RATED SHOWS HIS BEST AT THE SECOND ATTEMPT
When you call a horse Rated it's probably fair to say that you're putting a fair bit of pressure on yourself if finishing sixth of nine on debut at Musselburgh is a true reflection of your horse's ability.
That's what happened to Rated on debut as he put in one of those displays that sum up the unpredictable nature of two year old racing. "Clueless throughout" in the analysis, sort up summed the first attempt up.
In a four runner field at Folkestone today however, the son of Sixties Icon took the Call Star Sports 08000521321 Median Auction Maiden Stakes with relative comfort, although he was asked a question in the final stages and battled on gamely to account for Marchwood, another juvenile with previous race experience by a length and three quarters.
The Boss was pleased with the performance although amused by the nature of his homebred winner.
"He's a great looker and always was since he was born. The mare is a proven producer of winners and he's gone bloody well since he came to the yard.
"The commentator said he was hanging today, but he was still incredibly green. Martin (Harley) said that he looked at everything bar the job in hand so there's plenty more to come, I see him as a nice seven furlong horse in time
"He's out of a sprint bred mare, but Sixties Icon has had his second winner in a week and I'm convinced he could be a star stallion. I'm biased of course because I've sent mares to him, but I like those of his that I train.
"The better the mare the better Sixties Icon will do. We have a few more to come, many will need a trip like everyone keeps telling me, but Rated will go on frem here as well and isn't short of speed."
''use our directory to find information like this''
VANESSA GETS SIXTIES ICON'S CAREER UNDERWAY WITH WEST ILSLEY'S FIRST JUVENILE SUCCESS OF 2012
A cause for real celebration for Norman Court Stud who both owned and bred Vanessa who took the two year old Musselburgh seller on [last] Sunday. Indeed, Vanessa is by the Stud's very own Classic Winning first season sire Sixties Icon and represents his first ever winner.
Vanessa took the contest in eye-catching style by five lengths, before going to Jim Goldie through the ring in the post race auction for £5,500.
Mick was delighted for the filly, the stud and Sixties Icon.
"I was chuffed with that - she's a filly with a super attitude and always showed us a willingness to get on with her work and she had some speed as well which the experts keep telling me is impossible with a St Leger winning sire.
"Every horse is an individual and she'll win again and will be a fun horse for nurseries. Jim Goldie's not a bad judge and will do well with her."