Top Class Prospect at Leicester

Hi there!

Sir Michael Stoute has introduced a few of his classier types at Leicester over the years – Dante Stakes runner-up Highest Ground made a successful debut there last September – and the early money for newcomer Star Seeking proved well informed when she hacked up in today’s Fillies’ Novice Stakes, beating Famille Rose eased down by a length, with the third six lengths further behind.

It was touch and go whether Star Seeking would take part, given her reluctance to load into the stalls, but the starter exercised extreme patience while she eventually consented to enter without William Buick, who mounted her from a perch in the infrastructure.

We need to keep a sense of perspective about this performance, with the runner-up rated on 75 after three starts and the time nothing special.

But the overall impression was very pleasing, especially given how Sir Michael’s two-year-olds are seldom primed to win first time up.

Star Seeking will be trying for black type next time out and looking to the longer term she should be suited to a mile, perhaps 1m 2f.

On Sunday Persian King, under a superbly well-judged ride from Pierre-Charles Boudot, held the late challenge of Pinatubo in the Group 1 Prix du Moulin at Longchamp.

As many of you are aware I have been quite guarded in my views on Pinatubo this season, believing he was ‘set’ last autumn with little physical scope to develop.

However the turn of foot he displayed in the final quarter mile to make up about six lengths on the winner, who had kicked for home, was deeply impressive.

I have long believed the son of Shamardal would stay beyond a mile – his half-brother won over an extended 11 furlongs and his dam won at Listed level over 1m 3f – but it seems he will never be given the chance to race that far, with another crack at Palace Pier in the QE II on Champions’ Day or the Breeders’ Cup pencilled in.

I am reassessing my thoughts on Pinatubo after this display. Few horses have impressed me as much in defeat, at this level, in recent years.

Bye for now

Marten