Juvenile Watch: Ross Millar shares his names to note

As I often mention, I do try and steer clear, where possible, in this section of overly focussing on juveniles from the big yards. However, this week that’s hard to do as both Aidan O’Brien for Coolmore and Charlie Appleby for Godolphin unleashed two very exciting colts.

On Thursday at Leopardstown, Wall Street delivered a performance of immense promise. Sent off a relatively un-considered 7-1 he was slowly away from the stalls and then showed further immaturity when needing to be ridden along by Wayne Lordan in order to latch on to the bridle.

He travelled well before again looking a bit lost once the tempo quickened. He needed to be switched out to the right in the closing stages and once again showed greenness by hanging into the opposition. However,  belatedly inside the final furlong, he grasped the job and ran home in good style, getting his nose in front on the line.

Given how immature he was and that, in his post race interview, Aidan O’Brien was of the opinion “he was just ready to start”, this rates a performance of serious potential.

The Futurity was mentioned as a potential next target, but the step up in class and drop in trip might just be a step too far. Nevertheless, he’s a horse that we’ll hear plenty more about, particularly next season when this son of Sea The Stars will have further developed into his sizeable frame. 

The following day it was the turn of the Godolphin homebred Desert Castle, a stoutly built son of Frankel. In contrast to Wall Street, he was well supported in the market as a 1-2 favourite and looked far more polished through the early stages of the contest, breaking smartly and travelling powerfully on the heels of the leaders.

He breezed to the front with the minimal of fuss approaching the furlong pole, but did show some greenness when alone in front, briefly hanging to his left before running out an easy winner. The official winning margin was three and a half lengths, but he was value for much more.

The Champagne Stakes could well be on his radar next and, while he would lack experience compared to some in the line-up, there can be no denying he is in possession of some real x-factor. That said, early quotes of 14-1 for next season's 2000 Guineas make no appeal at this stage.

It was obvious in hindsight wasn’t it? Aidan O’Brien saw fit to takeout both Great Barrier Reef and Victorious in a move which I (foolishly) felt left him vulnerable. I hadn’t factored in the giant strides of improvement Sun Goddess has made this season.

Given a patient ride sitting at the rear behind a strong early pace cut out by stable mate Carry The Flag, the ease with which she moved forward into contention when asked was truly impressive and she then found plenty when asked, staying on strongly to win drawing away in the closing strides. 

O’Brien was bold in his praise after the race stating his belief that she’s a very special filly, suggesting that seve -furlongs will be well within her capability. That would suggest that the Moyglare of an extra-furlong might be her more likely next assignment over the Cheveley Park Stakes. Wherever she heads next, I’ll be sure not to underestimate her again.

CHYMBULAK (Roger Varian)

Made his debut in a Kempton maiden over seven furlongs. After a slow start, he found himself towards the rear of the field in a race that was being run at a moderate tempo.

He raced wide off the home turn showing further signs of greenness, but rallied and finished strongly inside the final two furlongs to good effect. With this experience behind him, he’s a certain maiden winner over seven furlongs or a mile.

AHMAADI (Ralph Beckett)

Ran in the same Kempton maiden as Chymbulak and shaped similarly. He was exceptionally slowly away and, unlike Chymbulak who rallied wide down the outside, he was forced to negotiate weakening horses under a sympathetic ride from Oisin Murphy. He too looks up to winning a maiden now he’s had race experience.

UNBEATABLE FAME (Richard and Peter Fahey)

Had faired only moderately in is first two-starts over five-furlongs but shaped far better in his third qualifying run when upped to six-furlongs at Ayr, running on into third off a patient ride.

With his stamina for six-furlongs now confirmed he can win a nursery off his opening mark of 65.