First 2Yr Old Success Of 2025
The new season brings a new dawning as juveniles begin their first steps into their racing career. It is always a step into the unknown for all involve, starting with a blank slate and hoping to find a star with the unrated youngsters. There have already been a few juveniles making their debuts for the yard, of which they all ran with plenty of promise, it was Dickensian who took the honour of being the first winner of the new crop. Showing blistering speed he took the 5f Sky Bet Club British EBF Novice Stakes at Musselburgh, part of the Sky Bet Sunday Series.
Owned and bred by Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, Dickensian showed precocious speed and professionalism throughout the days proceedings. His sire, Pinatubo, was an electric 2yo and Dickensian certainly made a statement of his own on debut. With good prize money on offer, the race attracted a select field of 7 runners but the paddock showed a nice group of juveniles would be lining up.
Shane Gray took the ride and got a great start as Dickensian pinged the gates and was immediately into stride. Allowing him to go on, Shane used soft hands to guide the colt towards the stands side rail. Although seeing plenty of daylight in front, Dickensian was very professional and raced within himself to set a fair gallop.
The majority of the field were well bunched up as they tracked the leader through the first half of the race. Dickensian remained balanced and travelled smoothly to the halfway stage but he would have something a little new to deal with in the coming strides. Heading into the final 2f, Dickensian was now asked to quicken off the front with very little help around him. Shane gave a shake of the reins and his mount responded well, remaining balanced and lengthening his stride.
Those who had chased the pace quickly dropped away and left Dickensian alone in front. It was up to the well supported favourite to come through and lay down a challenge as they move towards the final furlong. Passing the 1f marker the fav was out in the clear but sensing his presence, Shane changed his hands and grabbed hold of the bit a little tighter. Dickensian responded again and scooted away from his rival, opening up a clear 1 1/2 length advantage. That move put the race to bed, especially as Dickensian remained on a true course, allowing Shane to ride him out hands and heels. With a little easing at the in the final strides, Dickensian went on to secure the win by a cosy 1 1/4 lengths, impressing on debut.
It is always great to get the first juvenile winner on the board, and especially so with a home bred colt. Dickensian was professional throughout and showed a lot of natural speed before being able to quick off that pace. Whatever he did on debut was only going to be the first building block, so to win on debut was impressive. Obviously any 2yo winner at this time of year is immediately linked with Royal Ascot, and whilst that would be lovely to see, Dickensian will dictate when and where he goes next.