On the radar – hot horses to follow from last week’s UK racing
Aloe Vera – 1st Goodwood, 23 May Trainer: Ralph Beckett
Aloe Vera (by Invincible Spirit) was apparently quite backward last year and was making only her second start in this listed race. Held up off the pace she travelled well and showed a good turn of foot to beat a good yardstick in Shambolic comfortably by three lengths. There are no current entries for the Kirsten Rausing owned three year old but she looks capable of taking a step up in class if asked to do so in the future.
Siskin – 1st Curragh, 24 May. Trainer: Ger Lyons
Siskin (by First Defence) was always travelling comfortably in the listed Marble Hill Stakes over 1200 metres and when asked to go and win his race quickened away easily leaving three Aidan O’ Brien two year olds in his wake. The plan is to stay in Ireland and go for the Group 2 Railway Stakes on his next start and on this evidence it will take a smart one to beat him there.
Terebellum – 1st Goodwood 23 May. Trainer: John Gosden
It is difficult to assess the value of the form of this maiden but the second horse did have an official rating of 80. The late developing Terebellum (by Sea The Stars) could not have been more impressive on debut and looks to have a touch of class so will be interesting to follow on her next start.
Promissory – 3rd Goodwood 23 May. Trainer: John Gosden
Promissory (by Dubawi) ran in the same colours as the winner Terebellum but was the second string on jockey bookings. Tenderly handled and green in the early stages she stayed on nicely when getting the hang of things although beaten nine lengths at the finish. The 13 million Swedish Kroner purchase looks sure to pick up her maiden next time out.
Makawee – 1st York 25 May. Trainer: David O’Meara
This handicap was not the greatest race but Makawee (by Farhh) was always travelling powerfully and looked to win with a bit in hand when eased down in the closing stages. If not treated harshly by the handicapper for this one and a half-length success he may be able to follow up again.
Finally it would be remiss not to mention the success of Phoenix of Spain (by Lope De Vega) in the Group 1 Irish 2000 Guineas at the Curragh on Saturday. On seasonal debut he made all and powered home against a quality field including the English 2000 Guineas first Magna Grecia and third Skardu and last season’s top two year old Too Darn Hot. He will bid to follow up at Royal Ascot in the St James Palace Stakes and may get further in time if connections choose to do so.
