The world of horse racing is always brimming with potential champions, and as we eagerly eye the future, two top-handicappers have opened our eyes to six promising three-year-olds who may well rule the track in 2025.
Starting off the list is the eloquent Shadow Of Light, crowned Champion Two-Year-Old of 2024. As we look ahead, Graeme Smith of the BHA Handicapping Team and Mark Bird of the IHRB have given their insights on these burgeoning talents.
Verse Of Love: A Filly with Future Glory
Graeme Smith has put forward Verse Of Love, a striking filly trained by Charlie Appleby. This Siyouni daughter made quite the impact at Newmarket when she effortlessly swept the field away in a 7-furlong fillies’ maiden. Her debut race was an impressive display, showcasing her imposing figure and a vigorous spirit as she led by five lengths. Her performance indicates that greater things await, potentially gracing us with her presence in Dubai before her European campaign.
I Am I Said: A Middle-Distance Maestro
Next on Smith’s list is I Am I Said, a Ralph Beckett-trained colt who has demonstrated remarkable promise in middle-distance races. His victory at Newmarket marked him as a star to watch, smoothly overtaking rivals with an air of untapped potential. As a half-brother to John Smith’s Cup winner Enfjaar, he’s likely headed for the Derby trials, poised to leave his mark at distances of at least 10 furlongs.
Crown Of Oaks: Strong Finisher Ready to Shine
Crown Of Oaks may still carry the maiden tag, but under the guidance of William Haggas, this colt is touted to advance into elite company speedily. His impressive final push in a Newmarket maiden demonstrated a capability beyond the race result, a signal of his vast potential. With his heritage and a probable inclination towards longer races, Crown Of Oaks is sure to become a competitor worth tracking.
Acapulco Bay: A Powerhouse in the Making
Mark Bird suggests watching Acapulco Bay, a colt by Dubawi, known for his strength in juvenile races. Trained by Aidan O’Brien, Acapulco Bay caught the eye at the Curragh, as he closed in from far behind to almost clinch victory. Despite a less favorable front-running performance, his subsequent triumph against maiden winners suggests significant promise when tackling longer stretches this year.
Chantez: A Filly Destined for Greatness
Chantez, another pick by Bird, is a testament to potential greatness. Her journey through three Leopardstown outings was marked by steady improvement and culminated in a decisive win in the Listed Ingabelle Stakes. With a pedigree linking back to stallion Wootton Bassett, she has already mirrored her dam’s success and is anticipated to rise through the ranks, especially on sound surfaces.
Powerful Nation: The Irish Sprint Sensation
Rounding out the list is Powerful Nation, a sprinter from Irish stables that shows indications of high-level potential. Despite running a six-race juvenile campaign, he’s expected to mature gracefully, leveraging his ability to remain behind before closing in with a solid finish. He remains a high excitant for the sprint division, with the capacity to surpass his current ratings significantly.
In conclusion, these six prospects showcase the extraordinary dynamism within the world of racing. Whether thundering down the home stretch or launching into longer distances, each of these young athletes harbors a future ripe with victories and glory. As they embark on the 2025 season, it is with anticipation and excitement that their journeys are followed.
