Which juveniles impressed on Saturday with a view to 2023's Classics?

We saw a number of impressive two-year-old winners on another busy Saturday, but who do our experts think stood out and who offers the most value looking ahead to next year's Classics?

Silver Knott

The Charlie Appleby-trained Silver Knott really impressed me with how he travelled into the Solario Stakes at Sandown, much more so than the way he put the race to bed under Pat Dobbs.

He’s a horse with a serious engine but he lengthened rather than sped away from them, which suggested his next start might be at a mile rather than that distance being his Classic target.

He strikes me more as a Dante/Derby sort than a Guineas type at this stage. He was cut to 16-1 for the 2,000 Guineas by Betfair after his win.

Silver Knott: an impressive winner of the Solario StakesCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

His breeding would back that up, as he's by Lope De Vega out of a half-sister to Postponed, so I expect middle distances to bring about his best next season.

He may just be benefiting from the advantage of Appleby being able to work his two-year-olds on grass at home, but he was 11-10 favourite on his debut against subsequent Acomb winner Chaldean.
Stuart Riley, reporter

Watch Silver Knott's impressive victory in the Solario Stakes

Meditate

She was tackling seven furlongs for the first time, but the manner in which Meditate won the Group 2 Debutante Stakes suggested there was plenty left.

She would have won by further except for taking a false step 50 yards from the line, and Ryan Moore rode her in a way that suggested he knew she would see out the trip.

She looks the type of filly who finds more the more you ask of her, and the manner in which she kicked on at the furlong pole suggested she would have no problem stepping up to a mile in time.

Her breeding might suggest she may be more effective over shorter given she's by No Nay Never, but her dam is a half-sister to mile Group 3 winner Johnny Barnes, and she looks to have inherited plenty of those characteristics.

She's likely to return for the Moyglare Stud Stakes on Irish Champions Weekend. Victory there would set up a tilt at next season's 1,000 Guineas, for which she was cut to 2-1 generally.
Brian Dowling, reporter

See how Meditate wins the Group 2 Debutante Stakes

Frankness

Frankness was a very impressive winner for Andrew Balding at Chester and he has another exciting two-year-old to look forward to.

It’s a second course-and-distance victory for the Frankel filly and Harry Davies hardly had to lift his finger as she bolted her way six and a half lengths clear of the field.

Andrew Balding has another two-year-old to look forward toCredit: Edward Whitaker

In her previous outing at Chester, I was a little surprised not to see her made favourite, but she made light work of her rival Endeared that day.

Despite reacting slowly when leaving the stalls this time, she quickly took control of the race and cruised her way home without being asked to do anything serious. Her main rival Tellus put up a solid fight, but Frankness powered clear three furlongs out and is certain to step up in class.

Her pedigree suggests she’ll get further than seven furlongs – she’s out of a sister to 1m2f Group 1 winner Arabian Queen – but for now Balding will have plenty of opportunities for his filly.
Liam Headd, reporter

Watch Frankness gallop away from her Chester rivals

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