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GLOBEFORM REPORT Horses to Follow -- England 2010 by Geir Stabell ALAINMAAR (Fr) 4 g Johar - Lady Elgar (Ire) / Sadler's Wells A late foal, unraced at two and with just three runs at three, Alainmaar is one for the big handicaps this year. After running second to Stoic (Green Desert) on his debut at Newmarket in August and winning by 12 lengths over 10 furlongs at Pontefract in September, he won a good handicap off 97 at Newmarket in early October. Alainmaar, a really attractive sort, was still showing signs of immaturity at Newmarket, but he broke little sweat as he came home 2 1/2 lengths clear of the runner-up Rumble of Thunder (a good second in similar company at Sandown on his previous start). Alainmaar's race at Newmarket had just one other runner, the previously unbeaten Godolphin colt Bab Al Salam (Seeking the Gold), so the form may seem a bit dubious on paper. In all probability, that was also the view taken by the BHA handicapper, who raised Alainmaar only 5lb, to 102. That may be too low. He looked like a listed-class horse when passing the post at Newmarket, and his stroll at Pontefract is impossible to assess. His sire, Johar, dead-heated with High Chaparral (Ire) in the Breeders' Cup Turf (G1) and 1 1/4 miles is not necessarily going to be Alainmaar's limit. AMEER (Ire) 3 b c Monsun – Ailette / Second Set (Ire) Entered for the Derby, Godolphin's colt Ameer, a son of Monsun with lots of scope for improvement at three, is well worth his place on this list. He raced for the first time when upsetting the heavily-backed favorite Awesome Act (Awesome Again) in a good maiden heat at Newmarket in late August, followed up by winning a conditions stakes over a mile at Newbury (where he made all to beat Private Story [Yes It's True] by three-quarters of a length), and rounded his first season off by finishing third (of four) behind Circumvent (Tobougg) and Silver Grey (Chineur) in the Prix Thomas Bryon (Fr-G3) at Saint-Cloud in October. Ameer was the even-money favorite for that event but failed in his attempt to make all once more. The ground did not suit him, though he was only beaten 1 1/2 lengths and a nose, and it was a respectable effort. Circumvent was beaten just a neck by the unbeaten Zeitoper (Singspiel [Ire]) in another Group 3 next time out, while Silver Grey had been beaten only four lengths behind Vale of York (Ire) (Invincible Spirit) in listed company at Goodwood on his previous start. Zeitoper and Vale of York -- winner of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) -- are both also part of the Godolphin team. Ameer may be the one most likely to make significant progress at three, but whether he will stay the Derby (Eng-G1) distance is another matter. His dam won over six furlongs as a juvenile. AWZAAN (GB) 3 br c Alhaarth – Nufoos / Zafonic The Middle Park S. (Eng-G1) was strong last year and the best horse in the six-furlong event was the Mark Johnston-trained Awzaan, who kept his unbeaten record by seeing off Showcasing (Oasis Dream [GB]) as they quickened up the dip, and hold the late-finishing Radiohead (GB) (Johannesburg) at bay close home. He won the race in determined style, passing the post three-quarters of a length in front of Royal Ascot winner Radiohead, with Gimcrack (Eng-G2) winner Showcasing a close third. Champagne S. (Eng-G2) winner Poet's Voice (Dubawi) ran fourth for Godolphin. Awzaan is reportedly a Guineas (Eng-G1) contender but he shapes more like a sprinter -- as does Showcasing (see below) and it will be interesting to see what route his connections take with him in the summer. An obvious candidate for a race like the Jersey Stakes (Eng-G2) at Royal Ascot, Awzaan could well prove good enough to go for the July Cup (Eng-G1) back at Newmarket later on. His Middle Park runner-up, Radiohead, has been sent to the United States, where he won in good style first time out but was well beaten in the Florida Derby (G1). BLISSFUL MOMENT (USA) 3 c Dynaformer – Arabian Spell (Ire) / Desert Prince (Ire) This colt caught the eye when making his debut in the maiden race won by Fareej (Kingmambo) at Newmarket on October 1. Blissful Moment, looking anything but fit, behaving badly in the preliminaries and unfavorably drawn, managed to finish fourth behind Fareej, beaten only four lengths after staying on nicely up the hill. He was making up ground after a slow start, and this strong son of Dynaformer looked the best prospect in the race. It was not one of the best maiden heats seen at Newmarket last year, but it was well above average. Blissful Moment, whose dam was placed in the Prix Miesque (Fr-G3) over seven furlongs at two and won a mile maiden at three, has been entered for the Derby (but not for the Dante S. [Eng-G2]). Please note: Blissful Moment and William Van Gogh also ran in the race won by Fareej. CLARIETTA (GB) 3 b/br f Shamardal – Claxon / Caerleon Bred to stay 10 furlongs and improve with age, Clarietta did well in her first season; winning a seven-furlong fillies' maiden at Doncaster on her second start and a good nursery handicap at Newmarket next time out (beating the smart colt Audacity of Hope [Red Ransom]), before running fifth to Pollenator (Motivator) in the strongly contested May Hill H. (Eng-G2) at Doncaster -- and third to the current Oaks favorite Timepiece (Zamindar) in the Montrose S. at Newmarket. Clarietta's dam won the Masaka S. over a mile and Lupe S. over 1 1/4 miles at three, and landed the Premio Lydia Tesio (Ity-G2) over 1 1/4 miles (on heavy ground) at four. She is a daughter of Bulaxie, who also took the Lupe, having won the Fred Darling S. (Eng-G3) on her first start at three. This is very solid family and Clarietta can be expected to add to its success in 2010. She was dull and still "wintry" in her coat when beaten on her seasonal debut at Kempton Park on April 3. ELUSIVE PIMPERNEL (USA) 3 b c Elusive Quality – Cara Fantasy (Ire) / Sadler's Wells St Nicholas Abbey (Montjeu [Ire]) put this colt firmly in his place in the Racing Post Trophy (Eng-G1) but I still believe Elusive Pimpernel is the best each-way bet for the Two Thousand Guineas. This is potentially a top class horse -- certain to find more improvement at three than many of the colts high on the juvenile rankings last year. A big, strapping son of Elusive Quality, he surprised even those closest to him when making a winning debut at the Newmarket July meeting. He came with a good run from off the pace, to get up for a half-length win over Timely Jazz (Noverre), with Poet's Voice third and Emerald Commander ((Pivotal) fifth. This was one of the best maiden events seen in England last season, and three of these names fillies the first three places in the Acomb S. (Eng-G3) at York in August. Elusive Pimpernel won again, this time being even more impressive with his off-the-pace style, beating Emerald Commander by a head as Poet's Voice was a half-length away in third. The latter went on to win the Champagne at Doncaster and finish fourth in the Middle Park at Newmarket (see Awzaan above). Emerald Commander won a listed race at Haydock on his next start, en route to filling second place behind Jan Vermeer (Montjeu [Ire]) in the Criterium International (Fr-G1) at Saint-Cloud in France. This form has worked out so well, and Elusive Pimpernel added to it himself when second in the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster in October. He could not match strides with the winner St Nicholas Abbey, who came home impressively by 3 3/4 lengths, but John Dunlop's colt was a clear second, 2 1/2 lengths in front of the previously unbeaten Godolphin colt Al Zir (Medaglia d'Oro). Elusive Pimpernel, a half-brother to the Strensall S. (Eng-G3) winner Palavicini, looks a classic prospect indeed. He can still be backed at 20-1 for the Guineas (Stan James). If St Nicholas Abbey is a genuine 2-1 chance, does that make sense? Probably not. Elusive Pimpernel has been entered for the Guineas races at Newmarket and The Curragh, as well as for the Irish Derby (Ire-G1). FORTE DEI MARMI (GB) 4 b g Selkirk – Frangy / Sadler's Wells This Luca Cumani-trained and -owned son of Selkirk was not seen on a racecourse after his flop at Sandown Park in July. Going off at 13-8 favorite for a nine-furlong handicap, Forte Dei Marmi was never able to get into the race, and he finished seventh of 12 behind Clerk's Choice (Bachelor Duke). He owed his favoritism to an impressive win at Goodwood some three weeks earlier, when Forte Dei Marmi came with an explosive run from well off the pace to beat Sandor (Fantastic Light) by a nose. Based on this taking effort on a late seasonal debut, Forte Dei Marmi looked an exciting prospect for the second half of the season. However, he was laid off and has now been gelded. In all probability, his handicap mark (81) is quite lenient. If he drops to 80 or lower, it opens up some great opportunities in handicap company. He will stay 1 1/4 miles. FAIRY PROMISES (USA) 3 b f Broken Vow – Fairy Glade / Gone West Trained by Pat Eddery, this three-year-old filly has plenty of scope for improvement in the new season. She ran four times last year, winning a Nottingham maiden (backed from 12-1 to 13-2) before stepping up in class to run fourth behind Fontley (Sadler's Wells) in a Novices' stakes at Sandown, and seventh of eight behind Tabassum (Nayef) in the Oh So Sharp S. (Eng-G3) at Newmarket. Going off at 50-1, Fairy Promises showed early speed to lead through the first four furlongs, but tired and was beaten 12 lengths by the winner. She ran better than that margin suggests, and she is likely to make significant improvement this year. Her dam Fairy Glade is an unraced half-sister to Skimming, a dual winner of the Pacific Classic (G1) at Del Mar in California (beating Tiznow for his first success there). GHOST (Ire) 3 b g Invincible Spirit - Alexander Phantom / Soviet Star It is not surprising to see that this horse has been gelded over the winter, and Ghost is definitely one to take a close look at in his second season. Clearly a talented runner, Ghost was also one with a difficult temperament last year, and that is probably the main reason he is still a maiden after four runs. He made his debut at Windsor in June, finishing fourth in a maiden event after racing a bit too keenly. His next performance, when he ran second to Mr David (Sky Mesa) over six furlongs at Newmarket in July, was his best. Despite sweating up and showing his immaturity in the paddock, then pulling going down and hanging in the closing stages, Ghost lost by just 1 1/4 lengths to the favorite -- who was fourth to Showcasing in the Gimcrack at York a month later. After such a good run over the July course, Ghost was sent off 10/11 favorite for a Windsor maiden nine days later, but beaten by two horses; Planet Red (Bahamian Bounty) and subsequent Group 3 winner Carnaby Street (Le Vie Dei Colori) (after leading but carrying his head too high). Finally, a trip to Pontefract in September resulted in a fifth place finish -- well-beaten behind the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Racy (Medicean) (4/11 fav.). Meeting the new season with handicap mark 82, Ghost is a horse that connections should aim at a maiden, followed quickly by a three-year-old handicap. ISTIDLAAL (GB) 3 ch c Singspiel (Ire) - On a Soapbox / Mi Cielo This half-brother to Soapy Danger, a Group 2-winning performer effective from 12 furlongs to two miles, ran once as a two-year-old, and beat only one home in a ten-runner maiden over a mile at Newmarket in October. The race was won by Godolphin's more precocious runner Fareej, who scored again on his next start. Fareej may not have that much scope for improvement, but I also spotted two other potential stars in the field; runner-up William Van Gogh (Dansili [Ire]) and fourth-placer Blissful Moment. Despite looking quite fit, and sporting a real shine to his coat, Istidlaal was well beaten, but this son of Singspiel was not yet as well balanced as his rivals and the result is quite misleading. Markedly high up behind, he still had a lot of growing to do, and his participation was for pure educational purposes. After showing good speed and racing prominently through the first three furlongs, Istidlaal tired, to pass the winning post 11 1/2 lengths behind the winner. This does not look too good on paper but he showed enough talent that day, to suggest he has a future on the racecourse. LAAHEB (GB) 4 b g Cape Cross (Ire) – Maskunah (Ire) / Sadler's Wells Here is a fascinating name for the 2010 season. Laaheb ended his three-year-old campaign winning a listed event, and he now holds an entry for the Tattersalls Gold Cup (Ire-G1) at The Curragh on May 23. If he were to turn up there, it would be some jump up in class – but Laaheb, a winner of four of his six career starts (all last year), might well prove up to it. He was first noted when winning comfortably over 1 1/4 miles at Yarmouth in early July (beat Bomber Brown [Pyrus] 2 1/2 lengths), and when following up in a handicap over the same distance at Newmarket two weeks later. Heavily backed from 5-1 to 7-2 joint favorite, he beat his market rival Sopranist (Singspiel [Ire]) by three-quarters of length after making all. Surprisingly turned over at odds-on next time out (by Broomielaw [Rock of Gibraltar (Ire)]), Laaheb was sent to Pontefract, where he landed the odds without too much fuss, coming home four lengths ahead of William Blake (Rainbow Quest). He was now ready to step out of handicap company and he took on five others in the James Seymour S., run over 1 1/4 miles at Newmarket in October. Godolphin's Prince Siegfried (Royal Applause [GB]) was a strong favorite, while Laaheb, who beat him to win the race, went off at 3-1. He was ridden just off the pace early on this time, and pounced in determined style coming up the hill. The margin was a length and one got the impression that there will be better to come from this son of Cape Cross. Having won on good to firm, good and soft ground, Laheeb looks a typical 10-furlong performer. POLLENATOR (Ire) 3 ch f Motivator - Ceanothus / Bluebird Pollenator is well-known and she figures high on the ante-post lists for the Oaks S. (Eng-G1) at Epsom in June (best priced 20-1) and that makes perfect sense, as she beat Hibaayeb (Singspiel [Ire]) and Seta (Pivotal) in such good style to capture the May Hill S. (Eng-G2) over a mile at Doncaster last September. The form was franked when the runner-up won the Fillies' Mile (Eng-G1) at Ascot on her next outing. Pollenator, a daughter of Derby winner Motivator, is bred to stay 1 1/2 miles but I would also fancy her as an interesting each-way bet in the One Thousand Guineas (Eng-G1), if she lines up. Her trainer has stated that she may bypass Newmarket and get her first outing of the year in the Musidora S. (Eng-G2) at York instead. Either way, Pollenator is a horse to keep on your side. Provided she has trained on at three, she should make an impact on the three-year-old fillies' division this year. POUNCED (USA) 3 ch c Rahy – Golden Cat / Storm Cat Winning the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (G2) on his final start at two, Pounced's name popped up on quite a few lists of potential Kentucky Derby (G1) contenders, but this colt is far more likely to be aimed at big turf races in Europe this year, and he should not be underestimated -- wherever he might turn up. Already entered for the Guineas, his name recently also appeared on the on the list of entries for the Dante at York, and 33-1 about Pounced for the first classic of the year may not be bad value. The race he won in California has worked out well; the third-placed Interactif (Broken Vow) was a good runner-up to Sidney's Candy (Candy Ride [Arg]) in the San Felipe S. (G2) in March, the fourth-placed Awesome Act won the Gotham S. (G3) on his first start of the year and Dean's Kitten (Kitten's Joy), sixth to Pounced at Santa Anita, took the Lane's End S. (G2) this spring. There is a big step up from beating horses like these to competing with the likes of St Nicholas Abbey, Arcano (Oasis Dream [GB]) and Elusive Pimperenel, but there was a lot to like about Pounced's progress last year -- if, as expected, it continues he can become a Group 1 winner. Prior to his Breeders' Cup win, gained with a strong late run, he had been second to Siyouni (Pivotal) in the Prix Jean Luc Lagardere (Fr-G1) at Longchamp, beaten 1 1/2 lengths after setting the pace. That was his third run. Pounced broke his maiden over seven furlongs at Newbury in August, having finished second to Sea Lord (Cape Cross [Ire]) on his debut at Ascot in July. Pounced is a half-brother to Big Bound and Pampas Cat, both winners over 10 furlongs at three for John Gosden. They were both at their best on good and good to firm ground and such conditions will probably suit Pounced best also. POWER SERIES (USA) 3 gr c Mizzen Mast - Diese / Diesis (GB) Tailed off on his debut run at Lingfield Park and ninth of 16 behind Destination Aim (Dubai Destination) at Newmarket last August, Power Series did not end his brief juvenile campaign with a particularly impressive CV. He was, however, one of two runners that went straight into my notebook after that Newmarket maiden. He had been very immature at Lingfield and was not much better this time, but displayed an efficient action and made a very positive impression all round. Some way off a decent race fitness level, the son of Mizzen Mast flashed early speed before tiring and dropping 13 lengths behind the winner by the winning post. The distance was seven furlongs. It was no surprise to see Power Series win on his first start this year, when he only just got his nose in front of Nadinska (Doyen) in an 8 1/2-furlong maiden at Wolverhampton in March. Unsuited by the moderate pace, and possibly not given a great ride, he rallied between horses to lead on the line. Juicy Pear (Pyrus), a more experienced runner with handicap mark 77, was a close third and franked the form by winning next time out. Power Series meets the new turf season on handicap mark 85, something that gives his trainer plenty of options as he plots the first half of the season. This colt may not be group race material but he is certainly a runner likely to progress to 100 plus - and he must be followed. He is a half-brother to seven winners, including Senure, who won the Hirsch Memorial Turf Championship (G1) over 10 furlongs at Santa Anita and the United Nations H. (G1) over 11 furlongs at Monmouth Park as a five-year-old. PRINCIPAL ROLE (USA) 3 b f Empire Maker – Interim (Ire) / Sadler's Wells This well-bred daughter of Belmont S. (G1) and Florida Derby winner Empire Maker made a highly promising debut at Yarmouth last October, when she overcame a poor start (reared up) to finish fast for a narrow yet decisive win over Tomodachi (Arakan) in a mile maiden. Both these fillies were racing for the first time and neither has run since, so it is hard to assess the form. The third-placed and favored Meeznah (Dynaformer) provides one interesting form line, however, as she had been third at Newmarket on her previous start – behind the subsequent Group 3 winner Tabassum (Nayef). Principal Role looked an exciting prospect at Yarmouth and she holds entries for the One Thousand Guineas and the Oaks (Eng-G1). Given her lack of experience, and probable need for a test of stamina, the Oaks seems the most likely target. Her dam Interim won the 10-furlong Ballymacoll Stud S. and ran second in the 12-furlong Lancashire Oaks (G3) as a three-year-old. She is also dam of Staging Post, runner-up in the San Juan Capistrano H. (G1) over 1 3/4 miles at Santa Anita at six, having been a good handicap winner over 1 1/2 miles in England the previous year. Principal Rose opened her 2010 season with a third in the Nell Gwyn S. (Eng-G3) at Newmarket on April 14. QUEEN'S GRACE (GB) 3 ch f Bahamian Bounty - Palace Affair / Pursuit of Love As a half-sister to the top-class sprinter Sakhee's Secret, this filly certainly has something to live up to. And the signs are that she well is up to the task of flying this valuable family's flag. Queen's Grace was first seen when a well-beaten eighth to Quadrille (Danehill Dancer) in a Newbury maiden on August 2. She raced greenly and never got into the race. She was an 11-1 shot for that debut and totally dismissed in the market when taking on similar company at the same course two weeks later. Queen's Grace went off at 50-1 but what punters did not know was that she had made giant strides from her first racecourse experience. This time, she looked sharp and straight, and ran out a game winner from the promising debutant Jacqueline Quest (Rock of Gibraltar [Ire]), who was denied by a neck. This performance persuaded Queen's Grace's connections to give her a chance in listed company, and she clicked at the second attempt at that level; beating the favorite Puff (Camacho) by two lengths in the Bosra Sham S. at Newmarket in late October. Puff had finished fourth to Special Duty (Hennessy) in the Cheveley Park S. (Eng-G1) earlier in the month, beaten 3 3/4 lengths, and this form is pretty smart. Queen's Grace holds an entry for the One Thousand Guineas but her future almost certainly lies in the sprint division. She opened 2010 with a 10th in the Nell Gwyn. RUN FOR THE HILLS (GB) 4 b c Oasis Dream (GB) - Maid for the Hills / Indian Ridge Now four, the Oasis Dream son Run for the Hills will be coming off his career best effort when he reappears this season. He performed better than ever when third, beaten only by Spin Cycle (Exceed and Excel) and Noble Storm (Yankee Gentleman), in the five-furlong Rous S. at Newmarket in early October. Going off at 20-1 under jockey Robert Havlin, he finished well and was beaten less than two lengths by Spin Cycle. This is not top class sprinting form, far from it, but it was clearly better than what Run for the Hills had produced on any of his six previous outings and he may improve again in 2010. He made all to win over six furlongs at Newmarket as a juvenile, and that may prove to be his best distance. SETA (GB) 3 ch f Pivotal - Bombazine / Generous Not every name on this list of horses to follow can be described as a "dark horse" and most readers will be well familiar with Seta - despite her having had just two runs last year. She is probably the best hope for the home team in the One Thousand Guineas at Newmarket on May 2, just one day after this daughter of Pivotal turns three. Being a late foal, and quite a leggy filly needing time, Seta was not seen on a racecourse until August 1, when she was deeply impressive landing a gamble in maiden company over seven furlongs at Newmarket. Dyna Waltz (Dynaformer), a good third on her debut, was the morning-line favorite but strong money came for Seta as they cantered down to the start, and she took over at the head of the market, eventually going off at 11/8. Dane O'Neill partnered her to a smooth eight-length win, as Dyna Waltz had to settle for second. She won her next race, as did the third-placed Moonline Dancer (Royal Academy), but Seta did not. She was lifted straight up in company and went for the May Hill S. (Eng-G2) at Doncaster five weeks later. Seta ran well there, but not as well as expected, and came home third, 1 1/2 lengths behind Pollenator. The 40-1 shot Hibaayeb also beat Seta, but that did not look such an embarrasment a couple of weeks later, when Hibaayeb won the Fillies' Mile at Ascot. Ridden by Kieren Fallon, Seta was odd-on for the May Hill, but she found little under pressure after taking command two furlongs out. Whether it was lack of experience or the firm ground that contributed to this defeat, it did not erase the memory of seeing her debut win. She really looked something special and she's bred to be too. She is a half-sister to the very useful middle-distance winner Gravitas, and her dam is a half-sister to the top class miler Barathea (Ire) and Gossamer (GB), who took the Irish One Thousand Guineas (Ire-G1). That event could well prove to present the best opportunity of classic success also for Seta. SHOWCASING (GB) 3 b c Oasis Dream (GB) – Arabesque / Zafonic Beaten a head by the future Group 1 winner Arcano in a strong Newbury maiden, Showcasing was next sent to Yarmouth for his easy maiden win, before stepping right up in style to land the Gimcrack over six furlongs at York in August. He beat Taajub (Exceed and Excel) by two lengths. Overcoming greenness and inexperience, he produced a powerful performance, and Monsieur Chevalier (Cevalier) finishing third gave the form a solid look. Showcasing had proved himself on the big stage. His next step up was natural enough, as he fitted well into the Middle Park at Newmarket in October. Facing just four rivals may not sound like too daunting a task, but it was a high class field, and Godolphin's colt Poet's Voice was the slight favorite at the off, a touch shorter than Showcasing. They were both a bit disappointing, Showcasing finishing third, and the favorite fourth. The unbeaten Awzaan (see above) won, beating Royal Ascot winner Radiohead by three-quarters of length, with Showcasing a neck away in third. He lost second place in the last few strides. Showcasing appeared to be the one with most scope for improvement in the Middle Park, and he is most likely to be aimed at the big sprints in 2010. Most likely, he will be making an impact on this division. SKYSURFERS (GB) 4 b c E Dubai – Fortune (Ire) / Night Shift Skysurfers was as disappointing on his second start at Meydan this winter, as he had been impressive on his first, when he outclassed Eagle Mountain (GB) (Rock of Gibraltar [Ire]), an established Group 1 runner in February. This was Skysurfer's second lifetime outing and he ran to a level of form rarely seen by horses with so little experience. His name entered the Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1) discussions after this procession, but trainer Saeed bin Suroor wisely decided to keep the inexperienced colt a lower grade and a shorter trip. Skysurfers was expected to follow up when he next ran in the Burj Nahaar (UAE-G3), again tackling 1,600 metres on the Tapeta surface, on Super Thursday. Cat Junior (Storm Cat) won that race by leading throughout, while Skysurfers looked nothing like the horse we had seen the previous month and trailed in fifth, beaten a little over four lengths by the winner, a horse who had been fifth and almost seven lengths behind him in two weeks earlier. The form was turned completely "upside down" and the same thing happened again when these two met in the Godolphin Mile (G2) on Dubai World Cup night. This time, Skysurfers came out best, and he ran a really good race to take third from a wide draw. Finishing best of all, the son of E Dubai was beaten two lengths behind Calming Influence (Ire) (King's Best), also sporting the Godolphin colors (Cat Junior was ninth). Potentially a top class miler, Skysurfers is one to look forward to this year -- whether he turns up in Europe or North America. SPECIAL DUTY (GB) 3 b f Hennessy – Quest to Peak / Distant View This filly needs little or no introduction. Deeply impressive in the Cheveley Park at Newmarket last autumn, after having split the two high class English colts Arcano and Canford Cliffs (Tagula) in the Prix Morny (Fr-G1) at Deauville, she entered 2010 as the clear favorite for the One Thousand Guineas at Newmarket on May 2 and it is hard to see who's going to trouble her in the mile classic. She was much the best of the juvenile fillies in Europe last year, and she is on course for a seasonal debut in the Prix Imprudence (Fr-G3) over the straight course at Maisons-Laffitte on April 8. All being well, that should set her up for the Guineas, and she could also take in the French equivalent en-route to Royal Ascot in the summer. Special Duty's dam never won but she is a full-sister to the top class U.S. performer Sightseek, as well as half-sister to Tates Creek, who also won at the highest level (on turf). These two were best at nine and 10 furlongs respectively, but Special Duty shapes more like a natural miler. Update: Special Duty was beaten a length into third behind Joanna (High Chaparral [Ire]) in the Prix Imprudence, when she was racing on unsuitably soft ground. TOTAL COMMAND (GB) 3 b c Sadler's Wells - Wince / Selkirk This is a full-brother to Quiff, winner of the Yorkshire Oaks (Eng-G1) for the same connections in 2004, and his dam won the One Thousand Guineas. With such a fine pedigree, and great looks to go with it, Total Command should be a fascinating horse to keep an eye on in the new season. A late-developing sort, with plenty of scope, he had two runs as a juvenile; finishing sixth to Swiss Cross (Cape Cross [Ire]) over seven furlongs at Newmarket on October 2, and second to Multames (Cape Cross [Ire]) over a mile at Newbury three weeks later. Total Command was readily beaten on both occasions, but this is a horse that will be so much better with age, and with more distance, and he must be noted. He does not hold any fancy entries at this stage and is probably one taking the "maiden win to handicap route" this spring. TOUCH TONE (GB) 3 b f Selkirk – Payphone / Anaaba A short-priced favorite for her debut over seven furlongs at Doncaster in July, when she could manage only sixth behind Clarietta (see above), Touch Tone was sent to Newmarket for a similar contest the following month. An attractive filly from a family of classy French juveniles, she disappointed once more, coming home in fifth 7 3/4 lengths behind the winner, Pollenator, who later won the May Hill at Doncaster (see above). Touch Tone was too green at Doncaster, where she was swishing her tail and hung right at the finish, and the Newmarket contest was simply too tough at such an early stage of her career. Touch Tone holds no fancy entries, and she is one we can expect to see oblige in maiden company early in the season. After that, who knows, perhaps she can live up to her good looks and fine pedigree one day. WIGMORE HALL (Ire) 3 b c High Chaparral (Ire) - Love and Laughter / Theatrical (Ire) Bought for 60,000 guineas as a yearling, Wigmore Hall already looks a bargain. Okay, he has only won a maiden to date, from three outings in his first season, but this colt was not a typical two-year-old. Anything he did at two was always going to be a bonus. He has ticks in all the right boxes for those scouting for a potentially big improver at three. After finishing eighth of 16 behind Destination Aim over seven furlongs at Newmarket on August 14 (Power Series ninth, see above), Wigmore Hall returned to action over the same course a month later. Stepping up to a mile, he was the gamble of the day, and he duly obliged at odds of 9/4 (having been as big as 9/2). He came from off the pace to lead with less than a furlong to run, and scooted right away for a comfortable success. Jockey Jamie Spencer eased him in the closing stages and he could have won by further than the 4 1/2-length margin back to Mountrath (Dubai Destination). Two weeks later, Wigmore Hall appeared at Ascot, to run in a seven-furlong conditions stakes, but something clearly went wrong there. He was hampered at the start, though moved up to join the leaders inside the last three furlongs, only to drop right out of it at the finish. He finished last of the five runners (eased), a long way behind the smart winner Corporal Maddox (Royal Applause [GB]). That run is best forgotten, but Wigmore Hall's name should not be, as he is a horse who can do well in the coming season. His dam won over seven furlongs at two and is a half-sister to the listed-winning miler Kissing The Camera. He opened 2010 with a victory in a April 10 handicap at Newmarket. WILLIAM VAN GOGH (GB) 3 b c Dansili (GB) - Flower Girl (GB) / Pharly William Van Gogh is a maiden after two runs over a mile at Newmarket in October, when he was second to the hot favourite Fareej (who won again next time) at 14-1 on his debut and sixth to 5-2 favorite Invincible Soul (Invincible Spirit). His first effort was probably his best, as he kept on well after setting the early pace to hold second, 2 1/4 lengths behind Faarej and 1 1/4 lengths in front of Theology (Galileo [Ire]) (Blissful Moment and Istidlaad also ran in the race). William Van Gogh was sent to the front once more when turning out at HQ two weeks later, but this time he found less under pressure and was beaten six lengths behind Invincible Soul, who had finished third to Swiss Cross on his previous start (see Total Command). While a Two Thousand Guineas entry seems a tad optimistic (he is 100-1 for that classic), there can be little doubt that William Van Gogh will win races in 2010. His optimum trip as a three-year-old should be around a mile, possibly shorter. His half-brother Eco Friendly won won the Prix Saint-Roman (Fr-G3) over that trip as a juvenile, and this family is more about speed than stamina. WORKFORCE (GB) 3 b c King's Best – Soviet Moon / Sadler's Wells Entered for the Irish Derby and attracting some ante-post support for the Two Thousand Guineas, Workforce is a horse that will get a lot of attention when he reappears this spring -- something that seems likely to happen in the Craven S. (Eng-G3) at Newmarket in April. Stoute likes to give his Guineas contenders a prep run in the Craven, and that was also the route he took with this colt's sire King's Best, who was beaten in the Craven but swooped impressively past Giant's Causeway for an excellent win in the Guineas. Workforce certainly needs more experience, having had just one outing as a juvenile. He won a mile maiden at Goodwood in September, beating Oasis Dancer (Oasis Dream [GB]) easily by six lengths after showing a fine turn of foot passing the furlong marker. His runner-up went on to win the Tattersalls Million on his subsequent start, and this form already looks smart. His half-brother Extreme Impact was placed over 13 and 14 furlongs as a three-year-old, and his dam is an unraced sister to the Leger winner Brian Boru, so there must be every chance of Workforce staying the Derby trip.
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