Saturday 14 September 2019

Frankel Watch: 2YO Frankenstella to Shine for John Quinn


John Quinn has always been an underrated trainer of two-year-old horses. However, he has had some fantastic juvenile winners over the years. 

I have fond memories of The Wow Signal who only raced four times in his career, but this son of Starspangledbanner made an impact, especially at Royal Ascot 2014, tasting victory in the Coventry Stakes (Group 2) when clear by a length-and-three-quarters at odds of 5/1. Then a Group 1 success in the Prix Morny at Deaville. However, after finishing last when 7/4f at Longchamp, his two-year-old season was concluded. He suffered an injury when being trained for the 2000 Guineas and retired to stud for a fee of 8,000 euros. 

A filly who made waves was Signor Cabello who won four of her seven races at two. Those victories included the Marygate Fillies Stakes Listed Race, Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2), Prix Robert Papin (Group 2), then unplaced in the Cheveley Park Stud (Group 1). 

This 2019 turf season has seen another potentially smart juvenile in Liberty Beach, who won well on debut at Redcar, then a comfortable victory taking the Hilary Needler Trophy Conditions Stakes. This daughter of Cable Bay looks an inspired yearling purchase at just £16,000.  I watched this February foal win both races and she is a lovely-looking filly who is a great physical specimen. Owner, Philip Wilkins has a talented two-year-old which will no doubt be heading to Royal Ascot 2019. 

Anyway, we have set the scene for John Quinn at Bellwood Cottage Stables. 

The good news doesn't stop there because Quinn has got his hands on a Frankel-sire two-year-old who could be anything. 

Frankenstella is a bay filly out of the unbeaten super sire, from a twice-winning dam, including her racecourse bow, in training with Aidan O'Brien. A very consistent filly who was runner-up twice at Group 1 class. Her greatest success being at Listed class.