FOUR CHARM SPIRIT 2YOS TO FOLLOW
The first two-year-olds by Charm Spirit have hit the track this year. Here are four to follow, all owned by Qatar Racing.
First up is Archaeology with Johnny Murtagh in Ireland. Given he's out of Sadler's Wells mare Shuttle Mission, a close relation of smart middle-distance performer Kocab, it's highly encouraging that he's set to start off over sprint trips. Archaeology was bought for 33,000 guineas at the Tattersalls December Foal Sale and it should soon look money very well spent.
The second Charm Spirit colt to look out for is Wiretap trained by David Simcock in Newmarket. Qatar Racing homebred Wiretap is out of Orpen mare Ysper, a winner over five furlongs, and it would appear he's inherited plenty of her speed. Ysper is a half-sister to Gr. 1 Cheveley Park Stakes winner Vorda, the Champion two-year-old filly in France in 2013, and we can't wait to see her son on the racecourse.
The first Charm Spirit filly for your notebooks is Shape of Water with Richard Hannon. She's out of Salse mare Mill Guineas, who has already produced black-type fillies Mill Marin and Olvia. Richard describes as a "lovely filly" though she may be one for the second half of the campaign. She was purchased for €80,000 at the Goffs Orby Yearling Sale.
Finally we have New Queen in training with Charlie Hills. She's out of Galileo mare Air Biscuit, a three-time winner and half-sister to dual Gr. 3 winner Ziria, herself dam of five black-type performers. New Queen was also bought at the Tattersalls Foal Sale and could prove fantastic value at 30,000 guineas.
Another first-season sire with close links to Pearl Bloodstock/Qatar Racing is triple Gr. 1 winner (including the Melbourne Cup) Dunaden. There are a host of Dunaden two-year-olds set to carry the yellow and blue Pearl colours this season, including a colt with Ger Lyons and fillies with Andrew Balding and Ralph Beckett.
