The Judge: Ten to Follow for the Flat (Part 2)

Wading  3-y-o filly   Trainer: A P O’Brien

Beautifully-bred filly who, having made her debut only one month previously, progressed nicely to end her juvenile campaign with a smooth victory in the Group Two Rockfel Stakes at Newmarket. Interestingly, her winning time was marginally faster than the Dewhurst, which was run on the same day, and whilst her breeding indicates middle distances will be her forte the fact that she showed sufficient speed at 7 furlongs suggests she would not be out of place in the 1000 Guineas. I am certain Wading has tons of class as well as a lovely temperament and it will surprise me if she doesn’t make headlines in the top class races this summer.

Sandusky  4-y-o colt   Trainer: Mahmood Al Zarooni

This lightly-raced colt doesn’t have Group One aspirations but I am sure he has the ability to make his mark in handicaps from his current mark of 88 before possibly tackling stiffer opposition. Versatile regards ground conditions and with a lovely smooth travelling style, I foresee a fruitful campaign for Sandusky especially as he looks an ideal type to improve with age.

Thought Worthy (USA)   3-y-o colt   Trainer: John Gosden

Knuckled down well to win his only start as a juvenile displaying a tremendous attitude in the process. Closely related to the yard’s former St.Leger winner Lucarno, the last classic of the season looks a likely long term target. Described as ‘a lovely horse, with an awful lot going for him’ by jockey William Buick, Thought Worthy rates an extremely exciting prospect for the forthcoming season.

Vita Nova (IRE)  5-y-o mare   Trainer: Sir Henry Cecil

A Newmarket handicap was Vita Nova’s only victory last season but that doesn’t begin to tell you how talented a mare she is. She was incredibly unlucky not to win the Lancashire Oaks when, with the race at her mercy, the saddle slipped. Several solid showings in top company followed that unfortunate incident, most notably a brilliant effort when runner-up in the Yorkshire Oaks where she had the unenviable task of trying to concede 11lbs to the 1000 guineas heroine Blue Bunting. I expect Vita Nova to progress again this season and bag some notable prizes.

Shantaram 3-y-o colt   Trainer: John Gosden

This big long striding colt immediately went into my notebook after his debut effort at Sandown where he was only narrowly denied despite looking mentally immature and under a very considerate ride from Rob Havlin. He had a lot of ground to make up in the final two furlongs but once he was switched to the outside he came home very strongly and it was a debut effort brimming with promise. He definitely has a bright future and I will be watching his progression with interest.