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.
With the Flat turf season on the horizon, punters may be holding ante-post wagers (keen to see if the price has shortened) or just intrigued to see how the market is shaping up.
Frankel Blog is only interested in one aspect of this Classic taking place at Newmarket on Saturday 5th May 2018. Obviously, it is those three-year-olds sired by Frankel. I wasn't sure how many colts/fillies would hold an entries at this stage.
Four horses:
Without Parole
A colt trained by John Gosden and impressive six-length winner at 8/13f. This fine prospect is owned by John & Tanya Gunther. [No odds for 2000 Guineas]
Elarqam
This well-bred son of Frankel is out of star performer Attraction, who won the 1000 Guineas among many notable races. Elarqam has won both his two starts to date (10/11f & 11/8f). A lovely debut effort when staying on strongly at York. Then ''eased close home'' when taking the Tattersalls Stakes (Group 3) at Newmarket. Both races where over 7f. He is priced 14/1 to win the 2000 Guineas for Mark Johnston in the ownership of Hamdan Al Maktoum.
Red Mist
This three-year-old is out of the dam Red Dune. Simon Crisford managed to get a short-head win from this bay colt on debut. He lost by a short-head when stepping up to Listed class at Newbury over 7f. Red Mist ran out a sterling effort when fourth of seven, beaten just over four lengths, in the Champagne Stakes (Group 2) at Doncaster. A fair effort considering this February foal was keen.[No odds for 2000 Guineas]
Herculean
Roger Charlton is a class trainer and very selective with Group entries at two. It is worth noting this son of Frankel who is out of African Rose, made his winning debut at Ascot in September. Never a bad sign for this stable and leading owner K Abdullah. The 11/10f was giving a ''promising'' tag when beating Wadilsafa who has a reputation himself as a talented horse. Herculean is priced 25/1 to win the 2000 Guineas.
Saxon Warrior is favourite at 5/1. This son of Deep Impact - trained by Aidan O'Brien - has won all three starts to date including the Racing Post Trophy Stakes (Group 1). He has achieved prize winning of £191,937.
