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Going down the High Chaparral route - could River Thames make a big splash?

River Thames (7) strides out to win nicely on his debut under Wayne Lordan
River Thames (7) strides out to win nicely on his debut under Wayne LordanCredit: Patrick McCann

High Chaparral famously made his debut at Punchestown and, while it would be ridiculous to suggest River Thames will make as big a splash, it was hard not to be impressed by the manner of his debut victory in the BetVictor-sponsored mile maiden.

The Churchill colt holds an entry in the Beresford Stakes at the Curragh later this month, as well as the Royal Lodge and Vertem Futurity Trophy across the water, and it would come as no great surprise to see him show up in one of those contests.

The way in which he quickened up down the outside of the pack, without Wayne Lordan having to get serious at all, was very easy on the eye and the man aboard seemed just as impressed as the rest of us.

Lordan said of the Aidan O'Brien-trained debutant: "He's a fine, big colt and has always gone nicely at home. I struggled a little bit in the first half of the race and he just showed his inexperience on the track. From halfway he started to come home well and I felt like he won well. I won snug at the line.

"He's quite a big two-year-old so next year is hopefully going to be a nice one for him."

Lordan went on to complete a double on Champion Green in the 1m1f maiden, justifying 4-6 favouritism with the minimum of fuss.

No mistaking Alizarine's ability

Alizarine is best known for Aurora Princess running in her place at Galway, but she started making a name for herself here by winning the opening fillies' maiden despite being badly hampered by the wayward Perfect Thunder in the closing stages, recording a neck victory over Esculenta at the line.

Alizarine: the real filly showed up this time, getting off the mark in the opening maiden
Alizarine: the real filly showed up this time, getting off the mark in the opening maidenCredit: Patrick McCann

The daughter of Sea The Moon is entered in the Fillies' Mile at Newmarket next month so is obviously held in high regard by her trainer Jessica Harrington, whose hot streak continued later on the card when My Holy Fox won the 1m1f fillies' handicap.

Harrington said of Alizarine: "She had some fancy entries and I've always thought a lot of her. We'll try and find one of those backend Listed or Group 3 races. I'd love to step her up to a mile as well."

Chris Hayes, who did the steering on Alizarine, went on to register a double himself in the 1m1f rated race on the Ado McGuinness-trained Casanova, who was too good for Dance Jupiter.


Results, replays and analysis


Read more of Tuesday's reports:

'Finally we've got it right' - Dante's View peaks at last to get off the mark

'This win is for him' - Joanna Mason picks up double on poignant day

Apprentice Aled Beech buzzing after first double at seaside circuit


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David JenningsDeputy Ireland editor

Published on 14 September 2021inReports

Last updated 20:37, 14 September 2021

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