THRAVE has got Wantage trainer Henry Candy dreaming of a Classic campaign after opening his account in good style at Newmarket.

The son of 2006 Derby winner Sir Percy fulfilled the promise of his debut second in late August by galloping home a length-and-three-quarters clear of Elwazir in a seven-furlong maiden stakes under Harry Bentley.

Candy said: “He’s the most gorgeous horse with an incredible temperament.

“I think he’s a proper horse. He’s not a Derby horse as he won’t get beyond ten furlongs and I think he’ll be a miler.

“I’ll leave him alone now as it’s getting late in the season. We’ll be looking at a Guineas trial next year.”

Meanwhile, Candy will consider other options for Limato after his stable star missed the defence of his Qatar Prix de la Foret crown due to the soft ground at Chantilly.

The five-year-old could now head for either Saturday’s Bengough Stakes at Ascot, the Guisborough Stakes at Redcar or the Challenge Stakes at Newmarket the following weekend.

West Ilsley trainer Mick Channon praised Diamond Dougal’s desire after the gelding ploughed through Haydock’s heavy ground to land a five-furlong nursery under David Egan.

“You’ve got to admire this lad’s appetite,” said Channon. “He was horribly jarred up on the firm ground at Bath in April.

“But to come back like he has and to keep showing his hunger like he has, it’s all credit to him.”

The West Ilsley handler and Egan had teamed up two days earlier to strike with 20-1 shot Koeman in a qualifier for the London Middle Distance Series at Kempton - a win which left the trainer plotting for bigger and better things.

The three-year-old, who recorded a half-length verdict over Al Hamdany, could now go for the Old Rowley Cup at Newmarket on October 13 as well as returning to Kempton for the London Series final.

West Ilsley neighbour Denis Coakley was also in the winner’s enclosure with Connaught Ranger, who got off the mark in a mile maiden auction stakes at Lingfield, with Tom Queally on board.

And at Market Rasen, Simply The Betts made a winning debut for Sparsholt trainer Harry Whttington in a National Hunt Flat Race under Brian Cooper.