Exciting Juveniles Complete Double For Churchill

War Rooms (2c Churchill – Apticanti, by Aptitude) emerged as an exciting prospect on Thursday when bolting up on debut at Doncaster.

The 200,000gns yearling buy was well-supported in the market ahead of the seven furlong novice stakes, in which Jim Crowley rode Owen Burrows’ charge in touch with the leaders on the stands’ side. Making headway approaching the two furlong pole, he ran on strongly to lead a furlong later and stormed clear to win by four lengths and three quarters.

“War Rooms gave me a good feel,” said Jim Crowley after the race. “He'll have learnt plenty and has got a good mind on him. He's rangey and will be a lovely horse for next year.”

Owned by Brook Farm Bloodstock, War Rooms was bred by Lynch Bages and Camas Park Stud. He completed the first leg of a smart juvenile double for Churchill on the day, with fellow newcomer Juxtaposition (2c Churchill – Jira, by Medicean) later taking the mile maiden at Leopardstown.

Paddy Twomey’s newcomer was sent off second favourite under Billy Lee, who rode the chesnut prominently throughout. Making headway from two furlongs out, he was switched right to challenge a furlong later and ran on well to lead close home. The winning margin was half a length, with runner-up Chief Little Rock (Galileo) finishing the same distance clear of Gandolfo (Churchill) in third.

“He's a nice horse,” Twomey later commented. “I thought he might be a little bit green tonight but his work at home had been good. I'm impressed by the way he battled when he got the chance.”

“I think he has a good future,” Twomey continued. “He was bought by Kevin Connolly and his family with the Goffs Millon in mind. He qualifies for that and there are a million reasons to run him in it!”

Owned by the Connolly Racing Syndicate, the son of Churchill was bred by T O’Dwyer and K O’Brien.