By Tom Frary
In the latest of the series targeting “dark horses” to follow in 2020, TDN's Tom Frary speaks to Ralph Beckett about a potentially smart colt in his yard.
MASCAT (GB), c, 3, Zoffany (Ire)–Critical Acclaim (GB), by Peintre Celebre.
Bred by Coln Valley Stud and an 80,000gns Tattersalls October Book 2 purchase, the stoutly-bred chestnut from the Juddmonte family of Observatory bettered a promising debut second behind 'TDN Rising Star' Palace Pier (GB) (Kingman {GB}) over seven furlongs at Sandown in August with a breakthrough score upped to a mile at Newmarket the following month. It is notable that his maiden victory came in a contest won in the past by such luminaries as Telescope (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), Eminent (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) and Ghaiyyath (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}).
“He ran well both times and has done well throughout the winter, so we're looking forward to where he takes us,” Beckett comments. “I don't have a set theory about him, as he was pretty immature at two and so I expect him to progress. He'll start off in stakes races and will lead us to his level. I am a fan of his, he is very professional and I think there is plenty to look forward to. He goes about his work well.”
Mascat's pedigree: Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
Mascat's debut at Sandown: Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.
Mascat's win at Newmarket: Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.
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