Front-running Force by Equiano

Trainer Richard Hannon is in two minds whether to spell his promising colt Desert Force or keep him in work for some juvenile jackpots next month.

The son of Swettenham Stud shuttler Equiano made all the running in front to win the Al Basti Equiworld Stakes (1200m) by a length at Newbury on Friday.  He had finished second at Salisbury on debut last month.

“He was a lovely yearling and always on the big side – he was impressive and appreciated the cut in the ground,” Hannon said.  “That wasn’t a bad maiden but I’m not sure what’s next – we could even put him away for the rest of the year.”

Alternatively, the colt could stay in training for the Tattersalls 2YO Millions Trophy at Newmarket or the LR Totepool 2YO Trophy at Redcar.  Both races are scheduled for October 4.

“The horse that beat him at Salisbury gave that form-line a boost with another win at Thirsk,” Hannon added.  “More than half the opposition today were newcomers so you never know what you are going to come up against but he’s in good nick and did work well on Tuesday.”

Desert Force (2c Equiano – Mail The Desert by Desert Prince) was bred by Newsells Park Stud and cost 140,000 guineas (AUD 250,480) at the 2013 Tattersalls October Sale.  His dam Mail The Desert was a Group 1 winner of the Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh and had already foaled winners by Pivotal and Dr Fong.

His owner Malih Lahej Al Basti was appointed to the board of the company that runs Dubai’s Meydan racecourse by Sheikh Mohammed in 2012.

Equiano (Fr) stands for a $16,500 (inc gst) service fee at Swettenham Stud.