Half-Brother to Nations Pride On Deck for Kempton Debut

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Monday's Observations features a newcomer from the Charlie Appleby yard.

13.30 Kempton, £20,000, Mdn, 2yo, 8f (AWT)
Godolphin's hitherto untested NATION'S HOPE (IRE) (Ghaiyyath {Ire}) is a half-brother to GI Saratoga Derby, G1 Grosser Dallmayr Preis, GI Canadian International and GI Arlington Million hero Nations Pride (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}). His one dozen rivals include gelded stablemate Naqada King (American Pharoah), who is a $200,000 Keeneland September half to GII Hall Of Fame victor Ready To Purrform (Kitten's Joy); and Denford Stud's homebred Leighton (GB) (Frankel {GB}), who is a son of G1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud and G1 Prix Jean Romanet heroine Coronet (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), from the John and Thady Gosden stable.