Noble Mission performed with plenty of credit at his much-anticipated debut at Yarmouth to finish second to Godolphin newcomer Swedish Sailor.
The Sir Henry Cecil-trained Noble Mission has plenty to live up to as a full-brother to the yard’s brilliant colt Frankel, the highest-rated Flat horse in the world and winner of each of his nine racecourse starts.
Connections of Noble Mission had warned not to expect the juvenile to match the exploits of his esteemed sibling, but there was more than a little encouragement at his first public appearance in division one of the Maiden Stakes.
Tom Queally stuck tight to the inside rail for much of the one-mile (1600m) contest on the 6-1 chance and looked a danger to all when angled out towards the middle of the track.
But when asked to quicken, Noble Mission appeared to get caught out for a couple of strides, allowing well-supported 7-2 favourite Swedish Sailor to take the initiative.
Noble Mission was making good late progress under only hands and heels as the line approached, suggesting a step up in trip would suit.
But Mahmood Al Zarooni’s Swedish Sailor had the race in safe keeping under Frankie Dettori, scoring by five lengths to make a fine start to his own racing career.
Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager to Noble Mission’s owner Khalid Abdullah, told At The Races: “I don’t think he knew (that all eyes were on him).
“He’s run nicely and travelled pretty well throughout the race. He settled really well and has come through pretty well really.
“It’s soft ground and he probably just got a bit tired at the end. It was a pleasing introduction.
“Henry thinks he is more of a staying type than his brother and I think that will tell, but it’s a good beginning.
“Always at this time of year with the ground, what they do and what people think they’re supposed to do are two different things.
“I think the way he’s come on and come through this, it will put him in really good stead for the winter and hopefully we can have a nice three-year-old campaign.
“Frankel does have a very dominating personality, this horse is a little bit quieter, but he’s still got a bit of spark.”
PA AAP TURF
