Kentucky Derby Horse Profile: New Mandate

Sep 26, 2020 John Mucciolo/TwinSpires.com

Marc Chan’s New Mandate earned 10 points on the 2021 European Road to the Kentucky Derby following his three-quarters of a length triumph in the Royal Lodge (G2) at Newmarket on September 26. In addition, the 2-year-old also punched his ticket to the Juvenile Turf (G1) as part of the Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” challenge series.

Aidan O’Brien saddled runner-up Ontario, who secured 4 points, while Cobh and Gear Up earned 2 and 1 points, respectively.

The gelded New Mandate earned his initial group victory under the guidance of Frankie Dettori in the Royal Lodge. Trained by Ralph Beckett, the son of New Bay improved his career line to 5-3-0-2, $97,020 following his third straight victory. He preceded his Royal Lodge score with a tally in the Flying Scotsman S. at Doncaster last time out.

The winner was bred in Ireland by Mishhar Syndicate and he was purchased for a bargain $38,857 at the Arqana 2019 Deauville August Yearling Sale. He is the first black-type winner produced from the Authorized mare Mishhar, who is closely related to Avenir Certain, winner of the 2014 French 1000 Guineas (G1) and French Oaks (G1).

New Mandate is a question mark to handle the dirt with a pedigree that is heavily slanted towards turf, and he is also a mystery at the distances of the U.S. classic races. But his pilot had praise for the Irish-bred, stating 'They went slow and I had to kick earlier than I wanted to but he's a good horse and has gears. A mile is spot-on at the moment.'

The connections of New Mandate suggested that his next assignment could come at Keeneland on November 6.