The first UK Frankel two-year-old of the 2019 Flat season is dipping his toe into pattern class by competing in the Chesham Stakes (Listed race) at Royal Ascot.
Heaven Forfend is a bay son of Frankel out of the dam Heaven Sent. She was similarly owned (Cheveley Park Stud) and trained. A five-time winner, twice at Group 3, placed at Group 1. She achieved the highest official rating of 114 with total prize money of £362,08.
It's interesting to note that Sir Michael Stoute has 10 Frankel two-year-olds in training for the 2019 season.
Heaven Forfend is a good-looking bay colt, born in the month of May. He is homebred in the ownership of Cheveley Park Stud. He made his debut back in May when made 7/2f racing over 6f at Newbury. He ran a sterling race from a wide draw, putting down a stiff challenge to John Gosden's Light Angel, who finished unplaced in the Coventry Stakes (Group 2).
There was a lot to like about the debut performance of Heaven Forfend who was beaten less than two lengths.
The Chesham Stakes Listed race takes place on Saturday 22nd June, Heaven Forfend is one of 17 entrants. Priced at odds of 16/1, he is being ridden by Oisin Murphy.
This race is run over 7f. Named after the 3rd Baron of Chesham. it used to be run over 6f but extended to 7f in 1996. It is legible to horses by sires who won over 1 mile 11/2 furlong or further.
Since 1984, a number of high-profile trainers have won this race. In recent years, a couple of very talented juvenile won and went on to the highest class. These include Aidan O'Brien's Maybe (2011) & Churchill (2016).
Churchill, a son of Galileo, went on to win the English and Irish 2,000 Guineas. Named Cartier Champion Two-year-old & Top-rated European two-year-old 2016.
The 2018 Chesham Stakes Listed Race was won by Tom Dascombe's Arthur Kitt.
Frankie Dettori has won the most time with four victories since 1986 Central Park (1997), Rhapsodist (1998), Seba (2001) & Tha'ir (2012).
Paul Cole & Aidan O'Brien have trained the most winners of the Chesham Stakes with four winners each since 1986.
Sir Michael Stoute has never won the Chesham Stakes.
Good luck to connections.
