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| Staff Writer |
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Kind Of Blue, the impressive runner-up in the recent Gr.1 Haydock Sprint Cup, has been acquired by the rapidly expanding Wathnan Racing operation. The Blue Point colt, who has been making waves in top-level sprints this season, will continue his career under the expert guidance of trainer James Fanshawe.
The three-year-old speedster boasts an enviable pedigree, hailing from the same family as two former Fanshawe-trained winners of the Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes, The Tin Man and Deacon Blues. This connection has fuelled speculation that Kind Of Blue may target the prestigious Group One contest at Ascot in October.
Kind Of Blue has been knocking on the door of Group One success throughout the 2024 campaign. After notching two novice victories early in the year, the colt has consistently delivered strong performances in top-tier company. His CV includes a creditable fourth in the Group One Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot and a close third in the Group Three Hackwood Stakes at Newbury.
However, it's his most recent outings that have truly caught the eye. Kind Of Blue finished an agonisingly close second in both the Group Three Phoenix Sprint Stakes at the Curragh and the Group One Sprint Cup at Haydock, beaten by a mere head on both occasions.
The Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes has a rich history of producing top-class winners. Notable victors in recent years include Slade Power, who went on to claim the July Cup, and Dream Ahead, who also secured the Prix de la Forêt. The race has often served as a springboard for sprinters to achieve further Group One glory.
Speaking on behalf of Wathnan Racing, racing adviser Richard Brown expressed enthusiasm about their latest acquisition: "Kind Of Blue is an impressive horse with a big future. He has been extremely well-handled by James, who knows this family so well."
Brown added, "Kind Of Blue's dam is a sister to two former stable stars, The Tin Man and Deacon Blues, both winners of the British Champions Sprint. That could well be the target for this fellow, too."
The purchase of Kind Of Blue represents another significant move for Wathnan Racing, as they continue to build a formidable string of high-class performers. The operation has been making headlines with their ambitious acquisitions and commitment to supporting top-tier racing.
Trainer James Fanshawe's record with sprinters speaks for itself. Having guided both The Tin Man and Deacon Blues to Champions Sprint glory, he appears well-positioned to unlock Kind Of Blue's full potential. The Newmarket-based handler has consistently demonstrated his ability to nurture and develop top-class sprinting talent.
As the flat racing season enters its final furlongs, all eyes will be on Kind Of Blue to see if he can emulate his illustrious relatives and capture Group One glory. With the backing of Wathnan Racing and the expertise of James Fanshawe, this exciting prospect looks set to make his mark on the sprint division for years to come.