Ralph Beckett-trained filly has kept good company this season.
A thrilling late charge from Skellet saw her edge out Checkandchallenge in the Listed Pequod 20 Years Of Seaworthiness Fortune Stakes at Sandown, showcasing a filly with untapped potential. After a year of fluctuating form, this victory may well signal a significant turning point for Ralph Beckett's charge.
Barry Mahon, representing owners Juddmonte, beamed with pride post-race, suggesting that Skellet had been steadily improving. "Ralph was satisfied with her all year, he just didn't feel she was glowing. But I sensed in the last few weeks she was really coming forward and was in a good place after her break," Mahon explained, adding, "She showed today that she remains a filly with potential."
A Filly with More to Give
With the racing world watching, Skellet has proven she has what it takes to compete at the top level. However, her future remains uncertain. “Whether she remains in training or not, I don't know, but I wouldn't be surprised if she's a filly that could progress a bit more at four. She's a big filly, very angular, and I think there's a little bit more to come,” Mahon said with optimism, hinting at the possibility of an even more formidable campaign next season.
A lover of softer ground, Skellet's win follows a strong showing in France, confirming her adaptability to different courses. “She likes cut in the ground, and we know she handles traveling, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if there’s something back out there for her,” Mahon added, indicating that international assignments could be on the horizon.
Listed success 🏆
Skellet digs deep to get the better of her rivals in the Listed Pequod 20 Years Of Seaworthiness Fortune Stakes @Sandownpark 🤩
A double on the day for @RalphBeckett and @HectorCrouch 👏 pic.twitter.com/lMvNH1jigD
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) September 18, 2024
Cosmic Year’s Debut Dominance
Juddmonte’s colors weren’t done for the day as Cosmic Year, a two-year-old trained by Harry Charlton, delivered a jaw-dropping debut performance. In the Sir Michael Stoute – Farewell And Thank You Novice Stakes, the son of Kingman out of Group One-winning mare Passage Of Time surged to victory by six and a half lengths, making an instant impact on the racing scene.
Jockey Oisin Murphy positioned himself smartly behind the odds-on favorite Rock d’Oro, but when the moment came, he pushed Cosmic Year forward with impressive ease. "He's a lovely horse and he behaved really well. I had one sit on him before today and he's probably done well physically and for the experience since then," Murphy said after the race.
Charlton echoed the sentiments, proud of his charge’s composure on such a big day. "It looked like they hacked around, but he picked up well and, more importantly, I thought he behaved beautifully. He did everything well."
Cosmic Year’s potential is clear, with Murphy suggesting the horse could run seven furlongs in his next start, whether it comes this year or next. But with 28 two-year-old winners for Juddmonte this season, Charlton admitted the challenge would be finding the right stakes race for the talented youngster.
Prince of the Seas Shines Again
Prince of the Seas was another standout on a bustling day of racing at Sandown, justifying his favoritism in the Orbital Veterinary Services EBF Maiden Stakes. Trained by Ralph Beckett and ridden by Hector Crouch, the juvenile confirmed his Kempton debut promise, outlasting Wild Nature in a thrilling duel before securing the win by a length and a half over the fast-finishing Sword of Wessex.
Crouch sees great potential in the colt’s future, particularly over longer distances. “He's going to be a lovely staying prospect next year. He’d probably get a mile and a quarter now and he's definitely going to be one for those mile-and-a-half staying handicaps,” Crouch noted, giving insight into the kind of career path Prince of the Seas could take.
A Promising Day for Juddmonte’s Rising Stars
With Skellet’s hard-fought victory and Cosmic Year’s explosive debut, Juddmonte’s racing empire continues to unearth diamonds in the rough. Skellet, now a listed stakes winner, faces a crossroads in her career. Whether her owners decide to keep her in training or retire her, one thing is certain – there’s more to come from this big, powerful filly.
As for Cosmic Year, the Kingman progeny will certainly have a wealth of options in front of him after such an impressive start. For racing fans, all eyes will be on Juddmonte’s plans, waiting to see how this new crop of rising stars will be steered in the coming months.
The racing world may have just witnessed the birth of champions at Sandown. The excitement, potential, and undeniable talent that filled the track today leaves a lot of room for thrilling anticipation in the weeks and months ahead.
