Ralph Beckett-trained filly has kept good company this season.
Skillet, trained by Ralph Beckett, delivered a powerful late surge to secure victory in the Listed Pequod 20 Years Of Seaworthiness Fortune Stakes at Sandown. The three-year-old filly, ridden by Hector Crouch, started her season in tough races, including the Irish 1,000 Guineas and the Coronation Stakes. Most recently, she narrowly missed out on a Group Three win at Chantilly, but this time, dropping back to a mile, Skillet finished strongly to wear down Checkandchallenge, winning by a neck at odds of 100-30.
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
Barry Mahon, representing owners Juddmonte, expressed satisfaction with her performance, saying, "Ralph was pleased with her progress all year, and she showed today that she remains full of potential." Whether Skellet will continue racing or retire remains undecided, but Mahon hinted that the filly has more to offer, especially with her ability to handle softer ground and travel well.
In other notable action, Cosmic Year, a Juddmonte-owned two-year-old, left a lasting impression with a commanding six-and-a-half-length victory on his debut in the Sir Michael Stoute – Farewell And Thank You Novice Stakes. Trained by Harry Charlton and ridden by Oisin Murphy, the colt, sired by Kingman and out of Group One-winning mare Passage Of Time, showed exceptional promise. After tracking the odds-on favorite Rock d'Oro, Cosmic Year quickened impressively in the final two furlongs to secure the win.
Murphy described Cosmic Year as a "lovely horse" with plenty of potential, noting that the colt has done well physically since his initial preparations. Trainer Charlton also praised the colt's behaviour and performance, hinting at exciting prospects for him, though Juddmonte will need to manage their impressive pool of 28 two-year-old winners when selecting upcoming stakes races.
In the Orbital Veterinary Services EBF Maiden Stakes, Prince Of The Seas, trained by Ralph Beckett, confirmed his early promise with a victory, justifying his 5-4 favouritism. After a tight battle with Wild Nature, the juvenile pulled away to win by a length and a half, with Sword Of Wessex finishing fast in third. Jockey Hector Crouch praised the juvenile's staying potential, noting that the colt could thrive in mile-and-a-half staying handicaps next year.
In the Orbital Veterinary Services EBF Maiden Stakes, Prince Of The Seas, trained by Ralph Beckett, confirmed his early promise with a victory, justifying his 5-4 favouritism. After a tight battle with Wild Nature, the juvenile pulled away to win by a length and a half, with Sword Of Wessex finishing fast in third. Jockey Hector Crouch praised the juvenile's staying potential, noting that the colt could thrive in mile-and-a-half staying handicaps next year.
The day at Sandown showcased rising stars and confirmed the strong form of both young horses and established runners, with Skellet and Cosmic Year headlining a day of thrilling performances.
