Juvenile Watch: Noble Style looks Commonwealth standard

Such is their strength and depth, Coolmore and Godolphin very rarely face the problem of finding contenders for the Classics - but both operations more often face the dilemma of which from their plethora of talented animals can be diverted elsewhere.

Both had a notable winner Group winner over six furlongs last week, Godolphin winning the Gimcrack with Noble Style and Coolmore landing Group One honours with Blackbeard in the Prix Morny. In the immediate aftermath, the conversation predictably centred around whether their stamina will see them stretch to a mile in the future.

Ultimately, I think that both will have the stamina for seven furlongs granted the right conditions but I would question whether they will stay further than that. Eartha Kitt, the dam of Noble Style, did all of her winning at six furlongs while Muirin, the dam of Blackbeard, gained her only win at seven furlongs.

Both colts showed an abundance of pace in their respective races, being the last off the bridle as well as showing a smart turn of foot when asked for maximum effort.

Similarly they both look to be highly strung, Blackbeard with his mix of circus tricks and Vienna Riding School leaps while waiting to be loaded and Noble Style with his exuberant attitude through the race. Surely in trying to tame and channel that energy you compromise the inherent ability of each horse?

It’s too far out from the Commonwealth Cup for me to entertain a bet at this stage but, for what it’s worth, if I were to be offered a free bet I’d be firmly in the Noble Style camp.

The two standout performances came from Blackbeard and Noble Style, so maybe this week's section should be titled ‘Above Average Performer’!

I certainly don’t believe that Heroism is going to make up into a Group performer, but he’s certainly capable of winning more races after a winning debut over six furlongs at Salisbury last week.

He portrayed understandable inexperience when breaking slowly from the stalls and had to be bustled along to gain a position on the outside of the field. After travelling powerfully he was switched wide by John Fahy and comfortably grabbed the lead before again showing signs of inexperience out in front but he ultimately stayed on well to win comfortably.

He’s sure to improve for this experience and is capable of defying a penalty in a similar grade. Given how well he saw out the six-furlong trip on a stiff track, I’m confident he’ll prove equally effective over seven furlongs and perhaps even further in time.

Sakheer (Roger Varian) was sent off favourite for his debut in a six-furlong maiden at Windsor and a tardy start from a wide draw gave him an uphill task. Although he did well to get into contention, he was unable to match the turn of foot shown by the Richard Hannon-trained winner Magical Sunset.

A son of Zoffany, Sakheer will almost certainly be better over further though he certainly has the ability to win a maiden of similar grade. Varian trains his juveniles to progress with racing so he’s well worth adding to your Racing TV tracker.

Sassy Belle (Ed Walker) has been unfortunate to bump into a couple of decent performers and is yet to grab a first win, but she has run with credit and consistency on each of her three starts to date. That can often mean you’re harshly treated by the handicapper when being allotted an opening mark, so I’m sure connections will be more than happy with her opening mark of 79.

The form of her debut effort has worked out well given she was only beaten by Trillium, who has since looked top-class when winning the Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood. Two lengths further behind on that first start at Newbury was the now 83-rated Swingalong.

A change of tactics on her last start backfired; the daugher of Mehmas was ridden more prominently at the head of the field and produced a tame finishing effort. Provided she’s ridden with more patience she is on a winning mark if entering handicap company.