Trainer Ralph Beckett © Photo Healy Racing
I Am I Said could prove to be a real diamond for Ralph Beckett having shone brightly on Newmarket’s Two-Year-Old Day card.
The Kimpton Down handler, who scooped the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe with Bluestocking earlier this month, is enjoying a phenomenal end to the season and is amassing a strong team for next season.
He could now have another smart prospect to look forward to next year after the son of Almanzor scooted to a four-and-a-half-length success at odds of 20-1 in the hands of Richard Kingscote, attracting quotes of 40-1 for next year’s Derby from Paddy Power.
“He is just a nice backward horse that has been coming along slowly but surely,” said assistant trainer Joseph Tuite.
“He was ready to come racing and it’s a bit of a surprise he’s won as easily as that, but we’ve always liked him at home.
“He’s been very green in his work at home and it’s only been lately he has shown he has been ready to go racing. Ralph is never too hard on them at home and you wouldn’t be gauging them on work at home. When one wins first time out you think they are nice because they are never gunned at home.
“It looked a competitive race on paper before the race and Richard said he would get further and he would be a nice horse on better ground.”
There was a double on the card for young apprentice Jack Doughty who found the scoresheet in the British Stallion Studs EBF Future Stayers Nursery Handicap aboard Jim Boyle’s 14-1 chance Many Men and then added to his tally with Paul and Oliver Cole’s Jakarta (12-1) in the TrustATrader Nursery Handicap.
Meanwhile Richard Hannon’s Ziggy’s Phoenix may have earnt a reprieve having landed the My Pension Expert Fillies’ Handicap at 14-1.
Owned by Middleham Park Racing, the filly was due to head to the sales, but a rethink could be in order having showed a willing attitude in the one-mile event.
“We might be having to take a little re-vote, off the back of a win it might enhance the value a little or the owners might just have a change of heart,” said Middleham Park’s Tom Palin.
“She seems to love it here and there is a bit of correlation as the last time she won here during the Sunday Series there was only one owner in attendance and the same thing has happened again!
“She’s a very gutsy filly and this track suits her quite well and she’s a credit to herself and the yard. The question today was could she handle it up in grade slightly and she’s answered the question emphatically.”
