Thursday 2 July 2020

Frankel Watch 2020: Anghaam Makes a Quiet Introduction for Hannon at Doncaster


This week, I almost missed a Frankel two-year-old. Some of these Frankels are so fleet of foot they can slip under the radar and then pop up with a win. 

To be fair, that could well be the case for Anghaam, a grey daughter of Frankel who made her debut over 6f at Doncaster when finishing fourth behind Roger Varian's She Do who is a potentially smart two-year-old in the making. 

Anyway, I didn't realise Anghaam was an offspring of Frankel until I heard the commentator singing her praises after the line. He didn't really sing her praises, more mentioned this March foal in passing. 

Anghaam is an exceptionally well-bred daughter of Natagora who needs little introduction for those who know their racing. If you need a little more insight, I will tell you more!

The mare sadly died in 2018 being euthanized after the deterioration of an ongoing health issue.  

Readers may remember for her half-length win when competing in 1000 Guineas, at Newmarket, back in 2008. This Group 1 victory was one of seven wins from fourteen starts, plus four second places and two thirds crowned a truly inspiring career for the predominantly French-raced mare.

Take a look at the previous 1000 Stakes Winners

Racing in the ownership of Stephan Friborg and trained by Pascal Parry. 

In addition to the Classic success, she won the Cheveley Park Stakes (Group 1) when holding the late challenge of Jeremy Noseda's Fleeting Spirit by a neck at odds of 7/2. 

A remarkably consistent filly, apart from her concluding race at Sha Tin, Hong Kong, she was never beaten more than four lengths. When you consider she raced at Group 1 on eight occasions you would do well to find a horse that proved she was top class. 

In total, she achieved earnings of almost £800,000. 

Back to Anghaam, who ran well on debut. She was pretty fancied in the betting at odds of 9/2. Richard Hannon's filly, in the ownership of Hamdan Al Maktoum. This homebred herald from Shadwell Estate Company Limited. 

I would expect a big run from Anghaam who was given a tender debut but still showed plenty of class. There will be much more to come next start and it could well be a win on the cards. 

It would be lovely to see this daughter of Natagora (pictured) go on to compete at pattern class and emulate her mother who will be sadly missed by connections and race fans alike.