Doug Campbell’s 50 three-year-old Flat Horses to Follow 2022
Presenting Doug Campbell’s 50 three-year-old Flat horses to follow for the the 2022 season, with performance summaries, breeding and prospects for the new campaign
Abbado colt Almanzor x Allegretto
Trained by Sir Mark Prescott
Doesn’t have the form figures that some of the stable’s runners may possess at the end of their two-year-old careers (three runs down the field, often over inadequate trips), winning two of his three outings following a debut not without promise over a mile at Chelmsford in August.
Those successes came over ten-and-a-half furlongs at Chester on soft going – beating Super Stars by a shade over two lengths, and back at Chelmsford over ten furlongs getting the better of Al Aabir by a neck in a driving finish.
Already more than useful (rated 86) Abbado stayed very well during his first season, and should have little difficulty with trips in the region of 1m 4f/1m 6f at three – he may even stay two miles.
I doubt we have seen the best of him just yet and I fully expect to see him continue on an upwards curve.
A Cappella filly Frankel x Sivoliere
John and Thady Gosden
Caught the eye on her only start last season in mid-October when finishing a neck second at York to her stablemate Shaara over a mile. Travelling well throughout, she didn’t get the clearest of passages inside the final quarter of a mile, but once in the clear stayed on in the latter stages despite never quite looking like she’d get there.
Both she and the winner look potentially very useful performers in the making. A Cappella gives the impression that she will stay ten furlongs, but should prove up to winning over the mile before stepping up, and is sure to be placed to the best of her ability.
A 360,000gns foal back in 2019, her owner Lord Lloyd Webber will be more than keen to see her get a win or two on the board.
Aeonian colt Ulysses x Ama
Sir Michael Stoute
Winners making their two-year-old debuts at 25/1 for Sir Michael Stoute (pictured) must be very rare indeed, but that was the case when Aeonian was successful on his only racecourse appearance last year, taking a seven runner Novices event over seven furlongs at Yarmouth during the second week of August.
It looks a fair contest in hindsight with the runner up (beaten a head) Altraif shedding his maiden tag next time out and achieving a rating in the mid 80’s, a head further back in third was the George Boughey trained Brasil Power who would go on to win at Kempton in October and ended the campaign on a mark of 85, while Evocative Spark the fourth horse home – beaten a further four lengths, would also win on his next outing.
There were certainly signs of immaturity that day with Aeonian, and hopefully it will prove the best move by not racing him again last season.
He can only improve with a winter behind him, and looks sure to progress for a step up in trip at three. Ten furlongs and possibly further will hopefully prove the making of him.
Al Mubhir colt Frankel x Muffri’Ha
William Haggas
Put up a nice performance at Newmarket over seven furlongs in early October when getting the better of Filistine (a winner back at headquarters towards the end of the month) in comfortable fashion by a length.
He travelled well towards the rear of the field, making steady headway in the second half of the race and only needed to be shook up to gain the advantage inside the final furlong. That was Al Mubhir’s only appearance last year and he looks sure to improve on that throughout his second season.
By the mighty Frankel, out of a mare that was successful over nine furlongs in Group 3 company (also three times Listed winner over a mile), one would hope he will stay a mile and a quarter – any further maybe open to debate.
He looks a smashing prospect and one whose return to action I eagerly await.
Antarah colt Sea The Stars x Adool
John and Thady Gosden
Bred to appreciate middle distances at three, being by Sea The Stars out of a Teofilo mare who was successful in Listed company over nine and a half furlongs. Antarah won his only start at two over a mile at Newcastle in the final week of October.
He won by a shade over three lengths from the Sean Woods trained Savvy Victory, but the margin of victory didn’t really confirm his superiority. The runner up is a useful Maiden who earned an opening handicap mark of 85, so I will be disappointed if Antarah does not develop into a performer who is up to competing in pattern company at three.
Antarah took to the Tapeta surface at Newcastle very well, but there’s no reason at this stage to suggest that he won’t be as equally effective on turf, Sire Sea The Stars acted on any type of going – while Adool his dam appeared ideally served by good and good to girm underfoot conditions.
Arion filly Dubawi x Filia Regina
Hugo Palmer
Didn’t see a racecourse until the end of October, when finishing a two lengths runner up over seven furlongs at Newmarket to the Clive Cox trained Bermuda, but got off the mark four weeks later over the same trip at Chelmsford – getting the better of Mizzen You by a length and a quarter.
It was noticeable that on both occasions Arion took a keen hold in her races, but hopefully she will learn to settle better as she gains experience as she clearly has ability.
Arion is a beautifully bred sort, by Dubawi out of the Galileo mare Filia Regina limited racecourse ability – but a full Sister to Epsom and Irish Derby Winner Australia) and is a Granddaughter of the top class racemare Ouija Board.
Arion will stay at least a mile and a quarter and quite possibly a mile and a half, and I’m sure that connections will be hoping that she can fulfill her potential.
Assessment colt Kingman x Clinical
Sir Michael Stoute
Put up a promising effort on his only outing last season, finishing a half-length runner up to Roger Varian’s filly Manaafith – who’d had the benefit of two runs already (winning her previous start) over seven furlongs at Chelmsford.
That success for Manaafith earned her an opening rating of 84, so the form while useful – is still some way short of the leading juvenile form. Assessment should have no trouble shedding his maiden tag, sooner – rather than later I’d imagine and will be placed to the best of his ability by his veteran handler.
His dam has produced three winners to date and I fully expect Assessment to be her fourth. He may well prove best at trips in the region of a mile.
Bling On The Music colt Sea The Stars x Crysdal
Ed Walker
Looked a little weak and immature on his only start last term, when running a six and a quarter length fifth of eight in a Novices event at Haydock in late September over a mile won by Educator.
It wasn’t the greatest surprise to see him put away after just the one run, and a winter behind him can only do Bling On The Music some good. It looked a fair race too as the winner has since received an opening official rating of 87.
Bling On The Music comes from a nice family as well, his sire Sea The Stars needs no introduction, while his dam is a daughter of the Top Class Dalakhani (French Derby and Arc De Triomphe) and Crystal Music who tasted success in the Group 1 Fillies Mile back in the year 2000. Bling On The Music will hopefully improve as he gains experience, and I feel will need a minimum trip of a mile and a quarter at three.
A bit of a dark horse at this stage but with a bit of luck will pay his way over the summer months.
Cave Diver filly Ulysses x Fellbeck
Clive Cox
First foal of an unraced mare by Cacique, and from the first crop of the very well-bred two times Group One winner Ulysses – who made his mark as a sire last season with fifteen individual winners.
That total may have surprised some, as he gives the impression that his offspring are most likely to benefit from middle distances.
Cave Diver was one of his juvenile winners last term, taking a Nottingham maiden over an extended mile towards the end of September on her second start, before running fairly well to be third at Newbury behind another of the fifty – Ching Shih. Cave Diver will start 2022 on an official rating of 79, so it is fairly safe to say that she will go down the handicap route.
Distances of a mile and a quarter and upwards look sure to be up her street, and she appears not to be ground dependent – having twice been placed on Soft, and her win coming on good going.
Ching Shih filly Lope De Vega x Madame Chiang
David Simcock
A homebred filly from Lanwades Stud, the breeding operation of Kirsten Rausing, and daughter of her owner’s high class racemare Madam Chiang – winner of the Qipco British Champions Filly & Mares Stakes of 2014.
Ching Shih is the third foal of Madam Chiang, with the previous two also winners to date – Oriental Mystique proving the better, taking a mile-and-a-half Listed contest in France last Summer.
She took a one-mile novices contest on soft ground at Newbury in late October, just fifteen days after a debut third over the same trip at Newcastle. Ching Shih will appreciate further this year, and strikes me as the type who may improve significantly for the stiffer test of stamina, given her pedigree I would think she could be in her element over twelve furlongs.
Trainer David Simcock knows the family well, and will place the filly to the best of her ability. She may even prove up to matching her half sibling with success in pattern company.
Coroebus colt Dubawi x First Victory
Charlie Appleby
Already appears very prominently in the bookmakers lists for the colts first classic, and that’s understandable when you look back on his success in the Group 3 Autumn Stakes in October.
Travelling strongly throughout he made smooth headway around three furlongs from home, and only needed to be pushed out in the latter stages for a comfortable two lengths success from the Andrew balding trained Imperial Fighter.
Whether he represents a 5/1 chance at the start of the year for the Guineas is another matter, but there’s no doubt that if he stays fit and healthy, he should taste further success in Group company.
Coroebus is a winner of two of his three starts at two, and met with a narrow defeat in the Royal Lodge Stakes after looking all over the winner with a furlong to run. He stays a mile well (and should stay a little further) and we know he goes very well at Newmarket.
He’s a very likeable colt with much to look forward to.
Cuban Beat filly Havana Gold x Stroll Patrol
Hugo Palmer
A winner over seven furlongs at Kempton in December getting the better of the previous winner Belacqua by the minimum margin. The runner up would also record another success just ten days later, this time over a mile at Lingfield so the form has at least a little substance to it.
Cuban Beat’s win followed a pleasing debut – again over Kempton’s seven furlongs, when finishing three and a half lengths third to Sound Angela (a winner next time out) and Al Qareem who would also go on to shed his maiden tag before the year was through.
Cuban Beat is worth try at a mile at some stage, but equally so may prove speedy enough for six furlongs when tried on turf.
Either way she is a promising sort that should pay her way over the course of the season.
Dancing Reel colt Highland Reel x Poisson D’Or
Roger Teal
Caught the attention of some on his debut at Kempton in November, winning over seven furlongs by half a length from Jade Country. That was a decent effort considering that he’s bred to be suited by further.
Travelling well towards the rear of midfield, he made smooth progress with around two furlongs to run and only needed to be pushed out to get the better of the runner up.
Dancing Reel should hopefully progress over middle distances at three – his half-brother (by Camelot) Dancing Harry won over as far as 1m 6f, and he has the makings of a useful handicapper himself. We already know that he acts on the Polytrack surface, but there’s no reason at this stage to think that he won’t be equally effective on turf.
His dam was ideally suited to top of the ground – but also won on Good to Soft, while his sire – the globetrotting Highland Reel appeared best served by Good or quicker underfoot conditions.
Deauville Legend gelding Sea The Stars x Soho Rose
James Ferguson
Finished fourth of seven behind the useful looking New Kingdom at Haydock over a mile in the first week of September, and was withdrawn from an intended second start six weeks later at Nottingham when refusing to enter the stalls. It was then decided to geld Deauville Legend, and it wasn’t until the final week of November before we got to see him again.
He showed no ill effects of the unkindest cut on that second appearance – running a half-length second to the Ralph Beckett trained Speycaster. Deauville Legend is bred to appreciate trips in excess of a mile and a quarter at three, and may even be worth trying at around 1m 6f when he gains more experience.
He should have little difficulty in shedding his maiden tag, and given time may well be a handicapper to follow over the summer months.
Desert Crown colt Nathaniel x Desert Berry
Sir Michael Stoute
Desert Crown put up a smart performance on his only start last season, when taking a Nottingham maiden over a mile during the first week of November.
Racing prominently, despite looking a little green at times – he was shaken up to take up the running with around two furlongs to run, and pulled right away inside the final furlong to finish five and a half lengths clear of his nearest pursuer Scmilsson.
You couldn’t fail to be impressed by the run which came on rain softened ground, but he’s a good mover and shouldn’t be inconvenienced by better going. A 280,000gns buy as a yearling is hardly cheap, but in time may prove to be a wise purchase – maybe even prove a bargain.
There’s no doubt that he will stay further, and I will be a little disappointed if he doesn’t prove up to contesting pattern contests with another race or two under his belt.
Faithful Spirit filly Cable Bay x Don’t Forget Faith
Clive Cox
Did well to win a Novices event over six furlongs at Newbury in July, despite showing signs of greenness when asked to go about her business with around a furlong to run.
That said, she kept on well in the latter stages and was clearly best on the day. The runner up Lil Guff went on to prove a useful juvenile, winning twice and ending her campaign on a mark of 79, while there was another future winner back in seventh place – the Mick Channon trained Bluebell Way.
That was Faithful Spirit’s only start to date, and I can’t be certain why she didn’t race again last season, however should she return to action she looks the type to progress with experience – and she’s certainly in good hands to do so.
Faithful Spirit is likely to prove best at distances up to a mile, and is a half-sister to the seven furlongs and mile winner in Hong Kong Rich And Lucky by Kingman)
Frantastic colt Frankel x Rhadegunda
John & Thady Gosden
Keen and looked as though the outing would do him good, when finishing third on his debut over a mile at Doncaster behind his stablemate Israr in September.
Got off the mark just over three weeks later up at Newcastle, landing a Novices contest over the same trip in comfortable fashion at the unrewarding odds of 2/13. Frantastic still showed some signs of inexperience that day, and can only benefit from a winter behind him.
He’s a full brother to top class – four times Group1 winner Cracksman, so it’s safe to say that middle distances will suit him at three, and while it would be wrong to expect him to prove as good as his illustrious brother – one would be confident that he can progress to be a smart performer during 2022.
Franz colt Almanzor x Gemstone
Kevin Ryan
Won over a mile at Haydock in mid-October on his only racecourse appearance to date, holding on by half a length from Mandobi despite idling a little close home. I’d probably put that down to inexperience, and I’d be surprised if Franz doesn’t add to that success over the course of the season. I’d imagine he’d start 2022 off over a mile and a quarter, and fully expect him to stay a mile and a half.
He’s a half-brother to three other winners, including Bedrock (three times a winner on the flat up to two miles) who is now a smart hurdler and has been successful up to almost two and a half miles over timber.
He appeared suited to the soft conditions at Haydock, but I doubt he’d be too inconvenienced unless the going was on the quick side.
A nice type that should pay his way on the Northern circuit during the new campaign.
Glam De Vega colt Lope De Vega x Glamorous Approach
Roger Varian
Ability shown in two outings at the backend of last season, over what looked insufficient trips. Fifth of twelve on his debut beaten a shade under four lengths, behind the potentially smart Gosden trained Samburu wasn’t a bad effort.
That run was over seven furlongs at Yarmouth and he was stepped up to an extended mile at Nottingham, finishing four lengths second to Walk Of Stars, on going possibly a little softer than ideal, on both occasions giving the impression that there would be better to come further down the line.
Glam De Vega is out of a two times Listed winning mare by New Approach, who was ideally served by middle distances, and trips of ten to twelve furlongs should see improvement from Glam De Vega.
Whether he progresses to pattern company – only time will tell, at this stage though I would be disappointed if he doesn’t make up into a nice handicapper.
Harry Three colt Adaay x Harryana To
Clive Cox
Won his two starts last year in Novice events over six furlongs at Kempton, before losing his unbeaten record in the second week in January – again over the six furlongs trip but this time at Southwell, when somehow failing to gain a clear passage in a five-runner affair.
I’m prepared to forgive that below par effort, and would think that Harry Three is still likely to prove better than his current mark of 89.
He’s a speedy type – bred to be best suited to six or seven furlongs and he should be found suitable opportunities over the coming months.
Untested on turf so far, I await his grass debut with interest, and see no reason why he couldn’t progress for the transfer to it.
Ikhtiraaq colt Invincible x Mejala
Sir Michael Stoute
Starts the year off from an official rating of 79, but will hopefully progress over the course of 2022. Ikhtiraaq looked a little immature on his debut at Salisbury over six furlongs in August, missing the kick slightly and pulling hard in the early stages (also jumped the path three furlongs out), he got the hang of things inside the final quarter of a mile and finished to such good effect that he snatched second place with just a few strides to go
Next time out Ikhtiraaq again finished runner up, beaten around five and a half lengths by another Shadwell runner – the Mark Johnston trained Harb, after losing all chance at the start – appearing a little awkward and being slowly away.
Third time lucky, he got off the mark at Leicester in October after stepping up to seven furlongs, getting the better of the newcomer Akhu Najla by a neck in a driving finish.
Ikhtiraaq will hopefully prove up to winning a handicap this term over seven furlongs, and gives the impression that a mile will suit if he can learn to settle better.
Imperial Mountain colt Brazen Beau x Pamushana
John Quinn
Hinted at a little ability on his racecourse debut, despite finishing only sixth of fourteen behind Honky Tonk Man at Nottingham, but soon put that to right by rattling off a three timer between 13 December and 16 January.
All four outings came over the seven furlongs trip, but he should stay at least an extra furlong, and is in fact a half-brother to a winner at the distance.
I imagine that Imperial Mountain will have a little break now, and return possible much closer to the start of the turf season – he should prove equally effective on turf as he does on an artificial surface.
With an opening official rating of 83 Handicaps in the North could the most likely route, and I feel we may not have seen the best of him just yet.
Independent Act colt Dubawi x Hand Puppet
Charlie Appleby
Won at the first time of asking, taking a Lingfield Maiden over a mile and a quarter during the second week of November, leading inside the final furlong to win going away by a length and three quarters from the royal runner Park Street. A second run some five weeks later at Kempton was not as fruitful.
After looking the likely winner as the field turned for home, he drifted markedly left inside the final quarter of a mile throwing away any possible chance of winning – eventually finishing fourth, around four and a half lengths behind the Marco Botti trained winner Giavellotto.
Maybe it was down inexperience, possibly he prefers to go left-handed – only time will tell, however he should be placed to add to his winning tally when racing over a sufficient test of stamina.
Will stay a minimum of a mile and a half and could be worth a try in some form of headgear.
Julia Augusta filly Ulysses x Empress Livia
Roger Varian
Ulysses is an exciting young sire, and Cheveley Park who stand the stallion must have been pleased with the results of his first crop last year. Julia Augusta is Cheveley Park owned – not a homebred of theirs, but purchased as a foal by the operation for the fairly modest sum of 35,000 guineas – and even at this early stage that is looking money well spent.
Julia Augusta made a belated racecourse debut, just the week before Christmas when winning a Novices contest over a mile at Kempton, by two-and-a-quarter-lengths from Sharp Distinction. The form is probably only useful at best, but I would be fairly confident that there was more in hand than the winning margin suggested.
I would also be equally confident that she is a filly that will progress further at three, when given the opportunity to race over further. A nice purchase by her owners.
Kidwah filly Kodiac x Areeda
Wlliam Haggas (pictured)
Cost 220,000 guineas as a foal, and made a contribution to that purchase price of just over £5200 when taking a Doncaster maiden over six furlongs during the first week of November on her only start of 2021.
It was fairly soft at Doncaster that day and she coped well with the conditions, and should act on genuinely ‘good‘ going – however, I would have some reservations at this stage on whether she would be suited to anything quicker than that.
Kidwah is bred to be ideally suited to six and seven furlongs, and that is where I see her being campaigned at in the immediate future. The third horse home behind her – Trois Vallees , won at Newcastle four weeks later to give the form a boost, and Kidwah herself should progress with more experience under her belt, it will be a disappointment if she can’t add to her winning tally.
She’s a half Sister to Great Page, a French Group 3 winner by Roderic O’Connor.
Last Ammo colt Teofilo x Hawsa
Charlie Appleby
Underwent wind correction surgery some four months or so before making the first of two appearances on the track last season.
The first of those saw Last Ammo finish a promising fourth at Kempton over a mile, some four lengths behind the winner Bizarre Law – despite failing to have the clearest of passages with around two furlongs to run, would surely have finished closer but for that.
Gained compensation at Wolverhampton three weeks later over nine and a half furlongs, getting up in the final stride to beat the Gosden trained Yummylicious by the minimum margin, with another Gosden inmate – Homeric, four and a half lengths back in third.
Last Ammo is sure to stay further at three and may well need a minimum test of 1m 4f, where improvement should be naturally forthcoming.
He could in time prove to be considerably better than we have seen to date.
Luna Dorada filly Golden Horn x Lunar Spirit
Ralph Beckett
Trainer Ralph Beckett has already trained two Epsom Oaks winners, and I imagine he will be hoping that Luna Dorada can develop into a candidate for the fillies’ classic.
Thoughts of that may be a little premature at the moment, but she struck me as a filly to follow at three when winning at York over a mile in early October – given that she is bred to be suited to further.
At York, she beat Gin O’Clock by a length and a quarter (value for more) and that one won at the next time of asking – so too did the third horse home, the Mark Johnston trained Trojan Horse so the form is looking pretty decent.
Beckett also trained Luna Dorada’s half-sister – Galah (by Australia) who won a Nursery in 2020, but appeared not to progress last season. Luna Dorada however looks to have more potential at this stage than Galah did and I will be disappointed if she doesn’t prove to be a smart filly in 2022.
I await her return with interest.
Magisterial colt Frankel x Hoity Toity
John & Thady Gosden
A 300,000 guineas yearling, and sixth winning foal of the unraced Darshaan mare Hoity Toity – making him a full brother to the high-class mare Lillie Langtry (dam of Guineas and Oaks winner Minding), on top of that he is by the unbeaten superstar and leading sire Frankel.
Magisterial got off the mark at the second time of asking over a mile at Haydock, landing odds of 4/9 by a length-and-a-half from Splendent (a maiden winner next time out at Newcastle) that followed a respectable fourth behind the Roger Varian trained Subastar at Newmarket.
He’s a likeable sort, and open to further improvement from what we have seen to date, with the added bonus that he doesn’t appear ground dependent.
Magisterial will stay at least a mile and a quarter, and quite possibly a mile and a half. It will be a surprise if he can’t bag more success over the summer months.
Mandobi colt Iffraaj x Oojooba
William Haggas
Put up a pleasing debut at Haydock in the middle of October, when beaten just half a length by another of the fifty – the Kevin Ryan trained Franz.
Slowly away and pushed along, it was only during the second half of the one-mile contest that he began to get competitive, and was still only fifth in the field on nine with around two furlongs to run, but stayed on inside the final furlong to snatch second spot late on.
Mandobi is a half-brother to three winners (by Sea The Stars – Shamardal and Dubawi) all of whom were trained by Haggas, so it’s safe to say that he will know the family well.
Mandobi should have little trouble winning in maiden company, before moving on to something better and may prove up to winning in handicap company over trips in the region of a mile and a quarter.
Midheaven filly Elzaam x Moonstone Magic
David O’Meara
Improvement shown in both starts following a debut run at Newcastle in October, when finishing a shade under eight lengths tenth of thirteen behind Neptunian, resulting in a success over seven furlongs at Lingfield in mid-December.
Midheaven has received an opening official handicap mark of 78 which looks a fair assessment, but given the style of the Lingfield win I would be fairly confident that she can progress further.
She stayed the seven furlongs well and is out of a dam that was successful over an extended mile at Nottingham, so could be worth a try at around a mile at some stage.
She should also be equally effective when tried on turf.
Mighty Ulysses colt Ulysses x Token Of Love
John & Thady Gosden
Looks a promising colt for the 2022 season, judged on his comfortable success over a mile at Yarmouth on his sole start last season, beating the Godolphin owned Ingleton by three-and-a-quarter lengths.
By the exciting second season sire Ulysses out of a mare that won in Listed company, Mighty Ulysses should have little difficulty in adding to that win, and a stiffer test of stamina can only help.
It’s difficult to predict what level he may achieve during the new season, so it will be interesting to see what entries his connections give him in the early months of the campaign, but it would be no surprise to see his name appear in one of the Spring trial races.
Looks open to plenty of improvement and his return is eagerly awaited.
Mr Alan colt Ulysses x Interlace
George Boughey
Another son of Ulysses to make the fifty for the season, and one that threatens to improve for a stiffer test of stamina.
Mr Alan looks a fair buy at £92,000 for connections, and repaid a fraction of the purchase cost when taking an Ayr maiden (good to soft) on the middle of three starts – pulling clear when staying on strongly to get the better of Million Thanks by two-and-a- quarter lengths in comfortable fashion.
He was then raised in class and sent to France to contest a Listed event at Deauville, where he finished a respectable fourth of eight almost seven lengths off the winner Mister Saint Paul.
I say respectable as I’m convinced he wasn’t ready for a test at that level on Heavy going. Mr Alan, like many of the Ulysses offspring should be capable of better still at three, and also appreciate distances of at least ten furlongs.
Further success should come his way in 2022.
New Dimension colt Ulysses x Azhar
Sir Michael Stoute
As you have probably already guessed, I fully expect Ulysses to have an even better year in 2022 than his first as a sire last year, and in New Dimension he has a fine prospect for the months ahead.
New Dimension had just the one outing as a two-year-old, when taking a Novices contest over seven furlongs at Leicester in September. When one of Sir Michael’s wins at the first time of asking, it can often be an indication that he has a good one on his hands and that could well be the case here.
New Dimension may have only got up late to win by a head, but given that he looked as if the run would do him good and he was racing over what appeared an inadequate trip there were plenty of positives to take from the race. Both the runner up – Carbon trained by Roger Varian and the third home, the Gosden trained Spinaround won next time out to give the form a boost.
Very much one to look forward to and could well be capable of considerably better.
Nolton Cross colt Dark Angel x Pandora’s Box
Hugo Palmer
I doubt that Nolton Cross will be making any headlines on the track this year, but that’s not to say he can’t pay his way. He has shown steady improvement in three starts, resulting in a win over the extended mile at Wolverhampton in the first week of January, beating the Stuart Williams trained Wyvern in a driving finish by a neck, with four-and-a-quarter lengths back to their nearest rival in third.
Those three outing came within a spell of just over seven weeks, and I imagine that he will now be freshened up for the start of the turf season. His opening official rating is one of 80, and handicaps over a mile/mile and a quarter would be his likely initial targets.
He will hopefully be capable of finding a further race or two.
Octopus colt Kendargent x Mountain Melody
Kevin Philippart De Foy
Well beaten in two starts for Joseph Tuite over 7f (good-tospfyt ) at York and 6½f (heavy) Newbury in October, before joining his current trainer for one outing the following month at Chelmsford.
Again, over seven furlongs, Octopus put up an improved showing to run third of fifteen behind Gin O’Clock – beaten a total of four lengths. That effort earned him an opening handicap mark of 68 for this year.
A rating that his connections will hopefully be able to find a little handicap from. He looked much in need of his debut at York, and the Heavy Going at Newbury may not have suited him – those runs may well be safe to dismiss. I will be interested to see him on better going on turf and he appeared to act well on the polytrack at Chelmsford.
He could well be on the right side of the handicapper.
Pastel Power colt Shalaa x Lady Gorgeous
Sir Michael Stoute
No superstar in the making, but looks to have the ability to find a race or two. Signs of greenness on his racecourse debut over seven furlongs at Wolverhampton, when finishing third beaten a half-length and a neck by Dark Swansong and Roudemental, before a second outing eighteen days later when a shade under five lengths runner up to Maritime Rules at Chelmsford over six furlongs.
He’s a half-brother to two winners – a Listed winner in France, and the Group 1 Fillies Mile winner of 2020 Pretty Gorgeous (who failed to progress at three). Pastel Powel maybe worth a try at a mile himself, however gut feeling tells me he will prove better at shorter.
Should hopefully have little trouble in shedding his maiden tag before moving on to something better.
Persist filly Frankel x Persuassive
William Haggas
A lovely bred filly out of the Cheveley Park owned Group 1 winning mare Persuassive. Persist showed steady if somewhat unspectacular improvement in three outings in Novice and Maiden company last season, finishing fourth – third and second, with that last effort seeing her touched off by a neck in a driving finish by the Archie Watson trained Aunt Bethany up at Newcastle.
Persist looks open to further progress at three, and should certainly appreciate a step up to a mile. She will start 2022 from a mark of 78 which suggests that handicaps will be the order of the day.
I’m sure that connections will be hoping she can bag a success or two to enhance that paddock value when her racing days are over.
Pink Crystal filly Shamardal x Crystal Fizz
William Haggas
First foal of the Listed winning mare Crystal Fizz, owned and trained by the same connections. Pink Crystal didn’t see a racecourse until the second week of October, when finishing third of thirteen at Newcastle – before two runner-up spots, firstly back at Newcastle and then at Wolverhampton during the final weeks of 2021.
Shed her maiden tag just three days into 2022 when landing odds of 2/9 in workmanlike style by three quarters of a length from the George Boughey trained Jastar, giving me the impression that she was ready for a step up in distance – rather than continue over the six furlongs that she had raced over to date.
Has a rating of 75, so is unlikely to prove anything other than a handicapper, but will hopefully pay her way over the coming months and is certainly worth a try on turf.
Puffing filly Kingman x Puff
Ralph Beckett
Took a fillies maiden at Kempton over seven furlongs in mid-December on her only start of last year, making most after an untidy start as they left the stalls, travelling well and quickening inside the final quarter of a mile to win readily by two lengths (value for more) from a 125/1 longshot Ummsuquaim – with a further two lengths back to the Gosden trained Gia Darling, and the future winner Ducal Crown another length and a quarter back in fourth. It looked a useful first effort, and I’d be surprised if there wasn’t more to come.
Puffing is a half-sister to three winners, she’s a good mover who may not want it too soft when tried on turf and possesses a turn of foot which should stand her in good stead for the future.
Worth a try at a mile, and further success surely awaits.
Pure Dignity filly Dubawi x Scarlet’s Sister
Roger Varian
A fantastically well-bred unraced daughter of Dubawi, out of a dam that has already produced the French Derby and Arc winner Sotsass, plus the seven times Grade 1 winning American trained mare Sistercharlie, along with the three times stakes winner My Sister Nat, and that is from just four foals to date.
Pure Dignity – Scarlet’s Sister’s fifth offspring fetched a massive €2.5m at the Arqana yearling sales of 2020, which is hardly surprising given her pedigree. She’s bred to be suited by middle distance, and her racecourse debut is eagerly awaited.
Even if she didn’t make it to the track, there are already a number of boxes ticked as a potential broodmare prospect for the years ahead.
Queen Aminatu filly Muhaarar x Zeb Un Nisa
William Haggas
Put up a fairly useful effort on her only outing to date, just three days from the end of 2021, losing out by a short head to the Karl Burke trained colt Al Qareem (was awarded an opening handicap mark of 81 for the win) over seven furlongs at Newcastle – with three lengths and upwards back to the rest.
Queen Aminatu’s immediate pedigree is all about speed, being by the champion four times Group 1 winner Muharaar, out of a speedy mid 90’s rated mare whose only success in ten starts came over five furlongs.
If anything, she could well benefit to a drop back in trip, and looks a winner waiting to happen in maiden or novice company, before moving on to something better.
Looks a value purchase at just 28,000 guineas as a yearling.
Ravenswing colt Dark Angel x Future Generation
Kevin Ryan
Fourth of nine on his only start at two, beaten a total of around two and a half lengths behind his stablemate Franz, over a mile on soft going at Haydock in mid-October. It wasn’t a bad effort and Ravenswing should be up to winning a similar novices contest with a little more experience under his belt.
He’s a full brother to a winning filly over ten and a half furlongs in France, and a half-brother to Godolphin’s ill-fated middle distance/stayer and twice a Group 2 winner – Brundtland. Ravenswing coped well with the soft conditions at Haydock, but should also not be inconvenienced by genuine ‘good‘ going.
Looks sure to pay his way and is one to follow around the northern tracks.
Return Voyage filly Street Boss x Sail Away Home
Clive Cox
Not the most obvious of contenders for a Horses to Follow list, but signs of some ability in probably two of her three starts to date at the time of writing. The best of which was her most recent run during the second week of January, when finishing four lengths fifth of ten at Wolverhampton behind her stablemate Bare Necessity.
It’s only a fairly ordinary level of form, but she gives me the impression that a small race can be found for her from her initial mark of 60 – possibly when given a little further to race over than the six furlongs that she has raced over so far.
A bit of a dark one at this stage but will hopefully pop in at rewarding odds at some stage in the coming months.
Ribbon Rose filly Time Test x Kelowna
Marco Botti
Put up a very pleasing display on her only outing of 2021, when causing rather a surprise in a seven furlongs fillies maiden at Newmarket – winning at 25/1 in a field of fifteen. There didn’t appear to be any fluke about it, in fact I’d expect she went into a few notebooks for this year.
Travelling towards the rear of midfield early on and taking a keen hold, Ribbon Rose made headway with around a quarter of a mile to run before closing on the leaders at the furlong pole – running on well in the last 100yds or so to win going away by a length and a quarter from the Roger Varian trained Ameynah. It appeared quite competitive, with a whole host of chances a furlong out, but Ribbon Rose did it nicely in the end.
It was a performance probably worth a mark somewhere in the low to mid 80’s – the third horse home Stellar Queen, beaten a length and three quarters has since received an opening rating of 76. Ribbon Rose may well start off the campaign at around a mile, but should stay another couple of furlongs.
It’s a safe bet that she can win again.
Samburu colt Kingman x Tempura
John & Thady Gosden
Caught the eye when winning at Yarmouth over seven furlongs on his only start last year, at the decent price for a Gosden runner of 11/1. Samburu looks a nice prospect for 2022, and may turn out to be a fair bit better than the bare result of that success.
By one of Juddmonte’s leading sires Kingman, with a female line of theirs going back generations. It will be very interesting to see how connections campaign their charge in the early stages of the season as he looks open to any amount of improvement with a winter behind him, but come the Summer it would be no surprise to see him contesting pattern class contests.
He’s a nice mover with a turn of foot and will stay at least a mile, and importantly is unlikely to be ground dependent. His win came on Good to Soft but Samburu should also be equally effective on a sounder surface.
I look forward to his return with great interest.
Savvy Victory colt New Bay x Highlands Queen
Sean Woods
Remains a maiden after four runs during the second half of 2021, showing steady progress during the Autumn. Savvy Victory is bred to be suited by a minimum trip of a mile and a quarter, and should stay a mile and a half without too much trouble, so even as a juvenile could have found racing over a mile an insufficient test.
That said he ran with credit on the second, third and fourth outings – finishing runner up twice and third as well. On his final start he appeared to be beaten by a smart prospect of the Gosden’s in the shape of Antarah, who got the better of Savvy Victory impressively by a shade over three lengths at Newcastle.
Savvy Victory looked as though he coped with the Tapeta surface quite well, and is untested on anything other than Good to Firm on turf – genuine Good ground should pose no issues.
Looks too good to remain a maiden indefinitely, and should make up into a nice middle-distance handicapper in time.
Shaara filly Shamardal x Yasmeen
John & Thady Gosden
Shaara looks another promising sort for the father and son team at Clarehaven for the new season. Seen just the once last year, when showing a lovely turn of foot at Yarmouth over a mile in October – beating her stablemate A Cappella by a neck at the rewarding odds of 12/1, and landing an exacta of near 147/1 for followers of the Gosden youngsters.
The first two foals of her dam – a Listed placed mare by Sea The Stars – have won just the one race (a Wolverhampton Maiden) between them from seven starts, but I’d be amazed if Shaara doesn’t prove substantially better than her half siblings.
There’s little doubt that and extra couple of furlongs should bring about some improvement, and at this stage I would say there was a sporting chance that she will stay a mile and a half – although I couldn’t be 100% certain.
Shigar colt Farhh x Diala
William Haggas
Ran an eye-catching third on his debut at Yarmouth in the first week of October, staying on late behind Samburu – beaten around two-and-a-quarter lengths at the line, but didn’t capitalise on that effort on his only other run eight days later at Nottingham, when failing to gain a clear run with about two furlongs to run – eventually finishing only fourth, after being sent off a well backed 5/6 favourite.
Shigar looks too good to remain a maiden for too much longer and is in good hands to have his talent nurtured. He acts on a rain softened surface, and should be ok unless it came up really quick.
Distances in the region of a mile/ten furlongs should be within his compass and he will be placed to the best of his ability.
Tamilla filly Nathaniel x Miss Pinkerton
William Haggas
Caught the eye on her racecourse debut when staying on in the latter stages to finish five and a half lengths fifth of thirteen at Nottingham over an extended mile behind the Mark Johnston trained Suffrajet, after looking a little outpaced at the halfway stage.
That run was over a mile on soft ground, giving me the impression that a stiffer test of stamina may bring about some improvement. That appeared to be the case on her only other run almost three weeks later at Wolverhampton over nine and a half furlongs, when again putting in her best work late on to finish a neck and three-quarter lengths third behind Emily Upjohn and Secret Image, after again looking a little tapped for toe.
Should stay a mile and a half and possibly further, and is from a dam that has already produced eight individual winners.
Yonafis colt Golden Horn x Modeyra
William Haggas
Unbeaten in two starts in the last four and a half weeks or so of 2021, at Lingfield and Chelmsford with both outings coming over a mile. On his debut getting the better of the promising Al Marmar by half a length – who would win in good style next time out by six lengths for Andrew Balding and Al Shaqab.
At Chelmsford beating Richard Spencer’s Mr Big Stuff by a length and a half (probably value for more) after having to make most of the running.
Yonafis is a half-brother to three winners, from a Godolphin Listed winning mare and should appreciate a stiffer test of stamina this year, I’d imagine he’d start off over a mile and a quarter but should comfortably stay a couple of furlongs further.
I’m fairly confident we haven’t seen the best of him just yet.
© 2022 Douglas Campbell and The Racing Hub
