Ahraar (USA) 3 Year Old Colt Gulch (USA) – Saffaanh (Shareef Dancer (USA)) Current Trainer: M.P. Tregoning Ahraar made his debut in the one mile Chesterton Maiden Stakes at Newmarket on the 13th October 2000. Starting at 16/1 and having to cope with a high draw Ahraar made steady progress in the last three furlongs, under considerate handling, into eleventh place beaten seven lengths. This was a most promising debut from a good-looking colt who is reported to be a classy worker at home. His trainer reports him as having wintered well and back in training. Entered in the Derby, improvement will be forthcoming this season when he tackles middle distances. Aquarius (IRE) 3 Year Old Colt Royal Academy (USA) - Rafha (Kris) Current Trainer: J. Dunlop Aquarius made his debut in the seven furlong EBF Maiden Stakes at Newbury on the 16th July 2000. Looking green and colty in the paddock Aquarius was still sent off the 11/4 favourite. Held up in the rear until three furlongs from home he made steady progress before being switched to the outside two furlongs out, keeping on well he was unable to trouble the leaders in the closing stages eventually finishing fifth of seventeen, beaten four lengths. Holding an entry in the Derby he is reported to have thrived over the winter, and is back in full work. He may well make up into a Group Class performer this season. Arhaaf (IRE) 3 Year Old Filly Danehill (USA) – Mosaique Bleue (Shirley Heights) Current Trainer: M.R. Channon Arhaaff is a half-sister to several winners including recent Stateside winner Subtle Power. She made her debut in the EBF Maiden Stakes (Class D) at Newmarket on the 3rd June 2000 over six furlongs. Sent off the 4/1 joint favourite she raced prominently in the early stages, disputing the lead two out she was only cut down by the winner in the last furlong. Sidelined afterwards with a sore joint she is sure to improve considerably on this run. Trainer Mick Channon reports Arhaaff as having wintered well and that he is more than hopeful of her being Listed Class this season. Asareer (USA) 3 Year Old Filly Gone West (USA) - Leo’s Lucky Lady (Seattle Slew) Current Trainer: M.P. Tregoning Asareer made her debut in the EBF Maiden Fillies Stakes over one mile on October 20th 2000. Travelling well on the heels of the leaders until two furlongs from home she then showed signs of greenness, failing to pick up, and eventually finishing seven lengths behind Henry Cecil’s winner Quick to Please. Trainer Marcus Tregoning confirms Asareer back in training, and over a distance of ground she should win races this season. Astral Prince 3 Year Old Colt Efisio – Val D’Erica (Ashmore (Fr)) Current Trainer: B.J. Meehan Astral Prince appeared three times as a two year old in well contested maidens, twice over seven furlongs and once over six furlongs. On his last run he became outpaced three furlongs from home but showed admirable qualities to run on again in the closing stages. In his previous run he had again showed early speed before weakening in the last furlong. The trainer reports that Astral Prince has been gelded over the winter, and given that he should be allotted a reasonable handicap mark, and looking to be effective on any ground, he is one to keep a close eye on over middle distances this season. Atlantic Eagle (USA) 3 Year Old Colt Mt.Livermore (USA) - Lyphdum (USA) (Lyphard (USA)) Current Trainer: M. Johnston Atlantic Eagle’s first season consisted of two runs in maidens and will have taught this good-looking colt much about racing. On both occasions Atlantic Eagle showed good speed before weakening in the closing stages. His first run this season will qualify Atlantic Eagle for handicaps, and he will probably start over a mile to ten furlongs. His trainer reports him back in full training. Looking as though he will act on any going he is one to follow with interest. Big Moment 3 Year Old Colt Be My Guest (USA) - Petralona (USA) (Alleged (USA)) Current Trainer: B.W. Hills Big Moment made his debut on the 28th September 2000 at Newmarket in Division 2 of the Westley Maiden Stakes over seven furlongs. Sent off a 33/1 shot he belied those odds with a real eye-catching run. Held up in the rear early, he found his stride three furlongs out, unfortunately a gap failed to appear and he was switched to the right, and making rapid headway failed by only a quarter of a length to catch the potentially useful Demophilos. Barry Hills reports Big Moment very well at present, and bred to appreciate middle distance he has a bright future ahead of him. Caposo (IRE) 3 Year Old Filly Common Grounds – High Mare (FR) (Highest Honor (FR)) Current Trainer: P.W. Harris Caposo made a promising debut at Windsor in a six-furlong maiden Grade D. Settled at the rear she made steady headway two furlongs out before weakening and being eased in the final furlong, eventually finishing seventh of the nineteen runners. Two weeks later on heavy ground at Newbury in a similar race, she showed excellent speed to past halfway before once again weakening. Trainer Peter Harris reports her back in full training and with her first run this season qualifying her for handicaps; she is one to keep an eye on. Caqui D’Or (IRE) 3 Year Old Colt Danehill (USA) - Ghaiya (USA) (Alleged (USA)) Current Trainer: J. Dunlop John Dunlop has a good record with his second season handicappers, and three average runs in Grade D maidens should ensure Caqui D’Or a favourable handicap mark this coming season. His best run came against Demophilos where he finished unplaced just eight lengths behind the winner after showing early speed, however as with his other runs the feeling was that there was more to come in time. The trainer reports Caqui D’Or back in full work, and over ten furlongs or so this season he may well be one to follow early on. Chalom (IRE) 3 Year Old Colt Mujadil (USA) - The Poachers Lady (IRE) Salmon Leap (USA) Current Trainer: B.J. Meehan Two outings in D Grade Maidens and one in a B Grade maiden will have qualified Chalom for a reasonable handicap mark. Showing good pace before weakening in the final stages on all his runs, he promises to strengthen up over the winter and improve. Sent off at 8/1 on his debut in what was a really hot maiden indicates he had been pleasing in his homework. Brian Meehan reports that Chalom has been gelded. Ten furlongs and upwards will suit this rangy colt, and he has shown his ability to handle any surface. Chantress Lorelei 3 Year Old Filly So Factual (USA) - Sound of the Sea (Windjammer (USA)) Current Trainer: Mrs. A.J. Perrett Two promising runs in maidens at Newmarket and Newbury showed that this promising young sprinter would be well worth following this year. Finishing just nine lengths off the potentially useful Ajwaa on her debut, Chantress Lorelei then showed good pace at Newbury on desperate going, travelling well until weakening a furlong from home. Another run qualifies her for handicaps, however she may turn out to be a bit better than that. The trainer reports Chantress Lorelei back in the stable and in full training. Charmer Venture 3 Year Old Filly Zilzal (USA) – City of Angels (Woodman (USA)) Current Trainer: S.P.C. Woods Charmer Venture’s only run last season came in the well-contested maiden won by Quick to Please at Doncaster in October. She looked the part in the paddock and showed a good action to post. Held up amongst the backmarkers she then swung wide into the straight, but once in line for home she began to find her stride and made relentless progress throughout the final quarter of a mile to be just five lengths behind the winner in fourth place. Trainer Sean Woods kindly informs us that she has wintered well and will probably return to action in April. Sure to improve, she will probably start off over ten furlongs and looks a filly with a bright future. Collard 3 Year Old Filly Wolfhound (USA) - Collide (High Line) Current Trainer: H. Candy The 20th October 2000 marked the debut of Collard in the maiden stakes won by Henry Cecil’s Aldebaran at Doncaster. Sent off at 16/1 she was very slow into her stride and held up in the rear. She began to improve three out before encountering traffic problems two furlongs from home. Looked after from that point she finished a never nearer ten length sixth of twenty-one runners. Trainer Henry Candy reports her well, but backward at present, and as with many fillies some sun on her back will improve her. A full sister to a winning miler she should win races this season at around that distance. Contraband 3 Year Old Colt Red Ransom (USA) - Shortfall (Last Tycoon)
Current Trainer: W.J. Haggas
Contraband is a first foal from a fairly useful ten-furlong winner. Making his only appearance last season in the D Grade Westley Maiden at Newmarket in September, Contraband was sent off at 33/1. Racing amongst the back markers he made eye-catching late progress to finish six lengths behind the winner, and leaving the firm impression that improvement would be forthcoming this season. Contraband will come into his own over middle distances and could turn out to be quite useful. Trainer William Haggas reports Contraband as having been gelded recently and is back in the stables to resume his career.
Cut Rate (USA) 3 Year Old Colt Diesis - Itsamazing (USA) (The Minstrel (CAN))
Current Trainer: Mrs. A.J. Perrett
Cut Rate made his debut in the maiden won by Aldebaran at Doncaster at the latter end of last season. Sent off at 16/1 he missed the break, and raced on his own in the first furlong. He than began to make ground as the race progressed without ever looking likely to be placed, eventually weakening in the closing stages to finish tenth of the twenty one runners. Sure to improve this season over a mile and upwards, he will repay this kind introduction. The trainer reports the colt back in the stable and in full training.
Dragnet (IRE) 3 Year Old Filly
Rainbow Quest (USA) - River Dancer (Irish River (FR))
Current Trainer:	Sir Michael Stoute
Dragnet ran in two end of season maidens, showing promise on each occasion. She stayed on well into sixth place behind Demophilos, beaten only three lengths on her debut, where she was given a nice ride, looking green at the start, but really finishing well. She then finished fifth in desperate ground at Yarmouth, behind the well thought of Autumn Rhythm. In the right trainers hands she is sure to improve as a three year old, and having a solid middle distance pedigree suggests that a mile and a half and upwards will suit. Sir Michael confirms that Dragnet remains in training at Freemason Lodge.
Emporio 3 Year Old Gelding
Emperor Jones (USA) – Lykoa (Shirley Heights)
Current Trainer:	L.M. Cumani
Three starts in a somewhat disappointing first season will leave this bay gelding on a reasonable handicap mark. Emporio showed some promise on all three runs, giving the impression that much more would be forthcoming when he is asked to tackle middle distances this season. Emporio is a half brother to two good French staying horses, and back in work and well in himself he is one to keep a close eye on.
Faithful Warrior (USA) 3 Year Old Colt
Diesis - Dabaweyaa (Shareef Dancer (USA))
Current Trainer:	B.W. Hills
Barry Hills is a proven trainer at every level of racing and in Faithful Warrior his handicapping skills should be well demonstrated. Three runs in maidens displayed much promise. Despite looking on the weak side in his first two runs he still showed ability, and after a two month break he came back to run a creditable race in heavy ground at Newbury. Racing keenly that day he was hampered with two furlongs to run yet still managed to keep on well to finish fourth of the nineteen runners. Ten furlongs should be the starting point for this son of Diesis, and with the trainer reporting the horse very well he is one to have on your side for the season.
Fille De Bucheron (USA) 3 Year Old Filly
Woodman (USA) - Special Secreto (USA) (Secreto (USA))
Current Trainer:	H.R.A. Cecil
Fille De Bucheron made her debut in September in a decent maiden; she is a good-looking filly who really took the eye in the paddock. In the race itself she dwelt at the start and took time to find her stride. Richard Quinn asked her to quicken two furlongs out, and she came through to challenge the leader. However it soon became apparent she would be second best and her jockey looked after her in the closing stages, finishing second with the third horse six lengths away. Henry Cecil reports that she is very well and is hopeful that she will be a really smart filly this year.
Foreign Affairs 3 Year Old Colt
Hernando (FR) - Entente Cordiale (USA) (Affirmed (USA) )
Current Trainer:	Sir Mark Prescott
Foreign Affairs is a big rangy chestnut colt who has appeared in two all weather maidens. His debut was spoilt by a tardy start, where he took an age to find his stride, eventually finishing a half-length second. Always prominent on his second outing, he took up the running three furlongs out and was soon clear with the race won, eventually hacking over the line in a better time than the earlier division. Foreign Affairs came back from grass in early February, and still holding a Derby entry, he may well make a major impact this coming season.
Freedom Now (IRE) 3 Year Old Colt
Sadler’s Wells (USA) - Free At Last (Shirley Heights)
Current Trainer:	L.M. Cumani
Having his sole run in the maiden won by Demophilos in late September at Newmarket, Freedom Now looked the part in the paddock and on the way to post. Starting slowly in the race itself, he was soon prominent, however as lack of full fitness told he weakened approaching the final furlong to finish seventh, four lengths behind the winner. Fit, well and cantering, Freedom Now will appreciate middle distances and can only improve.
Gold Standard (IRE) 3 Year Old Colt
Goldmark (USA) - Miss Audimar (USA) (Mr.Leader (USA))
Current Trainer:	D.R.C. Elsworth
David Elsworth did not enjoy one of his better seasons in 2000 and it is to be hoped that this talented trainer has an upturn in fortunes this year. Gold Standard made his debut in a hot little maiden over a mile at Bath in October. Slowly into his stride and well behind, he made headway before being hampered inside the final two furlongs, then switched right he kept on in the final furlong to finish seven lengths off the winner in ninth place. Trainer David Elsworth reports Gold Standard fit and well at present, and he looks a sure second season improver over distances around ten furlongs.
Greenhope (IRE) 3 Year Old Colt
Definite Article - Unbidden Melody (USA) (Chieftan Ii)
Current Trainer:	J.A. Osborne
Greenhope had his second run in the same race as Gold Standard where having been behind he made steady headway in the final quarter of a mile to be a promising six length fifth. Greenhope had made his debut on soft ground at Haydock in September where he never threatened to be involved, but gave the impression improvement would be forthcoming. He is a big colt with scope, who having recently had his third run on the all-weather where he finished a creditable second, is now qualified for handicaps and looks like one to follow this coming season.
Ikbal 3 Year Old Colt
Indian Ridge – Amaniy (USA) (Dayjur (USA))
Current Trainer:	M.P. Tregoning
Reports of classy homework preceded Ikbal to the racecourse where he was sent off the 11/10 favourite in a maiden at Newbury run in atrocious ground. Held up in touch, Ikbal was ridden and made an effort to chase the leaders three furlongs out, however he soon weakened approaching the final furlong. A winter’s break will see this good-looking son of Indian Ridge strengthen up, and he will soon be losing his maiden tag on the way to better things. Trainer Marcus Tregoning confirms Ikbal well and back in training.
Invincible 3 Year Old Filly
Slip Anchor - Blessed Honour (Ahonoora)
Current Trainer:	J.R. Fanshawe
Invicible made her debut at Bath in a competitive maiden in October. Sent off at 7/1 she was always in touch with the leaders, and making an effort over two furlongs from home, she stayed on at the same pace to finish a four length fourth. Sure to improve over middle distances James has kindly reported that Invincible has wintered well, is a nice straightforward filly and should be running mid-season.
Irish Stream (USA) 3 Year Old Colt
Irish River (FR) – Euphonic (USA) (The Minstrel (CAN))
Current Trainer:	R. Charlton
Irish Stream ran in three well-contested maidens last season, all over seven furlongs. On his debut he showed a good turn of foot before going under by three-quarters of a length in third place to John Dunlop’s Four Question, who subsequently ran fourth behind Nayef at Newbury. Still looking green in his next race, Irish Stream was again run out of it close home, and beaten only half a length. His final outing resulted in a ten length sixth in a hot maiden at Doncaster, where he ran a respectable race without ever getting into serious contention. Roger Charlton advises us that Irish Stream has had a good winter and is the sort of horse who should improve as a three year old over middle distances. Macdune (FR) 3 Year Old Colt Machiavellian (USA) – Sandhill (IRE) (Danehill (USA)) Current Trainer: E.A.L. Dunlop Macdune ran in two maidens during the 2000 flat season. On both occasions he showed up well until two furlongs out, and was then ridden with his future in mind. Trainer Ed Dunlop reported Macdune fit and well when contacted, and he duly reappeared on the opening day of the 2001 season. Steadied at the start, he tracked the eventual winner Gryffindor, travelling strongly within himself for five furlongs. As the winner quickened Macdune began to tire and dropped away to finish at the rear of the field. This run will do his handicap mark no harm, and it should be noted that his trainer is yet to hit form. Barry Hills commented the ground was the worst he had seen at Doncaster in thirty-five years. Magic To Do (IRE) 3 Year Old Colt Spectrum (IRE) – Smouldering (IRE) (Caerleon (USA)) Current Trainer: R.F. Johnson Houghton Fulke Johnson Houghton has enjoyed success at every level in the game and he is still more than capable of sending out winners, as his record of nineteen winners in the 2000 season shows. Magic To Do made his debut in a potentially hot maiden at Doncaster in October. Held up at the rear of the field he made good progress throughout the final quarter of a mile, displaying a willing attitude to finish ninth of the twenty-one runners. The trainer has informed us that Magic To Do has done well over the winter. He is likely to start off at around ten furlongs and is worth scanning the runners index for this season. Moreover (IRE) 3 Year Old Filly Caerleon (USA) – Overcall (Bustino) Current Trainer: Sir Mark Prescott Sir Mark Prescott has rightly earned a reputation of improving his two year olds into considerably better three year olds. Last season he had a twenty two percent strike rate with that age group. Three average runs in maidens, one of those on the all-weather at Wolverhampton in November will almost certainly ensure a favourable handicap mark, and Sir Mark informs us that Moreover has been back in the stables since early February. She showed enough on her debut to suggest that the ability is there, and her pedigree suggests that distances around a mile and a half will suit. Mumbling (IRE) 3 Year Old Colt Dr.Devious (IRE) – Valley Lights (IRE) (Dance Of Life (USA)) Current Trainer: M.H. Tompkins Mumbling appeared in two hot maidens ran at Newmarket won by Demophilos and Terrestrial. On his debut he was prominent for three furlongs before being ridden at halfway, weakening over two furlongs out, he was allowed to come home in his own time. Two weeks later, having raced prominently in the centre of the course, he was ridden and outpaced three furlongs out before being steadily eased down. Mumbling showed enough to suggest he will improve greatly over middle distances, and trainer Mark Tompkins reports him in good shape and cantering at present. North Point (IRE) 3 Year Old Colt Definite Article – Friendly Song (Song) Current Trainer: A.P. Jarvis North Point made his the first of his three appearances last season in a maiden at Doncaster where he was outpaced throughout. His second run came three weeks later in another maiden at Salisbury where, racing on the unfavoured side he showed promise before weakening. His final run at Doncaster behind Ed Dunlop’s Harmony Row showed more improvement. Having been bumped at the start, he then raced in midfield before making headway from two furlongs out. He stayed on well in the final furlong to be a never nearer fifth beaten eight and a half lengths. North Point is now qualified for handicaps and, back in training, he is very much one to follow at distances of around a mile. Olden Times 3 Year Old Colt Darshaan – Garah (Ajdal (USA)) Current Trainer: J.L. Dunlop Olden Times appeared on the course just once, coming fourth, in the maiden at York in July won by Mark Johnson’s quite useful colt Saratov. The first three home all went on to win their next races and Red Carpet, who finished fifth, went on to win his next two races before finishing third in the Middle Park later in the season. In the race itself Olden Times travelled well before finding himself in a pocket on the rails two furlongs out. He then had to be switched to get a run and finished well into fourth, beaten just over a length. Olden Times has the ability to be a very good three year old and still holds entries in the 2000 Guineas and Derby, though a mile and a half may well stretch his stamina. Trainer John Dunlop informs us that he horse back in full work. Pico 3 Year Old Filly Piccolo - Chatterberry (Aragon) Current Trainer: C.E. Brittain Pico has a sprint-bred pedigree, and two runs on unsuitably soft ground showed that she is blessed with enough speed to be able to make an impact in her second season. Prominent for four furlongs on her debut in the maiden won by Ajwaa at Newmarket she then reappeared at Yarmouth ten days later on atrocious going. Pico pulled hard early, yet still displayed good speed before weakening in the final furlong. Mr.Brittain reports Pico back in training. A third run will qualify her for handicaps and her reappearance is eagerly awaited. Polar Rock 3 Year Old Filly Polar Falcon (USA) - South Rock (Rock City) Current Trainer: M.L.W. Bell Michael Bell is a shrewd placer of his horses and in Polar Rock he has a filly well worth keeping an eye out for. Making her debut in a maiden at Warwick, Polar Rock missed the break and took a keen hold in the rear, ridden three furlongs out, she ran on to be a never dangerous twelve lengths off the winner. Seven weeks later at Yarmouth she was again held up. Making progress after halfway Polar Rock switched left over a furlong out and ran on to be seventh. Polar Rock’s trainer reports that she is back in training, and it is anticipated that distances around a mile to ten furlongs will suit. Ranin 3 Year Old Filly Unfuwain (USA) - Nafhaat (USA) (Roberto (USA)) Current Trainer: E.A.L. Dunlop Ranin is a useful middle distance filly in the making. Three runs in maidens showed her to have ability and she is expected to progress further this season. A promising debut at Salisbury was followed by a strong finishing fifth in a decent maiden at Newmarket. On her final outing, on desperate ground at Yarmouth, she chased home the above average Heavenly Whisper. Appearing to act on most surfaces her trainer reports that she is cantering and we believe she deserves her place in this guide. Red Rosie (USA) 3 Year Old Filly Red Ransom (USA) - Do’s Gent (CAN) (Vice Regent (CAN)) Current Trainer: Mrs. A.J. Perrett Red Rosie had just one run in the maiden won by Terrestrial at Newmarket in October. Held up in the rear early, Red Rosie made headway to chase the leaders in the centre of the course. She was ridden three furlongs out and ran on but was never able to challenge, finishing in midfield beaten twelve lengths. Related to second season winners in the USA she will probably start off over ten furlongs, and with improvement expected, her maiden tag should not be long in disappearing. The trainer reports Red Rosie back in the stable and in full training. Reverie 3 Year Old Colt Bishop Of Cashel - Space Travel (Dancing Dissident (USA)) Current Trainer: R. Hannon Richard Hannon is a more than accomplished trainer at every level and in Reverie he has a colt destined to display his training skills of sprinters. Three runs in maidens will have qualified him for a reasonable handicap mark. Reverie started 7/2 favourite for his first two runs and showed good speed until two out. On his final run he again showed speed on heavy ground before being eased down. Sure to have benefited from a winters rest, trainer Richard Hannon reports him back in training and he is one keep a close eye on. Ribbon Of Light 3 Year Old Filly Spectrum (IRE) - Brush Away (Ahonoora) Current Trainer: B.W. Hills Barry Hills as trainer and Jack Hanson as owner is a mouth-watering combination. Well known for tilts at the ring with handicappers, they have in Ribbon Of Light a filly of some potential. In her only run in the maiden won by Ed Dunlop’s Harmony Row at Doncaster, she reared at the start and raced strongly in the back division, making steady headway she finished in midfield sixteen lengths off the winner. Barry Hills kindly advises us that Ribbon of Light is very well and that he is hopeful of a good season with her. Ripcord (IRE) 3 Year Old Gelding Diesis - Native Twine (Be My Native (USA)) Current Trainer: J.H.M. Gosden Ripcord ran three times in maidens last season and, having finished last on his debut, he improved steadily throughout the year. At Doncaster on his final outing he was slowly away and raced in the rear before making steady headway to finish in eighth place, fourteen lengths behind Zilch who had ran in a much higher grade in his previous races. Sure to improve over middle distances, Ripcord’s second season promises to show a marked improvement with handicaps the starting point. John Gosden kindly informs us that Ripcord has been gelded and remains in training for the forthcoming flat season. Rose Peel 3 Year Old Filly Danehill (USA) - Why So Silent (Mill Reef (USA)) Current Trainer: P.W. Harris Rose Peel is only small, however she showed enough in her two runs to suggest that she will do better when running in handicaps this season. On her debut Rose Peel was slowly into her stride, making some progress as she was driven along on the outside over three furlongs out. However, not possessing the pace to trouble the leaders she eventually finished in midfield. On her second run, behind the promising Quick To Please, she made good progress in the final quarter of a mile to be beaten only seven lengths. Since that filly is highly thought of by trainer Henry Cecil, it was undoubtedly a very useful race. Distances from a mile and upwards will suit, and her trainer reports her back in training and we believe she will be a filly to follow. Rosie (FR) 3 Year Old Filly Bering - Scarlet Plume (Warning) Current Trainer: J.L. Dunlop Rosie is a filly with a pedigree that suggests ten furlongs and upwards will suit. Once again three runs in maidens were the order of the day. After a somewhat inauspicious debut, Rosie improved in her next two runs behind Heavenly Whisper at Yarmouth and then Jungle Lion at Doncaster, where on both occasions she ran well without getting really competitive. In the right hands, Rosie is back in full work, she could be the type to run up a sequence. Roue 3 Year Old Colt Efisio - Ideal Home (Home Guard (USA)) Current Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute Sir Michael Stoute has a promising sort in this son of Efisio. Making his debut in a maiden at Doncaster, Roue was settled in midfield and was being pushed along to maintain his position when he was hampered three furlongs out. Having appeared to have accepted the situation Roue’s jockey then found his mount running on strongly again, and he finished best of all amongst the unplaced runners. His trainer reports him back in training and it is suggested that a mile will suit this likeable individual, and his progress will be monitored with interest. Smashing Time (USA) 3 Year Old Filly Smart Strike (CAN) - Broken Peace (USA) (Devil’s Bag (USA)) Current Trainer: Mrs. A.J. Perrett In Smashing Time Amanda Perrett has yet another young horse to look forward to this coming season. A cheap buy at 5,800 guineas Smashing Time made her debut in the maiden at Newmarket won by Malhub. Sent off at only 7/1 she made good progress under rider Michael Kinane from way off the pace to be only six lengths behind the winner at the line. A somewhat disappointing run on her next outing can be attributed to the atrocious ground. Another run is needed for a handicap mark and she should more than pay her way in that sphere. The trainer reports Smashing Time back in the stable and in full training. Stands To Reason 3 Year Old Gelding Hernando (FR) - Reason To Dance (Damister (USA)) Current Trainer: L.G. Cottrell Stands To Reason made his debut at Newbury in the maiden won by Munir. Starting slowly and the back marker at one stage, he gave the leaders an enormous start. Steadily finding his stride he came flying through in the last quarter of a mile to finish fourth, seven lengths behind the winner. Stands To Reason’s action shows a soft surface is always likely to be preferred, and it will be interesting to see how his able trainer campaigns him this season. Mr. Cottrell reported to us that Stands To Reason was backward and unfurnished last year and that he has wintered well. Ten furlongs and upwards will bring out the best in this promising individual. Sunley Scent 3 Year Old Filly Wolfhound (USA) - Brown Velvet (Mansingh (USA)) Current Trainer: M.R. Channon Mick Channon has a promising sprinting prospect on his hands in Sunley Scent. Catching the eye on her debut at Windsor, she then ran in the maiden won by Munir at Newbury. Travelling strongly before being carried across the track, her jockey then held her together on the run to the line. In an interesting switch to an all-weather maiden at Lingfield in November, she became outpaced at halfway, before running wide and staying on strongly to be beaten only two lengths into fourth place. Her trainer reports her well, and she will hopefully make up into a more than useful handicapper this season. Sunstone 3 Year Old Filly Caerleon (USA) - Chita Rivera (Chief Singer) Current Trainer: M.R. Channon Mick Channon displayed great patience with Sunstone who will appreciate middle distances this season. Appearing just once in the D Grade maiden won by Quick to Please at Doncaster, Sunstone was sent off as short as 9/1 in the twenty-five runner field. Racing in midfield, following a slow start, she travelled strongly before being eased down in the final furlong. Mick Channon reports that Sunstone has made up into a nice three year old, and her entry in the Oaks reflects the belief that she will be a classy filly over a distance of ground. The Glen 3 Year Old Colt Mtoto - Silver Singer (Pharly (FR)) Current Trainer: B.W. Hills The Glen made his debut in the well-contested race won by John Gosden’s promising colt Terrestial at Newmarket in October. Held up in the centre at the rear of the field The Glen was ridden over two furlongs out, responding and keeping on really well he finished ninth, seven lengths behind the winner without being knocked about in any way. Barry Hills reports that The Glen, who has a Derby entry, very well and he is hopeful of a good season with him. Middle distances will bring about major improvement and this son of Mtoto, whose stock tend to improve with age, is one to keep on the right side. Trust In Paula (USA) 3 Year Old Filly Arazi (USA) - Trust In Dixie (USA) (Dixieland Band (USA)) Current Trainer: D. Haydn Jones Derek Haydn Jones had a quiet time last year and it is hoped that Trust In Paula will help revive his fortunes this season. Three runs in average maidens will see her favourably handicapped this year, and she will start off at distances of around a mile. Steadily improving throughout the season her final run at Windsor, where she chased the leaders most of the way before finishing seven lengths behind the promising Got To Go, showed the ability her trainer hoped she had. Derek kindly advised us that Trust In Paula has progressed well over the winter and is back in full training, and we wish both of them a successful season. Xtra 3 Year Old Colt Sadler’s Wells (USA) - Oriental Mystique (Kris) Current Trainer: L.M. Cumani A Derby entry confirms the high regard that his trainer holds in Xtra, and a successful season is expected in 2001. Making his debut in the Chesterton Maiden Stakes at Newmarket in October he missed the break before staying on late in the day in what was an undoubtedly useful race. Xtra followed this by an excellent run behind the well-regarded Welsh Border, where having looked in trouble a quarter of a mile from home he rallied and kept on really well to be beaten a length at the line. Xtra is a good-looking colt who was well supported in the market, and who moved well to post on both his appearances. He is currently cantering and will be ready to start fast work shortly. It is hoped he will make his mark this year. Yorker (USA) 3 Year Old Colt Boundary (USA) – Shallows (USA) (Cox’s Ridge (USA)) Current Trainer: J.M.P. Eustace James Eustace is a trainer who can always be relied on to find improvement in horses in their second season, and in Yorker he may well have found another. Almost certain to start off in handicaps following his three two year old runs, Yorker showed on his final outing at Nottingham in October, where he kept on really well under hands and heels riding, enough promise to suggest that he will be one to take a keen interest in this season. The trainer has reported Yorker well and back in full work.