There are 22 runners declared for the £150,000 Tattersalls October Auction Stakes over six furlongs at Newmarket’s Rowley Mile on Saturday.
The favourite for the valuable Tattersalls sponsored contest looks likely to be the Heather Main trained Zoulu Chief who bids to complete a hat-trick following consecutive victories at Windsor and York. The Zoustar colt was both a Tattersalls foal and yearling sale graduate, purchased most recently at Book 3 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale by his trainer for 27,000 guineas from Whatton Manor Stud and connections will be hoping he can continue his rich vein of form in Saturday’s valuable contest.
Trainer Tom Ward has enjoyed success in Tattersalls sales races already this year with his representative Woodhay Wonder, who was impressive when last seen winning the £100,000 Tattersalls Somerville Auction Stakes on Newmarket’s July Course. Purchased at the Tattersalls Somerville Yearling Sale for 26,000 guineas by Stroud Coleman and Ward from Genesis Green Stud, she will line up for another valuable Tattersalls pot this weekend. On her chances Ward said: “Woodhay Wonder has been well since Newmarket. I have been happy with her progress and feel she is still improving”.
Another colt coming into the race following success on his last start is the Michael Dods trained Midnite Runner who showed promise to win on second start at Thirsk. The son of Kodi Bear was a 40,000 guineas purchase by Dods at Book 3 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale from Rathbarry Stud.
Newmarket trainer James Ferguson will saddle the Highclere Racing owned Drama, the Havana Grey colt was purchased for 27,000 guineas at Tattersalls Somerville Yearling Sale by Ferguson from Felley Priory Stud. Despite not firing on his most recent start, his trainer is hopeful the colt will bounce back having won at Windsor on his penultimate start with fellow runner Invincible Aura beaten a half length in second for trainer Marco Botti. Ferguson said: “Things didn’t go to plan for Drama last time at Newmarket. I still have plenty of confidence in the horse. His work has been impressive, and you cannot shy away from a challenge with this sort of prize money on offer”.
Sire Havana Grey is well represented by runners in the race including the Rod Millman trained filly, Beenham who has had a busy juvenile campaign. The highlight thus far has been her victory at Goodwood on her second start, where she pulled clear of rivals including Dubai Hills back in fourth, who will also line up in Saturday’s race for trainer Amy Murphy.
Commander Crouch will be Richard Hannon’s sole representative in the race, he comes into the field with a win on his penultimate start and multiple placed efforts this season. Lieutenant Rascal lines up with a similar profile, a winner on his penultimate start with plenty of race experience which can be of benefit in a competitive big field contest.
Jane Chapple-Hyam is set to be dually represented in the race as she saddles debutant Elderflower, a 50,000 purchase by Amanda Skiffington from Book 3 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale from Deer Forest Stud. Habrdi will also go to post for the trainer and bids to break his maiden tag on his third start.
Eve Johnson Houghton has been enjoying a purple patch of form with her juveniles this year and is another trainer saddling two representatives on Saturday, with Great Aclaim and Darroch seeking their first career wins in the race.
Middleham based trainer Ed Bethell sends Rich Glory who was a comfortable winner at Nottingham on his second start.
Grey Gray has been a consistent sort for trainer Ed Dunlop this year with three wins and multiple placed efforts to her name. Dunlop and Highflyer Bloodstock purchased the daughter of Expert Eye for just 7,000 guineas from Bearstone Stud at Book 3 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale.
Karl Burke has had a fantastic season with his juveniles and sends debutant winner Cuban Slide to the race as further ammunition in the contest for his sire Havana Grey.
Craig Lidster is another trainer who will be hopeful his representative Alfa Moonstone can bounce back to winning ways having been successful on second start at Catterick when beating Grey Gray.
Newmarket trainers have a strong hand in the field this year including Majorelle Blue for Henry Spiller and Blenheim Star stepping back in trip for William Knight, both seeking to shed their maiden tag.
Further runners include Priscilla's Joy for Philip McBride, Yeulan by first season sire Advertise for Roger Fell & Sean Murray, and Caradonna for Derek Shaw.
The Tattersalls October Yearling Sale continues next week with Book 2 commencing on Monday 9th October at Park Paddocks in Newmarket.