Newmarket preview: Feilden Stakes (16:40)
Published:
Golden Horn looked something out of the ordinary when winning on his debut, and can land the Feilden Stakes at Newamrket today (16:40) in the hands of Frankie Dettori.
This John Gosden trained colt got up late to beat Storm The Stars by a head in a 1m maiden at Nottingham back in October, but the winning margin doesn’t tell the whole story.
After being slowly away and quickly trailing the field, Golden Horn got outpaced three from home before being switched to the outside and showing an explosive turn of foot to mow down the runner-up.
The pair pulled seven lengths clear of the field to give the form a solid look, and the manner of the performance suggested Golden Horn was a pattern performer in the making and needed keeping firmly onside this season.
The well-bred son of Cape Cross is already being talked of in some quarters as a live outsider for the Derby, and if he is to live up to those lofty expectations, then Golden Horn needs to be winning this 1m 1f Listed contest.
Festive Affair is unbeaten in two starts and looks the obvious danger to the selection.
The colt represents red-hot trainer Charlie Appleby, and after edging out a stablemate on his debut at Lingfield back in January looked an exciting prospect when following up in decisive fashion at Kempton.
Festive Affair made a mockery of his handicap mark to saunter clear and score by 4 1/2 lengths, leaving the distinct impression that he would be up to making his mark at this level.
The beautifully bred son of Teofilo also has the benefit of race fitness on his side and, with William Buick in the saddle, looks sure to go close.
Another with claims is the Sir Michael Stoute trained Disegno.
The colt shaped with plenty of promise when third on debut over 6f and duly improved for the experience to open his account in good style next time up over 7f at Kempton.
Disegno went on to round-off last season with a solid second to Kodi Bear in a 7f Listed contest over 7f at Ascot, and looks the type who will do even better as a three-year-old now stepped up in trip.
