The Lamplighter Stakes at Monmouth last night really lit the fuse under CRIMSON CHINA. Coming off a slightly below par effort in the Blue Grass ( race not run to suit) the Giants Causeway colt sat at the back of the field, loped along, quickened up passing rivals and then seemed to go back to sleep. Alan Garcia needed to just wake him up again to assert with authority and take the Stakes race.

This colt has got tremendous ability and with a race run at a fast pace has the acceleration to get on top where it matters. I do hope the connections will stick with Garcia as he seems to know the horse well and has realised that the horse is naturally laid back and needs 'waking up' in a race. Interesting that the last colt I bought who was a bit similar was Gitano Hernando who of course just recenlt won the Singapore International

I believe CRIMSON CHINA's next step is the Virginia Derby (GR 2) where he should again be very competitive.

Congratulations to all concerned and I hope we can maintain the upward momentum and keep scoring those home runs.