Charm Spirit (Invincible Spirit) colt Kick On looked an exciting prospect for the future when scoring a smooth victory at Newmarket yesterday in a strong renewal of the Bonhams 2YO Stakes over 1600m.
Racing for the same combination of trainer John Gosden and owners Qatar Racing Ltd who have enjoyed a brilliant European season with Roaring Lion, Kick On raced in the leading division before accelerating strongly to the line for a facile 2 ½ length victory to become his sire Charm Spirit’s 17th individual winner for the season.
"Kick On has a great stride and he’ll handle pretty much any ground. A stiff mile suits him”, commented Gosden post-race.
"We’ll look at the pedigree carefully, he obviously stays a mile and he’s by Charm Spirit who was a fabulous miler and I see no reason not to run him again this year”.
Leading jockey Oisin Murphy was equally impressed with his mounts performance.
"Charm Spirit is really making a mark at the moment and it’s nice to have one to really look forward to”, said Murphy.
The Gr.1 Doncaster Racing Post Trophy over 1600m next month looks a possible target for Kick On who has the scope to continue his improvement and develop into an imposing three-year-old.
Charm Spirit’s impressive first crop also includes recent Gr.3 winning filly Yourtimeisnow, successful in the 1200m Dick Poole Stakes at Salisbury.
A triple Gr.1 winning miler, Charm Spirit is Invincible Spirit’s highest earning son and he recently returned to Windsor Park Stud, Cambridge for his fourth southern hemisphere breeding season.