When Expressionist became the first winner for Night Of Thunder, there was immediate talk of him being something quite special and the sages at Timeform would now seem to agree, allotting him a rating of 95.
This is the highest mark for any runner by a first-season sire in 2019 and a step up in class for this exciting colt could now beckon, with assistant trainer Alex Merriam indicating that Royal Ascot is the likely plan.
Bought at the Craven Breeze Up Sale for 300,000gns, Expressionist was never troubled throughout his racecourse debut, winning under hands and heels by three quarters of a length.
He was bred by Clarecastle Stud and is out of Authorized’s Stakes-performing daughter Permission Slip. He comes from a family of smart juvenile performers, being from the same female family as Champion two-year-old Bint Allayl.
Night Of Thunder was undefeated at two himself, winning the Listed Doncaster Stakes by three lengths on just his second start. He of course went on to win the best renewal of the 2,000 Guineas for over 40 years and took the G1 Lockinge at four.
Night Of Thunder stands at Dalham Hall Stud at a fee of £15,000, Oct 1 SLF.
