Fortitudine created a wildly striking impression on debut at Kempton as he blew his rivals apart by 21 lengths on Wednesday. The Dubawi gelding is a brother to connections’ nine-times Group 1 winner Rebel’s Romance, who retired earlier this year.
Fortitudine began quickly under James Doyle from stall 11, looking professional from the off. He was briefly shaken up around the bend, pulling clear with Purple Moon. He quickly drew away, and remarkably won by an eventual 21-lengths. The odds on favourite Dialstone could only manage second, with Godolphin’s Treble Bass in third.
Speaking to the Press Association after, via the Racing Post, James Doyle said: “He was quite professional. I gave him one tap, then he balanced up and away he went. He’s learning on the job nicely.”
Doyle, who rode his brother Rebel’s Romance to success in the 2022 Breeders’ Cup, added: “He feels like he lengthens away. He doesn’t do anything too quickly. So I was keen to keep the revs up, keep him in a nice high gear and keep him galloping.
“The trip is right and he might even get a bit further. I was a bit surprised myself when I had a little look round. It bodes well; hopefully he’s in for a good career.”
The dam, Minidress, also made a winning debut herself. She also bred Measured Time, a winner on debut at Kempton himself. He went on to win seven times in 11 races, before sadly breaking down at Meydan last year. Along with Rebel’s Romance, the pair have earned a combined £13,452,843 in prize money. While it was a sensational debut, he evidently has a long way to match the achievements of his siblings.
Logician’s brother Najidi Storm makes successful debut
Earlier on in the card, another talented former race-horse had a winning sibling at Najidi Storm won for Juddmonte, Andrew Balding and Colin Keane.
The Frankel colt travelled well in midfield, and displayed a useful turn of foot to run down the favourite Gavriel. His full brother, Logician, was unbeaten in five starts as a three year old, including the St Leger. He’s also a half-brother to Okeechobee, who won the Group 3 Gordon Richards for Harry Charlton in 2024.
Okeechobee won this contest in 2022, albeit second time up. The race has a solid roll of honours. Raammee won the first division of this race last season, now rated 103 having taken the John Smith’s Cup. The 111 rated Arabian Light took it in 2024, and Measured Time took it in 2023.