Kevin Stott’s Blog: Don’t forget about Crypto’s Force

It was great to get another couple of winners this week in Treasure Storm at Nottingham and Maximum Impact at Ascot. They are both two-year-olds with bright futures and I’m looking forward to progressing with them throughout the season.

Newmarket, Friday

Just one ride on Friday at Newmarket; Forca Timao in the Listed Newmarket Stakes (1.15pm). he won his second start at Doncaster last year, beating horses rated in the high 90s so he could be promising. With him, it’s all about getting further now, running over longer trips. His home work has been nice; I sat on him on Wednesday and was very happy with how he went. Richard Hannon isn’t shy about the fact that his horses usually improve for a run, so he’ll probably come on for this. We’re hoping for a nice run from him.

Horses to follow this season

My two-year-old filly to follow this season is Persian Dreamer. She won on debut really easily and is a Calyx filly who is a half-sister to Queen Olly. She’s a really nice type who has loads of size and scope about her. She could head to York on the way to Royal Ascot. I’ve loved her from the start of her career and am really excited about this season.

A two-year-old colt to keep an eye on is Bucanero Fuerte. He won on debut in Ireland and was very impressive. He could be one for the Coventry Stakes at Ascot. He’s by Wootton Bassett, so he’s a huge horse and looks like a three-year-old already! We’re all pretty excited about him too.

Maman Joon is my three-year-old filly to follow. She ran well on debut at Newbury on seriously testing ground and was beaten by a hugely impressive filly of Jack Channon’s that day. I’m looking forward to getting back on her when there’s better ground. She’s by Sea The Stars, so her pedigree suggests that she wants good going to share her best. She may run this weekend, so watch this space.

A three-year-old colt to take note of is King Of Steel. His home work has been really pleasing and he is looking to start at York in the Dante. He’s a horse who is open to improvement. He’s a huge horse now so will benefit from having grown into himself a bit since last year. I’ve galloped him twice recently and was really impressed – considering his size, he doesn’t lack pace.

Barardar is one of my older horses to follow. He ran really well at Doncaster in the Lincoln for third and, if the ground stays that bit slower, he could go next to Ascot for the Victoria Cup. A stiff seven furlongs is perfect for him, and he has a lot of ability. I think there’s a big handicap in him this season.

Another older horse to watch is Fleurman, who’s trained by Olly Murphy. He has been really progressive on the All-Weather since leaving Ralph Beckett, so we’re looking forward to getting him on the turf. If he could improve that well on the All-Weather, how well can he do back on the turf? For him we’re hoping for an Ascot Handicap over two and half miles.

And finally, one not to forget is Crypto Force, who’ll be out later in the season. He’s with John and Thady Gosden who have been slowly building up his work. He’s so talented and has plenty of ability. There’s a long season ahead and there’s no rush with him. We’re looking forward to seeing his progression over the summer. He could be a bit of a dark horse.