Graham Richards begins a series highlighting the top two-year-olds of 2007

Henrythenavigator | Kingsgate Native | Myboycharlie | New Approach | Proviso | Raven's Pass | Rio De La Plata | Winker Watson | Zarkava |

HENRYTHENAVIGATOR (USA)

Kingmambo(USA)-Sequoyah (IRE) (Sadler's Wells (USA) (11.3f))

Four-generation pedigree

*FSF rating 147

In my top two-year-old ratings, he is fifth highest on FSF figures and fourth highest on speed figures.

Henrythenavigator is a third foal and a full brother to Queen Cleopatra, placed in both the Irish Guineas and French Oaks. “Henry” created a huge impression when he sauntered home in a good time at Gowran Park over seven-furlongs. Sent over for the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, he defied the drop in distance to run out a gutsy winner from Swiss Franc and Luck Money.

Rested until August he returned to action and lost his unbeaten record in desperate ground at The Curragh. Reappearing a fortnight later at the same course, he found Jim Bolger’s emerging star New Approach far too good, coming home in third place. Once again, the ground was soft.

It would appear he finds it difficult to produce his best form on soft ground and one has to question the reasoning behind the decision. His form may well have plateaued; however, an open mind is suggested until he races in similar class on good or faster ground.

*FSF–Graham’s unique form and speed rating

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