Juvenile Watch: Andab and Lady Iman put down Ascot markers

Ger Lyons was out of luck at Newmarket on Sunday when Red Letter failed to make an impact in the Betfred 1000 Guineas. 

He enjoyed better fortune when Lady Iman landed the First Flier Stakes at The 24 hours later, winning in impressive style to preserve her unbeaten status. 

A daughter of first season sire and Tally Ho Stud resident, Starman, for who this was a first pattern level success, she gave her many supporters (she was sent off a well backed 4/7) little cause for concern throughout the contest. 

She broke smartly but was compliant when Colin Keane opted to take her back in behind the leaders. She travelled much the best into contention and when the gap in front of her opened she effortlessly glided to the front requiring minimal urging. 

I’d imagine she’s had more demanding assignments in her work than was presented to her here, but she deserves her place at the front of the market for the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot. 

A best price of 5/1 had me severely tempted but, having paused, I concluded it was still a bit early for such an ante-post play.  

She was impressive but I was marginally more taken by the win earlier on the card by the Joseph O’Brien trained newcomer Andab. 

By Saxon Warrior, he’s a brother of the 2022 Breeders Cup Turf Juvenile winner Victoria Road. 

Long time readers of this column may remember that Helen Robinson, stud manager at Ballyhimikin Stud where breeder and part owner Trevor Stewart boards his mares, told us in 2022 when nominating Victoria Road as a colt to follow, and that dam Tickled Pink was to revisit Saxon Warrior such were the good vibes emanting from Ballydoyle about Victoria Road. 

Andab is the result of that decision and at this early stage it’s looking like a smart mating. I can also report that a third brother is developing well at Ballyhimikin! 

Racing over a six-furlong trip, I was impressed by how settled he was through the opening furlongs despite having a horse rush by on his inside and given he was forced to race without cover. 

He lengthened nicely when asked by Dylan Browne McMonagle and although he did shift towards the stands’ rail he won by a widening margin without being fully extended. 

Both jockey and trainer in their post-race interviews expressed a degree of surprise that he was able to win at the first time of asking, suggesting he will improve plenty for the experience. 

Indeed ,Victoria Road was beaten on his first four starts and needed seven furlongs to break his maiden tag. 

These factors coupled together strongly suggest that Andab could be well above average. 

His trainer suggested that he’d be aimed at the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot - Coral and Ladbrokes both go 10-1 - and that he will likely head their via the Marble Hill back at The Curragh. 

Sister Lizzie (Trainer: Adrian Nicholls) 

Showed greenness on her debut at Thirsk on Saturday, ducking away to her right as the stalls opened before struggling to find her stride through the first two furlongs. 

To her enormous credit she knuckled down well at the halfway point, despite being detached at the rear of the field, and finished well showing a likeable attitude. 

By Kameko out of Maggie Lou a winner over five furlongs as a juvenile, this experience should bring her forward significantly and while her dam line is linked to raw speed on her showing here and given her sire, I would expect her to stay 6f. Sister Lizzie is worthy of adding to your Racing TV tracker. 

Goldwork

(Eve Johnson Houghton) 

A son of Dark Angel, he made his debut in a hot looking novice contest at Ascot last Wednesday. 

Slowly away from the stalls, he found things happening far too quickly for much of this contest. Tenderly handled by jockey Charlie Bishop he made some nice, if unspectacular progress inside the last furlong. 

His dam, Thread Of Silver, was a winner over 7f in France and while Dark Angel is a source of speed he can find progeny with stamina. 

I’d expect to need 6f before finding a winning opportunity,but I liked his attitude and am a huge admirer of his trainer. I’ve added him to my tracker for 6f maidens. 

Substance

(Joseph O’Brien)  

This son of first season sire Supremacy was withdrawn before his intended debut at The Curragh in the race won by stable mate Andab. 

The fact that stable jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle was intending to ride this colt ahead of the ultimately impressive winner suggests that on homework he had been showing plenty of promise. 

Keep an eye out for him in a similar contest in the next few weeks.  

Lady Iman had me tempted but 5-1 for the Queen Mary was not quite tempting enough.