Smart Son Of The Gurkha Impresses At Dundalk

Morning Soldier (2g The Gurkha - Morning Line, by Anabaa) shaped like a useful prospect when beating the short-priced favourite in Wednesday’s seven furlong maiden at Dundalk.

Tracking the leader under Billy Lee, the Tom Mullins-trained bay was pushed along approaching the two furlong marker and improved to lead a furlong later. Running on well, he denied the market leader by three parts of a length, with another three lengths and three quarters back to the third.

Mullins had expected his charge to take a big step forward on his second start and later said, “It was a good step forward and he obviously learned a bit in Naas, we did think a bit of him and were hoping for a better run first time.”

Owned by Mrs Helen Mullins, the son of The Gurkha was bred by Newstead Breeding. His progression bodes well for his yearling half-sister by Caravaggio, who sold for 205,000gns at Tattersalls earlier this month.