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Caballo de Mar
27th April 2025
Caballo de Mar made it five wins on the bounce with by far his best performance under a brilliant ride from Callum Shepherd.
He jumped and was able to dictate the race, galloping through the line like a horse with plenty in hand.
He is in the Chester Cup, however it will be touch and go whether he gets a run or not.
Regardless, he is a rapidly improving horse with a fantastic mindset.
He is another exciting horse for Bluestarr Racing, who have had so much success with similar staying types.
Zappata
27th April 2025
Zappata earned a well deserved success under Darragh Keenan at Wetherby.
He jumped and travelled smoothly, never really looking like getting beaten.
He is a horse that's been incredibly slow to get the hang on things, hence a workable opening mark.
He should continue to improve and may well step up in distance as he gets a little bit stronger.
He was bred by the formidable trio of Chris Wright, Willie Carson and Emily Asprey, and its always a pleasure to train a winner for them,.
Afloat
26th April 2025
Afloat won on her second start for the yard under a confident Darragh Keenan.
Although the ground had dried out, we were confident she had come forward for her recent effort at Leicester.
The race panned out as expected and she was able to get a nice lead before creeping down the outside to win with a little bit in hand.
She is a filly that should go on improving and it's lovely to get in the winners enclosure for Jon Michell.
Monsieur Fudge
9th April 2025
Monsieur Fudge broke his maiden in fine style at Catterick under an excellent front running ride from David Egan.
He jumped cleanly and was able to dictate the race throughout. There was not a moments worry as he galloped strongly through the line.
As a son of Frankel, he has taken some time to grow up and mature both physically and mentally. Although he had headgear on first time, I do not believe this is essential for him.
His running style lends itself to tight tracks so there may be something suitable at Chester's May meeting.
Many congratulations to his owners, Amo Racing, who have been big supporters of the yard over the last couple of years.
Caballo de Mar
4th April 2025
Caballo de Mar confirmed himself as a stayer on a steep upward trajectory winning comfortably under Daniel Muscutt.
He never gave his owners, Bluestarr Racing, a moments worry as he racked up a four timer.
He has a wonderful constitution for racing and seems to come out of his races fresh as he went in.
I also love the fact that he switches off so well, meaning he is well positioned in his races under most circumstances.
I am keen to bring him through the grades slowly, but you can expect to see him being kept busy over the coming months.
Forty Years On
30th March 2025
Forty Years On took a considerable step forward from her debut winning in the style of an exciting filly under Callum Shepherd. She jumped and travelled smoothly and was able to quicken off a slow pace, she never looked like getting beaten.
She is a filly we have always held in high regard. Not only has she got a great attitude, she is a physical stand out too.
It is possible we could dip our toe into a Guineas trial, however, we will see how she is over the next couple of weeks before making any decisions.
I'm delighted to have a nice filly for Valmont and Michael Blencowe who have always been great supporters of the yard.
CABALLO DE MAR
19th March 2025
Caballo de Mar racked up the hatrick under Callum Shepherd asserting late on at Southwell on Wednesday.
He travelled very smoothly and was able to put the race to bed quickly showing his versatility.
He's a young stayer on the up, and I'm very much hoping he's another exciting horse for Blue Star racing as they have had so much luck with similar types of horses.
Many congratulations to them and a big thank you for their continued support.
WEST ACRE
1st March 2025
West Acre cemented himself as a crack young international sprinter with a gritty win in the Nad Al Sheba Turf on Saturday. Ponntos was able to obtain a very good track position, however, West Acre showed a fantastic attitude to get across and mow him down late on. He's now set up for the 1.2 million Al Quoz Sprint on World Cup Night. It's a remarkable rise to fame for West Acre who has had only 6 lifetime starts with three being on the turf. He has an exceptional cruising speed along with a will to win. He'll be campaigned domestically in Group 1's with the King Charles Sprint nominated as a mid season target.
PHANTOM FLIGHT
31st January 2025
Phantom Flight confirmed himself as a Triple Crown contender after winning the Crown Prince's Cup in the style of an improving horse. Confidently ridden by Callum Shepherd, he never looked like getting beat. Old foe Sovereign Spirit set sail for home but Phantom Flight was more than comfortable tracking across, beating him with a bit in hand. Shaikh Nasser and I are keen for him to stay in Bahrain in an attempt to win the Triple Crown. We appreciate how difficult this will be but both the Shaikh Nasser Cup and the King's Cup are two of the most important races in the programme, and they certainly warrant chasing. Many congratulations to owners, Victorious Racing.
WEST ACRE
25th January 2025
West Acre lit up Meydan breaking the track record under an extremely confident Callum Shepherd ride. Having his second start on the turf, he earned an official rating of 114 following his scintillating performance. He’s a horse that we’ve always liked, however it almost looked impossible that he’d end up in this position after an injury around 10 months ago. All credit goes to the team at home to have him back in this brilliant shape. He now has many options in the sprinting division and many congratulations to his owner, Michael Blencowe.
PHANTOM FLIGHT
17th January 2025
Phantom Flight recorded a memorable victory in the Al Adiyat Cup. They went very quick which played into his hands, however, there was a moment where old ally Sovereign Spirit looked as though he had slipped the field. Callum was able to organise Phantom Flight for one last effort which proved to be a winning one. He'll now take his chance in the prestigious Crown Prince Cup in two weeks time. Many congratulations to Victorious Racing, completing a double on the night.
CITY HOUSE
17th January 2025
City House took a big step forward from his debut in Bahrain showing an excellent turn of foot to win from an unfavourable position going away. He's a horse that has grown in confidence following his wind operation and he's certainly now fulfilling his potential. I'm hoping that a return to a straight track will suit him as he seems to find the tight bends in Bahrain a little awkward. He'll now step into the Turf Series races where he has an opportunity to win excellent prize money. Many congratulations to Fox & Badger Racing.
TOUCH THE MOON
17th January 2025
Touch The Moon made it two from two this season in Bahrain under Callum Shepherd who rode us a treble on the night. We rode him with a little more patiently this time, he was able to show a good turn of foot to put the race to bed in a matter of strides. He was a little idle in front but hit the line strong and he'll now have to step up in grade. He's a horse with a lovely pedigree and seems to be thriving under his current conditions. Many congratulations to his owners, Victorious Racing.
BRAGBOR
10th January 2025
The talented Bragbor got off the mark under a sympathetic Darragh Keenan ride on Friday night. He travelled smoothly but for a moment showed his inexperience under pressure before picking up nicely to win on debut. He's a horse who has a huge amount of talent and we've left plenty to work on. Moving forward, he should be able to step up in trip as he gets stronger and certainly has an exciting future ahead of him. Huge thanks go to Sheikh Khalid and his KHK team.
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