Making the kind of instant impression his full-brother Al Wukair (Ire) would have been proud of when winning York's Convivial Maiden S., 'TDN Rising Star' Dream Today (Ire) (Dream Ahead) has to deal with another type of opponent in Saturday's G2 Howcroft Industrial Supplies Champagne S. at Doncaster. Beating the experienced Gabr (GB) (Intello {Ger}) and Laugh a Minute (GB) (Mayson {GB}), the latter of which was an impressive scorer here on Thursday, in that valuable seven-furlong maiden, he carries the hopes of the Mark Johnston stable replete with juvenile talent this year. “We really liked him in the spring and then he had a setback which kept him off until the second half of the season,” the trainer's son and assistant Charlie explained. “He's always worked like a very good horse, which is why we decided to run him in the Convivial first time out. We were pretty confident going to York and he confirmed what he'd been showing us at home on the track. This is still a big step up, going from a maiden straight into a Group 2, so we'll find out how good he is.”
Godolphin's unbeaten Mythical Magic (Ire) (Iffraaj {GB}) made all to beat 'TDN Rising Star' Cascadian (GB) (New Approach {Ire}) in the Listed Prix Francois Boutin over this trip at Deauville on Aug. 13 and looks to give the Charlie Appleby yard a third win in the last five renewals. “We've been very pleased with him on his two starts to date and having won on good-to-soft and soft ground, ground conditions are of no concern,” the trainer commented. “He's a horse we loved in the spring, but he's a really imposing horse and he just went a bit weak on us during the summer. We gave him a bit of time to strengthen up and now I think he's ready to step up into this grade. For me, he's the one they've all got to beat and it would be great for a colt like him if we can keep his unbeaten record intact.”
Renewing rivalry from the Listed Washington Singer S. are the first and second Hey Gaman (GB) (New Approach {Ire}) and Red Mist (GB) (Frankel {GB}), with just a short head separating them in that Newbury contest at this distance on Aug. 19. The former had a major experience edge on that occasion and it could be that the vanquished has more improvement in the locker. “I'd like to see the ground dry out, but he's in flying form,” Red Mist's trainer Simon Crisford said. “I think the ground was against him last time. I can't help but feel on quicker ground he can use his turn of foot. He's very smart, he's doing well and hopefully he can run a good race.”
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