Tuesday’s French banker of the day is an unexposed and talented two-year-old…
Al Zanati (William Buick/Charlie Appleby) Chantilly – R3 - Prix Thomas Bryon
- · Unexposed after two starts
- · Excellent runner-up last time out
- · Top trainer and jockey combination
Charlie Appleby and William Buick need no introduction when it comes to success in France and it will be disappointing if Al Zanati cannot land the odds in the Prix Thomas Bryon.
The form of his debut success at Newmarket earlier in the season looks solid with the runner-up August George going on to fill the same position in a valuable sales event at the Curragh, while the fourth-place horse has also found the winners' circle subsequently.
Whilst his debut success was certainly taking, it was his next time out second to the potentially high-class Hankelow in the Group 3 Autumn Stakes that really caught the eye. Ferociously keen in the first half of the contest, Al Zanati looked set to finish towards the rear of the field at the halfway stage, but such is his raw ability, he was able to keep on in striking style up the Newmarket hill to finish an unlikely and incredible runner-up behind the much more amenable Hankelow.
Karl Burke has already revealed that his winner will head for a Classic trial next season and while there's no doubt Al Zanati has plenty of growing up to do, his natural talent should be enough to see him back on track here.
