Frankel never ceases to amaze. A legend on the racecourse and super sire extraordinaire. Juddmonte Farms must be over the moon with his continued success. Frankel Blog has followed the journey of many a talented Frankel two-year-old for this season of 2019. Personally, I thought last year's juveniles were a touch lacking. However, there was much to write about this Flat turf season which saw a host of winners including patter-class success. Take a moment to review the list of two-year-old Frankel offspring that have captured the imagination. Visit Juddmonte Stallion Frankel - Two-Year-Olds. My Top 7 Frankel Two-Year-Olds of 2019: 1) Quadrilateral - Trained by Roger Charlton Without question, Quadrilateral has proven a star turn this Flat turf season winning her first three starts for Khalid Abdullah. This chestnut daughter of Frankel out of the mare Nimble Fingers has progressed with racing. She won on debut at Newbury (7f) beating Mambo Nights by a neck. This April foal improved markedly on her second start over course and distance, ridden, once again, by Jason Watson. Being held up off the pace, she made smooth headway to lead well over one furlong out before drawing right away to an impressive victory beating the second horse [Kalsara, trained by Andrew Balding] by nine lengths. If that wasn't enough, Charlton had his eye on the biggest prize. Quadrilateral headed to Newmarket, stepping up to one mile, to compete in the bet365 Fillies' Mile (Group 1). She needed to be at the top of her game, chasing Hugo Palmer's Powerful Breeze who, for all the world, looked to have stolen a march on the Frankel filly who had several lengths to make up. In the closing furlong, Quadrilateral ran on with purpose to collar the leader and won by a head at a starting price of 9/4. She is now favourite to take the 1,000 Guineas to be held at Newmarket in 2020. 2) Queen's Daenerys - Trained by Roger Varian Beyond Quadrilateral, the following horses are simply my opinion based on racecourse achievement and promise. Queen's Daenerys was always held in high regard by Carlburg Stables, Newmarket. Roger Varian had a decent string of juveniles and this bay daughter of Frankel out of an unraced US mare [Song To Remember] made a pleasing debut at Ascot when running on well to finish over three lengths behind Richard Hannon's Cloak Of Spirits who was in flying form for her debut. In the ownership of H H SH Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, this February foal stepped up to one mile on her second start at Newmarket when beaten John Gosden's Wasaayef by a neck. The 5/4f was quoted as: ''stayed on gamely.'' Her third start saw her finish fifth place in the Fillies' Mile behind Quadrilateral. The 16/1 wasn't held in quite the standing of Charlton's filly but ran a sterling race when beaten just over five-and-a-half lengths. 3) Alpinista - Trained by Sir Mark Prescott This grey daughter of Frankel out of a four-time winning mare [Alwilda] (similarly owned and trained) started her career in imperious fashion when winning ''unchallenged'' at Epsom at odds of 9/4. Although it wasn't the strongest of races, there was a lot to like about Kirsten Rausing's February foal. Alpinista was given a lofty string of entries that saw her head to Goodwood when competing in the Ladbroke Prestige Stakes (Group 3) (Fillies). After being restless in the stalls, and slowly away, she was a touch outpaced but plugged on to finish a creditable sixth place beaten a similar number of lengths. By all accounts, connections must have been expecting a little more from the 3/1 shot. Connections made the judgment Alpinista needed a stiffer test of stamina to show her worth and headed to France for her final two-year-old start when competing at Longchamp in the Prix d'Amumale (Group 3) (Fillies) on good to soft going. Once again, she toiled at the rear of the field and hard ridden to make ground but plugged on well to finish fourth, missing third place on the nod. Alpinista lost by one length and looks a stayer in the making. 4) Melnikova - Sir Michael Stoute Freemason Lodge Stables had at least 10 Frankel two-year-olds this 2019 season. I must admit, I was raving about Melnikova. This daughter of Frankel races in the familiar silks of Cheveley Park Stud, the mare, Safina, who was similarly owned and trained. This chestnut filly was priced 8/1 when making her debut at Kempton over seven-furlong, taking her time to get going, but flying at the line to win by a neck. Interestingly, Sir Michael Stoute fielded another Frankel debutant that day in Tanita who finished third, losing by a length, and looking sure to win after taking the lead in the final furlong. Melnikova was made 5/4 on her next start. In a tough-looking seven-runner field at Newbury, she was put in her place by Quadrilateral (Frankel) who powered home to win by nine lengths. Melnikova led for most but had to settle for third place when losing second to Andrew Balding's Kalsara. It will be interesting to see whether Stoute's chestnut filly will be targetted at the 1,000 Guineas. It's possible she wasn't at her best at Newbury, although beaten by a filly who has proven her class. 5) Juan Elcano - Kevin Ryan Racing in the familiar silks of Sheik Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, this chestnut son of Frankel was always highly regarded by Ryan and seen flying up the gallops at Hambleton Lodge, Hambleton, Thirsk. The mare [Whatami] wasn't the fastest of horses on her three career starts. However, this April foal was sent off 6/4 favourite when making his debut at Haydock over seven furlongs. He stayed on well to beaten Mark Johnston's Subjectivist by a neck, beating the third by eight lengths. Just over one month later, Juan Alcano competed in the bet365 Superlative Stakes (Group 2) at Newmarket. He ran well, chasing the eventual winner, Mystery Power, losing by one length. His concluding start of the Flat turf season saw him race at Doncaster in the Pommery Champagne Stakes (Group 2). A small field of just five runners saw Juan Elcano finish a respectable third place who was beaten a length at odds of 4/1.
6) Highest Ground - Sir Michael Stoute This bay colt is a son of Frankel out of a winning French-raced mare. Highest Ground was fancied to go well on his debut at Leicester when running on well over 7f to win at odds of 3/1. Racing in the familiar silks of the Niarchos Family time will tell how this son of Frankel figures in the pecking order but a promising start. 7) Franconia - John Gosden Racing in the Frankel silks, Franconia, a bay daughter of Frankel out of a twice-winning mare [Winter Sunrise] was fancied to win on debut at Chelmsford. The 9/4 joint-favourite ran on well but was denied by neck to finish a creditable second place. Better will be seen on her next start. Could make into a decent three-year-old.
The Frankel 2yos for 2019 are hotting up. I really enjoy looking at the Frankel Progeny Entries detailed on the Racing Post. I usually take a quick look to see the week ahead and make a note of any juveniles declared to make their racecourse bow. Readers will know that Frankel Blog is all about the two-year-old (2yo) strings for trainers big and small. This season we have seen a couple of Frankel's make their debut for Mark Johnston who trains at Kingsley House, Middleham, Leyburn, North Yorkshire. The first colt being Fred, who disappointed on debut, then ran a storming race at Leicester to win by a nose. This son of Frankel is on the small side but doesn't lack for pace and even considered for the Superlative Stakes (Group 2). More recently, we saw Nick Bradley Racing field a Frankel filly called Frankel's Storm who was fancied to go well on debut at Newmarket. She finished 7th although only beaten just over four lengths and wasn't favoured by running down the middle of the course. Related story: Frankel's Storm Ready to Roll for Mark Johnston We mentioned in that day's post Johnston has four Frankel two-year-old in his string. At that time this son of Frankel was unnamed but now we can reveal his name is Unresolved, a bay colt, born on April 7th, 2017. The mare, Lamar, was in training with James Tate in the same silks of Saif Ali. She was a durable daughter of Cape Cross racing 25 times in her career, achieving 6 wins including a Listed class success. An all-time Official Rating of 106 details a talented horse which ran up to 1m 2f. Total earning of £153,415. Unresolved was sold at the sales for £85,000, which is incredibly cheap considering the stallion fee for Frankel is £175,000. Taking a look at the entries this colt has been entered at the five-day declaration stages for the following 2yo races: Saturday 25th July - 1:45 Sandown Martin Densham Memorial EBF Stakes (Plus 10 Race) 7f.
Interesting to note that John Gosden has a Frankel two-year-old (2yo) entered to run at Great Yarmouth on Thursday 30th May 2019. This February foal, a bay colt, is a homebred son of Frankel in the ownership of Lady Bamford. For those who have heard of Lady Bamford - a high-profile owner of racehorses - with many and varied trainers, she is a British business person who founded the Daylesford Organic Farmshops chain and Bamford brand of women's products. Her spouse is Lord Anthony Bamford who is the chairman of JCB. He is estimated to be worth £3.1 billion. Herman Hesse is out of a five-times winning mare who won a Group 2 race at Deauville, France. The mare started her career over 71/2f but raced predominantly over 8 - 10 furlongs in an 18-race career, which saw her finish runner-up on her final start at Saratoga, USA, when beaten by a head at Grade 1 at the age of five. She achieved total prize money of £511,865. Herman Hesse was a German-born poet, novelist and painter. Born in 1877, in 1946 he received the Nobel Prize for Literature. His work related to the search for authenticity, self-knowledge and spirituality. Herman Hess has been entered to run at Great Yarmouth (2:50) in the 7f (7f3y) British Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes (Class 5) (2yo). Lady Bamford has many horses in trainer with handlers including John Gosden, Sir Mark Prescott, Charles Hills, Michael Bell & Richard Hannon. One of her best horses was Wings Of Desire, trained by John Gosden, who raced at the highest standard when competing just eight times at two and three. He finished fourth in the Epsom Derby (2016). Probably her greatest success was breeding and ownership of Sariska, trained by Michael Bell winner of the English and Irish Oaks in an 11 race career, achieving five wins and total prize winnings of $1,113,771. John Gosden has at least four Frankel two-year-olds at Carehaven Stables, Newmarket. One of those is named Majestic Noor, an April foal, and a bay filly out of the mare Nouriya, in the ownership of Mr Saleh Al Homaizi & Mr Imad Al Sagar. Who, intriguingly, own another Frankel prospect named Amtiyaz, who is in training with Ilka Gansera-Leveque. Very intriguing.
The Brian Yeardley Two Year Old Trophy Conditions Stakes (5f) & Hilary Needler Trophy Fillies' Conditions Stakes (5f). These noted two-year-old races see some of the best juveniles head to Beverley in late May or early June. The Hilary Needler was first run in 1965, sponsored by Mrs Hilary Needler, who passed away in 2012. Read post: Beverley mourns death of Hilary Needler The race was awarded listed status in 2001 but down graded in 2011. Readers may remember these winners since 1988 1988 - Norther Line - Mick Easterby 1989 - Please Believe Me - Peter Easterby 1990 - Furajet - Alex Scott 1991 - Herora - Neil Graham 1992 - Jervia - Bill Watts 1993 - Snipe Hall - John Wharton 1994 - Fajjoura - Miss Gay Kelleway 1995 - Top Cat - E Weymes 1996 - Dance Parade - Paul Cole 1997 - Filey Brigg - W Kemp 1998 - Flanders - Tim Easterby 1999 - Tara's Girl - John Quinn 2000 - Freefourracing - Brian Meehan 2001 - Good Girl - Tim Easterby 2002 - On The Brink - Tim Easterby 2003 - Attraction - Mark Johnston 2004 - Miss Peggy - Tim Easterby 2005 - Clair Hills - Karl Burke 2006 - Roxan - Kevin Ryan 2007 - Loch Jipp - J S Wainwright 2008 - Knavesmire - Mel Brittain 2009 - Don't Tell Mary - Tom Dascombe 2010 - Geesala - Kevin Ryan 2011 - Dozy - Kevin Ryan 2012 - Jadanna - J G Given 2013 - Ventura Mist - Tim Easterby 2014 - waterlogged 2015 - Easton Angel - Michael Dods 2016 - Grizzel - Richard Hannon Jr 2017 - Chica La Habana - Robert Cowell The star performers being Attraction (2003) who went on to win the Newmarket 1000 Guineas.
2018 - 3:15 Beverley (Saturday 9th June) Thirteen two-year-olds take part on good going. The general mix of horses with ability and owners/trainers shooting for the stars. No Lippy is favourite. Three out of four wins. She has speed to burn but it definitely helps her at Musselburgh to be outpaced and run on. I wonder if they will try to sit just off the pace - rather than employ the front running tactics so often seen with Johnston's juveniles - because it may be in her favour. She seemed to come unstuck in the Listed race at York and if involved in a brutal pace may struggle to get home. Pearl Of Qatar was a surprise package on debut at Beverley when winning at odds of 25/1. Brian Ellison doesn't have too many juveniles in his care and they are often limited (give or take one or two). There was a lot to like about her debut with and interesting to see how she goes from a wide draw. This isn't a betting race for me. One horse which may have claims at a price is Gypsy Spirit. She may well be outclassed. However, she wasn't disgraced last time out when carrying a penalty and was much too keen mid race to finish with any purpose. Stepping back in distance may be a wise move and if finishing well could hit the frame. (I'm not betting). Others to respect include: Wedding Date, Kodyanna & Vikivaki. See a race preview of the 2019 Hilary Needler Trophy Stakes.
It's a time of changing fortunes. You know, the last couple of years I have had a real downer on Mick Channon's two-year-old string. In fact, 2016 & 2017 was akin to a the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest. We had fond memories of Sandie Shaw winning in 1967 with Puppet On A String but couldn't even remember the name of the multiple nul points. Who sang that song? Following those two seasons for Mick Channon made me question what was happening. West Ilsley Stables prided itself on winning juveniles. Just look a few big winners: Cheveley Park Stakes (Group 1) 1999 - Seazun 2000 - Queen's Logic Dewhurst Stakes (Group 1) 2000 - Tobougg Think back to 2002 when he concluded the season with 123 winners. No wonder I was greying at the temple. Channon much have been drinking a revolutionary hair tonic which grew his hair at the same rate he tore it out. Well... What can we say about 2018? Channon seemed bullish with the Brocklesby Stakes winner - Izzer. The money was down that day at Doncaster. And with that tidy victory the stable were quite vocal about their 'decent'' string of two-year-olds. They were correct. Channon has been firing in winner after winner this season - whether debutante or second start. Jungle Inthebungle and Cotubanama head to the Woodcote Stakes at Epson on 1st June. He may be an outsider but it is a reflection of the string that is making the headline. Certainly, a number of betting sites and punters alike are latching onto this purple patch. Here are a few other 2yos who have show ability this 2018 season: Izzer Bungle Inthejungle Kinks Cotubanama Big Boots Barbill Certain Lad If you want to follow a stable with a nice bunch of two-year-olds, then Mick Channon is the man to bet this year.
Very much in the mold of his mentor, Michael Jarvis, Roger Varian has proven himself to be a professional, studious and dignified trainer of the highest order. It's fair to say that last year's crop of two-year-olds didn't set the world on fire although To Wafij, Madeline and others showed ability. I'm not sure how many Frankel juveniles this Newmarket-based handler has trained so it will be interesting to see how Going Places takes this formative season. This chestnut colt races in the familiar silks of Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum. This January foal is out of the mare Kor Sheed who was trained by Luca Cumani. She raced ten times from 6f - 1m. She won four times, placed on four other occasions. A listed winner on her second start when ridden by Kieren Fallon. Kor Sheed concluded her career winning at Group 3 when racing at San Siro, Italy. This home bred could well be one of the stable's leading juveniles.
