The window to the first Classic preview in Europe is indeed ajar. However, experience tells us it will not be open for long. The 'trials' gallop by at great speed, and if you manage to pick up any clues, you count yourself lucky.
The window to the first Classic preview in Europe is indeed ajar. However, experience tells us it will not be open for long. The 'trials' gallop by at great speed, and if you manage to pick up any clues, you count yourself lucky.
Don't be disheartened, though, because the arrival of Newmarket's Craven Meeting on the famous Rowley Mile course signals the 'real' start of the Flat season in Britain, and with it comes the opportunity for some of the best young horses in training to reappear.
Godolphin are relying heavily on Emotionless to be the Royal blue flagship this Spring - reports of his progress continue to be upbeat - but among the up and coming types to watch is the appropriately-named Very Talented, who runs in Thursday's G3 Craven Stakes, over one mile.
Last season, his trainer Saeed bin Suroor believed the colt to be a little on the weak side, but he has since reported great improvement in him as an individual. "He has developed into a very nice horse, and I expect him to run well," he said.
The John Gosden-trained Foundation, spoken of as a Derby contender, is among the entries for the Craven, so a clash with such a highly-rated colt will give Team Godolphin a good guide to prospects.
Very Talented, a son of Invincible Spirit, won one of his three starts as a two-year-old, his maiden win at Doncaster, defeating Linguistic, arguably being his best.
Saeed also sends a talented type in First Victory to run in Tuesday's G3 Nell Gwyn Stakes, with James Doyle in the saddle.
Last weekend, the two Classic pointers at Leopardstown may not live up to their name, yet they were won by decent horses. The Aga Khan's Harzand followed a win by 16 lengths in a Cork maiden with a battling victory in the G3 Ballysax Stakes, defeating Idaho.
The 1,000 Guineas Trial went to the Adrian Keatley-trained Jet Setting, but it should be remembered that it was in heavy ground, with several well-regarded finishing well back.
In Australia, Lucia Valentina landed the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Randwick, which marked a welcome return to form for the mare. More than 18 months ago, she finished third in the Caulfield Cup and looked one of the best horses in the country. She has bounced back well.
