No Nay Never Colt Gets Off The Mark In Style

Florida (2c No Nay Never - Balankiya, by Darshaan) took another step forward on Wednesday to run out a commanding winner of the seven furlong Novice Stakes at Kempton.

Well-supported to score on his third attempt, the William Haggas-trained colt was positioned in midfield by Kevin Stott and made smooth headway from two furlongs out. Ridden to lead approaching the final furlong, he quickened clear to score by a comfortable two and a quarter lengths. Merlin The Wizard (Camelot) made a promising debut in second, finishing three and a half lengths clear of the third.

Florida was bought by owner Michael Buckley as a yearling for 180,000gns from Camas Park Stud, who bred the son of No Nay Never in partnership with Lynch Bages.