Thursday, 15 April 2021

Snow Lantern Lighting the Way for Hannon in 1000 Guineas (7th March)

Frankel blog is all about the offspring of the most famous racehorse and stallion. 

Don't believe me, then remember he's unbeaten, has an endless string of pattern-class progeny, and a stallion fee of £175,000.

Not convinced?

Get ready for this new Flat turf season and the Classics. 

One filly who may have slipped under the radar is Snow Lantern. This daughter of Frankel is exceptionally bred. Out of a mare most race fans will remember as a rare talent in the ownership of Rockliffe Stud. 

Richard Hannon trained both mother and daughter. 

Who could forget Sky Lantern?

She raced 16 times times achieving 6 wins and 4 second places. 

This daughter of Red Clubs had total earnings of  £803,878. She won her debut in flying form, thrashing the opposition by three-and-a-half lengths, an even-money shot at Goodwood, ridden by Richard Hughes. 

Clearly, connections knew she was a cut above the norm - and they were right. 

From that day, the racing calendar was all about contesting Group races. 

Winners included: 

Two-Year-Old Wins 

Debut, Goodwood

Listed, Naas

Group 1, Moyglare, Curragh 

Three-Year-Old Wins 

Group 1, 1000 Guineas, Newmarket 

Group 1, Coronation Stakes, Royal Ascot 

Group 1, King Of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes, Royal Ascot 

Getting Ready for the Newmarket 1000 Guineas 2021

Snow Lantern was well respected last season as a two-year-old. However, connections were in no rush with her and this Flat turf season 2021 is the plan. Not to say she didn't catch the eye when making her debut on the 25th July, Ascot, the Betfred Supports Jack Berry House British EBF Stakes over 7f on Good to Firm going. 

She was pretty fancied, too. 

With a starting price of 6/1, there were real expectations of a debut win. I was very interested in this grey filly that day. However, she was tardy from the stalls and it looked a stiff task with the experienced Gosden runner, Isle Of May, setting decent fractions. Even at the 2-pole Snow Lantern looked as if this racecourse bow was more about experience than winning. Heading into the final furlong, this March foal was gathering stride, making stylish headway for Pat Dobbs who was at pains to give this youngster a nice introduction. 

She finished a creditable second behind Zabeel Queen, trained by Roger Varian, who has run very well at pattern class on her next two starts and holds entries for the Irish 1000 Guineas and Oaks. 

Snow Lantern is a filly I will be watching out for this new Flat turf season. She has entries for the English and Irish 1000 Guineas and may hold claims at did odds. 

1000 Guineas 33/1 (Newmarket)

Snow Lantern will progress this season and the extra furlong will suit. I'm not sure if connections will line her up for a Classic trial such as the Nell Gwyn Stakes (Group 3) and Fred Darling Stakes (Group 3). It's often a strength to go straight for the race. 

Good luck to connections. 

Update: A lovely victory for Snow Lantern on her return at Newbury racing over 1m. This comfortable victory now sees the Frankel filly as short as 8/1. The 33/1 looks an inspired ante-post bet. 

Looking forward to the 1000 Guineas and a big performance. 

See the previous winners of the 1000 Guineas here. 

Sadly, Snow Lantern will miss the 1000 Guineas with connection opting for one of two races at the York meeting. 

A shame in ways.

Photo: Sky Lantern 

Some praise by Richard Hannon on the daughter of Frankel and Sky Lantern' SNOW LANTERN:

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