A couple of Frankel two-year-olds making their presence felt at Great Yarmouth today.
Frankelinna took her time to master Oussel Falls in the in the British Stallion Stud EBF Fillies' Novice Stakes (Plus 10) over 1m 3y on going described as Good to Firm (Good in places).
William Haggas hold this daughter of Frankel in high regard. This homebred races in the familiar silks of A E Oppenheimer. The mare was similarly owned and trained. Readers may remember Our Obsession who raced just four times in a short career. However, she tasted victory on three of her fours starts including a Listed race.
Frankellina went one better than her mother who finished sixth on debut. This January foal was well backed from 11/4 (exchanges) to return 5/4f. For much of the race, she showed signs of inexperience, gathering her stride in the final furlong to win by a head from Oussel Falls and Summer Flair, running on in third. The first three fillies were all making their debut.
The second Division saw another Frankel offspring taking part. This time trained by John Gosden, the twice-raced Mehdaayih. Taking on the odds-on shot Maqsad [trained by William Haggas] this daughter of Frankel started at odds of 4/1 second favourite. A beaten favourite on both starts to date.
Mehdaayih ran out a nice winner defeating stablemate Fanny Logan, the favourite, Maqsad, finishing third.
Not too much to talk about of late.
Well, two-year-old Frankel offspring, which this website is dedicated. We've seen a number of high-profile juvenile races over the last week or so but a distinct lack of the great sire himself.
Let's take a quick look at the 2yo entries for the week.
Monday - 1:55 Gowran Park
King's Vow makes a return for Joseph O'Brien after showing little on debut. This bay colt finished down the field in 9th place when racing over course and distance. This March foal was priced 9/1. The betting [20/1] suggests he has something to prove.
Wednesday - 2:20 Bath
Interesting to see how Gantier goes on debut here for John Gosden. This bay gelding is a son of Frankel out of a French-winning mare who concluded her career racing at Listed class. Clearly, this youngster is looking for a test of stamina starting at 1m 2f.
Wednesday - 2:30 Nottingham
John Gosden sends out the twice-raced Mehdaayih who has been a beaten favourite when finishing sixth and second, respectively. This bay filly was given a significant entry but it looks like connections need to lower their sights for the moment. The mare wasn't up to much and didn't win in her racing career when trained by Clive Brittain. Stepping up by half a furlong. Will most likely start favourite. Connections will be hoping she can win and be a broodmare. That looks well within her capabilities.
Friday - 5:15 Haydock
Fume has proven to be a disappointing horse this season. Crashed out on debut when favourite and struggled ever since. Ralph Beckett has been in fine form of late so he will be hoping a bit of sparkle can rub off onto this gelding who has an official rating of 69. A homebred who most certainly would have been better off going to the yearling sales.
Saturday - 4:05 Doncaster
It will be interesting to see if Old Glory runs in the Vertem Futurity Trophy Stakes (Group 1) after looking less than impressive when second at odds-on to Joseph O'Brien's No Needs Never at Dundalk on the 5th October. With forty-nine still declared you wouldn't hold your breath on seeing him take part. Fox Vardy is entered in this race for Martyn Meade. Has proven very disappointing in two starts to date. Neither of these look like putting Frankel in the news for this high-profile race.
Related stories: Fume Fails to Shine
