I thoroughly enjoyed the horses-in-training sale last week as I broke new ground and purchased horses to race on in Bahrain. Looking for horses rated 70 and above who handle fast ground and who have been tough and consistent performers was the remit and I think & hope I purchased some good prospects.

The first purchase was Lot 206 called Masarzain. Masarzain is a 4-year-old gelding by Kodiac rated 83 who has been in good form this Summer for trainer Archie Watson. He won in August and twice in September over 1 mile on good and good-to-firm ground. He cost 18,000gns.

The second purchase was Lot 606 called Navarone. Navarone is a 3-year-old gelding who was in-training with Richard Fahey and was always well regarded. Described by Richard Fahey as a very sound horse and some galloper it is hoped that this change of scenery can unearth that ability and he can look a smart buy at the 7,000gns paid.

The third purchase was Lot 1021 called Beck And Call. Beck And Call is a 3-year-old filly by Holy Roman Emperor who is rated 77 and has only been out of the first 3 on one occasion and that was when racing on soft ground. Her Sire Holy Roman Emperor has done well in fast-ground countries like Hong Kong and this filly was described by her trainer Henry Candy as a ‘real trier’. She costs just 7,000gns.

The fourth and final purchase was Lot 1183 called The Nazca Lines. The Nazca Lines is a 3-year-old gelding who I know well as he was trained by John Quinn. Always thought quite highly of and a tough, sound horse who needs fast ground he should suit Bahrain well. He also cost 7,000gns.