This bay colt, a son of Starspangledbanner out of an unraced mare, won this race in great style by nine lengths, beating a strong field, then winning the Coventry Stakes (Group 2) at Royal Ascot. His crowning glory taking the Darley Prix Morny (Group 1) in Deauville, France. He beat another Royal Ascot victor Hootenanny, trained by globetrotter American-based Wesley Ward. Hootenanny went on to win the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf in Santa Anita, USA.
That's a long introduction to detail tomorrows debutante Ancient Astronaut, trained by John Quinn. Handlers are often creatures of habit so the word is out that this son of Kodiac out of an unraced mare has ability. This bay colt cost 80,000 GNS at the Tattersalls October Sale 2014 [70,000 GNS foal]. To follow in the hoof prints of The Wow Signal is an unenviable task, which by anyone's measure is likely to disappoint. So far this year, Quinn has struggled with the juveniles which have made their debut. However, it is worth noting Ancient Astronaut has been given a Stakes entry which garners some confidence.
Two-year-old horses racing - more than any age - is built on hopes and dreams. However remote the chance many will be watching in anticipation that a horse of class will make his presence felt in an ordinary race.