Sprinter KYLIAN maintained his flying form in January by registering his fourth win in five starts on the All-Weather, this time in a Class 2 handicap at Wolverhampton at the end of the month.
Sheikh Hamed Dalmook Al Maktoum’s five-furlong specialist was given a fantastic ride by regular partner Luke Morris, squeezing between rivals Michaela’s Boy and Bedford Flyer to get up in the shadow of the post.
It was the versatile four-year-old’s third win of the winter, supplementing his success at Newcastle in November and another at Lingfield on New Year’s Eve. A Listed winner as a juvenile, he could step back up into Stakes Company with a trip to Dubai on the cards for the Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint on Super Saturday.
Elsewhere in a traditionally quiet month for the yard, another of our sprint stars Albasheer ran a fine race in defeat on New Year’s Day at Newcastle, finishing third in a Class 2 handicap over six furlongs. Racing prominently, he again confirmed his liking for the Gosforth Park Tapeta having won twice on it last winter.
Blue Yonder failed by only a neck to win a 10-furlong amateur rider’s race at Lingfield Park under Brodie Hampson. Attempting to take the honours for the second year running, the five-year-old was only headed in the dying strides.
Hambleton Racing’s Kingdom Of Time filled the same berth at Southwell on 31st January, defying his odds of 40-1 to beat all but the hat-trick seeking Joolianoss under a prominent ride by stable jockey Hollie Doyle.
Victorious Racing’s Grey Operations posted two promising runs in three-year-old handicaps at Southwell, coming home second over six furlongs while Ever Hopefull and stable stalwart Tempus were among several Saxon Gate runners that also found the frame.
By Simon Mapletoft
