It was unsurprising that connections had to go to €115,000 to secure Frankie John at the 2023 Derby Sale, as he is a very well-related individual. Out of a Stowaway-sired half-sister to the Cheltenham Festival winner and Irish Gold Cup runner-up Empire Of Dirt, Frankie John is also a half-brother of the six-time track winner Shearer. Enjoying the best possible start to his career, he made a winning debut at Boulta last month, justifying the favourites tag in the process. Content to bide his time, it was only approaching the home bend that his rider asked him to take closer order, and it was taking just how quickly he moved through into a challenging position, and although facing a strong challenge from a more experienced rival, he showed a great attitude to get his head in front as the pair pulled 11 lengths clear of their rivals in a time 11 seconds quicker on the card. Since then, the horse that he outbattled has been bought by Nicky Henderson.