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 |

RAVEN’S PASS (USA) 2-y-o (17 Feb 2005) ch c

Elusive Quality (USA) (7.4f) - Ascutney (USA) (Lord at War (ARG) (8.8f))
Trainer: J H M Gosden
FSF Rating: 150
Form: 111

Four-generation pedigree

Raven’s Pass is a sixth foal and a half-brother to Gigawatt, a multiple winner in America. His dam won twice as a two-year-old, on turf in the U.S.A.

John Gosden’s colt has won all three of his races run in the space of forty-six days. Sent off at 20/1 for his debut at Yarmouth, he was soon prominent and going well. Ridden to lead inside the final furlong he stayed on well from a field of sixteen maidens. The third, fourth and fifth horses home have all won since.

Moved up in class, he reappeared at Ascot in a seven-furlong Listed race. Bounced out of the stalls he made all the running. Ridden and quickening clear over a furlong from home he ran out an impressive winner. Paddock watchers were impressed with his appearance and he earned the “good sort” remark in Raceform. This is awarded to very few juveniles in the course of a season.

Moving up to Group Three Class, he simply destroyed the opposition in the Solario Stakes at Sandown. Always travelling well within himself, he lengthened and quickened away from his field at the two-furlong pole. Never in danger thereafter, he sauntered home with the remainder of the field struggling in in his vapour trail. It is fair to say the fifth and sixth home Maze and Pegasus Trail ran below form. Nevertheless, City Leader and Gasper Van Wittel appeared to run up to their best.

Since 1987, there have been twenty-one renewals of the Solario Stakes. Raven's Pass recorded the fastest time in that period by a staggering 2.50 seconds. This equates to approximately twelve-lengths. Suffice to say he is going to be a leading player in the major autumn races. His physique and temperament bode well for his three-year-old career.

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Solario Stakes video