Hi all,
Inside today's main piece I have five to follow for the upcoming flat season.
Regular readers know I love Flat racing. Yes, I enjoy the jumps, but the Flat is what brought me into the sport.
The new British Flat season kicks off at Doncaster in just four days. I’ve had Saturday’s date marked in my calendar for months.
I won’t be neglecting the jumps game—there’s too much top-class action for that, as I mentioned in yesterday’s column. But I can happily say my Flat hat is firmly off the shelf!
Five to Follow: Horses to Watch This Flat Season
To celebrate the start of the Flat, here are five horses to follow in 2025. There are four 3-year-old’s and one older horse.
Let’s start with the three-year-olds.
Falling Snow – Donnacha O'Brien
Falling Snow, a daughter of Justify out of 1,000 Guineas winner Winter, made a winning debut at the Curragh (7f) last August. Quick ground suited her that day, and her pedigree suggests she’ll thrive on a sound surface.
Donnacha O’Brien took a patient approach, keeping her off the track last autumn. She’s a big, scopey filly with plenty of improvement to come. She should stay 1m 2f and has the talent to make her mark in Group company this summer.
Crackergee – Hughie Morrison
Crackergee, a son of Cracksman out of Quiz Mistress a middle distance/staying mare, showed promise despite three quiet runs as a juvenile. He improved his Racing Post Ratings (RPRs) each time and is bred to thrive over middle distances.
Now eligible for handicaps, his opening mark of 75 looks lenient. His half-brother Kyle Of Lochalsh who stays 2m+ ended last season with an official rating of 99.
Once he steps up to 1m 4f+, expect progress. He’s yet to race on quick turf and his pedigree suggests some ease in the ground won’t inconvenience him. He has the profile of a horse who could develop into a Melrose Handicap contender.
I Am I Said – Ralph Beckett
I Am I Said, a son of Almanzor, caused a 20/1 shock when winning a Newmarket novice (1m) last October. He travelled well, handled the dip, and quickened clear inside the final furlong. It was an impressive debut, and the soft ground didn’t faze him.
He holds Epsom Derby quotes, though that may be premature. On pedigree, 1m 2f may prove to be his ideal trip. If he’s progressed over the winter, he has the potential to develop into a Group horse this year. He’s an exciting prospect and one to follow in 2025.
Falakeyah – Owen Burrows
Falakeyah, a daughter of New Bay, overcame a slow start and inexperience to win on debut at Wolverhampton (1m ½f) last November. Despite her greenness, she pulled clear of ten rivals in the style of a useful filly.
She’s open to plenty of improvement and is with a trainer who places his horses well. Her half-sister Rowayah won twice at three, but Falakeyah looks capable of better. Expect her to thrive over 1m 2f this year.
Finally, an older horse who can win races this season. This turned out to be tough because I have two-mile handicappers in my tracker. Here’s one of them.
Treasure Time – William Haggas
I have one share in Treasure Time, so I can’t leave him out! He thrived in handicaps last season, winning at Newmarket and York. On his final start, he finished fourth to Johan at Doncaster, but the race didn’t pan out in his favour.
He’s usually strong at the finish, so a race like the Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot should suit, especially as he’s suited by quick ground. He may stay further than a mile, making the Cambridgeshire a possible target. His family improves with age, and I don’t think we’ve seen the best of him yet. A valuable handicap win looks well within his reach this summer.
I’m sticking with the Flat theme in tomorrow’s column, where I’ll be previewing Saturday’s William Hill Lincoln Handicap at Doncaster.
Good luck with your Tuesday bets.
John