Saturday 13 June 2020

Archie Watson Fields Stream on Debut at Goodwood


Few trainers have caught the imagination more than Archie Watson. 

Since gaining his licence in 2016, he hasn't looked back. 

Saxon Gate, Upper Lambourn, West Berkshire has been the starting point for a number of classy two-year-olds. 

Interesting to think the first two-year-old he raced back in October 2016, was a 50/1 shot called Erinyes who finished sixth of ten at Kempton Park. 

Things have changed a little since then. 

In many respects, this insightful handler is synonymous with two-year-old racing. I read a Tweet once which said he was making a name as a just a two-year-old trainer as if it was a problem. I didn't reply, but I thought it was a ridiculous comment when any trainer will tell you how difficult it is to train a winner of any age. 

This year has seen Watson start as he means to carry on - winners aplenty. 

A couple of classy juveniles are already earmarked for Ascot (I keep wanting to say Royal Ascot) in the shape of Mighty Gurkha, who trounced the opposition on debut by seven lengths and Jojo Rabbit who made amends for his defeat on his racecourse bow with a bloodless victory second start. 

Eagle-eyed punters will be keen to spot this noted thoroughbred along with the impressive Sussex Downs. 

As far as I am aware, this is the first Frankel two-year-old the stable have trained but there will be plenty more to come. 

Stream is a bay daughter of Frankel out of the mare Ainnippe, who won four times in fourteen starts for Ger Lyons. Racing in the same ownership of Qatar Racing Ltd, the mare won at Listed class on her second start at two and had a couple of successes at Group 3 the following season. Achieving a highest official rating of 106, she won more than £100,000 in total prize earnings. 

It's interesting to note that Stream was a bargain buy when purchased at the yearling sales for just £65,000. Considering the stallion fee for Frankel is £175,000 it is a surprising price tag. 

The tissue prices for her debut at Goodwood (1:10) suggest this March foal could start favourite. Oisin Murphy takes the ride over this 5f trip on going described as good. 

Good luck to connections.