Unbeaten Lion of War set for Group race

Qatar Racing’s Lion of War, from the only crop of world champion Roaring Lion, created a deep impression when winning his second race by an easy 10 lengths at Newcastle on Thursday.

The strapping colt could now head to the Gr.2 Superlative Stakes at Newmarket on July 9.

Those who backed Lion of War at odds-on for Newcastle, following his Leicester debut victory, never had a moment’s worry as he was always handy under Cieren Fallon and streaked clear from 2f out.

Cieren was even able to have a look over his shoulder and ease Lion of War up late on, the colt pricking his ears in the manner of a horse with even more left in the tank.

Cieren told the press: “It's the easiest winner I'll have all year, he's done everything you wanted him to do. He's ready for a step up in grade.

“You know when you're sat on a good horse; I was sat on one today. When you ask them to pick up they do it instantly, every good horse has speed which he does and he's going to stay further. There's a promising future for this lad.”

Charlie Johnston, who trains Lion of War with his father Mark, added: “I was hoping he'd do that. We could've jumped in class after Leicester but I felt mentally he's still quite immature and he was quite colty, so we wanted another day at school before we jumped up. I think he's told us he's ready for it.”

Lion of War was an absolute steal when bought for 7,000gns by David Redvers at the Tattersalls October Book 3 Yearling Sale. He was bred by Andrew Whitlock Racing Ltd out of Stakes-placed winner Momentus. She ran in the Oaks and Lion of War should be even better over 1m+.