Impressive Juvenile Double For The Gurkha

Way To Win (2c The Gurkha - Siesta Time, by Oasis Dream) could hardly have been more impressive when winning Saturday’s seven furlong maiden at Lingfield, in turn completing a two-year-old double for The Gurkha on the day.

Third on debut over six furlongs, the Marco Botti-trained colt was sent off second favourite under Christian Howarth, who rode him to make all. Going clear from three furlongs out, he kept on well to win by 11 lengths with ease, with another six lengths back to the third horse.

Owned by Ahmad Alrashidi, Way To Win was bred by Stephanie Hanly.

Earlier that day at Goodwood, Imperial Fighter (2c The Gurkha - Endure, by Green Desert) produced a fine performance on debut when leading home a 1-2 for Coolmore sires in the seven furlong maiden.

Racing in midfield under Oisin Murphy, Andrew Balding’s charge began to make headway from two furlongs out and was pushed along to lead soon after. Ridden out, he kept on well to score by two and a half lengths from fellow newcomer Ring Of Beara (Wootton Bassett), who drew three lengths clear of the third.

Owned by Michael Blencowe and bred by Lynn Lodge Stud, Imperial Fighter is a half-brother to nine winners, including black-type performer Imtiyaaz (Starspangledbanner).