Rimth and Lily Again to tackle Guineas trials
The horses are shaping up very nicely and are about a week ahead, meaning they’ll be fighting fit for the start of the season.
We’ve got a few lovely backward types due to work at Kempton, but that might not happen. If we do decide to go, then No Heretic, Argocat, and a few unraced ones will be there. We have Pivotal Filly called Pinch of Posh who is looking particularly well at the time of writing.
HCE: No Heretic is a horse worth noting this season. I highlighted this colt as a two-year-old as it held a string of group entries and is clearly considered one of Cole's better horses. This son of Galileo was backed on debut to 9/4 second favourite but never really got in contention but still managed to finish third. Mrs Fitri Hay paid 260,000gns for this youngster as a yearling and much better can be expected this year. I wouldn't normally highlight 3yo. However, it speaks volumes that Cole has mentioned this colt could be given work at Kempton. I will be keeping an eye on No Heretic because he will be winning.
The early season trial meeting at Newmarket and Newbury will be our main aim for now and we hope to have a large contingent representing Whatcombe, including our star fillies Rimth and Lily Again. The former will head for Fred Darling, whereas the latter has the choice of that race or the Nell Gwyn at Newmarket. Rimth seems to be on track, and Lily Again has strengthened. Her two bad races last season were due to soft ground, so we’ll steer clear of that.
We’ve also decided that we’re going to make more use of France this season, having enjoyed success over there in previous seasons. They have much better prize-money than the UK. Orange Ace and State of Mind are two French breds who may make the trip, both having won their maidens last season. Both are strong finishers and won their maidens going away.
Mata Keranjang seems to be better within himself than last year and he could take a decent race someday this season. He’s not going to get into the Lincoln but he should find a race early season.
With the shape the stable is in, we’re hoping to get off to a bang.
Anthony Dunkley