Sangarius out to take the Frankel route to stardom in Flying Scotsman Stakes

Walking in the shadows of greatness is no enviable task but it is hard not to hope for something a little special from Sangarius, who follows in the footsteps of Frankel when contesting the Listed Weatherbys Global Stallions App Flying Scotsman Stakes (4.05) on just his second start.

Eight years ago Frankel graduated from a Newmarket maiden win to victory in this race, when it was run as a conditions event, before going on to greatness and, having opened his own account at Newmarket in the Juddmonte colours of Khalid Abdullah, the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Sangarius bids to maintain his perfect record in the same race.

“He’s a son of Kingman so that’s important to us,” said the owner’s racing manager Teddy Grimthorpe. “He won nicely, if not spectacularly at Newmarket, and has come out of it well. He’s worked nicely since and has been straight forward.

"He’s never been hurried but he’s come to hand nicely. He’s always been a nice horse and has a bit of scope about him."

The Group 1 Darley Dewhurst Stakes, a race Frankel also won as a juvenile, and the Racing Post Trophy back at Doncaster next month could be possible targets should all go to plan under Ryan Moore, by which time the 25-1 offered by bet365 and BoyleSports for next season’s Qipco 2,000 Guineas will be long gone.

Watch Sangarius win at Newmarket

In an intriguing line-up, every runner has already tasted success and You Never Can Tell is also out to defend an unbeaten record after a winning debut at Thirsk.

“He won well and hasn't run since because I didn't want to run him on firm ground or the all-weather,” said trainer Richard Spencer, who is enjoying a good run with his juveniles.

“He hadn't done a lot before going into his debut and he was green but he did it nicely. He hasn't got the experience and it's a step up in class and trip but hopefully he's able to compete with that quality of horse.”

Commanding Officer already has three runs under his belt and was off the mark at the third time of asking in the lucrative Convivial Maiden at York last time.

“It was a very good performance and there were some very well-regarded colts in behind him,” said trainer Karl Burke. “He’s a lovely horse and is very much one for next year, but he deserves his chance in a black-type race and he will hopefully perform very well.”

Anna Nerium: highest-rated in the Sceptre StakesCredit: Mark Cranham

Just 3lb covers the top four on official ratings in the Group 3 Japan Racing Association Sceptre Stakes (1.50), with Anna Nerium just shading the issue, although the Richard Hannon-trained daughter of Dubawi carries a 3lb penalty for her recent Goodwood success.

“The ground will be absolutely perfect for her as she likes to get her toe in and she has come out of Goodwood in great shape,” said Hannon. “We are looking at going to America next month so she would need to perform well here if that is to remain in the equation.”

Laugh Aloud is likely to be popular in the market after returning from over a year off with a promising fourth-placed effort behind Veracious in the Group 3 Atalanta Stakes at Sandown.

Dan’s Dream ran back to something like her Nell Gwyn-winning form when narrowly beaten at Tipperary a fortnight ago, while Hence has been in action even more recently for Aidan O’Brien, who said: “She ran in a Listed race at Listowel on Monday and seems to have come out of the race well. We're dropping her back in trip and we think that might help her.”

On her best form Ellthea could give all her rivals plenty to think about and trainer Karl Burke believes there is good reason to believe that last year’s Weld Park winner is only just coming to herself.

“I’d prefer some rain for her, the heavier the better,” said Burke, “but she is in great order and she suffers a bit with her seasons. The same as last year she really seems to have picked up now the autumn is here.

"She won nursery at this meeting last year and then went on and won a Group race and was fifth in the Fillies’ Mile.”

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