Al Naseem (R8 Hanshin, 1800m Class 1, Sunday June 26)

Al Naseem had already stamped himself as a horse of serious potential with a fourth in the Asahi Hai Futurity as a two-year-old, finishing less than three lengths behind the Derby winner Do Deuce. 

As a younger horse Al Naseem had a tendency to miss the start and be slow to muster speed but in Sunday’s he jumped fast and found a spot just off the speed and wide. 

Once unleashed, the Maurice colt surged home with an impressive stretch run, winning with his ears pricked. 

The newfound ability to jump away and find a spot, then let go with a turn-of-foot should help Al Naseem win at least two more races this season as he builds confidence ahead of his return to open class.  

Chandeleur (R5 Tokyo, 1800m Newcomer, Saturday June 25)

Japanese newcomers are true to their description and go to the races for the first time with a surprising lack of race education particularly around other horses. 

So it wasn’t surprising that jockey Mirco Demuro put Chandeleur’s win down to natural talent after he cruised to a length and three-quarters win over 1800m on Saturday. 

“He does not know what is racing at this moment,” Demuro said. “His inborn talents won him the race”

Chandeleur bounced to the front for Demuro and despite throwing his head in the air  and racing greenly in the early stages, he was able to settle and follow along behind the leader. What happened next was key though, as Chandeleur dropped his head and relaxed through the middle stages, which allowed enough energy for an impressive final sprint. 

Trainer Sakae Kunieda believes Chandeleur is a high potential horse and that the colt will suit a longer trip. 

I believe we will see this horse competing in group races in the future. 

Chandeleur is out of stakes-placed mare Majestic Quality, who was purchased out of the Keeneland 2018 January Horses of All Ages Sale for USD$350,000. Chandeleur is her second colt by Epiphaneia.