WHEN Kia Joorabchian of Amo Racing and bloodstock agent Alex Elliott were looking at yearlings in Keeneland two years ago, the agent said to his client, ‘if there’s one horse I need you to buy, it’s this guy’, referring to a son of Wootton Bassett (Iffraaj).

The colt was sold through Gainesway, and Amo Racing were listed as the purchasers for $200,000. Sent to be trained by David Loughnane, it was clear from the colt’s physique that he would need time. He won on his October juvenile debut in great style, and 10 days later was straight into Group 1 company, and finished less than 10 lengths behind Auguste Rodin in the Vertem Futurity,