Wootton Bassett Colt Follows Up With Stylish Stakes Success

Carmers (3c Wootton Bassett – Signe, by Sea The Stars) made a significant step forward from his debut win just eight days prior to run out a commanding winner of Saturday’s Listed Yeats Stakes at Navan.

Paddy Twomey’s charge was sent off favourite to remain unbeaten and raced in second for much of the mile-and-five-furlong contest. Pushed along to challenge three furlongs from home, he was ridden to lead after the two-furlong pole and soon drew clear, going on to score by three lengths.

Reflecting on the colt’s debut win, Twomey commented: “I thought he would run a good race in Ballinrobe and thought he would finish the race well but he surprised me with how well he won: Donagh (O'Connor, jockey then) said he had to go down the back straight to pull him up. He came home, licked the pot, rode out this week, didn't care, and as the week went on, it became clear that he was ready to go.”

On Saturday’s success, Twomey continued: “When he went to the front, to be fair to him, he picked up and rallied. He's keeping plenty for himself so I'd say there's plenty in him. The Queen's Vase in Royal Ascot is probably the right race for him: he's a stayer and has enough experience to go to a race like that.”

The son of Wootton Bassett is owned by Fiona Carmichael and was bred under her Westward Bloodstock banner.