Ross Millar's Juvenile Watch: Task Force has star quality

STAR OF THE WEEK

Regular readers of this column surely would not expect me to pass over the chance to mention my favourite filly of the season – Relief Rally.

She again showcased her acceleration and tenacity when coming from an unfavourable position to win the Lowther Stakes at York.

I’ll be in her camp wherever she lines up this season given she’s demonstrated an ability to act on all types of ground. The Group One Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket is now on her agenda, and possibly the Flying Childers at Doncaster beforehand.

However, this week’s Star Of The Week is the Ralph Beckett-trained Task Force, winner of the Ripon Champion Two Year Trophy run on Bank Holiday Monday.

Much of the pre-race focus centred around whether Asadna could bounce back to the form he had shown when wildly impressive at the track on his debut. Unfortunately for connections and backers he continues to look regressive and trailed in a well beaten last.

Task Force won comfortably and looks a progressive colt. Settled off the pace in the early stages he travelled sweetly for jockey Rossa Ryan. He took a bit of organising as the field approached the two-furlong pole before readily stretching out to win by a cosy 1¼ length without ever coming under strong pressure.

Task Force had also impressed on his debut

I’m not sure he was entirely at home on the undulating track as his head was angled to the left, suggesting that he was trying to hang to his right. He had raced straight and true on his debut at Salisbury and, as such, this performance can be marked up.

His dam, Special Duty, won the English and French 1000 Guineas, and we know that his sire, Frankel imparts stamina along with class to his progeny.

Task Force’s pedigree, along with his finishing effort, suggests that he’d have no problem staying at least seven furlongs this year, with a mile certainly looking feasible when returning to the track at three.

His win continued the excellent form of Beckett. His two-year olds are operating at an impressive win rate of 22%.

WINNERS IN WAITING

The Convivial Maiden, run at York on Friday, was a typically competitive affair – as you’d expect with prize money of £100,000 on offer. It’s a race that usually yields plenty of future winners and I’m certain that will again this will hold true. The below pair both caught my eye.

Sisyphean (Kevin Ryan)

This son of Dubawi forfeited several lengths by ducking right from his wide draw as the stalls opened. Despite the lack of cover, he raced sweetly and while he lacked the turn of foot of those in front of him this was a highly promising debut. Out of a Lope De Vega mare, he showed a round gallop action with a high knee; I would be sure that he will be better suited by slightly softer conditions. As autumn draws nearer these conditions are bound to present themselves and I’d be disappointed if he couldn’t win a maiden on his next start.

Spirit Of Acklam (Michael & David Easterby)

A proud Yorkshire family, I’m sure the Easterbys’ were keen to aim one of their better juveniles at this lucrative race. Sent off an unfancied 80/1 shot, Spirit Of Acklam ran well above market expectation. He showed notable signs of greenness; firstly, when slow into stride leaving the stalls and again when taking time to find his stride when asked for his finishing effort. He was also not aided by a gap closing on him in the final furlong (although this stemmed from his lack of instant response). Stepping up to a mile will not be an issue and he can comfortably land a maiden before the season is out.

EXTRA YORK NOTES

Julia Graves Roses Stakes: Baheer

A reminder of what Baheer can do when he behaves

What a frustrating lad! He is clearly in possession of a ton of ability but his stall antics continue to blight his career. I thought he’d been afforded optimal conditions in last Saturday’s Listed race on Saturday but after being loaded early he got upset in the stalls and, as is standard these days, he was withdrawn.

As a punter, it was a case of no harm done. But as a fan of the sport, it’s a source of frustration. I won’t give up on him yet and maybe connections will elect to take a ticket for future engagements that would see him loaded later in the order.

Gimcrack Stakes: Johannes Brahms

He was unable to match the finishing kick of the winner, Lake Forest, yet still ran right through the line on this return to 6f. A son of Siyouni, he may just prefer a bit more cut in the ground too. He holds a host of future Group entries, but such is the strength in depth that his trainer, Aidan O’Brien has in this division I wondered whether he might take up his engagement at Doncaster on September 14 in the valuable sales race. The 6½-furlong trip, on likely easier ground, would play to his strengths.