Canberra Legend

Canberra Legend did well to win the Listed Feilden Stakes at Newmarket on Wednesday. Well away from stall one on the far side, he was settled back just behind the leader on the far side. He travelled well through his race on the far side behind no more than a modest pace, he looked very comfortable striding away on the far side behind the pace. He was the last horst to come off the bridle but, when Daniel Muscutt asked him to pick up, they were racing into the Dip and he didn’t appear to handle it that well. He looked booked for third as they raced past the furlong pole but, when he hit the rising ground, he picked up impressively, caught the long-time leader Killybegs Warrior for second place and forged on to get up and beat Kolsai by a half a length.

It was a really likeable performance by James Ferguson’s horse. This was just his second run ever, his first on turf, and his first since he won a one-mile novice stakes at Newcastle in February. His dam is a half-sister to sprinters Blaine and Bogart, but his half-brother Youth Spirit won a Chester Vase and finished fifth in a St Leger. He gets nine furlongs well on this evidence, and he settles so well he should get 10 no problem and possibly 12. He holds entries in the Guineas, as well as the Dante and the Derby, he will be of greater interest over middle distances than over a mile, and he should continue to progress.
Newmarket, 19^th April 2023