Channel Squadron

Channel Squadron put up a really nice performance to win a 10-furlong maiden at Sandown on his racecourse debut on Saturday. Last out of the stalls and green through the early part of the race, he was last into the home straight, but he picked up nicely on the outside when Ian Mongan asked him to improve. He didn’t seem to know what was required when he came under pressure two furlongs out, he carried his head high and looked around him, but when he did put his head down and gallop, he picked up impressively on the near side, caught the twice-raced Sir Michael Stoute colt and odds-on favourite Direct Answer with 200 yards to go, and powered away to win really nicely.

A son of Sadler’s Wells, Channel Squadron is a full-brother to Septimus, so you have to think that he will improve again now when he steps up in trip to a mile and a half and perhaps beyond. The time of the race wasn’t outstanding, but it wasn’t bad either for a debutant and as a member of the Henry Cecil outfit, you know that he is certain to improve with experience. He is a likeable colt, and he will be of interest wherever he goes next.

12th June 2010