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.
I must apologise for being a tad quiet.
After being in West Palm Beach, Florida, I flew back with my beautiful Marlene to visit (wait for it) Great Yarmouth. Actually, there is no place I would rather have been as we enjoyed a day at the Eastern Festival, specifically Ladies Day.
All good fun.
Anyway, what's been happening on the Frankel (2yo) two-year-old front? I thought I would be singing the praises of Sir Michael Stoute's Melnikova who was put in her place when competing at Newbury in the Dubai Duty-Free Full Of Surprises British EBF Fillies' Conditions' Stakes (Plus 10 Race). She ran a fine race but the 5/4f was totally eclipsed by Roger Charlton's Quadrilateral who won ''impressively'' by nine lengths.
Clearly, I had got my eye on the wrong horse, although it wasn't bad news as Quadrilateral is sired by Frankel (I knew there was some logic to this race!). Charlton's chestnut foal has made it two wins from two after sneaking home by a neck on debut. This was a sparkling display and sure to be heading to better races. An entry for the Shadwell Rockfel Stakes at Newmarket will be the next stepping stone on the 27th September. After this win, she looks certain to start favourite.
This weekend we saw another bright talent in Roger Varian's Queen Daenerys, who races in the familiar silks of H H SH Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa. This daughter of Frankel finished runner-up on debut at Ascot. She started 5/4f at Newmarket, with main danger Wasaayef shouldering a win penalty. I thought Queen Daenerys would have won pretty easily. However, it turned into a battle and Varian's charge won by a neck, staying on gamely, the pair a couple of lengths clear of the third.
So we have seen a couple of winners featuring the Frankel moniker.
They will be competing at a high level and it wouldn't be the biggest surprise to see one of this two prevail at group class.
Carlburg Stables, Newmark, Suffolk.
Trainers have come and sadly gone from this place of memories. Who could forget Michael Jarvis? A lovely man and a gifted horse trainer. Mentor to Mr Roger Varian. No wonder he is a class act.
Trawling through the Juddmonte Farm Stallions, I've been spying the Frankel two-year-olds for this season. I think every Frankel is sprinkled with a little bit of magic when born, for many, it remains fast right to the finishing line.
I think even the most established trainer must get a little bit excited about having a Frankel in their stable - the more the merrier.
Roger Varian has four Frankel 2yos this 2019 Flat season.
Let's take a quick look at them:
Retrospect -
This bay colt, a March foal, is out of a mare named Looking back and bred by Ashtown Bloodstock. The mare race twice in Italy, place at Listed class on debut and then eighth on heavy going when contesting a Group 3 contest at Cappanelle. Retrospec was purchased at Tattersalls October Year Sales (Book 1) for 850,000 guineas. He races in the familiar yellow and black polka dot silks of Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum. He has been entered for the Epsom Derby.
Valriyan Steel -
This bay colt is an April foal out of the mare Sabratah, who won six from eighteen races in France. This included to Listed class successes. Valriyan Steel is bred by G B Parnership and cost 600,000 euros at the yearling sales. He is now in the ownership of H H SH Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
Queen Daenerys -
This bay filly may be ahead of the game being a February foal. Bred by Coolmore, she is out of the mare Song To Remeber. This daughter of the highly-rated Storm Cat never raced but clearly made her mark in the sale's ring. Queen Daenerys is similarly owned by H H SH Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa. She was originally purchased by Oliver St Lawrence from Keeneland 2018 September Sales for $500,000. She made her debut at Ascot (26th July).
Note: ''Ran well on debut, finishing to good purpose in second place.''
Unnamed -
They are keeping this bay colt a secret! Well, at least until he gets a name. This bay colt is out of a mare called Vodka bred by Tanimizu, Mr Yuzo. The mare was an exceptional racehorse in Japan winning eight of her twenty-three starts. She won over £7M in total prize money. This youngster was sent to the Tattersalls December Yearling Sales 2018 but not sold by vendor Mount Coote Stud, Ireland for 285,000.
Related stories: 5 Frankel 2yos to Follow in 2019
Frankel Blog likes to keep you informed of the present as well as the long-term plans of Frankel two-year-olds (2yo) which make their mark on our radar.
Images of us sitting at the bottom of the sea in an old, rusty submarine with FRANKEL written on the side. A dash of white, pink and green to show our patronage. Lucky barnacle-encrusted horseshoe sitting at the stern for those who follow in our wake.
Often, we detail horses here and there. However, this next few days we could be in for a Frankel spectacular to tantalise even the most subdued of readers.
I hear you say: ''What's he talking about?''
Well, starting today we have potentially four Frankel two-year-old ready to roll. Our radar has been bleeping like Alan Bailey on a cold winter's morning.
Thursday:
1:45 Sandown -
We have the Mark Johnston-trained Unresolved making his debut. This bay colt is one of eight two-year-olds to race over the 7f trip with Silvestre De Sousa booked to ride. Presently priced 5/1. It will be interesting to see how Saif Ali's April foal starts his racing career.
Friday:
1:50 Ascot -
I'm quite excited by this relatively expensive Frankel filly named Queen Daenerys, trained by Roger Varian. Carlburg Stables have done well this season with Daahyeh, who won the Albany Stakes (Group 3) at Royal Ascot, and owner H H SH Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa will be expecting a bold show from this $500,000 yearling purchase.
2:10 Thirsk -
Readers will remember we pointed out another of Mark Johnston's Frankel flying machines named Frankel's Storm, in the ownership of Nick Bradley Racing 13. I must thank Nick and a number of the syndicate for sharing our post on Twitter. I'm sure connections were a little bit disappointed with the first run at Newmarket where she finished seventh of eight. I don't think she was well served by a wide draw, running more down the centre of the track, as it didn't look the best place to be with some bias. This looks a prime opportunity.
You may be saying: ''I've heard about these Frankels in previous posts. So you have. However, you haven't heard about this next colt whose been flying up the gallops for Ralph Beckett.
Saturday:
2:15 Newmarket (Also, has an entry for Monday at Ffos Las)
Jacksonian is in the ownership of Mr Frankel himself K Abdullah. This chestnut colt is a son of Frankel, an April foal, out of an unraced mare Kalima.
Good luck to connections.
Roger Varian's two-year-olds (2yo) have been in fine form this 2019 Flat Turf season.
Let's take a quick look at the juveniles which have shown ability:
Daahyeh, Pierre Lapin & Raheeq have all won on debut and proven class acts.
Daahyeh won well on debut before tasting victory at Royal Ascot when she won the Albany Stakes (Group 3), then runner-up in the Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes (Group 2). [I wish the race had kept its original name of the Cherry Hinton).
Pierre Lapin showed his rivals a clean pair of shoes when blasting clear of the field at Haydock when 1/1f. This exciting son of Cappella Sansevero hasn't been seen since May but has a string of impressive group entries to his name.
Raheeq made a blistering debut at Bath when this daughter of Muhaarar kicked clear of the field by over four lengths.
Never a trainer to let the grass grow under his feet, we are pleased to announce that Varian has a Frankel filly ready to make her debut for owner H H SH Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa. This bay is a February foal out of the mare Song To Remember who was unraced.
Queen Daenerys cost $500,000 at the yearling sales. She was bred by Coolmore and sold at Keeneland 2018 September Yearling Sale by vendor Sequal New York and purchased by Oliver St Lawrence. Lot 429.
One of the more expensive Frankel offspring we have seen racing this year, I'm excited to see how this youngster goes.
She is entered to run on 26th July 1:50 Ascot: John Guest EBF Fillies' Novice Stakes (Plus 10 Race) (Class 4) (2yo)
You can keep track of Queen Daenerys entries by clicking this link.
Readers will be pleased to hear that Roger Varian has a few more Frankel offspring at Carlburg Stables, Newmarket.
Retrospective - March bay colt out of the mare Looking Back bred by Ashtown Bloodstock
Valyrian Steel - An April bay colt out of the mare Sabratah bred by G B Partnership
Unnamed - May bay colt out of the mare Vodka bred by Tanimizu, Mr Yuzo
Good luck to connections.
