Wootton Bassett Colt Stays Perfect On Stakes Debut

Daytona (2c Wootton Bassett – Detailed, by Motivator) followed up last month’s smart debut win with an even more impressive victory in Saturday’s Listed Pat Smullen Stakes at Naas.

A two-and-a-half-length winner over seven furlongs at Gowran, Aidan O’Brien’s charge was sent off favourite for the inaugural running of the mile Stakes race. Positioned towards the back of the field by Wayne Lordan, the son of Wootton Bassett improved on the outer turning for home.

Pushed along passing the two furlong pole, the bay was ridden soon after and, despite showing signs of inexperience, led approaching the final furlong. He lengthened away to score by three and a quarter lengths, with another three lengths back to the third horse.

“Jack (Cleary) gave him a lovely introduction in Gowran where for a first timer he was impressive,” Ballydoyle representative Chris Armstrong later commented. “He's come along lovely at home since then but he's still fairly raw.

“He travelled into it really strong but when he got there he was still very babyish. He has the makings of a lovely horse and next year you could see him over a mile and a quarter. He could be one for something like the Futurity or Golden Fleece. He's a horse to look forward to.”

Owned by Coolmore partners with Westerberg and Brant, Daytona was bought as a yearling for 500,000gns. The Wootton Bassett colt becomes the first black-type performer bred by COP Hanbury out of the mare Detailed.