Won by the likes of Oh So Sharp (Ire) (Kris {GB}), Raven's Pass and Kingman (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), Sandown's G3 TCA Abu Dhabi Solario S. can be significant in the grand scheme and Saturday's renewal harbours at least one or two who threaten to make some future headlines.
There has always been a strong vibe surrounding Qatar Racing's South Seas (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}), who scored by eight lengths on debut at Windsor June 20 and in a conditions event at Haydock July 15 both staged on soft ground over six furlongs.
“The horse was very impressive in his maiden and won well enough at Haydock last time,” trainer Andrew Balding said. “The extra furlong should be to his advantage and the ground shouldn't be a problem. He's a horse we really like and has huge potential, so hopefully he'll be capable of stepping up in the better grade.”
Another with potential to quicken the pulse is Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum's Ascot maiden scorer Eqtiraan (Ire) (Helmet {Aus}), who made all despite looking green over six furlongs July 22 and the racing manager Angus Gold is keen to see him in this company.
“Potentially, he's a very nice horse,” he said. “He's a big, scopey horse who is probably more of a horse for next year, but he definitely has plenty of ability. He just needs to grow up a little bit. He got a few things wrong at Ascot, but still had the class to win. We want to teach him the right way and we've left Timmy [Murphy] on him, as he does all the work on him at home and knows him well.”
Al Asayl Bloodstock's Majoris (Ire) carries the Frankel (GB) banner and is more than entitled to be here after winning a Newmarket nursery by seven lengths over this trip last time Aug. 6. “He's got to step forward, but he's in good shape and hopefully with a fair wind and a bit of luck he can,” trainer Hugo Palmer said.
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