The Brigadier Posted March 26, 2021 Share Posted March 26, 2021 The Brigadier’s Flat 2021 20 to follow EILEENDOVER 4 year old filly (Pam Sly) unraced A left field selection as she’s yet to run under flat rules. She has however run three times in National Hunt Flat Races, winning all three. By top miler Canford Cliffs and a grand daughter of Pam Sly’s 1000 Guineas 2006 winner Speciosa she has looked very special so far in winning at Huntingdon over 1m 5 1/2f by 29 lengths, Wetherby over 1m 4 1/2f by 16 lengths and a 2 mile listed mares only bumper at Market Rasen by a comfortable 6 1/2 lengths. Back in third that day was Willie Mullin’s Grangee who went on to win at the Dublin Festival whilst in fourth was subsequent listed hurdle winner Dragon Bones giving the form plenty of substance. She’s won on ground varying from good to heavy and after taking up her engagement in the Aintree mares bumper will be campaigned on the flat although her trainer is struggling to find ideal races to race her in. She could be the type for a big race handicap at the backend like the Ebor at York. MISS FINLAND 3 year old filly (John & Thady Gosden) 51 A filly who’s always worked well at home and was a tad disappointing on her racecourse debut on the all weather at Newcastle in November, a track incidentally where Gosden has introduced some of his equine stars over the years including Enable and Palace Pier. She could only finish 5th on that occasion but turned the tables on the third that day Water Iris when accounting for that rival a month later in the mist at Chelmsford where Rab Havlin was cruising a furlong and a half out but had to get serious with Terebellum’s half sister to eventually win by just a head. That form may not amount to much but the way she works at Clarehaven Stables at Newmarket suggests she’s a fair bit better than that and is unlikely to be given too high a handicap mark if master trainer Gosden went down that route en route to pattern company. DUTY OF CARE 3 year old colt (Sir Michael Stoute) 31 A Kingman half brother to Stoute’s top class Breeders Cup Mile winner Expert Eye. A massive horse who wasn’t suited by the bends of Kempton on his racecourse debut in early December but was still well supported and ran with distinct promise to finish third to Papas Dream. According to Racing Post ratings he improved some 23lb for his second outing only 12 days later on a much more suitable track at Newcastle when using his long stride to excellent effect to keep on and beat a Varian horse, the pair of them pulling clear of the field. The 4th and 6th have come out and won since giving the form some substance. Owned by the recently departed Khalid Abdullah he looks one to follow and will hopefully make his mark in Group company before long utilising the giant stride he has. He’s only run at 7f but will have no trouble staying a mile and could easily take in a 2000 Guineas trial prior to a tilt at the first classic at Newmarket in May. EL DRAMA 3yo colt (Roger Varian) 13 Entered in the Derby this 425,000 guns yearling Lope De Vega colt was backed off the boards when winning his only start at Doncaster on his racecourse debut in October on soft ground. Andrea Atzeni was always in control just pushing him out to win by a comfortable 1/2 length from Colonel Faulkner and Kaheall who have both won since as has the fourth (in Abu Dhabi). Again well backed on his re-appearance in a listed contest at Lingfield over 7f in which turned into a bit of a sprint which blatantly didn’t suit him. He’ll be much better on a more conventional track and more importantly when stepped up in trip. Don’t give up on him after that reversal. He’s a half brother to six winners including Oaks and Irish Oaks third Volume and his trainer Roger Varian suggested after his win that he may well be a group horse. His breeding suggests its middle distances in time which will bring the best out of this good looking colt. SUMMERS KNIGHT 3yo gelding (Sir Mark Prescott) 6855 A typical Sir Mark Prescott handicap job? This son of Camelot has had four runs over 7 furlongs in the space of 42 days late last Summer all at monster prices with the nearest he got to the winner was when beaten 8 1/2 lengths on his final start. A 40,000k yearling he’s a half brother to four winners, two who won up to as far as 2m 4f. His dam, Summers Eve was group placed at 9f and is a full sister to Ascot Gold Cup winner Papineau. A pedigree that screams stamina. He’s already been allotted a handicap mark of only 64 and expect him to start out over 10/12 furlongs and possibly run up a sequence of victories as he moves up in distance. SEA EMPRESS 3yo filly (William Haggas) 1 Had just the one run as a two year old at the backend of the season when going to Newcastle for a 1 mile maiden and despite falling out of the stalls and running green picked up nicely and went clear with the Roger Varian favourite Teona to beat that one by a length. Teona re-appeared three weeks later and bolted up by 9 lengths herself to give the form a massive boost (the 7th has also won since). She also makes my 20 to follow. By Sea The Stars out of a 8.6f AW winner making her a sister to a 9.4f winner she should stay at least 10 furlongs and has an Irish Oaks entry already. She looks smart and her trainer does so well with her type that she’s a must have for any ‘to follow’ list. TEONA 3yo filly (Roger Varian) 21 Runner up to another of my 20 to follow Sea Empress on her debut at Newcastle over 1 mile, she returned there three weeks later to comfortably open her account by 9 lengths over 2 furlongs further in the style of a very smart horse - cruising through the race and quickly putting the race to bed and winning hard held. The runner up that day has won since to give the form some substance. By Sea The Stars and out of a dam who won as far as 1 1/2 miles she looks all about stamina and expect her to be taking in an Oaks trial (already has an Irish Oaks entry) POLLING DAY 3yo colt (John & Thady Gosden) 1 A 625,000 gns purchase from The Tattersalls Book 1 October yearlings sale he’ll race in the colours of Godolphin and has by all accounts been showing up very nicely on the Newmarket gallops this Spring. He’s by Derby winner Sea The Stars out of a Whipper mare called Pollyanna who was smart herself on the track in France when with John Hammond. He’s already been given a Epsom Derby entry (one of 10 from that yard) and was impressive on his debut on the polytrack at Lingfield in mid March when pushed out to go clear from a newcomer from the Charlie Appleby yard. That was a highly promising debut win and he has to be followed wherever he goes. OCEAN ROAD 3yo filly (Hugo Palmer) 21 Showed plenty of promise on her racecourse debut at Nottingham in October when chasing home the promising Stoute filly Noon Star on soft ground. She went one better 7 weeks later when easily winning on the polytrack at Lingfield from the 73 rated Lochnaver. She’s owned by Qatar Racing and was selected recently by their retained jockey Oisin Murphy as one to follow. She’s by Australia and a half sister to 5 winners including the the smart Wigmore Hall, a grade one winner in Canada. She’s only run over a mile in her two outings but is bred to need middle distances and should improve as she moves up in trip. SANTA BARBARA 3yo filly (Aidan O’Brien) 1 Bred in the purple being by Camelot out of an unraced Danehill mare making her a half sister to 4 winners including Irish Oaks winner Iridessa and Breeders Cup mile winner Order Of Australia she showed a good turn of foot when winning a Curragh maiden under Seamie Heffernan in September. She was very green that day and carried her head quite high but the vibes emanating from Ballydoyle this week have been very positive with a ATR stable tour of trainer Aidan O’Brien stating the following:- “She’s done unbelievably well in physical terms over the winter. She looks like a five-year-old colt. She goes through her work unbelievably well. She shows loads of speed and always worked with an awful lot of class. Whether we start her in the Guineas trial at Leopardstown or go straight to the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket, we haven’t decided yet. We won’t over-race her, we’ll keep her runs to a minimum if we can, but she shows an unbelievable amount of class at home. In terms of her stamina, she’s by Camelot, so that will give her a chance to stay a mile-and-a-quarter or maybe further, but she does show a lot of pace. She looked very pacey on her debut and she does that at home all the time. She just toys with horses in her work. We’re very excited by her” High praise indeed and she has been backed this week into favouritism for the 1000 gns. ONE RULER 3yo colt (Charlie Appleby) 21312 Raced 5 times as a 2 year old, winning a decent Sandown maiden and the Group 3 Autumn Stakes at Newmarket in October on soft ground. He ended the season by finishing runner up to Mac Swiney in the Vertem Futurity Trophy (Racing Post Trophy in old money!) again on very soft ground. By Dubawi out of a Shamardal mare who won over a mile, this Godolphin colt has already shown top class form and is by all accounts working very well. He was taken on an away day to Chelmsford recently and worked very well. He holds entries in the English and Irish 2000 Guineas plus the Irish Derby. The English 2000 is the proposed early season target, I’m led to believe with a possible tilt at the Epsom Derby to follow. He’ll need to be supplemented for that obviously. JOHN LEEPER 3yo colt (Ed Dunlop) 4 One of the best bred horses in training being by Frankel out of 6 time group 1 winner (including English, Irish Oaks and the Hong Kong Cup) Snow Fairy who Ed Dunlop trained himself. This is her third foal with the other two hardly setting the world alight although Virgin Snow was a winner and Group 3 placed. Named after Ed’s illustrious father John who sadly passed in 2018 you do get the possible feeling that they were waiting for a talented one to name after the great man who trained a staggering 74 group one races (including 10 classics)from his base at Arundel in Sussex. He did see the racecourse once as a two year old when finishing 4th in a backend Doncaster maiden, having been slowly away and not getting the clearest of runs but running on at the death to be beaten 3 1/4L. That wasn’t the strongest of maidens although the 3rd, 5th and 8th have won since. Although possibly his English and Irish Derby entries are flying too high he should be up to winning his maiden and progressing throughout the season as he steps up in distance more in relation to his breeding. POTAPOVA 3yo filly (Sir Michael Stoute) 1 Sir Michael Stoute appears to have a decent filly on his hands here in this Invincible Spirit full sister to AW winner Panova and half sister to 5 winners including the useful pair Davydenko and Marenko. She made her racecourse debut when a not unfancied 5/1 chance at Chelmsford over 7 furlongs in November when spread eagling her field, coasting home to win by 6 1/2L. She has no classic entries but screams group class and this Cheveley Park Stud owned filly is without doubt one to follow with her best trip likely to be around a mile with the ability to stay two furlongs further. TARNAWA 5 year old mare (Dermot Weld) 322/1310119/1111 Much improved as a 4 year old winning all four of her outings. She wasn’t seen till August but quickly made up for lost time by winning the Group 1 Prix Vermeille over 12f and then surprisingly dropped down to 10f to win the Group 1 Prix de l’Opera on Arc De Triomphe day at Longchamp. I feel she would of gone pretty close to winning the Arc had she been given a chance and this years Arc has been mooted as her target this season. She went on from Longchamp to win the Breeders Cup Turf at Keeneland over 12f beating the super mare Magical, giving her trainer Dermot Weld his first Breeders Cup success. She’s won group ones on heavy and firm ground and seems to be getting better with age. We may not see her till the Summer at the earliest but the 10/1 about her winning this season’s Arc looks terrific value even with Aidan O’Brien’s Love in her way. NOON STAR 3 year old filly (Sir Michael Stoute) 31 Bred in the purple being by Galileo out of that super consistent group one winning mare Midday who was trained by Sir Henry Cecil and was runner up to Sariska in the Epsom Oaks. She’s a full sister to Midterm and closely related to Mori and Midi who both won races for Sir Michael who knows this family so well. She made her debut at Salisbury in September when relatively easy to back and was looking like she might be tailed off at one point until the penny dropped and she ran on to some effect finishing off in third place beaten just under 6L with both the horses that finished ahead of her that day winning since. She showed the benefit of that run when winning a backend Nottingham maiden for fillies in good style on soft ground. The runner up Ocean Road went onto win at Lingfield and also makes it into The Brigadier’s 20 to follow. Her breeding suggests we won’t see the best of her until tackling middle distances and she could easily turn in to a lively Epsom Oaks contender. OCEAN WIND 5 year old horse (Roger Teal) 3111-2 Still an entire, this bay Teofilio horse is lightly raced under both codes and can make a splash this season in some of the better long distance handicaps and hopefully pattern company. A decent bumper horse who won at Huntingdon and Newbury, he ran his best race in that sphere when 6th beaten 11L in the Cheltenham Champion Bumper won by Ferny Hollow with Appreciate It back in silver position. Thought too good to continue his career over hurdles he was switched to the flat game and quickly ran up a hat trick of wins including a very easy win in the Cesarewitch Trial at Newmarket. Trainer Roger Teal made an unfortunate error in not realising that he had to run 4 times to qualify for the big handicap for which he was being trained for and as such missed the race frustrating all those who had taken big prices about him (myself including!). He was instead seen in a 0-105 handicap at Doncaster on soft ground in October where he came late to win by a cosy 1/2 length. Following a 106 day break he turned up in a fast track qualifier at Kempton on the all weather in February where he split the 114 rated Prince Of Arran and 110 Rainbow Dreamer in a close finish. He’s been left on his mark of 104 and that looks very workable. It will be interesting to see if he gets an entry in the Chester Cup. He goes on any ground and stays extremely well and I expect him to have a fruitful season for his shrewd trainer. UNCLE BRYN 3 year old colt (John & Thady Gosden) 11 Named after Rob Brydon’s character in the TV comedy Gavin And Stacey this nicely bred Sea The Stars colt was unbeaten in two starts as a juvenile, a Kempton maiden in September when showing a decent turn of foot to win by 3L and landing the odds when following up in November in a weak contest at Wolverhampton. The form may not amount to much but he’s won both his starts in good style and his official mark of 92 may well under estimate him. His latest win was over just short of 10f and I wouldn’t expect him to stay much further on breeding, being a a half brother to his owners Group 3 winner Boomer. Although he has been given a speculative Derby entry for which he’s a top priced 25/1 poke with Bet365. He’s owned by Betfair co founder Andrew Black and runs in his stud’s name of Chasemore Farm. Black has been instrumental with Michael Owen in setting up the Tom Dascombe yard in Cheshire and this is his first horse with John and Thady THALER 3 year old colt (Sir Michael Stoute) unraced A left field one in that he hasn’t as yet made his racecourse debut. He’ll run at Doncaster on Sunday and although like many of Sir Michael Stoute’s will improve for the run he should run a nice race as his work at Newmarket this Spring has been good. He does have a slight aversion to the starting stalls so will be taking a ticket and going in last. Hopefully this will be something that will he will improve with over time. By Dubawi out of Timepiece who was trained by Sir Henry Cecil and won the Gp 1 Falmouth Stakes making him a full brother to Tacitly (a winner in training with Roger Charlton). As his breeding suggests he’s owned by Juddmonte following the sad death of Prince Khalid Abdullah. He would be one to follow as he gains experience and hopefully after winning his maiden can progress through the handicap ranks in typical Sir Michael style. BELLOCCIO 3 year old colt (David Menuisier) 11 A very under rated trainer, David Menuisier who learnt his trade as assistant to the retired great Criquette Head-Maarek in France is set for a good season at his base in Pulborough in West Sussex following his best ever season last season with 18 winners with the classy staying Group 1 winning filly Wonderful Tonight being the flag bearer. Bellocicio made a winning debut at Salisbury in October when backed at big odds and came late and fast on dead ground to lead on the line. He progressed from there to win a listed contest back in David’s homeland at Toulouse when going off favourite. He was withdrawn on the day of the Group 1 Criterium de Saint Cloud due to the heavy ground and although he is thought to be best with some cut in the ground he wouldn’t want it bottomless. He’s by Belardo from his first crop as a stallion (Belardo ended up the leading freshman sire of 2020) out of a Mastercraftsman dam and following two wins at a mile as a juvenile will stay at least 10f this season. He holds a 2000 Gns but I’m reliably led to believe that he’s been aimed at the French Derby. ALDAARY 3 year old gelding (William Haggas) 11 The ground is very much the key to this unbeaten Territories gelding housed at Newmarket in the care of William Haggas, owned by the late Hamdan Al Maktoum. He’s a half brother to five winners at up to a mile. Not that breeding is anything this chestnut is interested in having had the cruelest cut of them all! Not seen till the Autumn when a comfortable winner over 6f at Yarmouth on soft ground and then following up under a penalty a fortnight later on even softer ground at Leicester again over 6f when landing the odds in easy style. Jim Crowley rode him to both his victories and stated after Leicester that he has a relaxed way of doing things and will have no problem staying a mile next year. The handicapper has allotted him a handicap mark of 93 and expect to see him out early if the ground is soft in a handicap with his most productive time of the year being in the Autumn when the mud is flying. He’s an exciting horse. Wildgarden, calva decoy, yossa6133 and 3 others 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alastair Posted March 26, 2021 Share Posted March 26, 2021 I think the great man might have had a word or two about your unfortunate misspelling of his middle name - it is John Leeper. The Brigadier 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Brigadier Posted March 26, 2021 Author Share Posted March 26, 2021 7 minutes ago, Alastair said: I think the great man might have had a word or two about your unfortunate misspelling of his middle name - it is John Leeper. Ha ha - well spotted Alastair ? That's modern day spell check for you ? Alastair 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Brigadier Posted March 28, 2021 Author Share Posted March 28, 2021 On 3/26/2021 at 2:59 PM, The Brigadier said: The Brigadier’s Flat 2021 20 to follow EILEENDOVER 4 year old filly (Pam Sly) unraced A left field selection as she’s yet to run under flat rules. She has however run three times in National Hunt Flat Races, winning all three. By top miler Canford Cliffs and a grand daughter of Pam Sly’s 1000 Guineas 2006 winner Speciosa she has looked very special so far in winning at Huntingdon over 1m 5 1/2f by 29 lengths, Wetherby over 1m 4 1/2f by 16 lengths and a 2 mile listed mares only bumper at Market Rasen by a comfortable 6 1/2 lengths. Back in third that day was Willie Mullin’s Grangee who went on to win at the Dublin Festival whilst in fourth was subsequent listed hurdle winner Dragon Bones giving the form plenty of substance. She’s won on ground varying from good to heavy and after taking up her engagement in the Aintree mares bumper will be campaigned on the flat although her trainer is struggling to find ideal races to race her in. She could be the type for a big race handicap at the backend like the Ebor at York. MISS FINLAND 3 year old filly (John & Thady Gosden) 51 A filly who’s always worked well at home and was a tad disappointing on her racecourse debut on the all weather at Newcastle in November, a track incidentally where Gosden has introduced some of his equine stars over the years including Enable and Palace Pier. She could only finish 5th on that occasion but turned the tables on the third that day Water Iris when accounting for that rival a month later in the mist at Chelmsford where Rab Havlin was cruising a furlong and a half out but had to get serious with Terebellum’s half sister to eventually win by just a head. That form may not amount to much but the way she works at Clarehaven Stables at Newmarket suggests she’s a fair bit better than that and is unlikely to be given too high a handicap mark if master trainer Gosden went down that route en route to pattern company. DUTY OF CARE 3 year old colt (Sir Michael Stoute) 31 A Kingman half brother to Stoute’s top class Breeders Cup Mile winner Expert Eye. A massive horse who wasn’t suited by the bends of Kempton on his racecourse debut in early December but was still well supported and ran with distinct promise to finish third to Papas Dream. According to Racing Post ratings he improved some 23lb for his second outing only 12 days later on a much more suitable track at Newcastle when using his long stride to excellent effect to keep on and beat a Varian horse, the pair of them pulling clear of the field. The 4th and 6th have come out and won since giving the form some substance. Owned by the recently departed Khalid Abdullah he looks one to follow and will hopefully make his mark in Group company before long utilising the giant stride he has. He’s only run at 7f but will have no trouble staying a mile and could easily take in a 2000 Guineas trial prior to a tilt at the first classic at Newmarket in May. EL DRAMA 3yo colt (Roger Varian) 13 Entered in the Derby this 425,000 guns yearling Lope De Vega colt was backed off the boards when winning his only start at Doncaster on his racecourse debut in October on soft ground. Andrea Atzeni was always in control just pushing him out to win by a comfortable 1/2 length from Colonel Faulkner and Kaheall who have both won since as has the fourth (in Abu Dhabi). Again well backed on his re-appearance in a listed contest at Lingfield over 7f in which turned into a bit of a sprint which blatantly didn’t suit him. He’ll be much better on a more conventional track and more importantly when stepped up in trip. Don’t give up on him after that reversal. He’s a half brother to six winners including Oaks and Irish Oaks third Volume and his trainer Roger Varian suggested after his win that he may well be a group horse. His breeding suggests its middle distances in time which will bring the best out of this good looking colt. SUMMERS KNIGHT 3yo gelding (Sir Mark Prescott) 6855 A typical Sir Mark Prescott handicap job? This son of Camelot has had four runs over 7 furlongs in the space of 42 days late last Summer all at monster prices with the nearest he got to the winner was when beaten 8 1/2 lengths on his final start. A 40,000k yearling he’s a half brother to four winners, two who won up to as far as 2m 4f. His dam, Summers Eve was group placed at 9f and is a full sister to Ascot Gold Cup winner Papineau. A pedigree that screams stamina. He’s already been allotted a handicap mark of only 64 and expect him to start out over 10/12 furlongs and possibly run up a sequence of victories as he moves up in distance. SEA EMPRESS 3yo filly (William Haggas) 1 Had just the one run as a two year old at the backend of the season when going to Newcastle for a 1 mile maiden and despite falling out of the stalls and running green picked up nicely and went clear with the Roger Varian favourite Teona to beat that one by a length. Teona re-appeared three weeks later and bolted up by 9 lengths herself to give the form a massive boost (the 7th has also won since). She also makes my 20 to follow. By Sea The Stars out of a 8.6f AW winner making her a sister to a 9.4f winner she should stay at least 10 furlongs and has an Irish Oaks entry already. She looks smart and her trainer does so well with her type that she’s a must have for any ‘to follow’ list. TEONA 3yo filly (Roger Varian) 21 Runner up to another of my 20 to follow Sea Empress on her debut at Newcastle over 1 mile, she returned there three weeks later to comfortably open her account by 9 lengths over 2 furlongs further in the style of a very smart horse - cruising through the race and quickly putting the race to bed and winning hard held. The runner up that day has won since to give the form some substance. By Sea The Stars and out of a dam who won as far as 1 1/2 miles she looks all about stamina and expect her to be taking in an Oaks trial (already has an Irish Oaks entry) POLLING DAY 3yo colt (John & Thady Gosden) 1 A 625,000 gns purchase from The Tattersalls Book 1 October yearlings sale he’ll race in the colours of Godolphin and has by all accounts been showing up very nicely on the Newmarket gallops this Spring. He’s by Derby winner Sea The Stars out of a Whipper mare called Pollyanna who was smart herself on the track in France when with John Hammond. He’s already been given a Epsom Derby entry (one of 10 from that yard) and was impressive on his debut on the polytrack at Lingfield in mid March when pushed out to go clear from a newcomer from the Charlie Appleby yard. That was a highly promising debut win and he has to be followed wherever he goes. OCEAN ROAD 3yo filly (Hugo Palmer) 21 Showed plenty of promise on her racecourse debut at Nottingham in October when chasing home the promising Stoute filly Noon Star on soft ground. She went one better 7 weeks later when easily winning on the polytrack at Lingfield from the 73 rated Lochnaver. She’s owned by Qatar Racing and was selected recently by their retained jockey Oisin Murphy as one to follow. She’s by Australia and a half sister to 5 winners including the the smart Wigmore Hall, a grade one winner in Canada. She’s only run over a mile in her two outings but is bred to need middle distances and should improve as she moves up in trip. SANTA BARBARA 3yo filly (Aidan O’Brien) 1 Bred in the purple being by Camelot out of an unraced Danehill mare making her a half sister to 4 winners including Irish Oaks winner Iridessa and Breeders Cup mile winner Order Of Australia she showed a good turn of foot when winning a Curragh maiden under Seamie Heffernan in September. She was very green that day and carried her head quite high but the vibes emanating from Ballydoyle this week have been very positive with a ATR stable tour of trainer Aidan O’Brien stating the following:- “She’s done unbelievably well in physical terms over the winter. She looks like a five-year-old colt. She goes through her work unbelievably well. She shows loads of speed and always worked with an awful lot of class. Whether we start her in the Guineas trial at Leopardstown or go straight to the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket, we haven’t decided yet. We won’t over-race her, we’ll keep her runs to a minimum if we can, but she shows an unbelievable amount of class at home. In terms of her stamina, she’s by Camelot, so that will give her a chance to stay a mile-and-a-quarter or maybe further, but she does show a lot of pace. She looked very pacey on her debut and she does that at home all the time. She just toys with horses in her work. We’re very excited by her” High praise indeed and she has been backed this week into favouritism for the 1000 gns. ONE RULER 3yo colt (Charlie Appleby) 21312 Raced 5 times as a 2 year old, winning a decent Sandown maiden and the Group 3 Autumn Stakes at Newmarket in October on soft ground. He ended the season by finishing runner up to Mac Swiney in the Vertem Futurity Trophy (Racing Post Trophy in old money!) again on very soft ground. By Dubawi out of a Shamardal mare who won over a mile, this Godolphin colt has already shown top class form and is by all accounts working very well. He was taken on an away day to Chelmsford recently and worked very well. He holds entries in the English and Irish 2000 Guineas plus the Irish Derby. The English 2000 is the proposed early season target, I’m led to believe with a possible tilt at the Epsom Derby to follow. He’ll need to be supplemented for that obviously. JOHN LEEPER 3yo colt (Ed Dunlop) 4 One of the best bred horses in training being by Frankel out of 6 time group 1 winner (including English, Irish Oaks and the Hong Kong Cup) Snow Fairy who Ed Dunlop trained himself. This is her third foal with the other two hardly setting the world alight although Virgin Snow was a winner and Group 3 placed. Named after Ed’s illustrious father John who sadly passed in 2018 you do get the possible feeling that they were waiting for a talented one to name after the great man who trained a staggering 74 group one races (including 10 classics)from his base at Arundel in Sussex. He did see the racecourse once as a two year old when finishing 4th in a backend Doncaster maiden, having been slowly away and not getting the clearest of runs but running on at the death to be beaten 3 1/4L. That wasn’t the strongest of maidens although the 3rd, 5th and 8th have won since. Although possibly his English and Irish Derby entries are flying too high he should be up to winning his maiden and progressing throughout the season as he steps up in distance more in relation to his breeding. POTAPOVA 3yo filly (Sir Michael Stoute) 1 Sir Michael Stoute appears to have a decent filly on his hands here in this Invincible Spirit full sister to AW winner Panova and half sister to 5 winners including the useful pair Davydenko and Marenko. She made her racecourse debut when a not unfancied 5/1 chance at Chelmsford over 7 furlongs in November when spread eagling her field, coasting home to win by 6 1/2L. She has no classic entries but screams group class and this Cheveley Park Stud owned filly is without doubt one to follow with her best trip likely to be around a mile with the ability to stay two furlongs further. TARNAWA 5 year old mare (Dermot Weld) 322/1310119/1111 Much improved as a 4 year old winning all four of her outings. She wasn’t seen till August but quickly made up for lost time by winning the Group 1 Prix Vermeille over 12f and then surprisingly dropped down to 10f to win the Group 1 Prix de l’Opera on Arc De Triomphe day at Longchamp. I feel she would of gone pretty close to winning the Arc had she been given a chance and this years Arc has been mooted as her target this season. She went on from Longchamp to win the Breeders Cup Turf at Keeneland over 12f beating the super mare Magical, giving her trainer Dermot Weld his first Breeders Cup success. She’s won group ones on heavy and firm ground and seems to be getting better with age. We may not see her till the Summer at the earliest but the 10/1 about her winning this season’s Arc looks terrific value even with Aidan O’Brien’s Love in her way. NOON STAR 3 year old filly (Sir Michael Stoute) 31 Bred in the purple being by Galileo out of that super consistent group one winning mare Midday who was trained by Sir Henry Cecil and was runner up to Sariska in the Epsom Oaks. She’s a full sister to Midterm and closely related to Mori and Midi who both won races for Sir Michael who knows this family so well. She made her debut at Salisbury in September when relatively easy to back and was looking like she might be tailed off at one point until the penny dropped and she ran on to some effect finishing off in third place beaten just under 6L with both the horses that finished ahead of her that day winning since. She showed the benefit of that run when winning a backend Nottingham maiden for fillies in good style on soft ground. The runner up Ocean Road went onto win at Lingfield and also makes it into The Brigadier’s 20 to follow. Her breeding suggests we won’t see the best of her until tackling middle distances and she could easily turn in to a lively Epsom Oaks contender. OCEAN WIND 5 year old horse (Roger Teal) 3111-2 Still an entire, this bay Teofilio horse is lightly raced under both codes and can make a splash this season in some of the better long distance handicaps and hopefully pattern company. A decent bumper horse who won at Huntingdon and Newbury, he ran his best race in that sphere when 6th beaten 11L in the Cheltenham Champion Bumper won by Ferny Hollow with Appreciate It back in silver position. Thought too good to continue his career over hurdles he was switched to the flat game and quickly ran up a hat trick of wins including a very easy win in the Cesarewitch Trial at Newmarket. Trainer Roger Teal made an unfortunate error in not realising that he had to run 4 times to qualify for the big handicap for which he was being trained for and as such missed the race frustrating all those who had taken big prices about him (myself including!). He was instead seen in a 0-105 handicap at Doncaster on soft ground in October where he came late to win by a cosy 1/2 length. Following a 106 day break he turned up in a fast track qualifier at Kempton on the all weather in February where he split the 114 rated Prince Of Arran and 110 Rainbow Dreamer in a close finish. He’s been left on his mark of 104 and that looks very workable. It will be interesting to see if he gets an entry in the Chester Cup. He goes on any ground and stays extremely well and I expect him to have a fruitful season for his shrewd trainer. UNCLE BRYN 3 year old colt (John & Thady Gosden) 11 Named after Rob Brydon’s character in the TV comedy Gavin And Stacey this nicely bred Sea The Stars colt was unbeaten in two starts as a juvenile, a Kempton maiden in September when showing a decent turn of foot to win by 3L and landing the odds when following up in November in a weak contest at Wolverhampton. The form may not amount to much but he’s won both his starts in good style and his official mark of 92 may well under estimate him. His latest win was over just short of 10f and I wouldn’t expect him to stay much further on breeding, being a a half brother to his owners Group 3 winner Boomer. Although he has been given a speculative Derby entry for which he’s a top priced 25/1 poke with Bet365. He’s owned by Betfair co founder Andrew Black and runs in his stud’s name of Chasemore Farm. Black has been instrumental with Michael Owen in setting up the Tom Dascombe yard in Cheshire and this is his first horse with John and Thady THALER 3 year old colt (Sir Michael Stoute) unraced A left field one in that he hasn’t as yet made his racecourse debut. He’ll run at Doncaster on Sunday and although like many of Sir Michael Stoute’s will improve for the run he should run a nice race as his work at Newmarket this Spring has been good. He does have a slight aversion to the starting stalls so will be taking a ticket and going in last. Hopefully this will be something that will he will improve with over time. By Dubawi out of Timepiece who was trained by Sir Henry Cecil and won the Gp 1 Falmouth Stakes making him a full brother to Tacitly (a winner in training with Roger Charlton). As his breeding suggests he’s owned by Juddmonte following the sad death of Prince Khalid Abdullah. He would be one to follow as he gains experience and hopefully after winning his maiden can progress through the handicap ranks in typical Sir Michael style. BELLOCCIO 3 year old colt (David Menuisier) 11 A very under rated trainer, David Menuisier who learnt his trade as assistant to the retired great Criquette Head-Maarek in France is set for a good season at his base in Pulborough in West Sussex following his best ever season last season with 18 winners with the classy staying Group 1 winning filly Wonderful Tonight being the flag bearer. Bellocicio made a winning debut at Salisbury in October when backed at big odds and came late and fast on dead ground to lead on the line. He progressed from there to win a listed contest back in David’s homeland at Toulouse when going off favourite. He was withdrawn on the day of the Group 1 Criterium de Saint Cloud due to the heavy ground and although he is thought to be best with some cut in the ground he wouldn’t want it bottomless. He’s by Belardo from his first crop as a stallion (Belardo ended up the leading freshman sire of 2020) out of a Mastercraftsman dam and following two wins at a mile as a juvenile will stay at least 10f this season. He holds a 2000 Gns but I’m reliably led to believe that he’s been aimed at the French Derby. ALDAARY 3 year old gelding (William Haggas) 11 The ground is very much the key to this unbeaten Territories gelding housed at Newmarket in the care of William Haggas, owned by the late Hamdan Al Maktoum. He’s a half brother to five winners at up to a mile. Not that breeding is anything this chestnut is interested in having had the cruelest cut of them all! Not seen till the Autumn when a comfortable winner over 6f at Yarmouth on soft ground and then following up under a penalty a fortnight later on even softer ground at Leicester again over 6f when landing the odds in easy style. Jim Crowley rode him to both his victories and stated after Leicester that he has a relaxed way of doing things and will have no problem staying a mile next year. The handicapper has allotted him a handicap mark of 93 and expect to see him out early if the ground is soft in a handicap with his most productive time of the year being in the Autumn when the mud is flying. He’s an exciting horse. THALER is the first one of the twenty to run today at Doncaster in the 1.55. Been backed from 4/1 in a place into 15/8. Like I say in my synopsis he can be tricky at the stalls so fingers crossed he goes in and comes out on level terms. Wildgarden, cannotbebeat, BBBC and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Brigadier Posted March 28, 2021 Author Share Posted March 28, 2021 An ok debut run, with plenty of improvement to come. The positive was he behaved at and in the stalls and remains one to follow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calva decoy Posted March 28, 2021 Share Posted March 28, 2021 I used to purchase Timeform's 50 to follow for the season , some really good pointers but everything is at your fingertips these days . Some nice write ups , I'm looking forward to seeing how Eileendover progresses , yards only 6 miles away & rumours are they've turned down serious £ . The Brigadier 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Brigadier Posted March 28, 2021 Author Share Posted March 28, 2021 Yeah shes very exciting and great that its housed at a smaller and very capable stable. Thanks for your kind words. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Brigadier Posted April 1, 2021 Author Share Posted April 1, 2021 On 3/26/2021 at 2:59 PM, The Brigadier said: The Brigadier’s Flat 2021 20 to follow EILEENDOVER 4 year old filly (Pam Sly) unraced A left field selection as she’s yet to run under flat rules. She has however run three times in National Hunt Flat Races, winning all three. By top miler Canford Cliffs and a grand daughter of Pam Sly’s 1000 Guineas 2006 winner Speciosa she has looked very special so far in winning at Huntingdon over 1m 5 1/2f by 29 lengths, Wetherby over 1m 4 1/2f by 16 lengths and a 2 mile listed mares only bumper at Market Rasen by a comfortable 6 1/2 lengths. Back in third that day was Willie Mullin’s Grangee who went on to win at the Dublin Festival whilst in fourth was subsequent listed hurdle winner Dragon Bones giving the form plenty of substance. She’s won on ground varying from good to heavy and after taking up her engagement in the Aintree mares bumper will be campaigned on the flat although her trainer is struggling to find ideal races to race her in. She could be the type for a big race handicap at the backend like the Ebor at York. MISS FINLAND 3 year old filly (John & Thady Gosden) 51 A filly who’s always worked well at home and was a tad disappointing on her racecourse debut on the all weather at Newcastle in November, a track incidentally where Gosden has introduced some of his equine stars over the years including Enable and Palace Pier. She could only finish 5th on that occasion but turned the tables on the third that day Water Iris when accounting for that rival a month later in the mist at Chelmsford where Rab Havlin was cruising a furlong and a half out but had to get serious with Terebellum’s half sister to eventually win by just a head. That form may not amount to much but the way she works at Clarehaven Stables at Newmarket suggests she’s a fair bit better than that and is unlikely to be given too high a handicap mark if master trainer Gosden went down that route en route to pattern company. DUTY OF CARE 3 year old colt (Sir Michael Stoute) 31 A Kingman half brother to Stoute’s top class Breeders Cup Mile winner Expert Eye. A massive horse who wasn’t suited by the bends of Kempton on his racecourse debut in early December but was still well supported and ran with distinct promise to finish third to Papas Dream. According to Racing Post ratings he improved some 23lb for his second outing only 12 days later on a much more suitable track at Newcastle when using his long stride to excellent effect to keep on and beat a Varian horse, the pair of them pulling clear of the field. The 4th and 6th have come out and won since giving the form some substance. Owned by the recently departed Khalid Abdullah he looks one to follow and will hopefully make his mark in Group company before long utilising the giant stride he has. He’s only run at 7f but will have no trouble staying a mile and could easily take in a 2000 Guineas trial prior to a tilt at the first classic at Newmarket in May. EL DRAMA 3yo colt (Roger Varian) 13 Entered in the Derby this 425,000 guns yearling Lope De Vega colt was backed off the boards when winning his only start at Doncaster on his racecourse debut in October on soft ground. Andrea Atzeni was always in control just pushing him out to win by a comfortable 1/2 length from Colonel Faulkner and Kaheall who have both won since as has the fourth (in Abu Dhabi). Again well backed on his re-appearance in a listed contest at Lingfield over 7f in which turned into a bit of a sprint which blatantly didn’t suit him. He’ll be much better on a more conventional track and more importantly when stepped up in trip. Don’t give up on him after that reversal. He’s a half brother to six winners including Oaks and Irish Oaks third Volume and his trainer Roger Varian suggested after his win that he may well be a group horse. His breeding suggests its middle distances in time which will bring the best out of this good looking colt. SUMMERS KNIGHT 3yo gelding (Sir Mark Prescott) 6855 A typical Sir Mark Prescott handicap job? This son of Camelot has had four runs over 7 furlongs in the space of 42 days late last Summer all at monster prices with the nearest he got to the winner was when beaten 8 1/2 lengths on his final start. A 40,000k yearling he’s a half brother to four winners, two who won up to as far as 2m 4f. His dam, Summers Eve was group placed at 9f and is a full sister to Ascot Gold Cup winner Papineau. A pedigree that screams stamina. He’s already been allotted a handicap mark of only 64 and expect him to start out over 10/12 furlongs and possibly run up a sequence of victories as he moves up in distance. SEA EMPRESS 3yo filly (William Haggas) 1 Had just the one run as a two year old at the backend of the season when going to Newcastle for a 1 mile maiden and despite falling out of the stalls and running green picked up nicely and went clear with the Roger Varian favourite Teona to beat that one by a length. Teona re-appeared three weeks later and bolted up by 9 lengths herself to give the form a massive boost (the 7th has also won since). She also makes my 20 to follow. By Sea The Stars out of a 8.6f AW winner making her a sister to a 9.4f winner she should stay at least 10 furlongs and has an Irish Oaks entry already. She looks smart and her trainer does so well with her type that she’s a must have for any ‘to follow’ list. TEONA 3yo filly (Roger Varian) 21 Runner up to another of my 20 to follow Sea Empress on her debut at Newcastle over 1 mile, she returned there three weeks later to comfortably open her account by 9 lengths over 2 furlongs further in the style of a very smart horse - cruising through the race and quickly putting the race to bed and winning hard held. The runner up that day has won since to give the form some substance. By Sea The Stars and out of a dam who won as far as 1 1/2 miles she looks all about stamina and expect her to be taking in an Oaks trial (already has an Irish Oaks entry) POLLING DAY 3yo colt (John & Thady Gosden) 1 A 625,000 gns purchase from The Tattersalls Book 1 October yearlings sale he’ll race in the colours of Godolphin and has by all accounts been showing up very nicely on the Newmarket gallops this Spring. He’s by Derby winner Sea The Stars out of a Whipper mare called Pollyanna who was smart herself on the track in France when with John Hammond. He’s already been given a Epsom Derby entry (one of 10 from that yard) and was impressive on his debut on the polytrack at Lingfield in mid March when pushed out to go clear from a newcomer from the Charlie Appleby yard. That was a highly promising debut win and he has to be followed wherever he goes. OCEAN ROAD 3yo filly (Hugo Palmer) 21 Showed plenty of promise on her racecourse debut at Nottingham in October when chasing home the promising Stoute filly Noon Star on soft ground. She went one better 7 weeks later when easily winning on the polytrack at Lingfield from the 73 rated Lochnaver. She’s owned by Qatar Racing and was selected recently by their retained jockey Oisin Murphy as one to follow. She’s by Australia and a half sister to 5 winners including the the smart Wigmore Hall, a grade one winner in Canada. She’s only run over a mile in her two outings but is bred to need middle distances and should improve as she moves up in trip. SANTA BARBARA 3yo filly (Aidan O’Brien) 1 Bred in the purple being by Camelot out of an unraced Danehill mare making her a half sister to 4 winners including Irish Oaks winner Iridessa and Breeders Cup mile winner Order Of Australia she showed a good turn of foot when winning a Curragh maiden under Seamie Heffernan in September. She was very green that day and carried her head quite high but the vibes emanating from Ballydoyle this week have been very positive with a ATR stable tour of trainer Aidan O’Brien stating the following:- “She’s done unbelievably well in physical terms over the winter. She looks like a five-year-old colt. She goes through her work unbelievably well. She shows loads of speed and always worked with an awful lot of class. Whether we start her in the Guineas trial at Leopardstown or go straight to the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket, we haven’t decided yet. We won’t over-race her, we’ll keep her runs to a minimum if we can, but she shows an unbelievable amount of class at home. In terms of her stamina, she’s by Camelot, so that will give her a chance to stay a mile-and-a-quarter or maybe further, but she does show a lot of pace. She looked very pacey on her debut and she does that at home all the time. She just toys with horses in her work. We’re very excited by her” High praise indeed and she has been backed this week into favouritism for the 1000 gns. ONE RULER 3yo colt (Charlie Appleby) 21312 Raced 5 times as a 2 year old, winning a decent Sandown maiden and the Group 3 Autumn Stakes at Newmarket in October on soft ground. He ended the season by finishing runner up to Mac Swiney in the Vertem Futurity Trophy (Racing Post Trophy in old money!) again on very soft ground. By Dubawi out of a Shamardal mare who won over a mile, this Godolphin colt has already shown top class form and is by all accounts working very well. He was taken on an away day to Chelmsford recently and worked very well. He holds entries in the English and Irish 2000 Guineas plus the Irish Derby. The English 2000 is the proposed early season target, I’m led to believe with a possible tilt at the Epsom Derby to follow. He’ll need to be supplemented for that obviously. JOHN LEEPER 3yo colt (Ed Dunlop) 4 One of the best bred horses in training being by Frankel out of 6 time group 1 winner (including English, Irish Oaks and the Hong Kong Cup) Snow Fairy who Ed Dunlop trained himself. This is her third foal with the other two hardly setting the world alight although Virgin Snow was a winner and Group 3 placed. Named after Ed’s illustrious father John who sadly passed in 2018 you do get the possible feeling that they were waiting for a talented one to name after the great man who trained a staggering 74 group one races (including 10 classics)from his base at Arundel in Sussex. He did see the racecourse once as a two year old when finishing 4th in a backend Doncaster maiden, having been slowly away and not getting the clearest of runs but running on at the death to be beaten 3 1/4L. That wasn’t the strongest of maidens although the 3rd, 5th and 8th have won since. Although possibly his English and Irish Derby entries are flying too high he should be up to winning his maiden and progressing throughout the season as he steps up in distance more in relation to his breeding. POTAPOVA 3yo filly (Sir Michael Stoute) 1 Sir Michael Stoute appears to have a decent filly on his hands here in this Invincible Spirit full sister to AW winner Panova and half sister to 5 winners including the useful pair Davydenko and Marenko. She made her racecourse debut when a not unfancied 5/1 chance at Chelmsford over 7 furlongs in November when spread eagling her field, coasting home to win by 6 1/2L. She has no classic entries but screams group class and this Cheveley Park Stud owned filly is without doubt one to follow with her best trip likely to be around a mile with the ability to stay two furlongs further. TARNAWA 5 year old mare (Dermot Weld) 322/1310119/1111 Much improved as a 4 year old winning all four of her outings. She wasn’t seen till August but quickly made up for lost time by winning the Group 1 Prix Vermeille over 12f and then surprisingly dropped down to 10f to win the Group 1 Prix de l’Opera on Arc De Triomphe day at Longchamp. I feel she would of gone pretty close to winning the Arc had she been given a chance and this years Arc has been mooted as her target this season. She went on from Longchamp to win the Breeders Cup Turf at Keeneland over 12f beating the super mare Magical, giving her trainer Dermot Weld his first Breeders Cup success. She’s won group ones on heavy and firm ground and seems to be getting better with age. We may not see her till the Summer at the earliest but the 10/1 about her winning this season’s Arc looks terrific value even with Aidan O’Brien’s Love in her way. NOON STAR 3 year old filly (Sir Michael Stoute) 31 Bred in the purple being by Galileo out of that super consistent group one winning mare Midday who was trained by Sir Henry Cecil and was runner up to Sariska in the Epsom Oaks. She’s a full sister to Midterm and closely related to Mori and Midi who both won races for Sir Michael who knows this family so well. She made her debut at Salisbury in September when relatively easy to back and was looking like she might be tailed off at one point until the penny dropped and she ran on to some effect finishing off in third place beaten just under 6L with both the horses that finished ahead of her that day winning since. She showed the benefit of that run when winning a backend Nottingham maiden for fillies in good style on soft ground. The runner up Ocean Road went onto win at Lingfield and also makes it into The Brigadier’s 20 to follow. Her breeding suggests we won’t see the best of her until tackling middle distances and she could easily turn in to a lively Epsom Oaks contender. OCEAN WIND 5 year old horse (Roger Teal) 3111-2 Still an entire, this bay Teofilio horse is lightly raced under both codes and can make a splash this season in some of the better long distance handicaps and hopefully pattern company. A decent bumper horse who won at Huntingdon and Newbury, he ran his best race in that sphere when 6th beaten 11L in the Cheltenham Champion Bumper won by Ferny Hollow with Appreciate It back in silver position. Thought too good to continue his career over hurdles he was switched to the flat game and quickly ran up a hat trick of wins including a very easy win in the Cesarewitch Trial at Newmarket. Trainer Roger Teal made an unfortunate error in not realising that he had to run 4 times to qualify for the big handicap for which he was being trained for and as such missed the race frustrating all those who had taken big prices about him (myself including!). He was instead seen in a 0-105 handicap at Doncaster on soft ground in October where he came late to win by a cosy 1/2 length. Following a 106 day break he turned up in a fast track qualifier at Kempton on the all weather in February where he split the 114 rated Prince Of Arran and 110 Rainbow Dreamer in a close finish. He’s been left on his mark of 104 and that looks very workable. It will be interesting to see if he gets an entry in the Chester Cup. He goes on any ground and stays extremely well and I expect him to have a fruitful season for his shrewd trainer. UNCLE BRYN 3 year old colt (John & Thady Gosden) 11 Named after Rob Brydon’s character in the TV comedy Gavin And Stacey this nicely bred Sea The Stars colt was unbeaten in two starts as a juvenile, a Kempton maiden in September when showing a decent turn of foot to win by 3L and landing the odds when following up in November in a weak contest at Wolverhampton. The form may not amount to much but he’s won both his starts in good style and his official mark of 92 may well under estimate him. His latest win was over just short of 10f and I wouldn’t expect him to stay much further on breeding, being a a half brother to his owners Group 3 winner Boomer. Although he has been given a speculative Derby entry for which he’s a top priced 25/1 poke with Bet365. He’s owned by Betfair co founder Andrew Black and runs in his stud’s name of Chasemore Farm. Black has been instrumental with Michael Owen in setting up the Tom Dascombe yard in Cheshire and this is his first horse with John and Thady THALER 3 year old colt (Sir Michael Stoute) unraced A left field one in that he hasn’t as yet made his racecourse debut. He’ll run at Doncaster on Sunday and although like many of Sir Michael Stoute’s will improve for the run he should run a nice race as his work at Newmarket this Spring has been good. He does have a slight aversion to the starting stalls so will be taking a ticket and going in last. Hopefully this will be something that will he will improve with over time. By Dubawi out of Timepiece who was trained by Sir Henry Cecil and won the Gp 1 Falmouth Stakes making him a full brother to Tacitly (a winner in training with Roger Charlton). As his breeding suggests he’s owned by Juddmonte following the sad death of Prince Khalid Abdullah. He would be one to follow as he gains experience and hopefully after winning his maiden can progress through the handicap ranks in typical Sir Michael style. BELLOCCIO 3 year old colt (David Menuisier) 11 A very under rated trainer, David Menuisier who learnt his trade as assistant to the retired great Criquette Head-Maarek in France is set for a good season at his base in Pulborough in West Sussex following his best ever season last season with 18 winners with the classy staying Group 1 winning filly Wonderful Tonight being the flag bearer. Bellocicio made a winning debut at Salisbury in October when backed at big odds and came late and fast on dead ground to lead on the line. He progressed from there to win a listed contest back in David’s homeland at Toulouse when going off favourite. He was withdrawn on the day of the Group 1 Criterium de Saint Cloud due to the heavy ground and although he is thought to be best with some cut in the ground he wouldn’t want it bottomless. He’s by Belardo from his first crop as a stallion (Belardo ended up the leading freshman sire of 2020) out of a Mastercraftsman dam and following two wins at a mile as a juvenile will stay at least 10f this season. He holds a 2000 Gns but I’m reliably led to believe that he’s been aimed at the French Derby. ALDAARY 3 year old gelding (William Haggas) 11 The ground is very much the key to this unbeaten Territories gelding housed at Newmarket in the care of William Haggas, owned by the late Hamdan Al Maktoum. He’s a half brother to five winners at up to a mile. Not that breeding is anything this chestnut is interested in having had the cruelest cut of them all! Not seen till the Autumn when a comfortable winner over 6f at Yarmouth on soft ground and then following up under a penalty a fortnight later on even softer ground at Leicester again over 6f when landing the odds in easy style. Jim Crowley rode him to both his victories and stated after Leicester that he has a relaxed way of doing things and will have no problem staying a mile next year. The handicapper has allotted him a handicap mark of 93 and expect to see him out early if the ground is soft in a handicap with his most productive time of the year being in the Autumn when the mud is flying. He’s an exciting horse. Duty Of Care runs in the 'Road to Kentucky' stakes tonight at Chelmsford. The trip is a bare minimum for him and I'll be pleased if he hits the frame as we wont see the best of him until he tackles further. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Brigadier Posted April 7, 2021 Author Share Posted April 7, 2021 On 3/26/2021 at 2:59 PM, The Brigadier said: The Brigadier’s Flat 2021 20 to follow EILEENDOVER 4 year old filly (Pam Sly) unraced A left field selection as she’s yet to run under flat rules. She has however run three times in National Hunt Flat Races, winning all three. By top miler Canford Cliffs and a grand daughter of Pam Sly’s 1000 Guineas 2006 winner Speciosa she has looked very special so far in winning at Huntingdon over 1m 5 1/2f by 29 lengths, Wetherby over 1m 4 1/2f by 16 lengths and a 2 mile listed mares only bumper at Market Rasen by a comfortable 6 1/2 lengths. Back in third that day was Willie Mullin’s Grangee who went on to win at the Dublin Festival whilst in fourth was subsequent listed hurdle winner Dragon Bones giving the form plenty of substance. She’s won on ground varying from good to heavy and after taking up her engagement in the Aintree mares bumper will be campaigned on the flat although her trainer is struggling to find ideal races to race her in. She could be the type for a big race handicap at the backend like the Ebor at York. MISS FINLAND 3 year old filly (John & Thady Gosden) 51 A filly who’s always worked well at home and was a tad disappointing on her racecourse debut on the all weather at Newcastle in November, a track incidentally where Gosden has introduced some of his equine stars over the years including Enable and Palace Pier. She could only finish 5th on that occasion but turned the tables on the third that day Water Iris when accounting for that rival a month later in the mist at Chelmsford where Rab Havlin was cruising a furlong and a half out but had to get serious with Terebellum’s half sister to eventually win by just a head. That form may not amount to much but the way she works at Clarehaven Stables at Newmarket suggests she’s a fair bit better than that and is unlikely to be given too high a handicap mark if master trainer Gosden went down that route en route to pattern company. DUTY OF CARE 3 year old colt (Sir Michael Stoute) 31 A Kingman half brother to Stoute’s top class Breeders Cup Mile winner Expert Eye. A massive horse who wasn’t suited by the bends of Kempton on his racecourse debut in early December but was still well supported and ran with distinct promise to finish third to Papas Dream. According to Racing Post ratings he improved some 23lb for his second outing only 12 days later on a much more suitable track at Newcastle when using his long stride to excellent effect to keep on and beat a Varian horse, the pair of them pulling clear of the field. The 4th and 6th have come out and won since giving the form some substance. Owned by the recently departed Khalid Abdullah he looks one to follow and will hopefully make his mark in Group company before long utilising the giant stride he has. He’s only run at 7f but will have no trouble staying a mile and could easily take in a 2000 Guineas trial prior to a tilt at the first classic at Newmarket in May. EL DRAMA 3yo colt (Roger Varian) 13 Entered in the Derby this 425,000 guns yearling Lope De Vega colt was backed off the boards when winning his only start at Doncaster on his racecourse debut in October on soft ground. Andrea Atzeni was always in control just pushing him out to win by a comfortable 1/2 length from Colonel Faulkner and Kaheall who have both won since as has the fourth (in Abu Dhabi). Again well backed on his re-appearance in a listed contest at Lingfield over 7f in which turned into a bit of a sprint which blatantly didn’t suit him. He’ll be much better on a more conventional track and more importantly when stepped up in trip. Don’t give up on him after that reversal. He’s a half brother to six winners including Oaks and Irish Oaks third Volume and his trainer Roger Varian suggested after his win that he may well be a group horse. His breeding suggests its middle distances in time which will bring the best out of this good looking colt. SUMMERS KNIGHT 3yo gelding (Sir Mark Prescott) 6855 A typical Sir Mark Prescott handicap job? This son of Camelot has had four runs over 7 furlongs in the space of 42 days late last Summer all at monster prices with the nearest he got to the winner was when beaten 8 1/2 lengths on his final start. A 40,000k yearling he’s a half brother to four winners, two who won up to as far as 2m 4f. His dam, Summers Eve was group placed at 9f and is a full sister to Ascot Gold Cup winner Papineau. A pedigree that screams stamina. He’s already been allotted a handicap mark of only 64 and expect him to start out over 10/12 furlongs and possibly run up a sequence of victories as he moves up in distance. SEA EMPRESS 3yo filly (William Haggas) 1 Had just the one run as a two year old at the backend of the season when going to Newcastle for a 1 mile maiden and despite falling out of the stalls and running green picked up nicely and went clear with the Roger Varian favourite Teona to beat that one by a length. Teona re-appeared three weeks later and bolted up by 9 lengths herself to give the form a massive boost (the 7th has also won since). She also makes my 20 to follow. By Sea The Stars out of a 8.6f AW winner making her a sister to a 9.4f winner she should stay at least 10 furlongs and has an Irish Oaks entry already. She looks smart and her trainer does so well with her type that she’s a must have for any ‘to follow’ list. TEONA 3yo filly (Roger Varian) 21 Runner up to another of my 20 to follow Sea Empress on her debut at Newcastle over 1 mile, she returned there three weeks later to comfortably open her account by 9 lengths over 2 furlongs further in the style of a very smart horse - cruising through the race and quickly putting the race to bed and winning hard held. The runner up that day has won since to give the form some substance. By Sea The Stars and out of a dam who won as far as 1 1/2 miles she looks all about stamina and expect her to be taking in an Oaks trial (already has an Irish Oaks entry) POLLING DAY 3yo colt (John & Thady Gosden) 1 A 625,000 gns purchase from The Tattersalls Book 1 October yearlings sale he’ll race in the colours of Godolphin and has by all accounts been showing up very nicely on the Newmarket gallops this Spring. He’s by Derby winner Sea The Stars out of a Whipper mare called Pollyanna who was smart herself on the track in France when with John Hammond. He’s already been given a Epsom Derby entry (one of 10 from that yard) and was impressive on his debut on the polytrack at Lingfield in mid March when pushed out to go clear from a newcomer from the Charlie Appleby yard. That was a highly promising debut win and he has to be followed wherever he goes. OCEAN ROAD 3yo filly (Hugo Palmer) 21 Showed plenty of promise on her racecourse debut at Nottingham in October when chasing home the promising Stoute filly Noon Star on soft ground. She went one better 7 weeks later when easily winning on the polytrack at Lingfield from the 73 rated Lochnaver. She’s owned by Qatar Racing and was selected recently by their retained jockey Oisin Murphy as one to follow. She’s by Australia and a half sister to 5 winners including the the smart Wigmore Hall, a grade one winner in Canada. She’s only run over a mile in her two outings but is bred to need middle distances and should improve as she moves up in trip. SANTA BARBARA 3yo filly (Aidan O’Brien) 1 Bred in the purple being by Camelot out of an unraced Danehill mare making her a half sister to 4 winners including Irish Oaks winner Iridessa and Breeders Cup mile winner Order Of Australia she showed a good turn of foot when winning a Curragh maiden under Seamie Heffernan in September. She was very green that day and carried her head quite high but the vibes emanating from Ballydoyle this week have been very positive with a ATR stable tour of trainer Aidan O’Brien stating the following:- “She’s done unbelievably well in physical terms over the winter. She looks like a five-year-old colt. She goes through her work unbelievably well. She shows loads of speed and always worked with an awful lot of class. Whether we start her in the Guineas trial at Leopardstown or go straight to the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket, we haven’t decided yet. We won’t over-race her, we’ll keep her runs to a minimum if we can, but she shows an unbelievable amount of class at home. In terms of her stamina, she’s by Camelot, so that will give her a chance to stay a mile-and-a-quarter or maybe further, but she does show a lot of pace. She looked very pacey on her debut and she does that at home all the time. She just toys with horses in her work. We’re very excited by her” High praise indeed and she has been backed this week into favouritism for the 1000 gns. ONE RULER 3yo colt (Charlie Appleby) 21312 Raced 5 times as a 2 year old, winning a decent Sandown maiden and the Group 3 Autumn Stakes at Newmarket in October on soft ground. He ended the season by finishing runner up to Mac Swiney in the Vertem Futurity Trophy (Racing Post Trophy in old money!) again on very soft ground. By Dubawi out of a Shamardal mare who won over a mile, this Godolphin colt has already shown top class form and is by all accounts working very well. He was taken on an away day to Chelmsford recently and worked very well. He holds entries in the English and Irish 2000 Guineas plus the Irish Derby. The English 2000 is the proposed early season target, I’m led to believe with a possible tilt at the Epsom Derby to follow. He’ll need to be supplemented for that obviously. JOHN LEEPER 3yo colt (Ed Dunlop) 4 One of the best bred horses in training being by Frankel out of 6 time group 1 winner (including English, Irish Oaks and the Hong Kong Cup) Snow Fairy who Ed Dunlop trained himself. This is her third foal with the other two hardly setting the world alight although Virgin Snow was a winner and Group 3 placed. Named after Ed’s illustrious father John who sadly passed in 2018 you do get the possible feeling that they were waiting for a talented one to name after the great man who trained a staggering 74 group one races (including 10 classics)from his base at Arundel in Sussex. He did see the racecourse once as a two year old when finishing 4th in a backend Doncaster maiden, having been slowly away and not getting the clearest of runs but running on at the death to be beaten 3 1/4L. That wasn’t the strongest of maidens although the 3rd, 5th and 8th have won since. Although possibly his English and Irish Derby entries are flying too high he should be up to winning his maiden and progressing throughout the season as he steps up in distance more in relation to his breeding. POTAPOVA 3yo filly (Sir Michael Stoute) 1 Sir Michael Stoute appears to have a decent filly on his hands here in this Invincible Spirit full sister to AW winner Panova and half sister to 5 winners including the useful pair Davydenko and Marenko. She made her racecourse debut when a not unfancied 5/1 chance at Chelmsford over 7 furlongs in November when spread eagling her field, coasting home to win by 6 1/2L. She has no classic entries but screams group class and this Cheveley Park Stud owned filly is without doubt one to follow with her best trip likely to be around a mile with the ability to stay two furlongs further. TARNAWA 5 year old mare (Dermot Weld) 322/1310119/1111 Much improved as a 4 year old winning all four of her outings. She wasn’t seen till August but quickly made up for lost time by winning the Group 1 Prix Vermeille over 12f and then surprisingly dropped down to 10f to win the Group 1 Prix de l’Opera on Arc De Triomphe day at Longchamp. I feel she would of gone pretty close to winning the Arc had she been given a chance and this years Arc has been mooted as her target this season. She went on from Longchamp to win the Breeders Cup Turf at Keeneland over 12f beating the super mare Magical, giving her trainer Dermot Weld his first Breeders Cup success. She’s won group ones on heavy and firm ground and seems to be getting better with age. We may not see her till the Summer at the earliest but the 10/1 about her winning this season’s Arc looks terrific value even with Aidan O’Brien’s Love in her way. NOON STAR 3 year old filly (Sir Michael Stoute) 31 Bred in the purple being by Galileo out of that super consistent group one winning mare Midday who was trained by Sir Henry Cecil and was runner up to Sariska in the Epsom Oaks. She’s a full sister to Midterm and closely related to Mori and Midi who both won races for Sir Michael who knows this family so well. She made her debut at Salisbury in September when relatively easy to back and was looking like she might be tailed off at one point until the penny dropped and she ran on to some effect finishing off in third place beaten just under 6L with both the horses that finished ahead of her that day winning since. She showed the benefit of that run when winning a backend Nottingham maiden for fillies in good style on soft ground. The runner up Ocean Road went onto win at Lingfield and also makes it into The Brigadier’s 20 to follow. Her breeding suggests we won’t see the best of her until tackling middle distances and she could easily turn in to a lively Epsom Oaks contender. OCEAN WIND 5 year old horse (Roger Teal) 3111-2 Still an entire, this bay Teofilio horse is lightly raced under both codes and can make a splash this season in some of the better long distance handicaps and hopefully pattern company. A decent bumper horse who won at Huntingdon and Newbury, he ran his best race in that sphere when 6th beaten 11L in the Cheltenham Champion Bumper won by Ferny Hollow with Appreciate It back in silver position. Thought too good to continue his career over hurdles he was switched to the flat game and quickly ran up a hat trick of wins including a very easy win in the Cesarewitch Trial at Newmarket. Trainer Roger Teal made an unfortunate error in not realising that he had to run 4 times to qualify for the big handicap for which he was being trained for and as such missed the race frustrating all those who had taken big prices about him (myself including!). He was instead seen in a 0-105 handicap at Doncaster on soft ground in October where he came late to win by a cosy 1/2 length. Following a 106 day break he turned up in a fast track qualifier at Kempton on the all weather in February where he split the 114 rated Prince Of Arran and 110 Rainbow Dreamer in a close finish. He’s been left on his mark of 104 and that looks very workable. It will be interesting to see if he gets an entry in the Chester Cup. He goes on any ground and stays extremely well and I expect him to have a fruitful season for his shrewd trainer. UNCLE BRYN 3 year old colt (John & Thady Gosden) 11 Named after Rob Brydon’s character in the TV comedy Gavin And Stacey this nicely bred Sea The Stars colt was unbeaten in two starts as a juvenile, a Kempton maiden in September when showing a decent turn of foot to win by 3L and landing the odds when following up in November in a weak contest at Wolverhampton. The form may not amount to much but he’s won both his starts in good style and his official mark of 92 may well under estimate him. His latest win was over just short of 10f and I wouldn’t expect him to stay much further on breeding, being a a half brother to his owners Group 3 winner Boomer. Although he has been given a speculative Derby entry for which he’s a top priced 25/1 poke with Bet365. He’s owned by Betfair co founder Andrew Black and runs in his stud’s name of Chasemore Farm. Black has been instrumental with Michael Owen in setting up the Tom Dascombe yard in Cheshire and this is his first horse with John and Thady THALER 3 year old colt (Sir Michael Stoute) unraced A left field one in that he hasn’t as yet made his racecourse debut. He’ll run at Doncaster on Sunday and although like many of Sir Michael Stoute’s will improve for the run he should run a nice race as his work at Newmarket this Spring has been good. He does have a slight aversion to the starting stalls so will be taking a ticket and going in last. Hopefully this will be something that will he will improve with over time. By Dubawi out of Timepiece who was trained by Sir Henry Cecil and won the Gp 1 Falmouth Stakes making him a full brother to Tacitly (a winner in training with Roger Charlton). As his breeding suggests he’s owned by Juddmonte following the sad death of Prince Khalid Abdullah. He would be one to follow as he gains experience and hopefully after winning his maiden can progress through the handicap ranks in typical Sir Michael style. BELLOCCIO 3 year old colt (David Menuisier) 11 A very under rated trainer, David Menuisier who learnt his trade as assistant to the retired great Criquette Head-Maarek in France is set for a good season at his base in Pulborough in West Sussex following his best ever season last season with 18 winners with the classy staying Group 1 winning filly Wonderful Tonight being the flag bearer. Bellocicio made a winning debut at Salisbury in October when backed at big odds and came late and fast on dead ground to lead on the line. He progressed from there to win a listed contest back in David’s homeland at Toulouse when going off favourite. He was withdrawn on the day of the Group 1 Criterium de Saint Cloud due to the heavy ground and although he is thought to be best with some cut in the ground he wouldn’t want it bottomless. He’s by Belardo from his first crop as a stallion (Belardo ended up the leading freshman sire of 2020) out of a Mastercraftsman dam and following two wins at a mile as a juvenile will stay at least 10f this season. He holds a 2000 Gns but I’m reliably led to believe that he’s been aimed at the French Derby. ALDAARY 3 year old gelding (William Haggas) 11 The ground is very much the key to this unbeaten Territories gelding housed at Newmarket in the care of William Haggas, owned by the late Hamdan Al Maktoum. He’s a half brother to five winners at up to a mile. Not that breeding is anything this chestnut is interested in having had the cruelest cut of them all! Not seen till the Autumn when a comfortable winner over 6f at Yarmouth on soft ground and then following up under a penalty a fortnight later on even softer ground at Leicester again over 6f when landing the odds in easy style. Jim Crowley rode him to both his victories and stated after Leicester that he has a relaxed way of doing things and will have no problem staying a mile next year. The handicapper has allotted him a handicap mark of 93 and expect to see him out early if the ground is soft in a handicap with his most productive time of the year being in the Autumn when the mud is flying. He’s an exciting horse. Quick update on my 20 to follow. Three have run so far. Thaler who was down the field, a tad disappointing on his debut although he'll improve plenty for that and is in good hands. Duty Of Care fell out of the stalls on his re-appearance at Chelmsford last week and was always on the back foot. He's crying out for a longer trip and once again is in good hands. El Drama bumped into a smart one of John Gosdens on Monday in Mostadhaf and he is another one who's crying out for further. Certainly don't give up on him. Ocean Wind runs today at Nottingham and has been well backed so I'm hopeful he can win and although not one to count for the flat the smart mare Eileendover runs in the mares bumper at Aintree tomorrow before all being well embarking on a flat campaign. Wanderlust 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wanderlust Posted April 7, 2021 Share Posted April 7, 2021 18 minutes ago, The Brigadier said: El Drama bumped into a smart one of John Gosdens on Monday in Mostadhaf and he is another one who's crying out for further. Certainly don't give up on him. Ocean Wind runs today at Nottingham and has been well backed so I'm hopeful he can win and although not one to count for the flat the smart mare Eileendover runs in the mares bumper at Aintree tomorrow before all being well embarking on a flat campaign. I thought El Drama just pulled too hard thoughout the first 3/4 of the race. When it came to win its race it was already empty. Weak in the betting also. Having said that, the winner Mosthadaf looked impressive didn't he? That one will be Group Class this year The Brigadier 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Brigadier Posted April 7, 2021 Author Share Posted April 7, 2021 12 minutes ago, Wanderlust said: I thought El Drama just pulled too hard thoughout the first 3/4 of the race. When it came to win its race it was already empty. Weak in the betting also. Having said that, the winner Mosthadaf looked impressive didn't he? That one will be Group Class this year Yes totally agree - Gosden was talking about Royal ascot afterwards for him. Probably a hot race Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Brigadier Posted May 4, 2021 Author Share Posted May 4, 2021 Just an update on my Flat 20 to follow - 12 of the 20 have run with three of them winning and three hitting the frame. The winners were Polling Day (in the infamous Rab Havlin 'hands and heels' race), John Leeper who looks pretty good and will no doubt take in a Derby trial and Noon Star who won impressively at Wetherby and will take in an Oaks trial. There's been some promising runs with the future in mind from the likes of El Drama, Uncle Bryn (was very coltish at Epsom), Santa Barbara (forgetting the hype that was a decent enough 2nd run when finishing 4th in the 1000 Guineas) and One Ruler (6th in 2000 Guineas). Credit also to Ocean Wind who's bumped into two of the best stayers around at the moment in Stradivarius at Ascot and Sir Ron Priestly at Nottingham - theres surely a big prize in him this season. Wanderlust and BBBC 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Brigadier Posted May 8, 2021 Author Share Posted May 8, 2021 Couple more run since last update and both winners! El Drama appreciated the step up in trip and reverting back to turf winning the Dee Stakes at Chester at 12/1 whilst the Haggas trained Aldaary impressed when bolting up at Ascot today having been well backed from 7-4 into Evens. The 20 are now showing a level stakes profit (at SP) of 6.27 points. Just the one runner today in the Hugo Palmer trained Ocean Road in the Lingfield Oaks Trial. She's already been well supported and I'm hopeful of a big run from her. Looking ahead to next week's Dante meeting at York and two of the twenty clash in the Musidora in Noon Star and Teona whilst John Leeper, Uncle Bryn and Belloccio hold entries in the Dante itself. MCLARKE and Wanderlust 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Brigadier Posted May 17, 2021 Author Share Posted May 17, 2021 An update on the recent runners. The two fillies who ran in last week's Oaks trials were to be honest disappointing. Teona has her quirks and did everything wrong in the Musidora. I'm certain she's better than that as her trainer Roger Varian prompted in an interview on Saturday. William Haggas's Sea Empress, who's form ties in with Teona, may have just needed her first run of the season at Newbury at the weekend and there's races to be won with her. Another filly Noon Star ran credibly in the Musidora as well though is not the superstar she was being touted as. Uncle Bryn and Belloccio disappointed in the Dante but there will be other days for that pair especially the latter when he gets back on easy ground/ John Leeper looked good in winning at Newmarket in a race which was run at a crawl and he pulled hard in the early stages. He goes for the Epsom Derby next and shouldn't disgrace himself. Aldaary was a very impressive winner last week and looks better than a handicapper, more fun will be hard with him no doubt. Two of the 20 run today. Potapova makes her re-appearance at Redcar and she has an easy task and will be at skinny odds whilst Thaler runs tonight at Leicester. He flopped on his debut on day one of the turf season but the tongue tie he sports tonight looks significant and fingers crossed he can open his account. BBBC, Wanderlust and gbettle 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wanderlust Posted May 18, 2021 Share Posted May 18, 2021 I think Thaler was beaten by a worldie today. You do not beat a field of maidens ( some who were well thought of) by 20 lengths unless you are something special. Thalers run in itself was above average and a step up on its debut, but sometimes you just have to hold your hands up and accept you have just run into one The Brigadier 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Brigadier Posted May 20, 2021 Author Share Posted May 20, 2021 Yes totally agree, the winner took an age to pull up as well which is always a good thing. Definitely races to be won with Thaler probably in handicaps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Brigadier Posted May 24, 2021 Author Share Posted May 24, 2021 Two of the 20 run today. Miss Finland runs in a handicap for the first time in the 3.30 Wolverhampton and although the favourite Samoot will be hard to beat holds a good each way chance. Summers Knight (3.40 Brighton) makes his re-appearance in a weak handicap now upped in trip, as expected, and can win at odds of around 13/8 (would be no shock were he to be well backed) before hopefully running up a small sequence as he steps up in trip. yossa6133 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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