Potentially Smart Colt Emerges For Saxon Warrior

Killybegs Warrior (2c Saxon Warrior - Alltherightmoves, by Namid) shaped like a smart prospect when beating a short-priced favourite on debut on Friday.

The Mark and Charlie Johnston-trained newcomer was partnered by Mickael Barzalona in the seven furlong maiden at Newmarket and tracked the leader for much of the way. Shaken up to lead approaching the final furlong, he was soon ridden and ran on well to score by a length and a half, with the front pair finishing five and a half lengths clear of the third.

Owned by M Doyle, Killybegs Warrior was bred by Glashare House Stud, who sold the bay as a foal for €100,000. He hails from the first crop of Saxon Warrior, whose very first runner won first time out at Lion d’Angers.

Saxon Warrior himself did not run until the end of August as a two-year-old, but was unbeaten on all three of his juvenile starts, culminating in a thrilling victory in the Group 1 Racing Post Trophy. The son of Deep Impact made it four in a row when capturing the Group 1 2,000 Guineas on his three-year-old return and went on to be place in another three Group 1 contests.