Good introduction bodes well for the future of Old Persian

Affluence
Fifth, 7f novice auction, Leicester, Tuesday, August 8
This was a highly pleasing introduction from Affluence. Slowly into stride, Martin Smith’s newcomer was held up and ran on inside the final furlong into a close fifth without troubling the leaders.
He seems sure to progress with time given little is generally expected of the yard’s two-year-olds, especially first time out, as Smith is 0-33 with juveniles.
Affluence is a half brother to 5f all-weather winner Snoozy Sioux but has stamina on the dam’s side.

Harrogate
Seventh, 6f novice, Haydock, Thursday, August 10
Harrogate is held in very high regard but was in need of this debut when tiring in the final furlong.
Showing good pace, Harrogate was still moving well at halfway but faded in the closing stages under a thoughtful ride from Danny Tudhope.
Trainer James Bethell said afterwards: “The ground was too soft for him. He’s a good-moving horse and needed the race. I have no doubt he’s a very good prospect.”
The son of Society Rock is a half-brother to 5f all-weather winner Monte Cinq out of a mare with Group 2-winning relations in Snaadee and Russian Bond, so there’s certainly plenty of hope for the future.

Old Persian
Third, 7f maiden, Newmarket, Friday, August 11
Old Persian ran a race full of promise when third on his debut behind surprise 33-1 winner Vintager and highly touted stablemate Symbolization.
Charlie Appleby’s well-bred son of Dubawi is out of a sister to Group 2 winner Silkwood and half-sister to two-year-old Group 2 winner Silent Honor.
Drawn in stall 12 of 13, he broke well and led the field beyond the two-furlong pole before being ridden with only hands and heels in the closing stages.
This was a lovely introduction and Old Persian is sure to build significantly on this enjoyable experience.