TDN RISING STARS

July 12, 2008 - ASCOT, Race , Cond, GBP £10,000, 7f, 2.2000

The Cheka (Ire), C, 2008, by Xaar (GB)

1st Dam: Veiled Beauty, by Royal Academy
2nd Dam: Model Bride, by Blushing Groom (Fr)
3rd Dam: Mofida (GB), by Right Tack (GB)

Owner: Anthony Pye-Jeary & Mel Smith
Breeder: James Robert Mitchell
Trainer: Eve Johnson Houghton

Eve Johnson Houghton was not prepared to risk star juvenile The Cheka on ground too firm and employed patience before allowing him take on useful sorts in this racecourse debut. That caution was rewarded in spectaular fashion as the 8-1 chance exploded onto the scene with an emphatic success. Positioned in a close third through the steady early fractions, the 62,000gns TATDEC weanling and 58,000gns TATOCT yearling made smooth headway to lead approaching the final furlong and opened up daylight thereafter to win by 10 magnificent lengths. "That was very impressive," enthused winning rider Richard Quinn. "He got to the front over a furlong out; he was looking around and wasn't really racing them. I hadn't ridden him before and today was the first time I'd seen him. When the penny drops, I think he will be a serious horse." Trainer Eve Johnson Houghton indicated The Cheka will likely point to the Oct. 18 G1 Dewhurst S. at Newmarket rather than the Oct. 4 Tattersalls Million at the same track. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, £6,476.