Ralph Beckett has been in flying form this two-year-old season with a large string of juveniles who have seen the winner's enclosure.
However, for all the potential superstars at the stable I have a sneaky feeling Task Force, a son of Frankel, is going places. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised to see this strapping bay colt winning at Pattern class this season.
This May colt started his career with an easy victory at Salisbury when racing over 6f. Given a fine ride by Rhys Clutterbuck, the even money favourite cruised to a 3 1/4 length victory over Kingswood Flyer. There was a lot to like about that display. Also, it was interesting that Task Force started such a short price which was significant.
Task Force made his second start at Ripon in the Champion Two-Year-Old Trophy Stakes (Listed race) with a winning price of £22,408. Ridden by Rossa Ryan, this 11/8 favourite looked all at sea on the undulations but finish with spirit to hold stablemate Matters Most, who is held in some regard by connections. Task Force kept on well to win by a length and a quarter.
Beckett said: ''We like the second (Matters Most), he appears to be improving, and TASK FORCE was green on the undulations but he still got it done. So that's encouraging. We won't be afraid to roll the dice. He had to be pretty good to do that today as I'm not sure that's his ground either. He's in the Middle Park and I wouldn't be convinced about seven furlongs for the time being, we might stick at six. trainer.''
