Smart Son Of Saxon Warrior Draws Clear On Return

Naxos (3g Saxon Warrior - Ecureuil, by Lope De Vega) made a smart return to action on Thursday when running out a stylish winner of the mile Novice Stakes at Newcastle.

An impressive debut winner in October, the George Boughey-trained chesnut finished second next time out and was sent off favourite on his three-year-old return. Making all under Kevin Stott, he was ridden from two furlongs out and drew clear a furlong later. Striding out to the line, he won by a comfortable three and a half lengths.

“I really liked Naxos when he won first time,” Stott said after the race “He enjoyed being in front today and did everything smoothly. There's a bit more to come.”

Owned and bred by Al Asayl Bloodstock, Naxos hails from the impressive first crop of Saxon Warrior, which produced Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf victor Victoria Road. His first runners also included Group 1 runner-up Gan Teorainn, two Group 3 winners and another three Group performers.