Promising Saxon Warrior Colt Delivers On Second Start

There should be more to come from Huscal (2c Saxon Warrior – Gravity Queen, by Holy Roman Emperor) after the Charlie Hills-trained colt won his second start in Monday’s six furlong maiden at Ripon.

The son of Saxon Warrior shaped with promise at Goodwood last month, where he finished sixth to the well-regarded Jouncy (Wootton Bassett), and was sent off favourite to build on that effort on Monday. Racing close to the pace under James Doyle, the chesnut was ridden to lead inside the final furlong and kept on well to score by a length and three quarters.

“It was a good run at Goodwood in a stronger race than this,” the winning rider said. “Huscal was learning on the job that day and the only question mark was that Ripon can be difficult for inexperienced horses. He's not the finished article and should keep on improving.”

Owned by Rosehill Racing, Huscal holds an entry in the Group 2 Mill Reef Stakes later this month. The son of Saxon Warrior becomes the first winner bred by Dermot Cogan out of the Holy Roman Emperor mare Gravity Queen.