Encipher
John Gosden trains this one for Godolphin and while at time of writing, he doesn’t hold any Classic entries, it would be no great surprise to see him rock up in a trial for one of those.
The Siyouni colt made a pleasing enough debut, unless you were one of those who backed him at 6/4, going down by a length to Path Of Thunder in a seven-furlong novice stakes at Haydock last July.
If you were one of those unfortunate few, hopefully you got your money back with a bit of interest when he comfortably justified favoritism last time by two and a quarter lengths in a similar contest at Newbury later that month.
It was good to firm in the north-west and good to soft at Newbury, so perhaps all grounds come alike and he may well be operating at between a mile and 10 furlongs.
Fanny Logan
Even by Gosden’s lofty standards this Sea The Stars filly enjoyed a highly-fruitful three-year-old campaign by winning five times, including in the Group 3 Pride Stakes at Newmarket in October, when a length too powerful for Queen.
Perhaps her best effort came in defeat though, as she was only beaten three and a quarter lengths in fourth behind Iridessa in the top-class Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Santa Anita last November.
That run was over 10 furlongs, which looks to be her trip, as her only really disappointing effort in 2019 was in the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot, where it looked like she didn’t stay the mile and a half.
Her trainer will be keen to make her a Group 2 winner at least and while races like the Tattersalls Gold Cup might be tempting, there should be ample opportunities against her own sex.
Frankly Darling
This Frankel filly made a nice start to her career when a length second to Cabaletta in a mile novice stakes at Yarmouth in October.
That seaside effort was on heavy ground, which might not suit a Frankel and she’s bound to come on a ton for the experience.
She’s reportedly been going well at home and did have an entry in the 1,000 Guineas. Whether Gosden wins a maiden with her before heading for a fancy address remains to be seen. However, she’s owned by Anthony Oppenheimer who enjoyed Derby success with Golden Horn.
Mishriff
There’s an old saying that a good horse goes on any ground, which this writer doesn’t actually subscribe to. But, this fellow is proven on fast dirt and heavy ground, so Gosden can pretty much run him on anything.
He took three runs to break his maiden. But, when he did, he proved a revelation over an extended mile at Nottingham in November – easily mastering Spanish Persuader by 10 lengths.
It’s a long way from the East Midlands gaff track to Riyadh for the Saudi Derby, but that didn’t deter Gosden and the trip paid huge dividends as he scooped over £120,000 for second place behind Japanese raider Full Flat and that was after fluffing his lines at the start.
He’s rated 101 and looks a top-class prospect in the making.
Terebellum
This filly has done an awful lot in a short career so far of just four outings and there should be more to come. Connections seem to be pretty sure 10 furlongs is her trip as that’s the only distance she’s raced over.
After hacking up in a Goodwood maiden last May, she disappointed when a beaten favourite in a Listed race at Newbury the following month. That didn’t deter wily Gosden from upping her in class 65 days later in a French Group 2 and the international raid was hugely successful with a comfortable length and three-quarter defeat of Mutamakina.
Upped to the top level last time again in France, she encountered the softest ground of her career and finished fifth, albeit only beaten a length and a quarter, by Villa Marina. That was a big ask on her fourth start, but she acquitted herself brilliantly and she could be a force to be reckoned with in fillies and mares’ races on slightly better ground in 2020.
Waldkonig
This one didn’t turn up at Wolves unnoticed at home and favourite backers didn’t have a moment’s worry as he cantered to an impressive nine length victory from Zoran in an extended mile novice stakes in December.
Quite what he beat that evening is debatable and third-placed Socially Shady has actually been defeated a greater distance since, but you can only beat what is put in front of you and he’s been working well in Newmarket since.
He’s bred to get further than that mile and an entry in the Derby looks far from fanciful at this stage with presumably an outing in the Guineas or a trial beforehand.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- All the latest racing previews from France and the USA are just a click away
- Horse Racing tips: The best-backed horses for the UK Classics in Paddy’s book
- Paddy’s Rewards Club – Double Rewards! Qualify in May and bank the same for June
* All odds correct at time of posting and are subject to change.
