Flat Horses to follow

By Alan Conway

As Cheltenham fades into the distance the mind wanders to the start of the flat season. If events play out as we hope then the 2011 flat season should be one to remember. In 2010 we were supposed to see the second coming in St Nicholas Abbey. Sadly for race goers we didn’t see him after the 2000 Guineas where he finished fifth.

This year we have another “wonder horse” in the shape of Frankel. The Galileo colt rounded off his two year old season with a comprehensive defeat of Roderic O Conner and Dream Ahead in the Dewhurst. Aside from Frankel here are four horses that should be kept in mind this season.

Dubai Prince

Trainer: Mahmood Al Zarooni

Formerly in the care of Dermot Weld, Dubai Prince joins the Godolphin team with a big reputation. Unbeaten at two, he landed the Killivullan Stakes at Leopardstown from Warning Flag and Park Avenue. While that not may be classic winning form he beat Seville, runner up in the Racing Post Trophy on debut. This son of Shamardal is highly thought of and the sounds coming from Dubai are that he will head for the Guineas. The words of his former trainer Dermot Weld say it all “He’s a very, very high-class horse” Take notice of this colt.

Zoffany

Trainer: A.P O’Brien

Zoffany was arguably the highest achieving Ballydoyle two year old last season. Winner of five of his seven starts as a juvenile Zoffany was the horse who burst Strong Suits bubble when he came late and fast to nab the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh. He has previously taken the Tyros Stakes, which has been won in the past by New Approach, Rip Van Winkle and Cape Blanco. He could well be the forgotten horse in the 2000 Guineas and could be an each way player if lining up.

Laughing Lashes

Trainer: Jessica Harrington

The daughter of Mr Greely boasted some high class form last term. Second on debut to Wild Wind, Laughing Lashes filled the runners up spot behind Together in a Group 3 at Leopardstown before gaining a well deserved pattern success when she beat subsequent dual Group 1 winner Misty For Me in the Debutante Stakes at the Curragh. She travelled and battled like a top class filly that day and although Misty For Me reversed places with Laughing Lashes next time out in the Moyglare, Laughing Lashes is still rated to be a top filly this year and can make an impact at a high level once again.

So You Think

Trainer: A.P O ‘Brien

The talking horse from down under, So You Think comes to Europe with a huge reputation and one heck of a race record. A five time Group 1 winner in Australia So You Think was sold to the Coolmore partners after he was placed third in the Melbourne Cup for his former trainer Bart Cummings. He won back to back runnings of the Cox Plate in Australia in 2009 and 2010. A son of High Chaparral So You Think follows Starspangledbanner and Hardasun who raced in Australia before coming up to Europe. Coolmore reportly paid A$25 for the majority shareholding in So You Think. Only time will tell if it was money well spent.

By Alan Conway