Sir Henry Cecil picked a low-key evening meeting at Lingfield for Frankel’s half-sister Joyeuse to make her debut but Royal Ascot could now be on her agenda after an eye-catching victory.
The latest daughter of the superstar’s dam Kind has a speedier sire than Frankel in Oasis Dream and was Cecil’s first two-year-old runner of the season.
Kitted out with a hood and initially weak in the market, Joyeuse was backed into 10-11 favourite just before the start.
She took a keen hold under Tom Queally in the early stages before applying herself well in the final stages, quickening 3-1/4 lengths clear in softish ground.
Among only a handful of spectators were owner-breeder Khalid Abdullah’s racing manager Teddy Grimthorpe, while Joyeuse was led up by Shane Fetherstonhaugh, Frankel’s former work rider.
“The ground was on the slow side and better ground might play to her strengths,” Queally said.
“She was quite green but went about her business quite nicely. I’m sure better things will be ahead.”
Grimthorpe admitted to a few jitters before the race.
“With a filly like this, you are always a bit apprehensive because the amount of expectation is so enormous,” he said.
“The great thing is she settled really well, had a bit of a look around when she came through and went on to win the race quite comfortably.
“Whether Henry would like to go seven furlongs (1400m), I don’t know.
“We’ve talked about the Albany Stakes but we’ll have to see.”
Two of Kind’s other three sons, Bullet Train and Noble Mission, are Group winners while three-year-old Morpheus is still a maiden.
Grimthorpe said the next in line was only a foal at the moment, but he is a Galileo full-brother to the highest-rated Flat horse since modern ratings began.
