Kikkuli won the Alex Scott Maiden Stakes at Newmarket in a promising manner, ensuring the continuation of a renowned family line and the return of famous silks to the winner's enclosure.
As managed by Ryan Moore, the Harry Charlton colt, who is a half-brother of Frankel, shed his maiden tag by running a gutsy race in the green and pink colours of Juddmonte Farms.
For a large portion of the race, he was positioned in the middle, and Manhattan Mirage took an early lead before gradually losing strength until Moore created a gap that allowed Kikkuli to pass.
Market leader Creative Story once looked like he might ruin the party by taking the lead, but Kikkuli battled back to take the lead and win by a neck at 5-2, building on his promising debut from the previous year with his first victory.
“It’s wonderful to have him in the yard, but it comes with a little bit of added pressure. It means a lot to the family and a lot to racing,” Charlton told RacingTV about training Frankel’s half-sibling. “We were hopeful we would see a similar performance to last year with that finish and I think with that final furlong, we saw that strength come through. There’s no immediate plan. Ryan said there is something in there but bide your time, he will be even better next year. No grand plans immediately but Ryan was hopeful we will get there one day.”
After coming within half a length of the leading pair, Roger Varian's colt was expertly guided by jockey Tom Marquand, allowing Ten Bob Tony to finish strongly.
With three furlongs remaining, jockey Saffie Osborne was off the bridle as Hafeet Alain made a sharp move to the outside and began to gain ground on the rivals, passing Majestic in the last 200 metres.
“He’s a star,” Walker said of Hafeet Alain. “Last season, he had a great season and he just loves his racing, he is so game. He’s such a game horse, he’s a legend. A real yard favourite.”