He’s Got The Looks – Oughton victorious at Sandown

Having raced somewhat wayward in the straight on his first outing, the application of a set of blinkers was enough for all to get a glimpse of the ability of the Hawkes trained Oughton at Sandown-Hillside on Wednesday. On just his second outing the 3YO entire was up against a highly regarded field, including Port Louis who holds the unenviable label of the best maiden in the country. Having jumped brilliantly, Oughton was able to dictate the pace and under calm riding from Jye McNeil, the colt was asked for a little more effort at the 400m mark when his main challengers loomed up alongside him and he duly delivered.

The son of More Than Ready was an expensive purchase from the MM draft for Spendthrift selling for $900k; so it is nice to see him going someway to repaying their faith.

Being the fifth foal out of the General Nediym mare La Fluorescent, this city win provides a timely update for his half sister who is scheduled to sell at the Magic Millions January sale in the coming weeks.

The mare unfortunately lost her foal this year and having failed to go in foal to Shamus Award on a late cover, the farm has decided to give her the year off and set her up for a nice early cover next year. By then, the exploits of Oughton may have some bearing on the mating choice…..