In just over 10 weeks, Hello Queen has gone from unrated to a duel winner emulating her mother. The daughter of Acclamation had not seen the track during the turf season but has quickly made up for that lost time on the artificial surface. Winning for the second time, Hello Queen took the 6f Huge Daily Boosts Only At BetUK Novice Stakes at Newcastle.

Having got off the mark at the second attempt, Hello Queen had shown improvement for experience and a step up to 6f. She would need to run again in Novice company before gaining a handicap mark and planning for the turf season. This meant that she would be required to carry a penalty due to this win. Obviously this would make the assignment tougher so she would need to take another step forward when lining up against 9 rivals.

Money had come for the talking horse, Alpha Zulu who would be sent off 4-6 on debut. There would only be 4 runners who would be in single figure odds and Hello Queen was relatively ignored in the market. Shane Gray has ridden the filly on all of her starts, maintaining the partnership for the third time.

Prominent from the off, Hello Queen took a little bit of a tug early on. She was closely matched by another keen sort as they went to the fore. After the first furlong, Shane took one the lead and. headed the field towards the centre of the track. The odds on favourite tracked the filly throughout the early stages.

Hello Queen settled into her stride and travelled well through the first half of the race. Having gone a good clip in front, Hello Queen had her rivals stretching early in the race. The fav stalked her every move and made up ground as they approached the final couple of furlongs. Shane was the last to move but shook up his filly passing the 2f marker.

Holding the lead, Hello Queen pulled away from the rest as the favourite came along to challenge for the win. Shane had not asked for everything until they passed the 1f marker. Once he did, the filly responded and quickened up, stealing a march of her rival. The margin grew to 1/2 length and Hello Queen gamely galloped out to the line, keeping on the secure the win.

It was an impressive win as Hello Queen was having to carry a penalty and made virtually all of the running. She traveled lovely throughout the contest and when asked, quickened up to put the race to bed. This was her third run on the AW which means she is eligible for the finals day. The 3yo sprints offers a good prize pot and she may take on that before the start of the turf season.

There is a steady build up towards the start of the flat season but there are a few of the team who are returning to action a little earlier. Dream For Gold had set a good standard in his juvenile season and got off the mark with ease, winning the 5f chelmsfordcityracecourse.com Novice Stakes at Chelmsford.

Starting his career over 6f, Dream For Gold ran two very promising races. In hindsight they turned out to be strong contests, with both winners going on to Group success and performing at the highest level. Having shown plenty of speed, the colt was then dropped to the minimum trip where he filled the runner up berth on his next two starts. It was clear he would be winning and connections decided to give him a break before bringing back early in 2023.

Having strengthened over the winter, Dream For Gold came to hand and looked to have found a very good opportunity to take advantage of. With the highest rating of 81, clear by 11lbs, Dream For Gold would line up against seven rivals as the odds on favourite. Race fitness wasn’t on his side but class looked to be and Tom Eaves never looked in danger.

From the off it was the second fav who went forward, attempting to put their race sharpness to the fore. Dream For Gold slotted into second as Tom was happy to take a lead. This was the story of the race and the leading pair would not have any trouble from the rest.

By halfway the market leaders were clear and it was pretty obvious that they would have the race between them. Although Dream For Gold was clear on the ratings, the second fav had a 5lb claimer on to try and offset this. It was swinging for home where we would find out if this would benefit or not.

Dream For Gold was never in danger and cruised up to the leader in the straight. Tom loosened the reins and nudged his mount along at the 1f marker. The pair quickly hit the front and pulled clear. It was the minimum of fuss for the colt and he won by 2 1/4 lengths going away with a fourth 8 lengths back to the third.

There are no certainties in racing but this was as close as you can get. There is always a concern when a horse returns to action as race sharpness can count for a lot. Dream For Gold was always on control and put his class on show. It was no more than a strong piece of work for the colt and he will come on for the run. There should be a lot more to come from the 3yo this year and as a stronger colt, Dream For Gold could be a force in the sprinting division.

Although the yard do not have too many horses to run at this time of year there looks to be some promising sorts returning to action. Usually it is the 3yo’s who were maybe a little backward last year or didn’t get the amount of runs that were expected. Quintus Arrius was one of those who only saw the track twice as a juvenile but bounced back to his best to win the 6f Bet UK Over 40,000 Live Streamed Races Novice Stakes at Newcastle.

The son of Mehmas was touted as one the 2yo’s who should be out early on last season. Bred for speed and built packed with muscle, it seemed that we would be seeing him early on in the year. As happens in this sport, the colt had different ideas and would make his debut in September. It was a run full of promise as he finished second and looked like a winner waiting to happen.

Ground always becomes an issue late on in the season and it proved to be that when Quintus Arrius failed to handle tough, sticky ground. With that Kevin decided to wait with the colt and aim him for the all-weather, starting early in 2023. Giving him a small break, Quintus strengthened and was ready to go when the Novice’s came around at Newcastle.

With 11 runners going to post, half of the field looked be up against it on form, with the fancied runners holding winning form and stronger CV’s. Tom Eaves has started 2023 in good form and took the ride, giving a confident account from the off.

Popping out of the gates well, Tom allowed Quintus Arrius to go forward and find his stride. Latching on to the leader’s girths, Quintus Arrius sat in second spot, tracking a fairly sedate pace. As the market leaders took a lead, they settled in behind and the field began to filter into more of a slipstream line.

Through the first half of the race the leader edged over to the stands side rail. Tom was sat on their outer and tracked his rival, just a neck away at all times. Quintus Arrius had been fitted with cheek pieces for the first time, as he can be a little lazy at home. They looked to have the desired affect at his stage as the colt travelled smoothly past half way.

As they moved past the 2f marker, the leader gave way to Quintus Arrius who picked up the lead. Tom was motionless as his main rivals tried to catch up. Now he began to wind up his mount to try and get him to lengthen and quicken. The pair were joined at the furlong pole and for a few strides were actually headed. This is where Tom asked for full effort and Quintus Arrius responded. Changing leads he quickened up again and started to get on top. stealing the lead back the margin opened up with 1/2f to go. He has broken his nearest pursuer but the favourite was flying down the centre. It was going to be a last ditch effort from the fav but Quintus Arrius understood the task at hand and had enough int he tank to repel his rival, earning the win by a head.

It was great to see Quintus Arrius bounce back to form and he looks to have more to come. Having travelled well, he just needed all the urgings and help from his rivals. He looks to be the sort who doesn’t quite take his job 100% seriously at present and that is why the cheek pieces were used. He will only get better and looks to be a nice 3yo going forward. Another run on the all-weather before the turf season would likely be his next move and it will interesting to see what his opening mark will be following this win.

New Year has come and gone which means that the winners tally returns to zero. Getting the ball rolling is always nice and despite not having that many runners on the all-weather, Kevin got off the mark early. Hello Queen returned to the track for her second start and took the 6f talkSPORT Powered By Fans Fillies’ Novice Stakes at Wolverhampton.

Owned and Bred by Mr Jaber Abdullah, Hello Queen is the first progeny of Elnadim Star, also trained at Hambleton Lodge. Winning at listed level, Elnadim Star proved a rapid improving sprinter during her short racing career and she has passed on those speed genes to her daughter.

Hello Queen made a belated debut just before Christmas and made a very promising start. Over the minimum trip, she just got outpaced before staying on well. Unfortunately her route was blocked and a little interference saw the filly finish fourth in a hampered run.

Stepping up to 6f looked likely to help as she headed to Wolverhampton take on 9 rivals. Three fillies battled it out at the head of the market and it would look to be correct throughout the race. Jumping well from a wide draw, Hello Queen allowed Shane (Gray) to track over from stall 11 to gain a very nice position. Sat on the girths of the leader, Hello Queen was into stride and nullified her disadvantage.  The three market rivals were filling the front spots as they raced though the first couple of furlongs and down towards the bend.

Taking a left handed bend for the first time, Hello Queen got onto the correct lead and maintained her position in second place. With the fancied runners at the fore the pace continued to be fair from the front and this had many of the field struggling passing halfway. Trying to gain ground they had to get to work early as Hello Queen was first in line to challenge the leader.

Always travelling well, Hello Queen turned for home with just under a length to make up. The leader looked to kick off the bend and initially stole a stride on her main threat. As Shane got busier in the saddle he got a response from his filly as she changed legs and looked to quicken. Hello Queen was getting to grips with the task and between the 2f and 1f marker she began to shift through the gears. Step by step she began to reel in the leader as the favourite also gave chase down the outer.

It was a very educational ride form Shane and he never had to get too serious with Hello Queen. The 3yo filly took the lead passing the 1f marker and was really beginning to hit her stride the further they went. Once she had her head in front it was all about how far she could stretch the advantage.

In the end the 1 1/4 length margin was very comfortable and Hello Queen won with plenty in hand. Travelling well throughout the contest, Hello Queen quickened up nicely and stretched clear in the final furlong. It was an impressive performance from the filly and she really enjoyed the step up in trip. Despite winning it did look as though the track might not have been ideal as it took her a little bit of time to hit top gear. From her first two runs Hello Queen has set a good standard and looks a nice prospect for the year ahead. There may be one more race for her on the all-weather before turning her attention to the turf but hopefully she can go emulate her mother and continue progressing throughout 2023.

It is the time of the year where the yard is relatively quiet, with many of the horses turned away for their winter breaks. Yearlings begin to come in whilst the stables can get a full cleanse ready for the new year. Only a handful of horses remain in training, those who may have been a little later to start their season or even un-raced individuals. Silent Words was a let comer to the team but she made up for lost time with an impressive debut win, taking the 5f talkSPORT Download The App EBF Novice Stakes at Newcastle.

Purchased as a foal, the daughter of Zoustar hailed from a family which has produced two pattern performing progeny, rated 100+. Silent Words didn’t arrive into the yard until July, but with her size and power it was clear to see why. If her work could match the physical then she looked like a filly to look forward to.

The backend of the year is not always the best time to make your debut with ground becoming an issue. Following some nice homework, Kevin decided to wait with Silent Words and head to the all-weather. Newcastle is local enough and the track is very fair, so there was no worries with her making her debut on the Tapeta. Lining up against 13 rivals, Silent Words would be partnered by Danny Tudhope.

With a couple of runners earning a handicap mark in the 80’s, this was no easy task on debut. Slightly sluggish into stride, Silent Words settled around midfield through the early stages. From her draw of 11, she raced towards the near side but the field would converge to chase the leader. Charging through the first couple of furlongs the pace was strong as the field would head down towards halfway.

Silent Words travelled supremely well throughout the contest and moved through the field with ease. As the leader took them inside the final couple of furlongs he kicked from the front, looking to catch out the rest. As one by one the field came under pressure, it was Silent Words who cruised into contention to give chase. She comfortably moved into second position and once Danny loosened the reins she quickened up. Within a few strides Silent Words reeled in the leader and passing the 1f marker she took the lead. It looked like a race winning move and especially when the margin immediately stretched to a length. Inexperience then kicked in for the first time in the race. Suddenly Silent Words began to have a look around and idle. This allowed her rival to have another go, closing in on the debutante. Thankfully once she felt the presence, as well as a couple of small urgings, Silent Words continued to find in front and hold on by a head.

The margin will show just a head victory but the performance warranted more than that. Silent Words travelled strong throughout the contest and quickened up smartly. She did idle in front but this is totally understandable for her first run. It is likely that she will be put away now until next year but Silent Words looks like a very promising filly to look forward to.

Naming horses can prove to be a very difficult task but there are many owners who have themes. Highbank Stud, owned by the Wainwright family, ensure their beloved Leeds United are represented with their horses. It can mean that they are strongly supported when they race in Yorkshire and The Cookstown Cafu duly obliged by winning the 1m Lelie Burton (Fisher) Handicap at Pontefract.

Having trained four of the progeny, Kevin knows the family very well and The Cookstown Cafu looked typical of his dam. It was clear that he would better as a 3yo but The Cookstown Cafu did shape with promise in his three starts as a juvenile.

Having been gelded through the winter, the now 3yo returned with a big effort on handicap debut. Unfortunately that was as good as it got, with The Cookstown Cafu failing to build on his earlier promise. Having tried cheek pieces last time out, there was a suspicion that maybe it wasn’t his attitude but maybe the gelding had a wind issue that could be holding him back.

Returning to action, with the wind op performed, The Cookstown Cafu would line up against 10 rivals. Stepping up to 1m for the first time, it was a trip that has proved to be key to his siblings before him. Kevin Stott utilised a good draw and was positive from the start. The Cookstown Cafu was prominent and chased the early lead, being set an even gallop.

The field raced through the first couple of furlongs before swinging into the back straight which would take them past halfway. The Cookstown Cafu was sat in the gear box and had the perfect sit to throw down the first challenge. They were soon heading into the final bend which took the field between the 3f and 2f markers.

Kevin began to wind his mount up swinging for home and built up momentum. Once they straightened up for home he kicked on and quickly headed the long time leader. The pair set sail for home and opened up a distinct lead, seeing if his rivals could play catch up.

Moving into the final furlong, The Cookstown Cafu held a clear lead but just began to shorten his stride in front. Kevin was determined to keep him up to his work but it was company that was required. Once a rival came up to his heels, The Cookstown Cafu changed legs and went again. He put the race to bed but the winning margin would be minimised. Kevin was confident enough that he could ease down in the final strides and secure the win by 3/4 lengths.

The Cookstown Cafu is a lovely horse with a very big stride so the step up in trip really suited him. The family all tend to get better with age and along with his wind being fixed, there could be more to come from The Cookstown Cafu. He was only doing enough in front and this suggests that he could be well in. Connections will check what is left for him but net year could really see The Cookstown Cafu at his best.

Gaining a first career win is a big achievement in a horse’s career but Kalahari Prince has his day a little outshone. With Fonteyn winning the Group 1 earlier in the day, Kalahari Prince gave the team an across the card double when he took the 1m2f Play Paddys Pick 5 At racingtv.com Handicap at Redcar.

Bought at the HIT sales, Kalahari Prince arrived from Godolphin having only raced once as a juvenile. The strapping gelding looked every inch a horse who would appreciate a trip and began his career at Hambleton Lodge in positive fashion. After a couple of decent efforts in novice company, Kalahari Prince began his handicapping journey off 74. Unfortunately he became rather frustrating in subsequent efforts and didn’t build on earlier efforts.

Changes in trips and tactics didn’t get the best from Kalahari Prince and following his run over 1m at Ayr, connections decided that stamina is what he required. Stepping back up to 1m2f, the chestnut was fitted with cheekpieces to try and get him to put his best foot forward. Tom Eaves took the ride and looked to be positive from the off.

Jumping well, Kalahari Prince was quickly into stride and moved forward down the outside of the field. He was a touch keen early on and this saw him pull his way to the fore, sitting just off the leader. It was a good pace being set up front and would ensure a serious test over the 1m2f. Kalahari Prince settled once they raced through the first couple of furlongs and headed towards the left handed bend.

Sat on the outer didn’t affect Kalahari Prince around the bend and they field quickly swung around and into the home straight. There was no hanging about and Tom had to begin working on his mount well over 4f from home. Although this sent out some distress signals the chestnut was responding and maintaining his position chasing the leader.

As the field charged down to the final 2f the leader was yet to be popped any questions and travelled powerfully. Kalahari Prince continued to respond to pressure but looked like a sitting duck form this going better. When the leader kicked he moved away and it seemed as though this was the race winning move. Kalahari Prince had been driven for a while now and looked as though he had no response to the leader’s burst of speed.

Tom is one of the strongest jockeys in the weighing room and it was on full show here. Never giving up he gave Kalahari Prince every chance and the gelding was continuing to dig deep. Entering the final furlong they still had plenty to find but Kalahari Prince had never relinquished his second place and the leader just showed the first sign of tying up. The gap just began to close and Kalahari Prince was coming on strong. With just 1/2f to run the race changed and for the first time the leader looked in danger. Kalahari Prince was finding more and more, eating into the lead in the dying strides. He pulled alongside and swept past with just meters to run and snatched the victory by a neck.

It was fantastic to see Kalahari Prince win, especially in the green colours of Frank Gillespie famously carried by The Grey Gatsby. This performance shows that the gelding does have ability as well as a good attitude so hopefully he can build on this moving forward. The manner in which he finished the race suggests that another couple of furlongs may well suit him even more. Obviously the head gear has helped but if Kalahari Prince can take this as a nice confidence boost and go on to better things now.

A season can change around in the blink of an eye, a good one turning into a great one with one result. Having seen one Group 1 stars retired, this year has been a little bit of a transitional one. Emaraaty Ana had stepped forward last year and this time it was the turn of a filly. Fonteyn shocked the big guns when she won the 1m Group 1, Royal Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket.

The daughter of Farhh is owned and bred by Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum and she prove a little bit of a slow burner. Fonteyn never really stood out last year as a 2yr old but she shaped nicely on the track. Finishing third on debut, she then went one better to fill the runner up spot. These were her only runs of her juvenile season and the winter break would prove to be very beneficial.

Blossoming into a lovely filly, Fonteyn had matured and strengthened, turning into a beautiful 3yr old. This was also shown in her work which improved too and suggested that she may well have thrived for the patience and time. When she cam to hand early on, Kevin took the 3yr old down to Newmarket for a maiden. Fonteyn went down by just a head but with he front 2 pulling 8 1/2 lengths clear it seemed like the form could be smart.

Although she was still a maiden, it was clear that Fonteyn would be winning at any point so there was no concern with letting her line up in pattern company. It was a gamble that proved well ducted as she shed the maiden tag by taking listed honours, which is always important for fillies. This allowed connections to take shots at higher grades. Stepping up in trip, Fonteyn ran a huge race to finish fourth in the Nassau Stakes proving that she was well up to that level.

Plans were put in place to finish the season with a crack at the Sun Chariot. Before then she would tackle a drop in grade to try and capture Group honours. Unfortunately the plan did not work out and in hindsight she may have had a harder race at Goodwood than was first thought.

Despite the setback Kevin was bullish leading up to the Group 1, with the filly putting in some fine home work. Taking on some of the best fillies around, there were no illusions as to the task at hand but connections were confident of a big run. Neil Callan’s last Group 1 winner in Britain was at Newmarket and for Kevin so the old allies were looking to pick up where they left off.

Jumping from the stalls, Fonteyn went to race keen as she has done previous. Neil was expecting this and left her alone, despite pulling and taking the lead. After a furlong she settled down realising there was no fight and gave up the lead. Sat prominently, Fonteyn raced down towards the near side rail. All the big guns were towards the fore and ensuring this was a going to be a properly run race.

The field charged down past halfway and would be heading into the dip shortly. Fonteyn travelled with purpose and had settled nicely for Callan. With the tempo increasing moving past the 3f marker the field were going to get racing a long way out. This is where the track begins to run away and dips downhill. Neil kept hold of his filly, filling up the tank before they had to throw down their challenge.

One by one the fancied runners came under pressure and began to weaken. Scanning to the inside, Fonteyn was travelling sweetly with Neil still yet to move. Suddenly the race changed completely and heading into the final 2f Fonteyn took the lead. Neil now got lower in the saddle and asked his filly to kick on. Hanging right under pressure, Fonteyn quickened up to take the lead and set sail for home. They raced out of the dip and began the uphill run for the line. Laurel had been trapped for room but now scythed through to join Fonteyn and the pair of fillies began to pull away.

Laurel headed Fonteyn as they entered the final furlong but it was the latter who started to find more. Down by 1/2 length, Fonteyn proved there was more in the tank and now Callan was in full drive. His filly was responding, changing her legs and quickening up once again. All of the sudden the momentum swung and Fonteyn pulled alongside her rival with 100 yards to run. She was finishing far the stronger and once she got alongside, it was game over. Fonteyn saw out the trip powerfully to take Group 1 success by 3/4 lengths.

It was a wonderful day for all the team and to repay the support of Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum. Fonteyn has stepped up to every challenge set for her and this was obviously another career high. Obviously she is a young filly who is only getting better but future plans will be discussed. It is fantastic to have a Group 1 winner for Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum but it is a little sweeter due to the fact he also bred the filly.