, price and pedigree suggest she could be good, but she needs to prove she is now.

KISS FOR A JEWEL (IRE) 3 b f Kingman – Sapphire

Form: 2Trainer: Dermot Weld Owner: Moyglare Stud Farm Daughter of brilliant miler Kingman; half-sister to 7f winner Jewel Maker, dam Group 2 (now Group 1) British Champions Fillies’ And Mares’ Stakes winner and Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes second Sapphire, herself a half-sister to Group 1 winner Free Eagle.

Kiss For A Jewel ran a very promising race on her debut at Galway in October on ground possibly far softer than ideal. Settling well off the pace, she made very good headway to chase leaders on outer and looked as if she’d run away from them in the straight, but she showed clear signs of inexperience and greenness late on before keeping on for a good second. There’s a lot more to come from this daughter of Kingman, she should win her maiden next time before taking the step up to patternclass races in his stride. She should be seen to best effect over 1m-1m2f on a sound surface this season.

LADY BOWTHORPE (GB) 3 b f Nathaniel – Maglietta Fina

Form: 4Trainer: William Jarvis Owner: Ms E L Banks I thought this filly ran a nice race on her debut at Yarmouth this season but still looked a little weak to do herself justice. She was pretty restless in the stalls beforehand and ran very green early, soon closing under pressure, she kept on well enough late on without threatening the winner. Despite being a half-sister to a 6f Listed winner, this daughter of Nathaniel will get further this season, and she has a slight knee action and will possibly appreciate some cut in the ground this season. William Jarvis’s filly looks more than capable of winning races this season and she strikes me as the type that’ll improve as the season goes on. Her connections had a good season with Mrs Gallagher, who won two Listed races, including a win over Group 1 winner Mabs Cross. I’m hoping Lady Bowthorpe can give them more to celebrate in 2019.

MALIKA I JAHAN (FR) 3 b f Australia – Have Faith

Form: 6Trainer: David Lanigan Owner: Saif Ali I thought this daughter of Australia ran a promising race on her racecourse debut last season, in a good Maiden at Newmarket, finishing sixth behind Queen Power. She took a relatively keen hold early on under Josephine Gordon, before getting a little outpaced and not totally handling the dip late on. Like I said, that was a good contest and this filly shaped very nicely despite a few things going against her, including the distance, which would have been shorter than ideal. I think this filly has the ability to win races for her connections and she looks a nice prospect for middle-distance races this season on a more galloping track for David Lanigan.

PALLADIUM (GB) 3 ch c Champs Elysees – Galicuix Form: 37Trainer: Martyn Meade Owner: C J Murfitt 1 Nicely-bred colt; Palladium shaped well in his two races last season, staying on nicely on both occasions. He’s a half-brother to English 2,000 Guineas winner Galileo Gold, who despite showing a good level of ability as a juvenile, took his form to a new level as a three-year-old. Palladium may lack the natural ability of his half-brother, but he definitely has the size and scope to develop into a useful three-year-old this season for Martyn Meade, who is a trainer I’ve always been fond of. This son of Champs Elysees is a full-brother to a 2m hurdle winner and should relish a step up in distance this season, and will be see at his best once upped to 1m4f. He’s in the ‘Maidens’ section with the view of handicaps in mind. I suspect this colt will be winning races once gelded, upped in distance with some cut in the ground. He should be winning his fair share of races in 2019.

PRINCESSE MATHILDE (GB) 3 gr f Dalakhani – Halle Bop

Form: 6Trainer: Alan King Owner: Normandie Stud Ltd This daughter of Dalakhani shaped very well on debut on debut at Newmarket despite showing signs of greenness and being seemingly friendless in the betting beforehand.

Held up, she was pushed along 2f out and still in last place 1f out, she stayed on nicely when the penny finally dropped late on. The 7f trip on Good to Firm ground would’ve been sharp enough for this filly and there should be more to come once competing over middle-distances this season. She’s related to horses that performed at their best with some cut in the ground, and with this filly being by Dalakhani, she should also appreciate some Soft ground this season. Alan King is mostly known for his exploits over jumps, but he’s shown in recent seasons he’s as good with his Flat horses. This filly should win races and progress as the season goes on.

RACINE (GB)

3 b f Kingman – Proportional Form: 2Trainer: D K Weld Owner: K Abdullah This daughter of Kingman is a half-sister to Listed winner Variable and the il-fated Contingent, who I strongly believe would have been very smart indeed. Racine was sent off the 7/4 favourite on her racecourse debut last season, and looked likely to make a winning one, but failed to find a lot under pressure. She’s clearly a filly with a lot of natural ability, but just looked too weak to do herself justice on debut. I’m sure she would have strengthened and matured over the winter, and looks a lovely prospect for connections in 2019. Her half-sister won her Listed race over 1m4f, but with this filly being by a top-class miler, I think 1m-1m2f will likely be her trip this season. She will have no problem landing a maiden before going onto better things.

QARASU (IRE)

3 br c Le Havre – Bella Qatara Form: 2Trainer: Roger Charlton Owner: H H Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thaini This colt is a half-brother to Aspetar, who was a smart horse for these connections last season, winning on debut before landing a Listed contest on his second start.

Qarasu was unlucky not to also win on his racecourse debut last season, finishing a neck second behind a more experienced rival in a good contest at Newbury. That was a very promising effort from this colt, who travelled into the race beautifully, and showed an excellent attitude in the finish. Like his half-brother, he seems to have a liking for some cut in the ground. This son of Le Havre will have no problem winning races this season, he should be seen to best effect between 1m2f-1m4f with some juice in the ground.

SEA SCULPTURE (GB)

3 b c Archipenko – Seaflower Reef Form: 3Trainer: Andrew Balding Owner: Kingsclere Racing Club I was at Ffos Las when this colt made his racecourse debut, and it was hard not to be encouraged by the promise he showed on that occasion. He’s a half-brother to winners over 1m4f-2m, so the fact he could finish third on debut over 7f against some more experience types, bodes very well for his future. He’s a sizeable colt that will progress as the season goes on. The race he ran in on debut has produced future winners Good Birthday and Fenjal, so the form looks pretty useful. This colt looks capable of being competitive in maiden/novices this season over 1m2f+, but we might see the best of him in handicap company.

TEMPUS (GB)

3 b c Kingman – Passage Of Time Form: 2Trainer: Roger Charlton Owner: K Abdullah Well-bred colt; half-brother to winners Time Test (Group 2 winner), Retirement Plan and Time Chaser; dam Group 1 winner Passage Of Time. This beautifully bred son of Kingman hails from a very good Juddmonte Farms family and is bred to do very well as a three-year-old this season. He ran a very nice race on his racecourse debut at Nottingham last season, running on well to finish a head second to Star Safari, who had the benefit of experience. The third, Surfman won nicely on his next start and looks to have a bright future in his own right. I think this colt could be very smart indeed and will have no bother landing a maiden on his next start before going onto bigger and better things later in the season.

UNRACED This ‘Unraced’ section is for horses that failed to make the track last season as twoyear-olds, but are bred to do well as three-year-olds for their connections. Many of these are from families of numerous winners, even classic winners in their own right or by sires that stamp their stock as three-year-olds.

Obviously, the following horse’s ability is unknown, but these well-bred horses are well worth looking forward to in 2019 and I’m going to give you a brief summary about their pedigree and future plans for the season ahead. 2018 winners included Outbox, Argentello, Falcon Eight and Surya.

ADONIJAH (GB)

3 b c Sea The Stars – Meeznah Trainer: Henry Candy Owner: Thomas Barr 325,000gns yearling; Sea The Stars colt, dam very smart, second past the post in the Epsom Oaks prior to disqualification, went on to win the Group 2 Park Hill Stakes at Doncaster as a four-year-old. Adonijah was described as a “Huge horse – a long-term proposition” by his trainer last season. Clearly been given time to develop/mature, he’s a horse too keep on the right side of this season over 1m4f+.

ALL OUR TOMORROWS (IRE) 3 b f Kingman - Justlookdontouch

Trainer: Dermot Weld Owner: Moyglare Stud Farm 1,700,000gns yearling; half-sister to three-time Listed Stakes winner Abingdon; unraced dam closely related to top-class multiple Group 1 winner Islington. This daughter of brilliant miler Kingman was an expensive acquisition for her connections as a yearling. Dermot Weld has been on record describing this filly as “A fine, big filly, will make a lovely three-year-old”. She has a lot to live up to, but should become a smart filly for her connections.

CHANDERI (GB)

3 ch f Dubawi – Silk Sari Trainer: John Gosden Owner: Godolphin 1,300,000gns yearling; first foal; dam smart Group 2 Park Hill Stakes winner, second in Group 1 Fillies & Mares Stakes. This beautifully bred filly didn’t make the track last season as a two-year-old, but is bred to come into her over middle-distances with age and racing experience. This filly won’t be rushed by her connections, but should develop into a smart filly in time.

FOX CHAIRMAN (IRE) 3 b c Kingman – Starfish

Trainer: Andrew Balding Owner: King Power Racing Co Ltd 450,000gns yearling; half-brother to Group 1 Matron Stakes winner La Collina and smart three-time winner (including Listed race) Entsar. This son of Kingman was deemed too big and backward to make the track last season, but should hopefully make up for lost time. His success on the track would be a poignant one, after what happened to his namesake last year.

FUGHETTA (GB)

3 br f Dubawi – The Fugue Trainer: John Gosden Owner: Lord Lloyd-Webber Well-bred; first foal; dam multiple Group 1 winner (between 1m2f-1m4f) The Fugue.

This daughter of Dubawi is bred to be pretty smart, but failed to make the track last season. Deemed to still be in training, this filly’s racecourse debut is eagerly awaited, for John Gosden and Lord Lloyd-Webber, who also have Too Darn Hot to look forward to this season. Fughetta should be seen over 1m2f+ this season.

HEAVEN ON EARTH (IRE) 3 b f Galileo – Lillie Langtry

Trainer: A P O’Brien Owner: Derrick Smith & Mrs John Magnier & Michael Tabor Fifth foal; sister to seven-time Group 1 winner (between 7f-1m4f) Minding, Group 3 winner Kissed By Angels, out of Group 1 Coronation Stakes and Matron Stakes winner Lillie Langtry. Heaven On Earth is year another filly that the dam has produced, she’s clearly bred to be useful. It’ll be interesting to see where she fits in amongst the better fillies in an open year.

JAHAFIL (GB)

B f Kingman – Taghrooda Trainer: John Gosden Owner: Hamdan Al Maktoum Extremely well-bred; First foal; dam Epsom Oaks and King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner Taghrooda. This daughter of brilliant miler Kingman failed to make the track as a juvenile, but is bred to excel at three. Her trainer trained her Mother and Father, so he should know the family inside-out. She’s an interesting prospect for the season ahead, and her debut is eagerly awaited.

LEGEND OF DUBAI (IRE) 3 ch c Dubawi – Finsceal Beo

Trainer: Roger Varian Owner: Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum 650,000gns yearling; half-brother to winners Ol’ Man River, La Figlia, An Cailin Orga and Too The Stars. Dam high-class three-time Group 1 winner, including English/Irish 1,000 Guineas. This son of Dubawi is bred to be very smart and is an interesting prospect for the season ahead. He has a lot to live up to with his breeding and price tag, but he should have enough ability to win a maiden this campaign.

MARIA DALINOVA (IRE) 3 b f Galileo – Dank

Trainer: John Gosden Owner: Godolphin 4,000,000gns yearling; first foal; this filly set fireworks across the auction room when making a staggering world record fee. She’s by super-sire Galileo, out of two-time Group 1 winner Dank, who was a very consistent mare for Sir Michael Stoute. This filly didn’t make the track as a juvenile last season, but that’s nothing to worry about as both her dam and sire only made one appearance each as a two-year-old. Patience is clearly the name of the game when you a filly that cost as much as she did, and she’s clearly on to look forward to.

MAYDANNY (IRE)

3 b c Dubawi – Attraction Trainer: Mark Johnston Owner: Hamdan Al Maktoum 1,350,000gns yearling; half-brother to connections smart colt Elarqam and Group 3 winner/promising sire Fountain Of Youth. Maydanny clearly isn’t as forward as his half-brother was, and failed to make the racecourse as a two-year-old last season.

This son of Dubawi should be more than capable of winning races this season, and it’ll be interesting to see how far this Derby entrant can progress.

MONTZAR (GB) 3 b c Dansili – Nahrain Trainer: William Haggas Owner: Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum Third foal; half-brother to three-time Group 1 winner in three different continents Benbatl and Ta Allak, who ran a promising race on his racecourse debut last season.

This colt is in good hands and is an exciting prospect this season for his connections.

We should be seeing this colt in a 1m2f novice/maiden, before hopefully progressing as the season goes on.

NAHEMA (IRE)

3 b f Dubawi - Sariska Trainer: Michael Bell Owner: Lady Bamford Sariska is one of my favourite horses of all-time, I’ll never forget that win, and that ride from Jamie Spencer in the Irish Oaks. She’s already produced two winners from two runners as a broodmare, and Nahema bids to keep her good record going. This filly’s half-brother didn’t make the track as a three-year-old, but won three races last season. Nahema will be the first offspring of Sariska her ex-trainer Michael Bell has been sent, I’m sure he’ll do well with this daughter of Dubawi.

NOSTRA CASA (IRE)

3 b c Dubawi – Utterly Heaven Trainer: Dermot Weld Owner: Moyglare Stud Farm Dubawi colt; half-brother to connections smart stayer Forgotten Rules and Listed winner Vintage Nouveau. This colt hails from a good Moyglare Stud family, and a family Dermot Weld knows very well. This colt holds an entry in both the Epsom and Irish Derby, he’ll be a longshot to run in either, but he looks a bright middle-distance prospect for his connections this season. He strikes me as the type that’ll progress as the season goes on.

OJOOBA (GB) 3 b f Dubawi – Rumoush Trainer: Owen Burrows Owner: Hamdan Al Maktoum Fifth foal; sister to winner Muntazah, half-sister to winners Talayeb, useful prospect Wadilsafa; dam useful 1m1f winner, half-sister to 1,000 Guineas winner Ghanaati and Champion Stakes second Mawatheeq. Ojooba hails from a good-strong Shadwell family, and looks a nice prospect for Owen Burrows, who knows the family well. I’m sure we’ll be seeing this filly early on over 1m-1m2f.

SEA WINGS (GB)

3 ch c Sea The Stars – Infallible Trainer: William Haggas Owner: Cheveley Park Stud Very well-bred colt; brother to two-time Group 2 winner and Group 1 placed Mutakayyef, half-brother to winners Veracious (including Group 3), Intimation (Group 3 winner), Intrinsic and Alaadel. I’m not sure why, but it’s interesting Cheveley Park Stud has kept this colt as they usually sell the colts and keep their fillies. This son of Sea The Stars looks a bright prospect for William Haggas this season and will be worth following as the season goes on.

SPACE WALK (GB) 3 b c Galileo – Memory

Trainer: William Haggas Owner: The Queen Fourth foal; this son of Galileo is a full-brother to Call To Mind and Recorder, who both won pattern-class races for connections. Call To Mind didn’t make his debut until he was a three-year-old and this colt could be a similar type. Call To Mind won a 1m maiden on debut, but was at his best once upped in distance. I can see this colt treading a very similar path, and is undoubtedly a middle-distance horse in the making.

SWIFT WING (GB) 3 ch c Pivotal – Gull Wing Trainer: John Gosden Owner: Lady Bamford From a good family; brother to winners Eagle Top (Group 2 winner & Group 1 placed), Wings Of Desire (Group 2 winner) and The Lark (Group 2 winner). This is a family John Gosden knows very well and he’s certain to get a win out of this colt this season. The all seem to need plenty of time and 1m4f. His full-brothers didn’t make their racecourse debuts until they turned three, this colt should make his mark this season for his connections.

SEARCH FOR A SONG (IRE) 3 ch f Galileo – Polished Gem

Trainer: D K Weld Owner: Moyglare Stud Farm This filly hails from a very good family that her trainer knows extremely well. She’s a full-brother to Falcon Eight, who won twice for this section last season, half-sister to Group 1 winner Free Eagle, Group 2 winner Sapphire and Group 2 winner Custom Cut. This filly will clearly have needed plenty of time to mature, and will hopefully continue the families winning trend. She’ll be at her best over 1m4f+ this season for Dermot Weld and Moyglare Stud Farm.

TUK POWER (IRE) 3 b f Dubawi – Soon

Trainer: Andrew Balding Owner: King Power Racing Ltd 1,300,000gns yearling; sister to winner Jousi, dam Listed winner, closely related to Epsom Derby second and top National Hunt sire Walk In The Park. This filly made a fortune at the sales, but looks to have the necessary scope and substance to do well as a three-year-old this season. This daughter of Dubawi should have no problem landing a maiden this season and should be worth following throughout the campaign for Andew Balding and King Power Racing Ltd.

TWO BIDS (GB)

3 b c Dalakhani – Echelon Trainer: William Haggas Owner: Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum 375,000gns yearling; brother to Group 1 winner Integral, half-brother to winners Provenance and Entity. This son of Dalakhani was deemed too big and backward to make the track last season as a two-year-old, but can hopefully make his mark this season as a three-year-old for his connections. His sister was a very good miler for Sir Michael Stoute a few seasons back, but it’s difficult to know what distance this colt will be seen to best effect. He should win races.

OLDER HORSES CANVASSED ELWAZIR FALCON EIGHT GHAIYYATH HEY JONESY KLASSIQUE MAID OF SPIRIT NARYNKOL OCALA OUTBOX ROCK EAGLE SEXTANT TA ALLAK TABDEED TILGHMAN WADILSAFA

DARK HORSES & PATTERN CLASS THREE-YEAR-OLDS ALFAATIK AL HILALEE CAP FRANCAIS CHABLIS DANCING VEGA FASHION’S STAR FRANKELLINA HEADMAN KHUZAAM MADHMOON MYRMIDONS NAUSHA QUEEN POWER SPACE BLUES SPARKLE ROLL SKARDU STORMWAVE SURFMAN TANKERVILLE

HANDICAPS AIR FORCE AMY ALFRED BOUCHER ALRAJAA AUTONOMY BACKSTREET GIRL BANGKOK BREATH OF AIR BURIRAM CHARLIE’S BOY FOX PREMIER GROUP STAGE ISANGO JAMES PARK WOODS KARNAVAAL LOCH LADY LOUIS TREIZE MAWSOOL MON FRERE PREFONTAINE RAMESSES SOLID STONE STARFIGHTER TARGET ZONE

MAIDENS AL BATTAR APPARATE ARABIAN KING DEAL A DOLLAR EAGLES BY DAY GLOBAL WARNING HAZRAN HIGH COMMISSIONER INCLYNE KING POWER KISS FOR A JEWEL LADY BOWTHORPE MALIKA I JAHAN PALLADIUM PRINCESSE MATHILDE RACINE QARASU TEMPUS

UNRACED ADONIJAH ALL OUR TOMORROWS CHANDERI FOX CHAIRMAN FUGHETTA HEAVEN ON EARTH JAHAFIL LEGEND OF DUBAI MARIA DALINOVA MAYDANNY MONTZAR NAHEMA NOSTRA CASA OJOOBA SEA WINGS SPACE WALK SWIFT WING SEARCH FOR A SONG TUK POWER TWO BIDS