Dan Briden's Two-Year-Old Guide: Eve Johnson Houghton's Team
Eve Johnson Houghton, a renowned trainer in the horse racing industry, has a talented team of two-year-olds for the upcoming season. Here's a breakdown of her stable, with each horse's unique story and potential.
AMETHYST STAR
Amethyst Star, a daughter of Without Parole, has a promising pedigree. Her dam is a half-sister to the Australian Group 1 winner Selino, and her sire is a well-regarded stallion. While she has been growing, she is now ready to make her racing debut, likely over 6f in early May. Her eligibility for CD restricted races is a bonus.
ARAD STEVE (IRE)
Arad Steve is a colt with a strong foundation. He is the first foal of a maiden half-sister to a Listed winner, and his sire is a consistent performer. With a recent growth spurt, he is now ready to showcase his talent, likely over 6f in the near future.
BABZINI (IRE)
Babzini is a filly with a stylish stride and a good mind. She is the third foal of a 3yo winner, and her sire is a top-notch stallion. While she is medium-sized, she has the potential to make an impact in the summer.
BANGED UP
Banged Up is a colt with a unique story. Initially thought to be very early, he has taken a backward step. However, he is expected to be a fun, early type for the owners, and his half-brother is a 2yo winner.
BAY CITY DREAMER
Bay City Dreamer is a homebred colt with a strong pedigree. His half-brother is a multiple 1m 3yo winner, and his dam is a Fred Darling Stakes winner. While he is not expected to be early, he has the potential to develop into a nice horse.
BOLLENGO BOY (IRE)
Bolengo Boy is a talented colt with a strong half-brother. He has shown up nicely and is expected to be out over 6f within the next few weeks. His sire is a Group 3 winner, and his dam is a half-sister to a Group 1 winner.
CALENDAR BOY (IRE)
Calendar Boy is a solid performer. He is an out-and-out grafter and will undoubtedly reach his full potential. His sire is a half-sister to a 2yo Listed winner, and he is expected to win his share of races.
CARAMEL (IRE)
Caramel is a lovely horse with a fantastic mover and a smashing attitude. While he is not a quick learner, he has the potential to be a summer performer over 7f.
CHIEF MINISTER
Chief Minister is a speedy colt with a recent injury. He goes along nicely and should be ready to make an appearance once he recovers. His sire is a 6f 2yo winner, and his dam is a 1m 1f 3yo winner.
DOES MARY KNOW
Does Mary Know is a strong, short-coupled colt with a promising future. He goes well and should be out in May over 6f. His sire is a 6f 2yo winner, and his dam is a daughter of a Falmouth Stakes winner.
FIRST MATE (IRE)
First Mate is a colt with a lot of potential. He will be one of the earlier runners and has the trainer's high regard. His sire is a Listed-placed 2yo winner, and his dam is a maiden daughter of a close relation to St Leger winner.
FLYING PIRATE (IRE)
Flying Pirate is a colt with a great stride and a good mind. While he takes a bit more time, he has the ability to surprise. His sire has well-documented quirks, but he is a talented horse.
FOSCARINI (IRE)
Foscari is a bonny colt with a promising future. He should be making an appearance soon, and his sire is a Group 3 winner. He will likely start over 6f.
GALIMIX (IRE)
Galimix is a colt with a strong foundation. He is shaping up nicely, and there is nothing wrong with him. He just needs a bit of time to develop.
JAZZY BAY (IRE)
Jazz Bay is a small, sharp two-year-old project that has grown significantly. While he hasn't been pushed due to his growth, he is expected to have plenty of fun in restricted races.
JIMTROTT (IRE)
Jimtrott is an incredibly nice horse with a strong will to please. He goes well but is not overly precocious. He is expected to run in the summer, possibly over 7f.
MARTABAN
Martaban is a colt with bags of pace and a nice stride. He is expected to run by mid-May and has the trainer's high hopes. His sire is a Listed-placed 2yo winner, and his dam is a maiden sister to a Group 2 winner.
NIGHT IN VEGAS (IRE)
Night in Vegas is a nice horse with a lot of ability. While he was almost entered, the trainer wanted a bit longer. He is expected to show up well when he runs.
PLAY AGAIN SAMMY (IRE)
Play Again Sammy is a gorgeous colt with a lovely stride. He is quite sizeable and won't be pushed early. He is expected to run around June time.
SAINT MUNGO (IRE)
Saint Mungo is a colt with a strong foundation. He has done some work and is expected to be a second-half-of-the-season performer.
SANTO
Santo is a bonny filly with a lot of speed. She is expected to win a race over 5f.
SONADO
Sonado is a talented horse with a strong pedigree. He works nicely and is expected to compete at the Lockinge meeting. He has the potential to be one of the nicer two-year-olds.
SUPER TUSCAN (IRE)
Super Tuscan is a horse that has taken time to learn but is now improving. He needs to switch on a bit more before plans can be made.
TARANIS
Taranis is a colt with a strong foundation. He goes nicely enough but is not setting the world alight. He is expected to run fairly soon.
TEMPLE COURT (IRE)
Temple Court is a colt with a hidden talent. He has glimpses of what he can do and is expected to come alive once he sees a racecourse. He could start over 5f but will stay further.
WAR CHEST
War Chest is a Saxon Warrior colt with a strong foundation. He has thrived since being at the stable and is expected to start over 6f. His sire is a French 9.5f 3yo Listed winner, and his dam is a Group 3-placed Irish 7f 3yo winner.
