Newbury Newcomer Completes Smart Double For Wootton Bassett

Rhetorical (3c Wootton Bassett – Motivation, by Muhtathir) shaped like a smart prospect when making a winning debut at Newbury on Friday afternoon.

The William Haggas-trained colt was well-supported in the market ahead of the ten furlong maiden and was settled in midfield by Tom Marquand. Switched right two furlongs from home, he improved to lead inside the final furlong and kept on well to score by a length and a half.

Owned by Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, Rhetorical was bred by Oceanic, A Gravereaux and Monceau. The half-brother to Grade 1 victor Rockemperor (Holy Roman Emperor) became his sire’s second maiden winner of the day, with Felicia (3f Wootton Bassett – Fortitude, by Oasis Dream) having earlier scored at Chantilly.

Carlos and Yann Lerner’s representative had debuted a promising third over course and distance and was partnered by Christophe Soumillon for the first time on Friday. He steered the bay to a two and a half lengths win, with another length back to the favourite in third.

Owned by Ecurie Des Charmes, the Wootton Bassett filly was bred by Haras d’Etreham out of a half-sister to Broome (Australia) and Point Lonsdale (Australia).