Connections of the exciting Monogram are pondering their next steps following his second in the Group 1 National Stakes.
The Kingman colt was Joseph O’Brien’s first ever runner in the famous Juddmonte silks. He made a successful debut at the Curragh, earning a supplementary entry in the Group 1 contest. It was a monumental task against proven colts, and he only found one too good in stalemate Folsom Blues.
Speaking to the Press Association, via At The Races, Juddmonte’s European racing manager Barry Mahon said: “We were over the moon with him and thought it was a huge run for a horse having only his second start.
“He did exactly what Joseph said he might do and travelled well. Before getting a little bit lost when they quickened before finishing off his race well.
“I think when he becomes a bit more streetwise, either the next day or after that, he’s going to be a high-class prospect.”
“It’s all about giving him enough experience for next year” – Barry Mahon
Monogram’s sole entry for now is the Group 1 Darley Dewhurst Stakes two weeks on Saturday. Juddmonte won the race with Chaldean in 2022, but Mahon has suggested they may drop to a lower level to bring him on slowly.
“We’re thinking one more start and then put him away. I’m not sure where that will be yet. He will probably do his first piece of work back this weekend and after that we can make a plan.
“He doesn’t necessarily have to run in another Group One. He’s a very big horse and all about next year. So we could slot him into a Listed or Group Three over a mile and hopefully win then put him away.”
Juddmonte will be hoping Monogram can fill the void of their other Kingman colt Field Of Gold, who was retired in July. He was a similar type, who was brought on steadily as a juvenile. A season later, he won the Irish 2000 Guineas and the St James’s Palace.
Mahon continued: “It’s all about giving him enough experience for next year where he’s going to be going into deeper waters. So we might just drop down a peg or two. Win our race and then look forward to next year.”
Joseph O’Brien also had Folsom Blues entered in the Dewhurst, and it appears he’ll be the stable’s number one.