The Flat racing started on 1st June as anticipated and it has seen a lively start to proceedings with Royal Ascot 2020 on the horizon from the 16th - 20th.
Without question, this has been a frantic return but that is the nature of the beast with trainers large and small desperate to get their two-year-olds out and a little bit of experience under their belts before heading to Ascot.
I can't say I like this fast and furious resumption as it doesn't sit so tranquil as the Brocklesby Stakes at Doncaster. However, times must and we cannot be too conflicted by the state of affairs. It could have been a lot worse so I am thankful for the opportunity to bolster the racing industry and see a bit of sport returning to television.
The two-year-old racing is coming thick and fast and we have seen over 20 races in the first week of the Flat season 2020. Who would have believed the first race would be over 6f and that one week has gone a 7f race just to add to the melee?
I can't say I like this fast and furious resumption as it doesn't sit so tranquil as the Brocklesby Stakes at Doncaster. However, times must and we cannot be too conflicted by the state of affairs. It could have been a lot worse so I am thankful for the opportunity to bolster the racing industry and see a bit of sport returning to television.
The two-year-old racing is coming thick and fast and we have seen over 20 races in the first week of the Flat season 2020. Who would have believed the first race would be over 6f and that one week has gone a 7f race just to add to the melee?
Here is a quick rundown of two-year-olds who have caught the eye and won on debut:
Army Of India, trained by Mark Johnston
This strapping son of Sepoy was inexperienced on debut but led all the way to hold the late challenge of Archie Watson's Science. After the success, Joe Fanning [jockey] detailed this March foal will be heading to Royal Ascot, over 6f.
Dandalla, trained by Karl Burke
This bay filly was a real drifter in the market but it didn't stop her winning well. A lovely physical specimen, she looks a horse to follow in the ownership of Nick Bradley Racing 28 & E Burke. Connections states she will be kept at five-furlongs but will be better at 6f and likely to go to Royal Ascot.
Sacred, trained by William Haggas
Not overly fancied in the betting but an easy winner for Cheveley Park Stud. This daughter of Exceed And Excel is a rangy type and sure to improve with racing. There was a lot to be liked about this winner. Maureen Haggas said they would think about Royal Ascot.
Might Gurkha, trained by Archie Watson
Fair to say this wasn't the strongest of maidens, being auction stakes, but Hollie Doyle rode this son of Sepoy like she was sitting on a rocket and he stormed clear of the field to win impressively by almost eight lengths. Watson didn't detail future plans, but it looks likely this colt will be heading to Berkshire.
Lauded, trained by Tom Dascombe
In what looked to be a quality race at Haydock but Lauded ground out a comfortable success by some four-and-a-half lengths from some well-bred types in second and third. Jockey, Richard Kingscote, spoke of the colt in glowing terms and suggested he is worth his place at Ascot.
There will be plenty more to come.