Flat Horses To Follow 2020 - by Callum Connochie

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CONNOCHIE

FLAT

HORSES TO FOLLOW 2020

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CONNOCHIE

OLDER HORSES

OLDER HORSES The ‘Older Horses’ section of the Flat Horses to Follow 2020 is dedicated to horses aged four and above that have the scope for further success as older horses. 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, including Group 1 winner Ghaiyyath, Listed winner Falcon Eight, Group 3 winner Klassique and four-time winner (including Listed race) Sextant, who improved 19lbs last season for Sir MichaeL Stoute.

I'm hopeful the following horses have what it takes to progress further in 2020, and have the scope for further success throughout the campaign. 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.

ALMANIA (IRE) 4 b g Australia – Sent From Heaven Form: 854563Trainer: David Simcock Owner: Saeed Suhail This son of Australia showcased plenty of ability last season for Sir Michael Stoute but failed to get his head in front as a three-year-old. He was highly-tried on his seasonal return in the Group 2 Dante Stakes at York, which is often a test for a trainer to know if he has a classic contender on his hands. He could never land a blow in a very good renewal, but he didn’t run as bad as his finishing position may suggest in a pretty messy affair. He went on to run some good races in some very good handicaps throughout the summer between 1m2f-1m6f, never beaten more than 3-lengths. His best effort last season came in a good renewal of the Melrose Handicap at York (1m6f) behind Hamish, possibly challenging on the wrong part of the track. He finished his campaign off with a sound effort in the Listed Noel Murless Stakes at Ascot (1m6f), only finding two in-form fillies too good on the day.

Almania has joined David Simcock for his four-year-old campaign, who does well with this sort of horse. He seems to stay 1m6f pretty well, but also showed some useful form over 1m4f last season so he should prove pretty versatile regards trip this season. He has a mark of 97, which doesn’t make him extremely well-handicapped, but it’s a mark he can win a nice handicap off at a price before hopefully progressing into a smart pattern-class performer over further.

ASAD (IRE) 4 ch g Lope De Vega – Venus De Milo Form: 43/3Trainer: Simon Crisford Owner: Sh Nasser Al Khalifa & shROS Duaij Al Khalifa This son of Lope De Vega ran two very encouraging races at the backend of his juvenile season for George Peckham, finishing fourth at Windsor behind Surrey Thunder (OR 104) and Good Birthday (OR 98) before being beaten just over a length behind King Of Comedy (OR 118) on his final outing at Redcar. He joined Simon Crisford for his three-year-old campaign but was only seen once when finishing third in a useful Novice Stakes at Ripon behind Eightsome Reel (OR 104), who went on to finish second in a Listed contest at Newmarket before running a very good race to finish behind Sangarius and Fox Chairman when fourth in a Group 3 at Royal Ascot. He weakened inside the final furlong at Ripon after possibly being too close to the early pace, but he still had subsequent four-time winner Platform Nineteen in behind.

Asad has clearly been a difficult horse to keep sound as he wasn’t seen again after his run at Ripon last April but he’s been given a big chance by the handicapper, and I’m pretty hopeful he can win races off a mark of 77 this season. He’s also been gelded since he was last seen so hopefully that can also be a catalyst for further improvement this season. 1m-1m2f will likely be his trip but there is plenty of stamina on the dam side of his pedigree.

CARAVAN OF HOPE (IRE) 4 b g Nathaniel – Caravan Of Dreams Form: 423211Trainer: Hugo Palmer Owner: Dr Ali Ridha This son of Nathaniel was very progressive throughout 2019, maintaining a good-level of form throughout the campaign for Hugo Palmer. He chased home Trueshan on two separate occasions last season at Wolverhampton and Ffos Las with that form being boosted by Trueshan winning a valuable handicap at Newmarket and a Conditions Stakes at Newbury, ending the season with an official rating of 109. Caravan Of Hope ended the season in goodstyle himself winning in messy race at Ascot (1m4f) gamely before stamping his authority on a Class 3 contest at Doncaster (1m6f) in Heavy ground.

He only got raised 5lbs to a mark of 85 for that easy success, which I think is very fair and makes him open to further improvement this season as a four-year-old. Gelded over the winter, I’m very hopeful he’ll be adding to his win tally this season for Hugo Palmer with 1m6f-2m looking likely to be his trip. He seems to handle cut in the ground well.

EDINBURGH CASTLE (IRE) 4 b c Sea The Stars – Evensong Form: 2/13Trainer: Andrew Balding Owner: Mrs Fitri Hay This son of Sea The Stars ran a promising race on his racecourse debut at Bath at the backend of his juvenile campaign in 2018 finishing second behind West End Charmer, who won well at Doncaster last season and is now rated 100. Durston was back in third on that occasion, he also progressed into a 100 rated horse last season. He made his return from a 347-day break at Epsom over 1m2f in very testing ground conditions and stayed on nicely at the finish to win by 4-lengths. He was very slowly away on that occasion and I thought he done very well to win in the fashion he did in the Heavy ground. He couldn’t quite follow up a month later under a penalty but he stayed on well at finish after a slow start. Now gelded, I think this son of Sea The Stars will progress into a useful handicapper this season and should be winning races off his current mark of 82. All three of his runs have come over 1m2f but I think he should have more to come when upped in distance. He handled Heavy ground well at Epsom last season, but I see no reason why he shouldn’t be as effective on a sounder surface.

ENTRUSTING (GB) 4 br g Nathaniel – Royal Empress Form: 5/33521Trainer: James Fanshawe Owner: Ben CM Wong This son of Nathaniel ran some nice races in defeat last season before finally getting off the mark in his final start of the campaign in handicap at Newbury over 1m2f on Good ground. It was a pretty useful contest for the grade, and he was given a good ride from Ryan Moore, staying on well to win going away at the finish. He had some useful form in good Novice/Maiden contests last season behind some smart horses including Private Secretary and Sinjaari. He also finished in front of the smart Durston at Windsor, who later progressed into a pattern-class performer for David Simcock.

Entrusting is very lightly raced for James Fanshawe, who’s patient way of training means he gets the best out of nearly every horse he gets so I’m hoping that’ll be the case with this gelding this season. He comes into this season off a mark of 88 after a 6lb rise for his Newbury win, which looks very fair. He’s a son of Nathaniel, who’s offspring seem to progress very well with age and racing so there should be more to come from him this season. 1m2f certainly looked his trip last season but it would be no surprise if he stayed 1m4f this season based on the way he was finishing off his races last season.

FAR ABOVE (IRE) 4 b c Farhh – Darraar Form: 1411Trainer: James Tate Owner: Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum Far Above was well-backed to make a winning debut at Newmarket (7f) last season in what looked a decent contest beforehand. He always travelled well and took a couple of lengths out of the field inside the final furlong before seemingly getting tired late on, but he held on well. Sent-off 3/1 for a 7f Listed contest at the same track a month later, he took a keen hold and was never able to land a blow in a race won by Jash, who brought Group 1 to the table. Far Above had his sights lowered for his next start in a Novice Stakes at Windsor under a penalty and got the job done easily, winning by 5-lengths. Stepped back up to Listed company for his final start of the season at Deauville over 6f, he held on well to deny Duhail and We Go at the finish.

I think this son of Farhh could take a big step forward this season and become a top-sprinter for James Tate. His best form has come over 6f, but I think a drop to 5f could see this horse in a much better light as he’s a keen going sort that has shown plenty of speed in his races.

He’s shown a liking for cut in the ground, but he’s also won on Good to Firm so he should be relatively versatile regards ground conditions.

FARNHAM (GB) 4 b f Farhh – Purple Tiger Form: 51Trainer: Roger Varian Owner: Clipper Logistics This daughter of Farhh was the talk of the town prior to making her debut at Newbury last season and was well-backed into a relatively short-priced favourite, but couldn’t quite live up to expectations. She ran a promising race nonetheless to finish fifth after a starting slowly, using a lot of petrol trying to get into a place to challenge 2f out. Given a break after that effort, she made her return at Chelmsford in October, staying-on well inside the final furlong to beat Moment Of Silence by ¾-length. That form took a boost over the winter when Moment Of Silence won nicely at Wolverhampton before running very well off a mark of 94 in a competitive 6f handicap at Meydan in January.

Farnham is a daughter of Farhh, who has done very well at stud already with the majority of his offspring improving well with age and racing. I think Farnham can progress into a blacktype filly this season for Roger Varian, but it’ll be interesting to see what mark the handicapper gives her after her next outing. She definitively looks a filly to keep on the right side of this season.

FORTAMOUR (IRE) 4 b g Es Que Love – Kathy Sun Form: 7134-1 Trainer: Ben Haslam Owner: Mrs C Barclay & P Wood This son of Es Que Love built on his debut effort at Thirsk last season to get off the market at the second time of asking with a dominant success at Newcastle. He was given a patient ride from Graham Lee and made smooth headway through the field before putting the race to bed easily inside the final furlong. That wasn’t a brilliant contest but he was a convincing winner, and could only beat what was put in front of him. Upped to 1m for the first time a month later, he couldn’t quite defy a penalty in a useful Novice Stakes won by Desert Caravan, who went on to win again on his next start.

Fortamour was last seen returning a very convincing winner in a 7f Newcastle handicap off a mark of 75, beating subsequent winner Asdaa by over 2-lengths. He stayed on very well at the finish and left the impression there’s plenty more to come from him in the future.

Upped 5lb for his last win, I think he remains on a very workable mark, and there should be plenty of fun to be had with him on Turf this season for Ben Haslam, who holds this son of Es Que Love in high-regard. He should be mixing it up between 7f-1m this season.

FOX CHAIRMAN (IRE) 4 b c Kingman – Starfish Form: 1321Trainer: Andrew Balding Owner: King Power Racing Co Ltd Fox Chairman featured in the ‘Unraced’ section of the Flat Horses to Follow last year winning twice from four starts. He was an effortless winner on his racecourse debut at Newbury beating Migration by 4-lengths with Fifth Position back in fourth. He ran a month later at Chester in the Dee Stakes but didn’t quite handle the track and was denied a clear run inside the final furlong, but it was an encouraging run behind subsequent two-time Group 1 winner Circus Maximus. He had quite a troubled passage next time at Royal Ascot, running on strongly at the finish, but was never able to challenge Sangarius, who was a very good winner on the day. He took advantage of a good opportunity to win a Listed contest at Newbury in Soft ground on his final start of the campaign, beating Pondus pretty comfortably at the finish.

I don’t think we’ve got to the bottom of this son of Kingman, and there could be plenty more to come from him this season. He’s in good hands, and has the size and scope to progress into a top-class four-year-old this season with there being a good program for a horse of his nature over 1m2f.

FOX TAL (GB) 4 b c Sea The Stars – Maskunah Form: 3143/14Trainer: Andrew Balding Owner: King Power Racing Co Ltd Fox Tal isn’t a dark horse by any means but he’s still totally unexposed, and could still have plenty to come in the future. He had some useful juvenile form to his name defeating Sir Ron Priestley at Ffos Las, who went on to place in the St Leger last season before finishing a good third in the G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud. He wasn’t exactly fancied for his comeback run at Doncaster but it didn’t stop him putting in a very good performance to defeat some very useful horses. He backed that performance up a month later to finish an excellent fourth in the Group 1 Champions Stakes at Ascot behind Minding.

As I mentioned, he’s far from a dark horse but he’s undoubtedly a horse that could have plenty more to come based on what we saw from him last season. He has been known to carry his head a bit high in his races but I don’t think he’s ungenuine, and hopefully it’s only the lack of experience still at this stage. His win last season came in a Conditions Stakes, which means he won’t have a penalty for Listed and Group races, which is a huge bonus for a horse like him that has Group 1 form to his name. He’s by Sea The Stars, out of a Sadler’s Wells mare so I can’t see why he won’t stay 1m4f as a four-year-old.

IRONCLAD (GB) 4 b g Dubawi – Heat Haze Form: 352114Trainer: Hugo Palmer Owner: K Abdullah Ironclad showed plenty of promise in Novice/Maiden company in his first three starts before getting off the mark at the fourth time of asking at Beverley last June. He followed that success up a month later when winning nicely on his handicap debut on the July Course at Newmarket in what looked a pretty open contest beforehand. This son of Dubawi couldn’t follow that victory up at Kempton next time when sent-off a strong 5/4 favourite, but he wasn’t beaten far in a race that has worked out well since with Laafy and Selino both winning well since, most notably Selino, who won narrowly at Redcar on his next start before winning by 10-lenghts at Wolverhampton on his final start of his campaign.

Ironclad has been gelded over the winter and I think that should bring out further improvement in him this season and I’ll be disappointed if he cannot win more races off his current mark of 86 over 1m4f. He’s also a half-brother to Mirage Dancer, who improved well as a four-year-old.

LAST LOOK (IRE) 4 b f Pivotal – Gonbarda Form: 111Trainer: Saeed bin Suroor Owner: Godolphin Very well-bred filly; This daughter of Pivotal is a full-sister to connections G1 Lockinge Stakes and G1 Champion Stakes winner Farhh. The family are extremely talented but all seemingly struggle with injuries and soundness issues. Last Look didn’t make her debut until July of her 3yo campaign but it was worth the wait, running on strongly to win by 5lenghts. She took advantage of a good opportunity to win nicely at Nottingham on her next start before making it 3 wins from 3 runs with a win in a handicap at Ffos Las. Last Look’s wins last season came over 1m2f and that’s the trip all her family seemed happiest at but she gives the impression she could stay a bit further so 1m4f could be worth a try this season. Her family got better with age so hopefully this filly will do the same, and she should be more than capable of picking up some black-type as a four-year-old. I don’t think cut in the ground is vital, but she’ll handle it well.

MAKE MY DAY (IRE) 4 b g Galileo – Posset Form: 241Trainer: John Gosden Owner: John Gunther & Tanya Gunther Make My Day ran well-enough on his first two outings at Haydock and Salisbury before making it third time lucky when making all the running at Goodwood last June. That was a good little Maiden Stakes that has produced plenty of winners since with December Sound and Caravan Of Hope in behind. Make My Day seemed to appreciate the step-up to 1m6f on that occasion and the addition of first-time cheekpieces kept his mind on his job. He seemed to get himself pretty worked up before his first two runs, sweating badly on both occasions so I’m hopeful gelding him over the winter will make a big difference to him this season.

He’s a well-bred son of Galileo, out of a full-sister to multiple Group 1 winner Midday so he’s bred to do the job. Hopefully, he can progress further as a four-year-old this season and should be more than capable of winning a nice handicap off his current mark. He should have no problem staying 2m.

QUE AMORO (IRE) 4 b f Es Que Love – Onomatomania Form: 034112Trainer: Michael Dods Owner: P Appleton & Mrs Anne Elliott This daughter of Es Que Love was very progressive last season for her connections, winning twice before finishing off her campaign with a very good effort when second in a Listed contest at Ayr. Her victory at York in July was extremely impressive, winning by 7-lengths and never looking in danger after being quickly into stride. She followed that success up a month later in a valuable handicap off a 10lb higher mark with another good success in a very good time. The form of that race has worked out nicely with the second Moss Gill winning a competitive contest well on his next start, Roulston Scar won a good handicap at York on his next start before landing a competitive contest at Meydan this winter.

Que Amoro was narrowly denied on her final start of the campaign upped in class but left the firm impression she’s the type that’ll do well as a 4yo this season. Michael Dods does very well with these speedy fillies, and I’m hoping Que Amoro can be another to progress nicely into pattern-class races this season. 5f on nice summer ground looks her optimum conditions.

RAINING FIRE (IRE) 4 ch g Kitten’s Joy – Flame Of Hearts Form: 962-1 Trainer: James Fanshawe Owner: Merry Fox Stud Limited Nicely bred; Raining Fire hails from a family of winners that all have progressed well with age and racing experience. Most notably, Sleeping Lion and Flaming Marvel, who like their younger sibling, were both trained by James Fanshawe. Raining Fire showed a glimpse of ability on his debut at Newbury last season despite being well beaten in a good Maiden won by subsequent St Leger winner Logician. Showing clear signs of inexperience, he kept on well under an educational ride from Daniel Muscutt. He found the trip too sharp on his next start after a break, possibly also needing the run slightly. He wasn’t suited by the way the race was ran next time before finally getting off the mark at Kempton over 1m4f, staying on well to deny subsequent easy winner Thai Terrier at the finish.

This son of Kitten’s Joy looks open to plenty improvement this season for James Fanshawe, and should be getting competitive in handicaps off a mark 75 this season. He’s a winner over 1m4f but should be suited to a step up in trip this season with both his half-brothers showing their best form over 1m6f so he hopefully should follow suit this season.

ROSEMAN (IRE) 4 b c Kingman – Go Lovely Rose Form: 31251Trainer: Roger Varian Owner: Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum

I was at Newbury when this horse made his debut and you could tell beforehand, he was going to be a horse to keep an eye on throughout the season. He ran an encouraging race that day, keeping on well at the finish from off the pace, but was never able to get close to Raise You. He made no mistake of getting off the mark at the second time of asking when taking advantage of a good opportunity to win by 5lengths. He went on to run a nice race behind King Of Comedy on his next start in the Listed Heron Stakes at Sandown before running a very eye-catching race at Royal Ascot behind Sangarius, who he’d defeated on his previous outing.

Roseman finished his campaign in a Listed race over 1m at Newmarket where he brushed aside Century Dream and Accidental Agent rather easily. Based on that performance he wouldn’t have a lot to find with some of the best milers around currently and I’m hoping he can develop into a Group 1 performer this season for his connections. Like a few featuring in this section this season, he isn’t a dark horse, but he’s one I don’t think we’ve seen the best of yet.

RUM BABA (GB) 4 ch g New Approach – Soft Centre Form: 031Trainer: Charlie Fellowes Owner: Normandie Stud Ltd Well-bred; Rum Baba is a full-brother to Sultanina that won the Group 1 Nassau Stakes for Normandie Stud in 2014. Rum Baba built on his debut effort to finish a good third on his second start at Lingfield finish close-up behind the 108-rated First In Line with 95-rated Harrovian in second. This gelded son of New Approach got off the mark at the third time of asking when showing a good attitude to hold-off Frontman at Windsor in July.

He’s from a family that progress well with age so I’m hopeful he can progress this season for Charlie Fellowes, and I’m more than hopeful that’ll he’ll be able to win races off his current mark of 79, which looks more than workable. His win at Windsor came over 1m, but he should be more than capable of staying further this season with the majority of his family showing their best form over 1m2f and all seemed happiest on a sound surface.

SEA OF FAITH (IRE) 4 b f Sea The Stars – Jumooh Form: 45131Trainer: William Haggas Owner: Sunderland Holding Inc This daughter of Sea The Stars ran an eye-catching race on her debut at Sandown last season coming from off the pace to finish a strong finishing fourth in a decent contest. She was stepped up in class for her next start in a Listed race at Newbury, and ran a good race despite being slowly away and hampered at the start. That was a good contest that featured some useful fillies, including subsequent Ribblesdale Stakes and Irish Oaks winner Star Catcher. She got off the mark at Doncaster the following month, winning effortlessly by 9lengths. She finished her campaign off with a nice performance in a good handicap at Salisbury to defy a mark of 95.

Sea Of Faith will undoubtedly be searching for black-type this season, and I think she looks the type that could do very well as a four-year-old for William Haggas. She’s a full-sister to Raheen House and Shraaoh, who both stay well so there should be more to come from her when upped to 1m6f+, which makes the Group 2 Park Hill Stakes a good target later in the season.

TONYX (GB) 4 b f Nathaniel – Kadoma Form: 11Trainer: Ed Walker Owner: Nyx Racing Club This daughter of Nathaniel created a very good impression on her racecourse debut when running away with a Novice Stakes at Salisbury by a growing 8-lengths. She followed up in good-style on her next outing when conceding a penalty to Two Bids, who had some useful Novice form to his name.

Both her wins came over 1m2f but she’s a half-sister to Ashington, who was a two-time winner over 1m4f for Luca Cumani before winning a couple of times over hurdles for John Quinn at the backend of last year. Tonyx has been given an official rating of 88, which is probably fair, but I’m hopeful she can progress into a pattern-class filly this season for Ed Walker with there being such a good programme in the UK for a filly like her. Being a daughter of Nathaniel, she should handle some give in the ground.

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DARK HORSES & PATTERN-CLASS THREE-YEAR-OLD'S

ART POWER (IRE) 3 gr c Dark Angel – Evening Time Form: 31Trainer: Tim Easterby Owner: King Power Racing Co Ltd This son of Dark Angel ran an encouraging race on his racecourse debut at Newcastle last September before storming home in a good 5f Novice Stakes at York a month later. He put daylight between himself and two subsequent winners in the final furlong looking like a very smart horse in the making. One of those subsequent winners was the Phil Makin trained The Bell Conductor, who looks like a horse that’ll be doing well this season as a three-year-old.

Art Power doesn’t have a handicap mark yet so I’m sure connections will be keeping one eye on a future mark after his next race, but either way, I’m pretty hopeful that he’ll participating in pattern-class sprint races this season for Tim Easterby. He certainly has the speed for 5f but he also should have no issue with 6f this season. He handled the ground well at York but he should also be as effective on a sounder surface.

BRENTFORD HOPE (IRE) 3 b c Camelot – Miss Raven Form: 1Trainer: Richard Hughes Owner: Bernardine And Sean Mulryan Brentford Hope posted one of the most impressive winning debuts seen last season when effortlessly landing a 1m2f Maiden at Newmarket. He was given a cool, patient ride from Jamie Spencer before taking up the lead on the bridle inside the final furlong to win going away by 5-lengths. The ground at Newmarket was pretty testing on that occasion so I was impressed with the way he travelled and pulled away from his field in the conditions. I’m not sure how strong that race was but it was difficult not to be impressed with the manner of his success.

He’s a son of Epsom Derby winner Camelot, who’s offspring seem to stay very well, his dam finished second in the Group 2 Park Hill Stakes (1m6f) as a 3yo before landing a Group 3 over 1m4f so I’m sure this colt will be suited by a test of stamina this season. Brentford Hope looks to have a bright future ahead of him this season, and will likely test his Epsom credentials in a Derby trial early in the season.

BORN WITH PRIDE (IRE) 3 b f Born To Sea – Jumooh Form: 1Trainer: William Haggas Owner: Sunderland Holding Inc Well-bred filly; Born With Bride is closely related to Group 3 (1m5f) winner Raheen House, Group 1 Sydney Cup (2m) winner Shraaoh and progressive two-time winner (1m4f) Sea Of Faith. This daughter of Born To Sea won a Listed contest on her debut last season at Newmarket on Heavy ground, hanging on well at the finish to deny the Aidan O’Brien trained Peaceful by a neck. It wasn’t the strongest Listed races we’ll see but it still takes plenty of winning so the fact this filly was capable of winning it on debut bodes very well for her future.

As her pedigree suggests, this filly is going to be suited by a step up in trip this season, which hopefully should unlock further improvement. Her win came in very testing ground conditions but I can’t see any reason why she won’t be effective on better ground. She currently holds entries in both the 1,000 Guineas and Irish Oaks, but I’m sure the latter target will likely be the more realistic with 1m4f looking more her trip.

CABALETTA (GB) 3 gr f Mastercraftsman – Allegretto Form: 1Trainer: Roger Varian Owner: Cheveley Park Stud Cabaletta created a good impression when winning on her debut at Yarmouth (1m) last season in what could end up being a good contest. Being a daughter of Mastercrafstman, she coped with the Heavy ground well, and stayed on well inside the final furlong despite being slowly away to beat Frankly Darling by a length.

This filly is a full-sister to Jeweller, who was progressive last season over 2m for Sir Michael Stoute.

His dam was very smart for these connections winning the Group 1 Prix Royal-Oak at Longchamp, winning Group races between 1m4f-2m on a variety of ground. Cabaletta certainly shaped like a filly that’ll be suited by a step up in trip this season for Roger Varian. She doesn’t hold any fancy entries at this stage but I’m hopeful she has the ability to progress in pattern-class company this season.

DIVINA GLORIA (FR) 3 b f Dabirsim – Amouage Form: 1Trainer: Kevin Ryan Owner: Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum This daughter of Dabirsim created a very good impression when landing a 1m Novice Stakes at Thirsk last season for Kevin Ryan, finishing a length ahead of Golden Lips, a good winner on her next start before being thought good enough to run in a Group 2 on her final outing.

Divina Gloria ran green throughout at the rear of the field before making good headway once the penny dropped to stay on strongly at the finish. I thought it was a very encouraging first effort, which I’m sure she’d have learnt a lot from.

Divina Gloria is a dark horse for the season ahead in the sense she really could be anything at this stage of her career, but has the size and scope to do well as a three-year-old. She doesn’t hold any fancy entries currently but I’m pretty hopeful she’ll be the sort that’ll progress to a higher level this season for Kevin Ryan, who seems to hold this filly in highregard. Her debut success came over 1m but she should stay a bit further this season.

DOMINO DARLING (GB) 3 b f Golden Horn – Disco Volante Form: 1Trainer: William Haggas Owner: A E Oppenheimer Nicely-bred filly; Domino Darling is closely-related to Royal Ascot Queen’s Vase (2m) winner Namibian, who was very progressive throughout his three-year-old campaign for Mark Johnston. Domino Darling wasn’t exactly strongly fancied in the betting before her racecourse debut at Doncaster (1m) last October, but it didn’t stop her making a winning start to her career with a narrow success over Gold Wand.

This daughter of Golden Horn showed a very good attitude and plenty of stamina to gain the upper hand inside the final furlong under Tom Marquand, who gave this filly a lovely introduction in what was very testing ground conditions. Like I said, this filly is closelyrelated to a pattern-class performer that stayed 2m, but also won a Group 3 over 1m4f. She looks a filly with a nice future ahead of her this season and hopefully should progress as the season goes on.

EMISSARY (GB) 3 b c Kingman – Soviet Moon Form: 1Trainer: Hugo Palmer Owner: K Abdullah This colt hails from a very good Juddmonte Farms family being by Kingman, out of Soviet Moon making him a half-brother to 2010 Epsom Derby and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Workforce. Like his sibling, Emissary made his racecourse debut a winning one as a juvenile with a nice performance at Wolverhampton last October. He picked up well inside the final furlong to beat Glenties by over 2-lengths, who had previously run well on debut behind Tsar at Newcastle.

Emissary ran a very efficient race on his debut and produced rather impressive closing sectionals under a hands and heels ride from Jack Mitchell. He doesn’t have any fancy entries at this stage, but I’m sure we’ll be seeing him in a classic trial at some point Emissary has the looks to go with his pedigree, along with the size and scope to make a very nice three-year-old in 2020.

FOORAAT (IRE) 3 b f Dubawi – Nahrain Form: 1Trainer: Roger Varian Owner: Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum Well-bred filly; Fooraat is by Dubawi, out of two-time Group 1 winner Nahrain, making her a full-sister to three-time Group 1 winner Benbatl. She made a winning debut at Newcastle (7f) in October last year for Roger Varian, beating a strongly fancied newcomer trained by John Gosden in the process. She looked as if she was going to play second best heading inside the final furlong but she battled on well to lead towards the finish with the pair pulling nicely clear of an experienced 80 rated filly.

Fooraat needed every yard of the 7f distance at Newcastle, which is quite a stiff track so she should be appreciating a step up in trip this season. She looks to have the size and scope to progress into a very smart three-year-old this season for her connections with a step up in trip unlocking further improvement.

HEIRESS (GB) 3 b f Kingman – Love Divine Form: 1Trainer: John Gosden Owner: Lordship Stud Well-bred filly; This daughter of Kingman is a half-sister to St Leger Stakes winner Sixties Icon, out of Epsom Oaks winner Love Divine. Heiress did what her dam couldn’t and that’s win as a juvenile, and she did it at the first time of asking with a commanding success at Newmarket (7f). She clearly needed every yard of the distance on that occasion and there’s no doubt that the ground made it more a test of stamina than most 7f Novice Stakes, which clearly played to her strengths.

Heiress certainly has the pedigree to excel over middle-distances this season and I’m sure we’ll be seeing her in an Oaks trial at some point. She’s already a valuable broodmare prospect for her connections being a winner with her pedigree, but I’m sure she’ll be placed to gain some black-type this season, and she’s firmly in the ‘could be anything’ category.

HIGHER KINGDOM (GB) 3 b c Kingman – Noozhah Form: 1Trainer: Archie Watson Owner: Clipper Logistics This son of Kingman was backed as if defeat was out of the question before his debut at Kempton last October, and he landed the gamble in style, winning by 4-lengths. Like most Archie Watson newcomers, he knew his job, getting out of the stalls well, taking up a prominent position before quickening up well inside the final furlong, but despite knowing his job during the race, he did show signs of greenness beforehand. The form took a boost when the fourth won nicely at Newcastle on his next start, and I’m sure the second will win his fair share of races this season so it wasn’t exactly a bad contest.

He’s nicely bred being a half-brother to Noozhoh Canarias, who was a very good horse in Spain before coming to the UK to run big races in the 2,000 Guineas and July Cup. Archie Watson gets plenty of first-time out winners across the country but not all of them go on afterwards. I think that’s mainly due to the fact he knows how to get them to know their job, fit and finds them the right races. I felt there was just something a little different about Higher Kingdom’s debut success in the sense you could tell he was far from the finished article, looking quite green before the race, and showing signs of inexperience when asked to quicken, which you don’t often seen with an Archie Watson trained newcomer. He seemed to just have that touch of class in the way he went about his business that gave me the impression he could develop into a very smart colt this season.

HIGHEST GROUND (IRE) 3 b c Frankel – Celestial Lagoon Form: 1Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute Owner: Niarchos Family Highest Ground created a very big impression when making a winning debut at Leicester (7f) last season for Sir Michael Stoute despite being very slowly away. He looked clueless throughout but once the penny dropped, he made rapid headway, picking up very well to win going away. It was a remarkable performance that left the impression he could be a very good colt in the future.

He’s a lovely, big son of Frankel that looks the type that’ll do very well as a three-year-old for Sir Michael Stoute. Highest Ground holds entries in both the Irish Derby and Epsom Derby, but he also holds an entry in the Irish 2,000 Guineas, which is interesting as despite shaping like a horse that’ll stay further, he certainly showed plenty of gears to win on debut.

Frankel seems to stamp his offspring with plenty of stamina so 1m4f could be within his compass. He looks a very exciting prospect this season that’s in the right hands to reach his true potential.

KHALOOSY (IRE) 3 gr c Dubawi – Elshaadin Form: 21Trainer: Roger Varian Owner: Hamdan Al Maktoum This son of Dubawi ran a promising race in a good Novice Stakes at Newcastle on his debut last October, keeping on well inside the final furlong to finish second behind Count Of Amazonia. He built on that effort to win at the second time of asking in very impressive fashion at Wolverhampton, which looked a pretty good contest on paper beforehand. He travelled strongly throughout before making smooth headway inside the final furlong to breeze into the lead, quickening away like a very smart horse in the making. He pulled over 4-lengths clear of Summit Reach (OR 86), who went on to win easily on his next start, so the form certainly looks strong as well.

Khaloosy still holds entries in both the 2,000 Guineas and Epsom Derby at this stage, with the 2,000 Guineas possibly looking the most suitable target on paper, as he looked to have plenty of gears when winning last time, but with everything that has gone on in the world, it might just come a bit too soon for him as I’m sure Roger Varian would have liked to put his Newmarket credentials to the test in a more orthodox manner. Either-way, he undoubtedly looks a horse with a very bright future ahead of him.

KING LEONIDAS (GB) 3 b c Kingman – Reem Form: 1Trainer: John Gosden Owner: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum I was pretty impressed with this son of Kingman’s debut success at the backend of last season, running out a good 2-lengths winner at the finish. He was given a good, patient ride from Frankie Dettori, giving him plenty of time to find his stride out the back before making good headway to lead 1f from home to defeat the Roger Charlton trained Evening Sun, who had shown plenty of promise on his previous run at Newbury. I thought it was a very good first effort by this colt, and despite handling the Soft ground, I’m sure he’d have been even more impressive on a sounder surface.

He’s a well-bred colt being a son of Kingman, out of Reem, who was a useful mare for Mike De Kock. His debut success came over 7f, but he certainly needed to stay well to win in the ground so I’m sure he’ll be suited by a step up in trip this season with his half-brother being a winner over 1m4f. He still currently has an entry in the 2,000 Guineas, which isn’t too ambitious at this stage, but I’d have thought he’d be one for the middle of the season over 1m2f. A race like the Group 3 Hampton Court Stakes at Ascot could be an interesting target.

LAMPANG (IRE) 3 b c Dandy Man – Black Mascara Form: 118Trainer: Tim Easterby Owner: King Power Racing Co Ltd This son of Dandy Man created a very big impression when making a winning debut at Carlisle last August when defeating subsequent winner Panic Room by a length. Slowly away, he ran very green at the rear of the field before making rapid headway to lead inside the final furlong. It was difficult not to be impressed with that performance and also difficult not to get excited about his future. He followed up that win with another at Ripon, cruising to a 5-length success showing a good turn of foot in the process. He disappointed on his final start of his juvenile campaign in the Listed Rockingham Stakes when sent-off a shortpriced favourite. He was slowly away and could never really get into the race on the ground, which was very testing at York on the day. I’m more than happy to strike a line through that effort, and I’m certain it wasn’t a true reflection on his ability.

Lampang remains a colt with a very bright future ahead of him and after speaking with connections about him over the winter, it’s fair to say they’ve lost little faith in his talent.

He’s a horse held in very high-regard by his trainer and I’m hopeful that he can establish himself as a pattern-class performer over 6f this season for Tim Easterby.

MAGNETISED (GB) 3 b c Shamardal – Princess Nada Form: 1Trainer: Roger Varian Owner: Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum Magnetised is potentially another bright three-year-old colt prospect this season for Shamardal, who has Pinatubo, Earthlight and Victor Ludorum to look forward to. Obviously, Magnetised didn’t reach the heights as those named did last season, but he created a likeable impression on his racecourse debut at Doncaster (7f), despite the narrow margin at the finish, I thought Andrea Atzeni was always in control and didn’t want to give him a hard time in the very testing ground conditions.

He has the pedigree to do well as a three-year-old this season with his dam a Listed winner as a three-year-old and a half-sister to Dubawi. He handled the Heavy ground well on debut but I’m sure he’ll be better on better ground this season. He has plenty of stamina on his dam side, but Shamardal can often be a big speed influence so his best distance is yet to be determined.

MONTATHER (IRE) 3 ch c Dubawi – Lanansaak Form: 1Trainer: Roger Varian Owner: Hamdan Al Maktoum This son of Dubawi was well-backed to make a winning debut at Chelmsford (1m) last year for Roger Varian, and did so in good style at the finish. He travelled well throughout and made good headway over 1f out, he kept on well to lead close to home, showing a likeable attitude in the process. He wasn’t given a hard-time by Jim Crowley, only needing two light taps behind the saddle to keep him running straight to the line. I’m sure he’d have learnt a lot from that win as it was a very nice introduction to the game at a track that can sometimes catch some newcomers out.

He’s a horse that looks to have plenty of size and scope to do very well as a three-year-old, and only seemed to get going late-on at Chelmsford on debut so I’m sure he’ll get a bit further this season. His dam was a winner between 7f/1m before placing at Listed level, but she was held in pretty high-regard by Roger Varian so we possibly didn’t see the best of her on the racecourse. Montather still holds an entry in the 2,000 Guineas, but depending on when that is run, it might just come a bit soon. He certainly looks to have a very nice future ahead of him.

ORIENTAL MYSTIQUE (GB) 3 b f Kingman – Madame Chiang Form: 41Trainer: David Simcock Owner: Miss K Rausing Nicely-bred filly; This daughter of Kingman is the first foal of Group 1 Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mare Stakes winner Madame Chiang. Oriental Mystique ran a promising race on her debut when a staying-on fourth at Newmarket behind Trefoil, who looks a potentially very smart filly in the making in her own right.

Oriental Mystique got off the mark at the second time of asking when winning nicely at Kempton a month later with the form being boosted since with Dubai Love winning the UAE 1,000 Guineas easily in Dubai over the winter. Her dam was very progressive as a threeyear-old, staying 1m4f well, and had a liking for some cut in the ground. Both her runs came over 1m last season, but she shaped as if she’ll stay a bit further in both those runs so I think we’ll be seeing her in a classic trial, and I’m hopeful she will progress nicely as a three-yearold for David Simcock this season.

PREMIER POWER (GB) 3 ch c Siyouni – Pelerin Form: 21Trainer: Roger Varian Owner: King Power Racing Co Ltd Premier Power probably should have won on his debut last season at Newmarket (6f) but was caught in the dying strides, finishing second to Powertrain. He took a keen hold throughout but he looked to be in control heading inside the final furlong under a hands and heels ride from David Egan, which possibly allowed him to idle at the finish. He built on the promise he showed on debut to win at the second time of asking at Kempton (6f) on her next start. He was quite keen again on that occasion but he cruised into the lead like a very smart colt before effortlessly putting a distance between himself and the second, who won nicely on his next start.

This son of Siyouni showcased plenty of speed in his two runs last season over 6f, and he certainly looks a sprinter. His pedigree offers hope that he could stay further but that will depend on how he settles in his races this season, as I mentioned, he was quite keen in his races last season. Hopefully, that was just be the lack of experience, and he should hopefully be more the finished article this season. I’m pretty hopeful he can progress into a very smart three-year-old for Roger Varian this season.

PUNCTUATION (GB) 3 b c Dansili – Key Point Form: 21Trainer: Andrew Balding Owner: The Queen Punctuation ran a very promising race on his racecourse debut at Kempton (1m4f) in January, running only strongly to finish a narrow second to the experienced To Nathaniel.

The form took a boost afterwards when the fourth won by 10-lengths on his next start at Wolverhampton. Punctuation built on that promising first effort to win effortlessly on his next outing over the same course and distance to bolt up by 11-lengths under Silvestre De Sousa. He has a long stride that wouldn’t exactly have been suited to a track like Kempton so I’m sure he’s going to be open to plenty of improvement once switched to the turf this season.

His dam is an unraced daughter of Galileo, that is a half-sister to the top-class Group 1 Champion Stakes winner Kalanisi, who has later become a leading NH Sire. Punctuation was strong at the finish of both his runs to date over 1m4f, shaping like a further test of stamina was needed. A race like the Group 2 Queen’s Vase (1m6f) could become an interesting target at Royal Ascot as he does look the ideal sort for it, and I’m sure it would keep his owner happy. He doesn’t have an entry in the Epsom Derby at this stage, possibly due to him being quite late to come to hand, but I’m sure that could change if he showed up well in a trial.

SATONO JAPAN (JPN) 3 b c Deep Impact – Dubawi Heights Form: 1Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute Owner: Satomi Horse Company Ltd This son of Deep Impact created a very good impression when winning at Kempton (7f) on debut last October for Sir Michael Stoute, who doesn’t have many first-time out winners with the majority improving for the experience, which I’m sure this colt will as well. He travelled nicely throughout before being was stuck behind a wall of horses once the pace lifted, but he quickened up like a very nice horse when seeing daylight to win pretty cosily at the finish. I’m not too sure how strong a race that was, but it was difficult not to be impressed with the way he won.

He’s a son of the late Deep Impact, out of two-time US Group 1 winner Dubawi Heights so he also has the pedigree to go with the potential he showed on his debut. His debut success came over 7f but his pedigree suggests he’ll be suited by stepping up in distance this season, and he does still hold an entry in the Epsom Derby. He looks a very good prospect for Sir Michael Stoute this season.

STARCAT (GB) 3 ch c Lope De Vega – Purr Along Form: 1Trainer: Hughie Morrison Owner: Martin Hughes & Michael Kerr-Dineen This son of Lope De Vega landed a touch when making a winning debut at Kempton in December and a big run was clearly expected from his connections. He kept on nicely inside the final furlong final furlong under PJ McDonald to win pretty comfortably at the finish. It looked a pretty useful contest on paper beforehand with the odds-on favourite a well-bred Godolphin newcomer that was also clearly expected to go well. The form of the race has worked out well with the fourth and fifth both winning easily since.

Starcat is a half-brother to Zuba, who was pretty progressive and stayed 1m4f as a threeyear-old last season. I’m not sure if this son of Lope De Vega will stay as far, but he certainly shaped as if a step up to 1m2f could bring out further improvement. I think this colt could be a very nice horse in the making and one to keep a firm eye on throughout the campaign.

TUSCAN GAZE (IRE) 3 ch c Galileo – Crystal Gaze Form: 1Trainer: John Gosden Owner: Lady Bamford, Magnier, Smith & Tabor Tuscan Gaze stayed on well to make a winning debut at Newmarket (7f) last season under an educational hands and heels ride from Nicky Mackay. The ground at Newmarket was testing on that occasion and it he seemed to handle it well, but I suspect he’ll be a lot happier once encountering better ground.

His debut success came over 7f but being a son of Galileo, out of a Rainbow Quest mare, he should stay a bit further this season, and he does still hold an entry in the Epsom Derby.

With that said, the ground at Newmarket was testing enough to blunt the speed of any horse, and being a half-brother to smart sprinters Caspian Prince and Spirit Quartz he certainly has the speed in his bloodline. Tuscan Gaze certainly looks a horse to keep on the right side of throughout the 2020 season for John Gosden, who again has a very good team to go to war with.

WALDKONIG GB) 3 b c Kingman – Waldlerche Form: 1Trainer: John Gosden Owner: Gestut Ammerland & Newells Park Stud This son of Kingman created a very big impression when making an emphatic winning debut at Wolverhampton over the winter, quickly putting 9-lengths between himself and the second. It was a performance that wasn’t just impressive on the eye but also impressive on the clock with his last 2f time quicker than the last 2f posted by Kachy in his course record time over 6f at Wolverhampton, which just gives you an idea of the potential he could have.

John Gosden has unleashed some very good horses on the AW in recent year’s most notably Jack Hobbs, Enable and Without Parole, and it would be no surprise of if this son of Kingman could be yet another to show potential on an artificial surface before going onto big and better things.

Waldkonig is a half-brother to four-time Group 1 winner and last seasons Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Waldgeist so Waldkonig certainly has the pedigree to go with the huge amount of potential he showed on debut. He currently still holds entries in both the 2,000 Guineas and Epsom Derby, and it would be no surprise if he was to take up both of those entries. He looks a horse with a huge amount of talent that could have a very big future ahead of him.

CALLUM

CONNOCHIE

HANDICAPS

AL NAMIR (IRE) 3 b c Shamardal – Rayaheen Form: 323Trainer: Richard Hannon Owner: Hamdan Al Maktoum This son of Shamardal ran some promising races in defeat last season in some very smart Novice races at Newmarket and Yarmouth. He built on his debut effort behind Boccaccio before finishing second in a very good Novice Stakes at Newmarket. He was just a neck behind subsequent Group 3 winner King’s Command with subsequent winner and 102 rated Royal Command in fourth. He was slightly disappointing on his final start of his juvenile campaign, but the winner was thought good enough to run in a Group 1 on his next start so it wasn’t a bad run by any means.

He’s been given a mark of 82, which I think is workable on what we seen last season, and I’m hopeful of further progress this season as a 3yo. His half-brother Motafaawit was last season for these connections winning two races and rising 13lb in the handicap after being gelded so I’m hoping Al Namir can follow a similar path. I think 7f-1m on a decent surface will likely be his conditions.

CARLOS FELIX (IRE) 3 ch g Lope De Vega – Quad’s Melody Form: 443Trainer: David Simcock Owner: Darren & Annaley Yates Carlos Felix cost a pretty penny at the Breeze-Up Sale in Arqana last year but he didn’t quite live up to his price tag in three runs as a juvenile last season. He did show more than enough promise to suggest he can be winning races in handicaps this season off a mark of 78, which I think is very workable. The Novice Stakes races he encountered at the backend of last season were very competitive contests on paper and I’m sure they will produce plenty of winners in the future.

This son of Lope De Vega is a half-brother to Group 1 winner Here Comes When and Melodic Motion, who both had similar starts to their careers before progressing through the ranks. Carlos Felix has been gelded over the winter, which hopefully will unlock further improvement. I think 1m-1m2f will potentially be his trip as a 3yo, but his half-sister did stay 1m6f so it would be no surprise to see his stay further in time. His family seem to have a liking for cut in the ground.

DARK HEART (GB) 3 b c Nathaniel – Danehill Dreamer Form: 331Trainer: Mark Johnston Owner: T T Bloodstocks Dark Heart ran a promising race on his debut at Wolverhampton running on to finish third.

He wasn’t seen again since February where he ran a remarkable race to finish third at Lingfield despite hanging badly right passing the winning line and losing the best part of 20lengths. It seems to happen quite a lot at Lingfield as it’s the part of the track where the horses come onto the track so I don’t think it’s anything more than greenness/inexperience.

He got off the mark at the third time of asking with a good performance at Newcastle, galloping all the way to the line.

There should be plenty more to come from this son of Nathaniel this season, and he looks to have the size and scope to well as a three-year-old. His sire can be big influence of stamina so it would be no surprise if he stays 2m this season, but I suspect he’ll start off in a handicap over 1m4f before gradually stepping up. He’s been given a mark of 87, which is workable, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him progress at a higher level. He should prove versatile regards ground conditions.

DULAS (IRE) 3 b c Raven’s Pass – Petit Calva Form: 651Trainer: Charles Hills Owner: Julie Martin & David R Martin & Partner Dulas made his debut in a very good Maiden Stakes at Newmarket (7f) last season won by Al Madhar, finishing sixth (beaten 5-lengths) in a race that has produced plenty of subsequent winners such as Al Suhail, Tammani and Celtic Art, who all now have triple-figure ratings. He followed up that encouraging debut effort at Leicester despite pulling very hard behind the potentially very good Highest Ground. He finally got off the mark at the third time of asking with a dominant success at Newcastle (6f) making all the running to defeat a subsequent winner in good fashion.

He’s been given a rating of 83 by the handicapper, which I think is very lenient based on his win last time. He was very keen in all his runs last season and possibly will benefit from being gelded at some point, and that will hopefully allow him to settle better in his races as his full-sister over 1m. He looks a horse open to further improvement this season and should progress throughout the campaign for Charlie Hills.

EL NASERI (IRE) 3 b c Battle Of Marengo – Dubaya Form: 223Trainer: Michael Dods Owner: Rjh Ltd And D Stone This son of Battle Of Marengo ran three creditable races in Novice Stakes last season for Michael Dods. He was never out of the first three on all those starts, and was possibly unlucky not to get his head in front on one of those occasions. Those were pretty useful contest that should produce plenty of future winners, and he always shaped as if a stiffer test was needed, keeping on well at the finish. The offspring of Battle Of Marengo seem to progress well with racing, and the majority seem to stay very well so I’m hopeful El Naseri will do the same with there being plenty of stamina on his dam side of the pedigree.

He’s been given a mark of 78 by the handicapper, which is fair on what he achieved last season, but with the potentially for better to come as a three-year-old once stepped up in distance, I’m hopeful he can land a race or two for his connections. I think trips between 1m2f-1m4f will be suitable.

FAVORITE MOON (GER) 3 b g Sea The Moon – Favorite Form: 643Trainer: William Haggas Owner: Saeed Suhail Favorite Moon built on his debut effort at Nottingham to run a promising race at Newbury last October with subsequent winners Mishriff and Waleydd just in front of him. He ran another encouraging race at Wolverhampton on his final start last year, finishing third behind Celestran. The form of that race has worked out nicely with the second Kipps winning next time at Lingfield, and the fourth winning easily on his next start.

Favorite Moon is a son of German Derby winner Sea The Moon, who has made a good start to life as a sire with his offspring staying well, and handling cut in the ground well. He’s a half-brother to Listed winner and 2m2f winner Fun Mac so I’d be hopeful Favorite Moon will take a big step forward this season once upped in trip. He’s been given a mark of 78, which looks very workable, and I’m more than hopeful he’ll be winning races as a three-year-old now gelded.

FOX DUTY FREE (IRE) 3 b c Kingman – Bugie D’Amore Form: 302Trainer: Andrew Balding Owner: King Power Racing Co Ltd Fox Duty Free ran a nice race on his debut at Newbury (6f) last season behind Owney Madden, who went on to win a valuable Nursery at York. He was disappointing on his next start in the Convivial Maiden Stakes at York (7f), which is always a competitive contest, and it often produces a nice horse for the future. He returned to the same track in October and showed some of the promise he had shown on debut to finish a good second in pretty testing ground.

This son of Kingman has been allocated a mark of 79, which is fair on what he achieved last season but he gave the impression he was open to plenty more improvement this season.

His two better runs last season came with cut in the ground, but I can’t see why he won’t be as effective on a sounder surface.

JUAN LES PINS (GB) 3 b g Invincible Spirit – Miss Beaulieu Form: 732Trainer: Ed Walker Owner: John Pearce Racing Ltd This son of Invincible Spirit improved with each run for Ed Walker last season. He weakened on his debut at Newbury (7f) last September after racing keenly throughout before showing a lot more potential on his next start at Kempton dropped to 6f, finishing third behind Smokey Bear. He settled a lot better on that occasion under Tom Marquand, keeping on well at the finish. He returned to Kempton a month later on his final run in Novice Stakes to finish a good second behind the smart Boccaccio over 7f, which was a good effort despite again racing freely.

Juan Les Pins has been gelded since his last run, which I think will make a big difference to him this season as he raced keenly on both his runs over 7f last season. He’s a half-brother to Miss Cap Estel, Cap Francais and St Jean Cap Ferrat, who all showed their best form over middle-distances so I’m hopeful this horse will follow suit this season. I’m hoping gelding him will allow him to settle better and allow him to stay further as a three-year-old. He looks to have the size and scope to progress well this season with a mark of 76 looking workable. 1m-1m2f will likely be his trip this season, and he should prove relatively versatile when it comes to ground conditions.

MARS LANDING (IRE) 3 b g Dark Angel – Psychometry Form: 829Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute Owner: Niarchos Family This son of Dark Angel was slowly away and green on his debut at Sandown (7f) last season in what was a good contest that has already produced subsequent winners. He looked to be coming with a good effort 2f out before hanging under pressure and looking badly in need of the experience. He seemed a lot more straightforward a month later when finishing second at Sandown (7f), but was no match for Palace Pier on the day. He was disappointing on his final outing at Kempton (7f) but he was restless in the stalls and was slowly away before weakening inside the final furlong.

Gelded over the winter, he looks to have the size and scope to make up into a progressive three-year-old this season for Sir Michael Stoute, and a mark of 77 looks pretty workable with natural improvement expected. He’s a half-brother to Themaxwecan, who was highlyprogressive last season once stepped up in distance, and I’m hopeful Mars Landing can do the same.

MON CHOIX (GB) 3 b g Pivotal – Privacy Order Form: 705Trainer: Andrew Balding Owner: Abdulla Ali-Thani This son of Pivotal showed glimpses of ability in maidens last season despite never being able to land a blow at the business end. It turned out to be quite a decent contest that he made his debut in at Salisbury (7f) that was won by subsequent Group 3 Solario Stakes winner Positive. I thought he shaped well despite having the gears to get into the mix at the finish. He ran in a red-hot race on his next start at Sandown (7f) that was won by the talented Palace Pier. That contest has produced plenty of winners since, and I’m sure it will continue to do so throughout the season ahead. Mon Choix was running a sound race before getting hampered 2f out, losing any chance he had. His final start at Newmarket (7f) was undoubtedly the most promising of the lot, finishing a good fifth in a decent contest, just failing to find that extra gear.

Mon Choix has been gelded since his last start, which hopefully could unlock further improvement in him this season. He certainly looks to have the necessary size and scope to win races this season off a mark of 70 based on what we seen from him last season. 1m+ should be his trip, and I’m hopeful he should handle some cut in the ground being by Pivotal out of an Azamour mare.

MOTAMAYIZ (GB) 3 b g Charm Spirit – Chanterelle Form: 769Trainer: Roger Varian Owner: Ahmad Bintooq Well-bred son of Charm Spirit; Motamayiz is half-brother to Enbihaar, who won three Group 2’s last season, half-brother to progressive Silent Attack (104 rated) and very useful King Bolete (104 rated). He showcased small glimpses of ability in his three quick runs last season despite never actually landing a real blow. He never looked comfortable on his debut at Newbury in Heavy ground but he did have a short-lived effort 2f out before unable to quicken and weakening late on. He was never able to get into contention in his two runs at Chelmsford, finding the 6f trip around a turning track too sharp.

Motamayiz should stay a bit further this season now gelded with his half-sister Enbihaar staying 1m6f and half-brother King Bolete staying 1m4f. He’s been given a big chance by the handicapper, who has given him a mark of 63, which is potentially very lenient with so much untapped potential over further to come.

ROCK OF FAME (GB) 3 b f Fastnet Rock – Familliarity Form: 659Trainer: Roger Varian Owner: Helena Springfield Ltd Rock Of Fame showed potential in her three qualifying runs for a handicap mark over the winter on the AW for Roger Varian, and offered hope there could be a lot more to come from her as a three-year-old this season. She stayed on nicely at Newcastle on debut behind potentially smart Jovial, and again kept on well on her next start at Kempton. She was closing on the leaders on her final outing last year but was denied a clear run at a crucial stage and was never able to challenge afterwards.

All her runs over the winter came over 6f, which is pretty surprising looking at her pedigree as she’s by Fastnet Rock, out of a 1m2f winner by Nayef. The fact she has been running over 6f may suggest she’s a bit headstrong, and has her own way of going about things, but hopefully she’ll be more the finished article this season. I’m hopeful that she will stay quite a bit further this season with her pedigree suggesting 1m-1m2f will be suitable. Her sire’s offspring are often versatile when it comes to ground conditions.

SALAMANCA SCHOOL (IRE) 3 b c Rock Of Gibraltar – Princess Sofia Form: 321Trainer: Mark Johnston Owner: Dr J Walker This son of Rock Of Gibraltar ran three solid races last year at the backend of his juvenile campaign. He took a keen hold on his debut at Ayr (1m) but he kept on pretty well at the finish to finish third behind Morisco despite never being able to land a blow. He built on that effort to run a nice race at Bath (1m2f) on his next start, finishing second to Midnights Legacy, who seemed to relish the underfoot conditions. He finally got off the mark at the third time of asking at Nottingham (1m½f) on his final start of the season, he made it a test in the ground, taking up the running 4f out before keeping up the gallop all the way to the line despite losing a shoe in the process.

This colt is a full-brother to two-time Group 1 winner (1m2f-1m4f) Princess Gibraltar and Flat/Hurdle winner Sofia’s Rock. Salamanca School looks the type Mark Johnston does well with, and I can see him picking up a nice middle-distance handicap this season. He certainly will appreciate a step up in trip this season with 1m2f/1m4f looking suitable on pedigree. He seems to handle cut in the ground well but there should be no reason why he won’t be as effective on a sounder surface.

SHANDOZ (GB) 3 b c Golden Horn – Shabyt Form: 341Trainer: Roger Varian Owner: Nurlan Bizakov Shandoz ran a very promising race on his racecourse debut last season when being narrowly beaten by Sound Of Cannons at Newmarket (1m). The winner has subsequently boosted that effort with sound efforts in pattern-class races afterwards. Shandoz ran another sound race on his second start at Salisbury (1m) on his next outing, finishing a staying on third in what turned out to be a very good contest. It was won by subsequent Group3 Horris Hill Stakes winner Kenzai Warrior, with Group 3 Zetland Stakes winner Max Vega in second.

Roger Varian’s inmate got off the mark at the third time of asking when staying on well to win narrowly at Wolverhampton over 1m½f. I think that was also a good contest as I’m sure the second (Trumpet Man) will be winning races over middle-distances this season, and the third (Sword Beach) landed a good York contest on his next outing.

I think this son of Golden Horn will make up into a very smart middle-distance handicapper this season for Roger Varian with his mark of 85 having plenty of scope for improvement.

His dam is an unraced half-sister to Secret Gesture and Japan so I’m hoping he can show a glimpse of the ability they had as three-year-old’s.

SMUGGLER (GB) 3 b g Sir Percy – Patronella Form: 276Trainer: Marcus Tregoning Owner: Park Walk Racing – 2019 Smuggler showed plenty on his racecourse debut last season when finishing a very promising second at Goodwood over 6f. He returned to Goodwood for his next start for a competitive Class 2 Maiden Stakes but he could never land a blow from off the pace. He was slightly disappointing on his final effort of his juvenile campaign when weakening inside the final furlong at Newbury (7f) after racing keenly early on.

Gelded since he was last seen on the track, Smuggler looks the type that should have some improvement to come as a three-year-old this season for Marcus Tregoning. He’s by Epsom Derby winner Sir Percy, out of a High Chaparral mare so he hopefully should come into his own over middle-distances this season. I think he has the scope for improvement to win races off a mark of 72.

STAR OF WELLS (IRE) 3 b g Sea The Stars – Seas Of Wells Form: 542Trainer: Tom Ward Owner: K Sohi & Partners 1 This son of Sea The Stars was sent-off a relatively short-price to make a winning debut in a good contest at Sandown (7f) last season, but he never looked like winning despite having a short-lived effort on the outside 2f out. The race was won by Kameko, who went on to win the Group 1 Vertem Futurity. Star Of Wells was made favourite for his next start at Wolverhampton (1m½f), but again, he could never land a blow, and let his supporters down again. He ran a better race on his final start of season when chasing home the potentially smart Higher Kingdom at Kempton (7f). He never looked like winning but it was a much better effort than his two previous.

Star Of Wells looked quite awkward on occasions last season, running around under pressure, flashing his tail, but the fact he was sent-off such a short-price on his first two outings tells me that he was clearly showing something at home. He’s been gelded since we last seen him, and left William Haggas, joining Tom Ward, who looks to be assembling a good team for the turf season. I’m hoping the gelding operation and change of scenery could see him in a better light this season. A mark of 74 is fair on what he achieved as a juvenile, but I’m hopeful he’ll leave that form behind him this season in middle-distance handicaps on turf.

STONY LOOK (IRE) 3 b f Passing Glance – Chesil Beach Form: 440Trainer: Andrew Balding Owner: Kingsclere Racing Club This filly had three relatively quick runs over the winter, running three-times at Kempton. I thought her debut effort over 1m was very encouraging but she just seemed to get outpaced late on. Similar comments apply to her run next time dropped back to 7f just failing to find that extra gear late on after doing looking dangerous 2f out. She failed to fire on her final start last season but I’m happy to forgive her the run as it was her third run in just over a month so I’m happy to strike a line through it.

Stony Look is a homebred by Passing Glance, out of Chesil Beach, who was a useful filly for these connections a few seasons ago. Chesil Beach took her form to a new level as a 3yo, especially once upped in trip, winning races between 1m4f-2m (improving 28lb). I’m hoping this filly can follow a similar path this season and hopefully should be capable of winning races off a mark of 60 up in trip.

SURE I’M YOUR MAN (IRE) 3 b g Sea The Moon – All Hollows Form: 959Trainer: Roger Charlton Owner: Paul & Clare Rooney This son of Sea The Moon didn’t exactly pull up any trees in his three quick runs at the backend of last year for Roger Charlton, but he shaped like a horse that’ll progress well as a three-year-old. He struggled on his debut at Newbury (1m) in very testing ground conditions, he was out the back throughout before weakening once the pace lifted. He shaped with a lot more promise on his next start at Chelmsford (1m) despite running around under pressure. He was slightly disappointing on his final start of the campaign, but I thought it was a lot better than his finishing position. He was slowly away before getting hampered when trying to stay on from unpromising position.

As I said, he shaped like a horse that could develop into a progressive type as a three-yearold season with many by the sire being late maturing types that needs a stiff test. He’s a half-brother to Temple Church, who was a pretty useful type that progressed well between 1m2f-1m4f. I’m hopeful he can win races over middle-distances this season off a mark of 65.

THE BELL CONDUCTOR (IRE) 3 b g Dandy Man – Saffian Form: 2321Trainer: Phillip Makin Owner: Mrs Wendy Burdett This son of Dandy Man ran a very nice race on his debut last season at Thirsk (6f) when finishing second to a smart colt that was thought good enough to make his debut in a competitive Conditions Stakes at Newbury. He couldn’t quite live up to market expectations when sent-off favourite for his next outing at York, but he ran a nice enough race in third despite being no match for very easy winner Art Power. He went to Catterick for his next start in very testing ground conditions, only being denied by Mighty Spirit, who probably deserved to get her head in front after running so many consistent efforts throughout the campaign.

The Bell Conductor finally got off the mark in November when running out a good winner at Southwell. He defeated Auchterarder on that occasion, who is a nice filly in her own right, breaking the juvenile track record in the process. He’s been allocated a mark of 81 by the handicapper, which I think is very workable for the season ahead. I think 5f/6f will be his trip, and he might appreciate some ease in the ground on Turf. He looks a nice prospect for Phil Makin.

TRUMPET MAN (GB) 3 b g Golden Horn – Concordia Form: 425Trainer: Mark Johnston Owner: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum Trumpet Man ran three solid races in Novice Stakes company last season, showing plenty of promise on each occasion despite failing to get his head in front. He was quite unlucky not to win on his debut at Chelmsford (1m) as he was denied a clear run and took a bump inside the final furlong, which is bound to intimidate a horse making their debut. He was narrowly denied on his second start at Wolverhampton (1m½f), collared late on by Shandoz with subsequent winner Sword Beach close-up in third. He hung under pressure on his final start of the season at Newmarket (1m) in ground possibly softer than ideal. That was still a decent effort in a race that should produce plenty of winners this season.

This son of Golden Horn has been given a mark of 84, which doesn’t look extremely lenient, but I’m hopeful he has the potential to progress to a higher-level this season as a threeyear-old. He’s a half-brother to Polarisation, who progressed nicely for these connections in his three-year-old campaign, winning four-times. He should have more to come in 1m2f1m4f handicaps this season.

ZEGALO (IRE) 3 b c Zoffany – Mzyoon Form: 321Trainer: Roger Varian Owner: Hussain Alabbas Lootah Zegalo ran a promising race on his debut at Ascot (7f) last September when a staying-on third behind Cherokee Trail at Ascot, who subsequently followed up at Newbury under a penalty. He was beaten at Beverley (7½f) on his next start when sent-off an odds-on favourite, but it was far from a bad run with the winner dictating things from the front in the Soft ground. Zegalo seemed to get outpaced 2f before running pretty green under pressure inside the final furlong. He finally got off the mark at the third time of asking when upped in trip on Heavy ground at Nottingham. It wasn’t the most competitive of races, but he got the job done well enough in the finish despite losing his left-fore shoe.

I think he looks the type that’ll improve nicely as a three-year-old this season for Roger Varian, and he has a workable handicap mark. He’s got a nice pedigree with his dam being

by Galileo, and a half-sister to Society Rock. I’m hopeful he’ll make up into a nice middledistance handicapper this season, and he seems versatile in terms of ground conditions.

CALLUM

CONNOCHIE

MAIDENS

ANGEL POWER (GB) 3 b f Lope De Vega – Burning Rules Form: 3Trainer: Roger Varian Owner: King Power Racing Co Ltd This daughter of Lope De Vega ran a promising race on her racecourse debut when finishing third behind the potentially smart Heiress at Newmarket (7f). She was sent-off favourite in what looked a pretty open contest but could never land a real blow after a slow start. I thought she showed enough on that occasion to suggest she’ll be winning races this season, and should have no problem landing a maiden/novice. The way she finished at Newmarket in pretty testing ground conditions suggest she’ll definitely stay a mile as a three-year-old.

ANNIE DE VEGA (GB) 3 ch f Lope De Vega – Annie’s Fortune Form: 3Trainer: Ralph Beckett Owner: Waverley Racing Annie De Vega showed a lot of promise on her debut at Nottingham (1m½f) last season when finishing third behind subsequent Listed winner King Carney in Soft ground. The first and second seemed to dictate things on that occasion, and she was probably a little too far back to land a real threat, but she did keep on well at the finish to close on the leaders. She offered enough on debut to suggest she can progress into a useful type this season for Ralph Beckett, and should waste no time in landing her maiden.

BIMBLE (IRE) 3 b f Acclamation – Cape Violet Form: 4Trainer: Henry Candy Owner: A Davis This daughter of Acclamation ran a very encouraging race on her debut at Kempton last December. She was short of room entering the final furlong but once was in the clear, kept on very nicely under a hands and heels ride. I thought there was a lot to like about that performance with the future in mind, and she should have no problem winning races this season for Henry Candy. 6f/7f should be her trip this season as a three-year-old, and I hope to see her progress as the season goes on. She’s definitely one to keep an eye-on.

BUCEPHALUS (GER) 3 b c Soldier Hollow – Batya Form: 46Trainer: Ed Walker Owner: Quantum Leap Racing Vii Bucephalus showed plenty of ability in both his runs at the backend of his juvenile campaign last season, but looked like a horse that will progress nicely as a three-year-old. He stayedon nicely on his debut under an educational ride from Hector Crouch before having another good experience on his final outing. He will likely have another run somewhere before going into handicap company, which hopefully should allow him to progress nicely throughout the season. I think 1m2f-1m4f will likely be his trips this season, and he shouldn’t mind some cut in the ground.

CODE OF CONDUCT (GB) 3 b c Siyouni – Sequence Form: 52Trainer: Roger Charlton Owner: The Queen This son of Siyouni ran a nice race on his debut at Newbury (1m) last season, keeping on nicely at the finish despite racing greenly throughout to finish fifth in a good contest. He ran another nice race on his next start at Kempton (7f) but was never quite able to catch the winner inside the final furlong. This colt looked big and backward last year, and I’m hoping he’ll be more the finished article this season. He offered enough encouragement to suggest he can win a maiden/novice, but he should also progress nicely in handicaps afterwards.

COLD FRONT (GB) 3 b c Lope De Vega – Cloud Line Form: 2Trainer: William Haggas Owner: Lael Stable Cold Front hails from a family William Haggas knows very well, and had plenty of success with in the past so I’m hoping this colt can progress nicely this season. He showed plenty of ability on his debut at Newbury (6½f) last season, finishing second, seemingly just getting tired late on after looking the winning going into the final furlong. I’m more than hopeful that he’ll be winning races this season with 6f/7f likely being his trip, and should progress as the season goes on.

COSMIC PRINCESS (GB) 3 b f Kingman – Galaxy Highflyer Form: 6Trainer: Hughie Morrison Owner: Helena Springfield Ltd This daughter of Kingman ran a promising race on her debut at Kempton (7f) last October, shaping like a filly with a nice future ahead of her. She made some good headway before staying on strongly inside the final furlong to close on the leaders towards the finish. She’s a half-sister to Oklahoma City, who was a smart horse Aidan O’Brien a few seasons ago.

Cosmic Princess looks more than capable of winning a maiden this season before hopefully going onto better things later in the campaign. 1m-1m2f will likely be her trip this season for Hughie Morrison.

FIRST RECEIVER (GB) 3 b c New Approach – Touchline Form: 23Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute Owner: The Queen This colt ran a couple of very promising races last season for Sir Michael Stoute that left the impression he could make up into a nice horse this season. He finished third in a good Newmarket (7f) maiden on his debut behind Al Madhar, with 112 rated Al Suhail in second.

He was unlucky not to finish a bit closer on that occasion after being denied a clear run, which is encouraging as he was beaten far. He travelled well at Kempton (1m) on final start but just got outpaced at the finish after a short-break. I think this colt can get competitive in a maiden on his next start before progressing nicely in middle-distance handicaps.

FORMALITY (GB) 3 b c Frankel – Silver Mirage Form: 5Trainer: Michael Bell Owner: The Queen This son of Frankel ran a promising race on his debut at Newmarket last October, staying on nicely after a slow start. A shaped like a horse that will make up into a useful type as a three-year-old this season as he looked far from the finished article on debut. He should appreciate a step up in trip this season by Frankel, and with there being plenty of stamina on the dam side of his pedigree. I think he’s capable of showing up well in a maiden/novice before progressing through the ranks in handicaps for Michael Bell.

FRANKENSTELLA (IRE) 3 b f Frankel – L’Ancresse Form: 6Trainer: John Quinn Owner: Phoenix Thoroughbred Limited Nicely-bred; Frankenstella is a full-sister to Group 3 winner Master Of Reality, who placed in the Ascot Gold Cup (2m4f) and Melbourne Cup (2m) last season for Joseph O’Brien. John Quinn’s filly was quietly fancied for her debut at Nottingham (1m½f) at the backend of last season but she ran very green throughout before plugging on well in the final 2f. I think this daughter of Frankel ran a lot better than the result at Nottingham and hopefully should progress into a useful filly as a three-year-old. She’s one to look out for in 1m2f-1m4f maiden/novices this season, and has the pedigree to progress well.

GALATA BRIDGE (GB) 3 b c Golden Horn – Infallible Form: 6Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute Owner: Cheveley Park Stud Nicely-bred colt; This son of Golden Horn is a half-brother to high-class two-time Group 2 winner Mutakayyef and Group 1 winner Veracious. Galata Bridge kept on nicely on his debut at Kempton (7f) last October despite never being able to get into a position to trouble the leaders. There was a lot to like about that effort, and I’m sure he’d have learnt plenty from the experience. I think he’ll go well next time out before hopefully progressing into a nice type. 1m-1m2f will likely be his trip this season.

GOLDEN HIND (GB) 3 b f Golden Horn – Messias Da Silva Form: 2Trainer: David O’Meara Owner: Sir Robert Ogden Nicely-bred filly; Golden Hind is a half-sister to connections two-time Group 1 winner Amazing Maria, who was a very smart filly for David O’Meara. This daughter of Golden Horn ran a remarkable race to finish second on her debut at Catterick (7f), staying on nicely from off the pace. She shaped like a filly that has plenty of ability so I’m more than hopeful that she’ll be winning races this season. 1m-1m2f will likely be her trip, and I’m interested to see how far she can progress.

IMRAHOR (GB) 3 b c Kingman – She’s Mine Form: 2Trainer: Hugo Palmer Owner: V I Araci This colt ran a nice race on his debut at Newbury (7f) last season when finishing second to the smart Cherokee Trail. He ran green under pressure, drifting to his left, but still finished well clear of subsequent easy winner Hukum. This son of Kingman should have no problem landing a maiden this season for Hugo Palmer before potentially going onto better things.

There’s plenty of stamina on his dam side so I’m hopefully he’ll stay 1m2f this season. He’s certainly one to keep on the right side of throughout the campaign.

LAW OF ONE (IRE) 3 ch c Galileo – Strawberry Fledge Form: 2Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute Owner: Flaxman Stables Ireland Ltd This son of Galileo ran a nice race on his debut at Chelmsford (7f) last October, finishing a neck second to the more experienced Always Fearless. He was a probably unlucky not to win on that occasion as he was pretty restless in the stalls before being squeezed for room 1f out, which probably cost him more than the winning margin. This colt is a half-brother to Group 1 winner Cloth Of Stars, and still holds an entry in the Epsom Derby. I’m hopeful he can develop into a smart colt this season for Sir Michael Stoute over middle-distances.

LORD CAMPARI (IRE) 3 b c Kingman – Blanche Dubawi Form: 6Trainer: Roger Varian Owner: Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum Lord Campari shaped well on his debut at Sandown (7f) last season in what turned out to be an above average maiden won by Palace Pier. He was keen early before getting outpaced and weakening late on, looking like he possibly needed a bit more time to strengthen up.

Like I said, that was a good contest, and the bare form he showed should be good enough to win a maiden this season, but I think there could be a lot more to come from this colt as a three-year-old. 7f-1m will likely be his trip this season for Roger Varian.

MASTER THE STARS (GER) 3 b c Sea The Stars – Magma Form: 5Trainer: Ed Dunlop Owner: The Hon R J Arculli Master The Stars showed enough on his debut to suggest he’ll be winning races this season, when finishing fifth in a decent contest at Yarmouth (7f). He was slowly into stride before racing pretty freely throughout in the Heavy ground, and weakened late on. I thought he travelled like a horse with ability on that occasion, leaving the impression he could progress into a nice type for Ed Dunlop. This son of Sea The Stars is a half-brother to Master The Wine, who was a useful horse for Andrew Balding before landing a Group 3 in Australia this year. Master The Stars looks a horse to keep on the right side of this season once stepping up to middle distances.

SKY POWER (IRE) 3 b c Fastnet Rock – Dame Blanche Form: 3Trainer: Richard Hannon Owner: King Power Racing Co Ltd This son of Fastnet Rock shaped well on his debut at Newmarket (7f) at the backend of last season, finishing third behind the potentially smart Tuscan Gaze. He took a keen hold throughout but kept on well once switched right inside the final furlong. He’s a full-brother to Fastnet Tempest, who was a progressive horse for William Haggas a few seasons ago over 7f/1m. I’m hopeful this colt can go well in a maiden/novice on his next start before progressing throughout the campaign in handicaps for Richard Hannon.

SOLAR SCREEN (IRE) 3 gr c Golden Horn – Screen Star Form: 6Trainer: Roger Varian Owner: Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum Nicely-bred colt; This son of Golden Horn is a half-brother to Group 1 winners Sheikha Reika and Lumiere. Solar Screen shaped promisingly in a decent Newmarket contest on his debut at the backend of last year despite not totally enjoying the ground conditions. This colt should come into his own over 1m2f this season, and he should be competitive on his next two starts before eventually progressing through the ranks for Roger Varian. I’m interested to see how far he can progress this season.

SPANISH KISS (GB) 3 b c Lope De Vega – Kissable Form: 04Trainer: William Knight Owner: Kennet Valley Thoroughbreds Xiv This son of Lope De Vega shaped nicely on his debut at Kempton (1m) on debut last season, finishing off his race strongly from off the pace. He built on that effort to run a very nice race on his next start at Chelmsford (1m) finishing fourth despite taking a keen hold, hanging right-handed throughout. Spanish Kiss looks the type that will progress nicely as a three-year-old this season for William Knight, especially once stepping into handicaps over 1m-1m2f. He’s from a good family that progress well with age and racing so I’m hoping this colt can do the same this season.

SPARKLING OLLY (IRE) 3 b f Gleneagles – Verde Form: 5Trainer: Michael Bell Owner: Amo Racing Limited Sparkling Olly made her debut in a good contest at Newmarket (7f) last season, which I’m sure will produce plenty of future winners. She ran a nice race despite looking quite green and hanging right under pressure late on, but she kept on well under a nice educational ride. This daughter of Gleneagles should be more the finished article this season, and I’m hopeful there’s plenty more to come from her. I’m hopeful that she may stay a bit further this season but it’s likely that 1m could prove her optimum trip this season. She’s a halfsister to a Group 2 winner as well so she certainly has the pedigree for the job.

VIRGIN SNOW (GB) 3 b f Gleneagles – Snow Fairy Form: 43Trainer: Ed Dunlop Owner: Anamoine Limited Nicely-bred filly; Virgin Snow is out of connections high-class multiple Group 1 winner (including Epsom Oaks) Snow Fairy, who was a brilliant mare for Ed Dunlop. Virgin Snow shaped well in her two runs last season at Doncaster (7f) and Kempton (1m), but she shaped like a filly that will be seen to best effect as a three-year-old. She’s by 2,000 Guineas winner Gleneagles but I’m hopeful the stamina on her dam side will allow her to stay middledistances this season. I think she can go well on her next start before progressing through the ranks.

CALLUM

CONNOCHIE

UNRACED

ARROW OF GOLD (IRE) 3 ch c Galileo – Fleche D’Or Form: Trainer: Kevin Ryan Owner: Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum Well-bred colt; This son of Galileo is a half-brother to top-class Epsom Derby and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Golden Horn. Arrow Of Gold should be seen in a maiden over 1m2f this season for Kevin Ryan, who has patiently handled this son of Galileo up until now, and I’m sure he’ll want to find the right race to start this colt off in. He still currently holds an entry in the Epsom Derby.

BANNA (GB) 3 b f Pivotal – Salacia Form: Trainer: Simon Crisford Owner: Ali Abdulla Saeed Nicely-bred filly; This daughter of Pivotal is a half-sister to King Of Change, who finished second in the 2,000 Guineas last season before landing the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes. He’s also a half-brother to Century Dream, who has been a good horse for Simon Crisford, running well at the highest-level on a number of occasions. Both King Of Change and Century Dream have shown their best form with some cut in the ground so with this filly being by Pivotal, I’d imagine similar will apply to her. Banna still currently holds an entry in the 1,000 Guineas currently.

DALHOUSIE (GB) 3 b f Golden Horn – Dalvina Form: Trainer: William Haggas Owner: A Stone This daughter of Golden Horn is a half-sister to Dal Harraild, who was a progressive horse for William Haggas a few seasons ago, with wins including two Listed contests. She’s also a halfsister to Dal Horrisgle, who progressed nicely for the same connections as a three-year-old last season. This filly is bred to progress nicely as a three-year-old with her siblings showing their best form between 1m4f-1m6f. She’s an interesting prospect.

DARAIN (GB) 3 b c Dubawi – Dar Re Mi Form: Trainer: John Gosden Owner: Qatar Racing Ltd And Watership Down Stud Very well-bred colt; This son of Dubawi hails from a family John Gosden has had plenty of success with over the years. He’s a full-brother to Too Darn Hot, So Mi Dar and Lah Ti Dar, costing a mouth-watering 3,500,000gns. This colt wasn’t seen as a two-year-old last season but he was the subject of some promising reports throughout the campaign. His debut remains eagerly anticipated, and I’m looking forward to seeing how far he can go. He remains entered in the Epsom Derby.

DESERT HIGHWAY (IRE) 3 b c Dubawi – Irresistible Jewel Form: Trainer: D K Weld Owner: Moyglare Stud Farm Desert Highway is a half-brother to Group 1 Irish St Leger winner Royal Diamond, Group 2 Ribblesdale Stakes winner Princess Highway and Group 3 winner Mad About You. This colt hails from a family Dermot Weld knows very well, and he currently holds an entry in the Irish 2,000 Guineas so he must have been showing up well at home. Dermot Weld gives his horses plenty of time, which often benefits a horse like this that wasn’t seen as a juvenile.

It’ll be interesting to see him make his debut.

DO YOU LOVE ME (IRE) 3 b f Galileo – Green Room Form: Trainer: K R Burke Owner: Phoenix Thoroughbred Limited Beautifully-bred filly; This daughter of Galileo is a full-sister to Group 1 Epsom Oaks winner Forever Together and Group 1 Fillies’ Mile winner Together Forever. She’s also a half-sister to top-class Lord Shanakill, who was a very good horse for Karl Burke. Do You Love Me definitely looks a filly worth looking out for this season over middle-distances. She still currently holds an entry in the Irish Oaks.

ETNEYA (IRE) 3 b f Siyouni – Eytarna Form: Trainer: D K Weld Owner: H H Aga Khan Etneya is a half-sister to Group 2 winner Eziyra, who ran multiple good races for Dermot Weld between 1m2-1m4f, including solid efforts behind Enable and Sea Of Class at the highest-level. This daughter of Siyouni has the pedigree to do well Dermot Weld, who knows the family well, and does well with a slow maturing filly like this. This daughter of Siyouni still holds an entry in the Irish Oaks.

FASCINATING FALCON (IRE) 3 b f Fastnet Rock – Miss Polaris Form: Trainer: D K Weld Owner: Newtown Anner Stud Farm Ltd This daughter of Fastnet Rock is a half-sister to connections two-time Group 1 winner Fascinating Rock that won the Champion Stakes at Ascot and Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh. Fascinating Rock was a late maturing type so the fact this filly didn’t run as a juvenile wouldn’t be an issue. She holds an entry in the Irish 1,000 Guineas currently, which suggests she has shown ability at home, but I’d imagine 1m2f would be more her trip this season.

FEDERICA SOPHIA (IRE) 3 b f Galileo – Sapphire Form: Trainer: DK Weld Owner: Moyglare Stud Farm Nicely-bred filly; This daughter of Galileo is a half-sister to Kiss For A Jewel, who won twice for these connections last season. Her dam was a good, consistent mare for Dermot Weld and Moyglare Stud, finishing second in the Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes before winning the Group 2 Champion Fillies’ And Mares Stakes. This filly has plenty of stamina in her pedigree, and the pedigree to excel as a three-year-old this season. Her ability is unknown but there’s a lot to like about her profile. She still holds entries in the Irish 1,000 Guineas and Irish Oaks at this stage.

GAUNTLET (IRE) 3 b c Galileo – Danedrop Form: Trainer: A P O’Brien Owner: Derrick Smith & Mrs John Magnier & Michael Tabor Beautifully-bred colt; This son of Galileo is a half-brother to King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Danedream. Gauntlet wasn’t seen as a two-year-old but that’s hardly a surprise with his slow maturing middle-distances pedigree. He remains entered in both the Epsom Derby and Irish Derby, but that’s not unusual with Coolmore to still have a horse like him entered at the current stage. He’s an interesting horse to look out for over 1m2f-1m4f this season.

LUCK ON SUNDAY (IRE) 3 b f Galileo – Aleagueoftheirown Form: Trainer: Martyn Meade Owner: Phoenix Thoroughbred Limited Well-bred filly; This daughter of Galileo is a full-sister to three-time Group 1 winner over 1m Alice Springs. Luck On Sunday wasn’t seen as a juvenile last season for Martyn Meade but it isn’t a surprise he’s given this filly plenty of time to come to hand with her price-tag. She’s bred to come into her own as a three-year-old this season but her best trip is hard to know at this stage with some of her siblings staying 1m2-1m4f. Her ability is unknown but she’s certainly one to look out for on debut.

MOTION (GB) 3 b f Invincible Spirit – Attraction Form: Trainer: Mark Johnston Owner: Exors of the Late Duke of Roxburghe Well-bred filly; By top-sire Invincible Spirit, out of connections four-time Group 1 winner (including 1,000 Guineas) Attraction. Motion is a half-sister to Group 2 winner Elarqam and Group 3 winner Fountain Of Youth. Invincible Spirit is a very good sire so I’m quite interested to see this filly on the track as I think this looks a good match on paper. She doesn’t have any fancy entries at this stage but I’m sure connections will be placing her to win races, and hopefully, if good enough, target some black-type.

MR CURIOSITY (GB) 3 b c Frankel – Our Obsession Form: Trainer: John Gosden Owner: A E Oppenheimer Mr Curiosity is by Frankel, out of connections Listed winner (1m4f) Our Obsession. This colt is a full-brother to Frankelina, who didn’t exactly reach the heights connections had hoped last season, but she did run finish a close second in a Group2 before running well in the Epsom Oaks. This son of Frankel looks an interesting horse for middle-distances this season, and he’s in the right hands to reach his potential.

MY OBERON (IRE) 3 b c Dubawi – My Titania Form: Trainer: William Haggas Owner: Sunderland Holding Inc First-foal; This colt is by top-sire Dubawi, out of Group 3 winner (7f) My Titania (by Sea The Stars), herself a half-sister to smart sprinter Muthmir, who was a three-time Group 2 winner for William Haggas. My Oberon still holds an entry in the Epsom Derby at this stage, which is quite interesting, but there’s certainly enough speed on the dam side of his pedigree to do well over shorter distances. He’s an interesting colt to look out for this season.

NOONDAY GUN (GB) 3 gr c Dubawi – Sky Lantern Form: Trainer: Richard Hannon Owner: Rockcliffe Stud Well-bred colt; Noonday Gun is by Dubawi, out of four-time Group 1 winner (including 1,000 Guineas) Sky Lantern. This colt is a full-brother to Gentile Bellini, who was a winner as a three-year-old last season for Aidan O’Brien. This colt went unsold at 625,000gns at the sales so connections opted to put him into training with Richard Hannon. He’s still entered in the Epsom Derby so I’m looking forward to seeing him make his debut this season.

RETROSPECT (IRE) 3 b g Frankel – Looking Back Form: Trainer: Roger Varian Owner: Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum Well-bred colt; This son of Frankel is closely-related to three-time Group 1 winner (1m1m2f) Rip Van Winkle, who probably would have had another three if it wasn’t for Sea The Stars. This colt certainly has the pedigree to do well as a three-year-old this season for Roger Varian, and currently still holds an entry in the Epsom Derby, which may be a stretch to his stamina, but his best trip is unknown at present. His debut is obviously greatly anticipated this season.

RIVIERA BELLE (GB) 3 b f Medaglia d’Oro – Eastern Belle Form: Trainer: Charlie Fellowes Owner: A E Oppenheimer Nicely-bred filly; Riviera Belle is a daughter of top-sire Medaglia d’Oro, out of Listed winner (1m2f) Eastern Belle, who is a half-sister to top-class Golden Horn. This filly doesn’t have any classic entries but she has a very smart pedigree, and is the type that I can see progressing throughout the campaign for Charlie Fellowes, who looks to have a good team for the season ahead. Her best trip is unknown, as is her ability, but her pedigree suggests 1m2f maybe her optimum distance as a three-year-old.

SUNRAY MAJOR (GB) 3 b c Dubawi – Zenda Form: Trainer: John Gosden Owner: K Abdullah Very well-bred colt; This son of Dubawi is a half-brother to top-class four-time Group 1 winner (including Irish 2,000 Guineas) Kingman. His dam (Zenda) won the Group 1 Poule d’Essai des Pouliches (French 1,000 Guineas) as a three-year-old. Sunray Major wasn’t seen as a two-year-old last season but he’s undoubtedly from a family John Gosden has had plenty of success with, and knows extremely well. This colt’s debut is eagerly anticipated this season, and I’d imagine he’d start off over 1m.

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