Juddmonte Farms homebred Kingman colt Kikkuli attracted plenty of interest at Newmarket overnight when making his seasonal return and the half-brother to Frankel duly saluted.
Trained by Harry Charlton, he raced once last season finishing second at Newmarket in November. Partnered by Ryan Moore in this seven furlong maiden he did his best work on the line to win by a neck after racing a bit greenly over the final furlongs.
“There is no rush with Kikkuli, but Ryan said he would get a mile and we could look at something like the Listed Heron Stakes at Sandown in May,” said Barry Mahon, racing manager to Juddmonte.
Kikkuli is the seventh winner from eight foals to race from stakes-winning Danehill mare Kind, who is also the dam of undefeated two time Horse of the Year Frankel, triple Group I winner Noble Mission, Group III winner Bullet Train and stakes-winner Joyeuse.
Kikkuli is the last foal from Kind, who died from complications after his birth at age 20.