One to Watch – UK 2YO

Tara Madgwick - Friday April 18

Super interesting winner at Newmarket on Thursday was a Godolphin homebred two year-old colt by Wootton Bassett (GB) that won on debut and is on track for Royal Ascot.

Trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick, Military Code stepped out for the first time in the 5f novice for juveniles and forged clear to win by a length and a half.

Advertisement

Charlie Appleby was well pleased with the win and has Royal Ascot in his sights for the talented colt.

“We came here with a bit of confidence, although he went on the drift in the market, which is probably just been the week we've had,” Appleby said.

“Military Code   had done some nice work, as a physical specimen you can't fault him and we've got a couple of two-year-olds around him that we like as well so hopefully they're a little group who will come along together.

“He was a bit green at the start, but he's done it professionally and picked up well. We'd hoped he'd be an Ascot type and he’s on track for that.”

Military Code is the first juvenile winner of the new Northern Hemisphere season for Wootton Bassett and is the first winner for stakes-placed Invincible Spirit mare Wishfully, who comes from the family of Godolphin’s 2020 European Horse of the Year Ghaiyyath.

Wootton Bassett has had five Australian two year-old winners this season including Group I placed colts Wodeton and State Visit, who runs on Saturday in the Group I ATC Champagne Stakes.

Wootton Bassett (GB)

Advertisment
More Reading...
G3 Grand Prix Goal for Karaka Graduate
Gold Coast trainers Tony and Maddy Sears will be hoping talented filly Nightline can provide them with back-to-back winners of the Gr.3 Grand Prix Stakes (1800m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Russian Revolution Filly Chasing G2 Wakefield Challenge
Young talent Lara Antipova will be heavily in credit with Craig Grylls if she can carry him to victory in Saturday’s Gr.2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m) at Trentham.
Rebel Dane Magic Trio Highlight the Passing of Time
With a Golden Slipper winning Champion 2YO in Fireburn coming from just his second crop of foals, Rebel Dane was an under the radar sire that found fame in a rush, but as so often happens it takes a very long time for that achievement to follow into the sale ring.
Mega Maiden Bonus for Up-And-Comer Chilling Out (NZ)
A lucrative victory in Wednesday’s NZB Mega Maiden Series (1400m) at Ruakaka could be a stepping stone to bigger things for Chilling Out (NZ) (Savabeel).
Juvenile Trial Watch – Randwick
Three heats for juveniles at Randwick on Thursday morning were all won by unraced youngsters that included a million dollar filly from the first crop of Home Affairs and the other two winners both have siblings in upcoming sales.
Australian Racing Industry wants a say in pattern dispute
For some time, the Australian racing industry has been seeking to have Racing Australia(RA) resolve the current impasse around the Australian Black Type rules and pattern.
Vote for Your Favourite Foal of 2025
We thank everyone for their participation in this year’s Foal Gallery with an amazing selection of babies from all over Australia and New Zealand making it a real showcase for breeders big and small and the task of selecting just six for our audience to vote for is not an easy one.
G3 Eulogy Shines Spotlight On Emerging NZB Filly of the Year Contenders
Undefeated filly Well Written (Written Tycoon) has dominated the early stages of the 2025-26 NZB Filly of the Year Series, but the complexion of the series might start to change with this weekend’s fifth leg.
Racing Australia Issue a Statement on Black Type
Racing Australia Chairman Rob Rorrison has released the following statement. 
Magic Millions Comes to Caulfield – Check Out the Sale Mail
Spots on the Gold Coast will be up for grabs at Caulfield Heath this Saturday with qualification pathways to next month’s $13.5 million Magic Millions Raceday including the $250,000 MM Victoria 2YO Classic (1100m).