Now in the record books for another year, the 2023 flat campaign certainly provided many lasting memories, ranging from Frankie Dettori’s alleged farewell to the British racing scene, to the enigmatic Auguste Rodin; and the sheer brilliance of international superstars Ace Impact and Equinox.
We may yet see Equinox race on in 2024, but Ace Impact has now been retired to stud, with Auguste Rodin likely to follow suit following a final foray in the Breeders’ Cup Turf. Stars depart, but on the endless conveyor belt of the racing world, new heroes emerge, and, in 2023, the juvenile division was stacked with talent. There is certainly plenty to look forward to next year, and here we pick out the five two-year-old performers who are whetting the appetite of racing fans more than most.
City Of Troy
- Trainer – Aidan O’Brien
- Sire – Justify
- Significant Wins – Superlative Stakes, Dewhurst Stakes
Sired by a US Triple Crown winner and out of the Group 1-winning Galileo mare, Together Forever, City Of Troy ought to be good. However, even by their incredibly high stands, the team at Ballydoyle surely didn’t expect him to be quite this good. Impressing when forging clear on debut at the Curragh, the strapping bay then posted a jaw-dropping effort when pulverising the field in the Superlative Stakes before repeating the trick in the Dewhurst Stakes back at Newmarket.
Far from flashy in his work, this teak-tough performer simply sets off at a fierce gallop and keeps going as, one by one, his rivals toil in his wake. Labelled as “our Frankel” by part-owner Michael Tabor, City of Troy has some way to go yet before proving up to that class, but it is fair to say that he is the most promising Aidan O’Brien-trained juvenile in many years – which is some statement in itself. Heading into the winter, he’s the outright favourite for both the 2000 Guineas and Derby.
Ancient Wisdom
- Trainer – Charlie Appleby
- Sire – Ancient Wisdom
- Significant Wins – Autumn Stakes, Futurity Trophy
Usually so dominant in the juvenile division, Godolphin’s number one trainer, Charlie Appleby, endured a relatively quiet time of things in the early part of 2023. However, late in the season, that began to change, headlined by a notable Group-race double at Newmarket. Zetland Stakes winner, Arabian Crown, narrowly misses a place on this list, but Autumn Stakes hero, Ancient Wisdom, is impossible to ignore.
Sired by Godolphin flagbearer Dubawi, this good-looking colt announced himself with back-to-back novice wins, only to then have his bubble burst in the Listed Class Pat Eddery Stakes at Ascot. That left the mount of William Buick with questions to answer ahead of that Autumn Stakes, but he put any doubts to rest with an emphatic success from the Aidan O’Brien runner, Chief Little Rock.
That was supposed to be that for the season, but a late decision saw connections stump up the £17,500 supplementary fee to allow the colt to take his place in the Kameko Futurity Trophy at Doncaster, where he showed real guts to claim Group 1 success in bottomless conditions. Given his pronounced knee action, it remains to be seen whether he handles quicker conditions, but he nevertheless looks like a force to be reckoned with in 2024.
Henry Longfellow
- Trainer – Aidan O’Brien
- Sire – Dubawi
- Significant Wins – Futurity Stakes, National Stakes
City Of Troy may have grabbed all the headlines, but many observers are equally as enthused about the Classic prospects of stablemate Henry Longfellow. If there were an award for the most regally bred colt of the season, this beautiful chestnut would surely claim the prize. Sire Dubawi is just about as proven as they come at producing Group 1 talent, whilst Dam, Minding, scored six times at the highest level, including sizzling successes in the 1000 Guineas and Oaks.
Such impressive bloodlines can sometimes lead to disappointment but, happily, that hasn’t been the case with this hugely promising performer. In common with City Of Troy, Henry Longfellow heads into his Classic campaign with a perfect three-from-three record, including when treating his rivals with disdain in the prestigious National Stakes. It’s no surprise to see him as the nearest challenger to City of Troy in the ante-post 2000 Guineas and Derby markets.
Vandeek
- Trainer – Simon & Ed Crisford
- Sire – Havana Grey
- Significant Wins – Richmond Stakes, Prix Morny, Middle Park Stakes
Havana Grey has become one of the hottest emerging sires over the past couple of seasons, having produced a number of group-class performers. Pick of the bunch is this Simon & Ed Crisford star. Whilst not so impressively bred as the previous entries on this list, nor from such a powerful yard, Vandeek’s racecourse performances can’t be faulted.
Heading into his winter break, the colt is four from four, and the only dual Group 1 scorer featured here – having crossed the Channel to land the Prix Morny and followed up in impressive style in the Middle Park Stakes. Boasting a predominantly speed-based pedigree, he may not be one for the Classics, but looks set to be a major player in the biggest sprint events of the year, with the Commonwealth Cup at Ascot appearing an obvious target.
Rosallion
- Trainer – Richard Hannon
- Sire – Blue Point
- Significant Wins – Pat Eddery Stakes, Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere
Headed into the 2023 campaign, Blue Point topped many lists of the most exciting new stallions on the scene, and it’s fair to say the four-time Group 1 winner has made an excellent start. Son Big Evs is one to watch following two Group race successes, but the most impressive of all is this colt from the Richard Hannon operation.
Kicking things off with wins in maiden company, he then sauntered to success in the Pat Eddery Stakes before flopping in a soft ground edition of the Champagne Stakes. Undeterred, connections shipped Rosallion over to France for the Group 1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere on Arc Day and were rewarded with a classy Group 1 success. As good as that effort was, it is his Pat Eddery Stakes victory which is beginning to look mightily impressive.
Cruising to a 4l victory that day, those in behind included subsequent Futurity Trophy winner Ancient Wisdom, Dewhurst runner-up Alyanaabi, Listed winners Al Musmak and Dancing Gemini, and Sunway, who went on to win the Group 1 Grand Criterium. Blue Point may have been all speed, but damsire New Approach won the Derby, and this one looks like another live contender for the 2000 Guineas.