Chipotle Wins 2021 Brocklesby Conditions Stakes for Eve Johnson Houghton

It has felt like a long wait. 

Then the first two-year-old race of the season appeared at Doncaster's Lincoln meeting. The Brocklesby started proceedings and it was great to see Eve Johnson Hought's Chipotle (red and black silks) run out a comprehensive winner. This son of Havana Gold looks to be an inspired purchase costing just 10,000 guineas (4,500g foal). Owners The Woodway 20 have a potentially smart colt on their hands. 

Chipotle was pretty streetwise for his debut over the five-furlong straight and cruised up on the outside of the field to pull clear by two-and-a-quarter lengths from Wonderful World (Mick Channon) & Makalu (Kevin Ryan). Charles Bishop rode a nice race on this April foal. 

There have been many and varied winners of the Brocklesby Stakes. For instance there have been a number of horses (some very talented) who have never won again, while the likes of Hearts Of Fire & The Last Lion who have won at the highest level. 

Chipotle's victory detailed a potentially smart horse. I was struck by the physicality of this colt who has size and scope to progress with racing and should defy a win penalty. Most two-year-olds winners under a penalty compete at pattern class. Although not wanting to get ahead of ourselves, it would be no surprise to see this colt earmarked for the Lily Agnes Stakes and thoughts of Royal Ascot. 

Good luck to connections.

First runner in the Brocklesby is a WINNER! great work from #teamWoodway to get Chipotle ready to win first time out. #winners https://t.co/H5fgif2Qb3

— Eve Johnson Houghton (@johnsonhoughton) March 27, 2021

Tuesday's Racing Update (2nd April)

Just a quick update. We have a couple of two-year-old races going today:

2:15 Musselburgh - 

Looks a competitive heat. Interesting to see how Keith Dalgleish' Gina D'Cleaner goes. Doesn't look fancied in the betting but this daughter Equiano held an entry for the Brocklesby Stakes. However, the stable can win on debut at decent odds.     

2:30 Lingfield -  

A couple running here who made their debut in the Brocklesby Stakes: Birkenhead and Here We Go Again. Not a great deal between the two at Doncaster. Racecourse experience is a big advantage at this time of the year, especially on turning courses where runners are prone to racing wide. Interesting to see how Archie Watson's Electric Ladyland goes from a very wide draw. This Irish-bred daughter of Cable Bay has been quite well backed. This 35,000 euro yearling buy could well have ability, especially of interest if strongly fancied at the off. 

Picture: Keith Dalgleish

2019 Brocklesby Stakes Entries Declared

Well, the journey has started. 

The first significant entry of the British 2yo Flat season 2019 has been declared. In fact, twenty-five two-year-old have been forwarded by trainers for the 4:10 Doncaster (30th March) for the 5f (5f 3y) Unibet Brocklesby Conditions Stakes (Plus 10 Race) (Class 3) (2yo). 

At present, the going condition is good to soft. 

As readers may be aware, these entries are the starting point for Group Horse [Daily] in our pursuit to name the best two-year-old horses in training. 

The information will be updated on a regular basis to this page Group Horses 2019. By the time the season ends, you will understand why you need to keep glued to this page because it will detail the very best unraced and lightly race two-year-old horses in Britain & Ireland.  

The 25 Brocklesby Entries will most likely be cut down in size at the final declaration stage although it is possible there could be two divisions if more than the maximum number of 22 allowed in the race.[unlikely]. 

A few interesting notes. Most significant trainers include:

Mick Channon has two entrants: Birkenhead & Sir Gordon. 

Richard Fahey has two entrants: Bendy Spirit & Show Me Show Me.

David Evans, no stranger to early-season two-year-old races has four horses entered: Dark Optimist, Dorchester Dom, Heer We Go Again & Zulu Zander. 

Bill Turner has a solitary entrant in the shape of Hell Of A Joker, a son of Hellvelyn out of a twice-winning sprint mare in the ownership of John Pyatt. Turner has made his name in the Brocklesby Stakes race over the years with horses such as The Lord (2002).   

Richard Hannon has the sole entry of Lexington Quest, who is sired by Ivawood, in the ownership of Middleham Park Racing and £32,000 yearling purchase. 

Kilham is trained by Declan Carroll who sent out the smart Santry in 2017. 

Other significant trainers include: 

Kevin Ryan has a Coast Of Dubai entered at this first declaration stage of the Brocklesby Stakes 2019. 

Charles Hills has an early two-year-old in Walton Thorns. This son of Zebedee has Robert Winston booked to ride. This 45,000 guineas yearling looks set to race. 

Interesting to note that Mark Tompkins has a couple of juveniles entered. Fajoora & Prosecutor are unlikely to be winning on debut, as the Newmarket trainer has a poor strike rate with debutantes. 

Other possible runners:

Gracie's Girl (Michael Appleby)

Victochop (George Baker)

Gina D'Cleana & Handlebars (Keith Dalgliesh)

Paddy Elliot (Brian Ellison)

Richard Rhb (David Loughnane)

Arasugar (Seamus Mullins)

Strong Power (George Scott) 

Anna Fallow (Ronald Thompson) 

Barry Magoo (Adam West)

Notable omissions:

Mark Johnston, who won this race with Ravenhoe (2015) & the classy The Last Lion (2016) doesn't have an entry for the 2019 Brocklesby Conditions Stakes. 

I will update this page when the final declarations have been made.