Gavota | Racing Post

By Tom Frary

2nd-LIN, £6,000, Cond, 8-30, 2yo, f, 7fT, 1:25.67, gd.
GAVOTA (GB) (f, 2, Bated Breath {GB}–Ombre {GB}, by Galileo {Ire}), who was racing under a seven-pound penalty after her debut win over six furlongs at Newmarket Aug. 11, settled behind the early leaders under restraint. Sweeping to the front approaching the furlong marker, the 3-10 favourite strode clear under hand riding to register a facile six-length success from Unchaining Melody (GB) (Excelebration {Ire}). Trainer Roger Charlton’s son and assistant Tom said, “She’s a sweet filly with a lovely long stride. She’s got an entry in the [G2] Rockfel [S. at Newmarket Sept. 29], but there’s a chance she’ll get a mile as well. She’s got a lovely attitude, typical of her sire Bated Breath. She seems like a straightforward filly and is easy to train.” The dam, who has a yearling filly by Showcasing (GB) and a foal full-sister to the winner, was an unraced half to three black-type performers in Grand Vista (GB) (Danehill), World Ruler (GB) (Dansili {GB}) and Disclose (GB) (Dansili {GB}). Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $10,890. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.
O-Khalid Abdullah; B-Juddmonte Farms (East) Ltd (GB); T-Roger Charlton.

Rain Goddess | Racing Post

By Tom Frary

Like Winter (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), Rain Goddess was under David Wachman’s auspices in 2016 and entered the hallowed Ballydoyle stable with an unblemished record having won her sole start at Leopardstown in September. Out of the frame on her first three starts for Rosegreen but progressing each time, the bay was fifth in the G1 Poule d’Essai des Pouliches at Deauville May 13 and was caught late by Con Te Partiro (Scat Daddy) when runner-up in Royal Ascot’s Listed Sandringham H. June 21. Runner-up in the July 2 G1 Pretty Polly S. and July 15 G1 Irish Oaks at this venue, she had to bounce back from a subsequent eighth in the Aug. 12 GI Beverly D. S. but proved yet another hardy performer from her establishment to earn a first black-type success and complete an afternoon group-race double for Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore. Settled in third early with stamina assured, she took until the final 200 yards to get past her stablemate and long-time leader Key To My Heart (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and the line came in time as the other joint-favourite Intimation flew late.

Aidan O’Brien is thinking of a return to the States with Rain Goddess. “It was great to get her back,” he commented. “She’s a very well-bred filly and Ryan gave her a great ride. The last day in America she was just drawn out a little bit too far. Even though she ran over a mile and a half, I’d say probably a mile and a furlong or a mile and a quarter is her trip. The [G2] Blandford [S. at The Curragh Sept. 10] looks perfect for her. She could go for the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf at the end. I think it’s a mile and a furlong this year.”

Rain Goddess is the first foal out of the former Ballydoyle runner Where, who was a sprint maiden after four starts and who also has an as-yet unraced 2-year-old filly by Frankel (GB) named D’Accord (Ire). Her dam Virginia Waters clinched Classic glory in the G1 1000 Guineas, while the third dam is the G3 Prix de Royaumont winner Legend Maker. She also produced the G2 Gallinule S. winner and G1 Irish Derby runner-up Alexander of Hales (Danehill) and his sire full-brother Chevalier (Ire) who was second in the G1 Criterium International. Their full-sibling Canterbury Lace is the dam of the G1 Matron S. winner Chachamaidee (GB) (Footstepsinthesand {GB}) and G3 Fred Darling S. and G3 Oak Tree S. scorer J Wonder (Footstepsinthesand {GB}), while this is also the family of this year’s G3 John Porter S. winner Muntahaa (Ire) (Dansili {GB}) and G2 Challenge S. scorer Miss Lucifer (Fr) (Noverre). The fourth dam 4th dam High Spirited (Ire) (Shirley Heights {GB}) is a full-sister to the G1 Premio Roma heroine High Hawk (Ire), whose best progeny was the triple group 1-winning champion sire In the Wings (GB).

Sunday, Curragh, Ireland
SNOW FAIRY FILLIES S.-G3, €65,000, CUR, 8-27, 3yo/up, f, 9fT, 1:53.45, gd.
1–RAIN GODDESS (IRE), 126, f, 3, by Galileo (Ire)
1st Dam: Where (Ire), by Danehill Dancer (Ire)
2nd Dam: Virginia Waters, by Kingmambo
3rd Dam: Legend Maker (Ire), by Sadler’s Wells
*1st stakes win. O-Susan Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith; B-Where Syndicate (IRE); T-Aidan O’Brien; J-Ryan Moore. €38,350. Lifetime Record: MG1SP-Ire & SP-Eng, 9-2-3-0, $249,953. Werk Nick Rating: A+++ *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.2–Intimation (GB), 133, m, 5, Dubawi (Ire)–Infallible (GB), by Pivotal (GB). O/B-Cheveley Park Stud Ltd (GB); T-Sir Michael Stoute. €13,000.
3–Dawn of Hope (Ire), 133, f, 4, Mastercraftsman (Ire)–Sweet Firebird (Ire), by Sadler’s Wells. (€220,000 Ylg ’14 GOFORB). O-Saleh Al Homaizi & Imad Al Sagar; B-Gerrardstown House Stud (IRE); T-Roger Varian. €6,500.
Margins: HF, HF, NO. Odds: 2.75, 2.75, 8.00.
Also Ran: Key To My Heart (Ire), Beautiful Morning (GB), Glamorous Approach (Ire), Making Light (Ire), Flying Fairies (Ire), Aurora Butterfly (Ire), Dilmun, Puppetshow (Ire), Aim to Please (Fr), Kamili (Ire), Signe (Ire), Pavlenko (Jpn). 

Click for the Racing Post result or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.

Tiberian | Scoop Dyga

By Tom Frary

There was a short head between Tiberian and Doha Dream in the G3 Prix de Reux over this course and distance Aug. 6 and it was nip-and-tuck once again with the same outcome to this festival-closing feature. Never far off this standard, the bay who is Melbourne Cup-bound was second to Vazirabad (Fr) (Manduro {Ger}) in the 2015 Prix Chaudenay at Longchamp and filled the same position behind One Foot In Heaven (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) in the G2 Prix du Conseil de Paris over a mile and a half at Chantilly in October. Returning to beat the subsequent G2 Prix Maurice de Nieuil winner Talismanic (GB) (Medaglia d’Oro) in both the Mar. 28 Listed Prix de la Porte de Madrid and May 8 G3 Prix d’Hedouville also over 12 furlongs at Saint-Cloud, he did too much on the lead before fading to seventh in that track’s July 2 G1 Grand Prix.

Having made all in the Reux, on this occasion Tiberian was settled with two behind initially by Olivier Peslier. Keeping tabs on Doha Dream throughout, he allowed that rival first run and the lead once straightened for home but wrested the advantage passing the furlong pole. As they battled it out again, it was the Alain Couetil trainee who clung on to sign off his European campaign in perfect fashion. “Last time, with so few runners, I left tactics to Olivier and he made all but today I asked him to wait and get cover because he is better being ridden like that,” Couetil explained. “He has a good turn of foot and knows how to quicken, plus he loves fast ground and gives me the impression he is getting better and better. He enters quarantine in Newmarket Sept. 13 and two weeks later will fly to Australia for preparations for the Melbourne Cup.”

Tiberian’s story is unusual, being a son of 2004 G3 Grosser Preis der Freien Hansestadt Bremen winner Tiberius Caesar who is a teaser at Haras du Logis who gets to cover one mare each year. It is the kind of quirky tale easily imagined in the papers after the upcoming Flemington highlight, but he showed here that he possesses the kind of class to be a major player in the race that stops a nation. His dam is the Listed Frankfurter Stuten-Meile runner-up Toamasina, a granddaughter of the listed-placed Marie de Beaujeu who produced the G1 Deutsches Derby-winning sire All My Dreams (Ire) and also the dam of the GI Beverly D. S. heroine I’m a Dreamer (Ire) (Noverre). She also has a yearling filly by Sri Putra (GB) named Sri Gril (Fr).

Sunday, Deauville, France
LUCIEN BARRIERE GRAND PRIX DE DEAUVILLE-G2, €200,000, DVL, 8-27, 3yo/up, 12 1/2fT, 2:44.68, gd.
1–TIBERIAN (FR), 132, h, 5, by Tiberius Caesar (Fr)
1st Dam: Toamasina (Fr) (SP-Ger), by Marju (Ire)
2nd Dam: Top Speed (Ire), by Wolfhound
3rd Dam: Marie de Beaujeu (Fr), by Kenmare (Fr)
O-Haras du Logis, Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock Ltd, Heiko Volz & Stefan Falk; B-Haras du Logis, Julian Ince, Stefan Falk & Heiko Volz (FR); T-Alain Couetil; J-Olivier Peslier. €114,000. Lifetime Record: 17-6-4-0, €361,600. Werk Nick Rating: C+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Doha Dream (Fr), 132, c, 4, Shamardal–Crystal Reef (GB), by King’s Best. O-Al Shaqab Racing; B-Ecurie Haras Bouquetot SAS (FR); T-Andre Fabre. €44,000.
3–Travelling Man (GB), 129, g, 4, Oasis Dream (GB)–Montare (Ire), by Montjeu (Ire). O/B-George Strawbridge (GB); T-Freddy Head. €21,000.
Margins: SNK, 1, 3/4. Odds: 4.50, 3.20, 5.30.
Also Ran: Savoir Vivre (Ire), Garlingari (Fr), Frontiersman (GB), Mille et Mille (GB). 

Click for the Racing Post result or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.

Shamardal | Darley 

By Sean Cronin

2nd-YAR, £8,000, Cond, 8-27, 2yo, f, 6f 3yT, 1:10.69, g/f.
+ZAIN HANA (GB) (f, 2, Shamardal–Lavender and Lace {GB}, by Barathea {Ire}) was handily placed just behind the pace from the outset of this debut. Scrubbed along to take closer order with three furlongs remaining, the 7-1 chance launched her bid at the quarter-mile marker and was ridden out in the closing stages to prevail by a neck from Foxtrot Lady (GB) (Foxwedge {Aus}). She is the first scorer produced by a daughter of G3 Prix des Reservoirs victress and G1 Prix Saint-Alary third Summertime Legacy (GB) (Darshaan {GB}), whose four black-type performers include G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud hero Mandaean (GB) (Manduro {Ger}), G1 Fillies’ Mile third Winters Moon (Ire) (New Approach {Ire}) and G1 Prix Saint-Alary winner Wavering (Ire) (Refuse to Bend {Ire}), who in turn is the dam of G3 Prix de Flore runner-up Switching (Street Cry {Ire}). Sales history: €100,000 Ylg ’16 ARAUG; 320,000gns 2yo ’17 TATBRE. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $6,666. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.
O-Asaad Al Banwan; B-Al-Baha Bloodstock (GB); T-Jeremy Noseda.

Saxon Warrior | Racing Post

By Sean Cronin

SAXON WARRIOR (JPN), c, 2, Deep Impact (Jpn)–Maybe (Ire), by Galileo (Ire).
O-Derrick Smith, Susan Magnier & Michael Tabor; B-Orpendale, Chelston & Wynatt (JPN); T-Aidan O’Brien; J-Donnacha O’Brien. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, €10,780.
   Saxon Warrior, a Sept. 24 G2 Beresford S. and Sept. 30 G2 Royal Lodge S. entry, was settled off the pace in rear after an adequate break in this first go. Coaxed along to close passing the quarter-mile marker, he quickened in impressive fashion to challenge with 150 yards remaining and stretched clear under minimal urging thereafter to easily account for Meagher’s Flag (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) by 3 1/4 lengths. The bay, who enjoyed a modicum of support in the betting before going off at 8-1, is the second scorer produced by G1 Moyglare Stud S.-winning European champion juvenile filly and G1 1000 Guineas third Maybe (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), and he is a full-brother to Listed Platinum S. placegetter Pavlenko (Jpn) and half to a colt foal by American Pharoah. Maybe, who was bred to War Front this year, is herself a full-sister to MG1SP G3 Silver Flash S. victress Promise To Be True (Ire) out of a stakes-winning sibling of G1 Epsom Oaks and G1 Preis der Diana heroine Dancing Rain (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}), from a family which also features MG1SW sire Dr Devious (Ire) (Ahonoora {GB}).

By Tom Frary

LIQUID AMBER, f, 2, Kitten’s Joy–Pachattack, by Pulpit.
O-Niarchos Family; B-Flaxman Holdings Ltd (KY); T-Willie McCreery; J-Billy Lee. €47,200. Lifetime Record: 2-1-1-0, €50,700.
   Runner-up on debut over this track and trip eight days previously, Liquid Amber bounced out of that race with gusto to upset the Listed Coolmore Ivawood S. winner Ballet Shoes (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). Settled in mid-division early by Billy Lee tracking Ballydoyle’s 2-7 favourite, the chestnut pounced on that rival at the furlong pole and surged clear for an authoritative five-length success at 10-1, with Sometimesadiamond (Ire) (Vocalised) two lengths back in third.

By Tom Frary

U S NAVY FLAG, c, 2, War Front–Misty For Me (Ire) (Hwt. 2yo Filly-Fr & Ire, Hwt. 3yo-Ire at 9.5-11f, MG1SW-Ire, G1SW-Fr & GISP-US, $1,124,364), by Galileo (Ire).
O-Derrick Smith, Susan Magnier & Michael Tabor; B-Misty For Me Syndicate (KY); T-Aidan O’Brien; J-Ryan Moore. €37,170. Lifetime Record: GSP-Eng, 8-2-1-2, €91,536.
Putting an unusual run of three consecutive short-priced favourite defeats on Idaho (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), Christopher Robin (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) and Ballet Shoes (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) firmly behind him, Ryan Moore was in no-nonsense mood as he powered U S Navy Flag to a deserved first black-type success here. Quickly at the head of affairs, the G2 July S. runner-up and G1 Phoenix S. fourth who traded as the 5-4 market leader stretched away in the last furlong to inflict a six-length defeat on Landshark (GB) (Bated Breath {GB}), with Ball Girl (Ire) (Tagula {Ire}) a neck behind in third

Sound And Silence | Racing Post

By Tom Frary

SOUND AND SILENCE (GB), c, 2, Exceed and Excel (Aus)–Veil of Silence (Ire), by Elusive Quality.

O/B-Godolphin (GB); T-Charlie Appleby; J-James Doyle. £39,697. Lifetime Record: 5-3-0-0, £80,987.

   Successful in Royal Ascot’s Listed Windsor Castle S. June 20, Sound and Silence was 11th trying six furlongs in the G2 July S. at Newmarket July 13 but bounced back here looking like a real five-furlong specialist. Held up in rear early by James Doyle, the 9-2 shot was delivered in the nick of time to lead in the last strides and ustage Abel Handy (Ire) (Arcano {Ire}) by a half length, with a neck back to Out of the Flames (GB) (Showcasing {GB}) in third. “He is a fair horse and it was a good performance at Royal Ascot,” his rider said. “He’s very fast with a lot of toe and things didn’t work out in the July Stakes–he got caught on the edge and over-raced a touch–so Charlie said to bury him and let him use his turn of foot. He’s all about speed and although he will stay six one day we’re alright where we are at the moment. On faster ground he will let rip that bit better too.”

Pivotal’s Lightning Spear Gets Up For Celebration Mile Repeat

 

Lightning Spear | Racing Post

By Tom Frary

First and second in this contest 12 months ago, Lightning Spear and Zonderland had to be separated by the judge this time but it was ultimately the same result as the former got up in the final stride to deny the Cheveley Park homebred. Third in Ascot’s G1 Queen Elizabeth II S. in October, Qatar Racing’s chestnut was runner-up on his return in the G1 Lockinge S. at Newbury May 20 before flopping when ninth in the G1 Queen Anne S. at Royal Ascot June 20. Tried over 10 furlongs in the G1 Eclipse S. at Sandown July 8, he wound up seventh but was back in his comfort zone when a length third in the desperate conditions that hit the Glorious meeting in the Aug. 2 G1 Sussex S. Settled fourth early by Oisin Murphy as Hathal cut out the running, Lightning Spear looked beaten for a large part of the final quarter mile as Hathal kicked on. It was Zonderland who was the first to cut him down on his belated seasonal bow inside the last 50 yards, but Murphy found something extra from the favourite and in a week of photo finishes he had his head down first on the line.

The result obviously meant a great deal to the jockey and Murphy said, “I just about got it right. I made no secret about how tactical the race was going to be. It was impossible to know what was going to happen, but you have to have confidence you have chosen to do the right thing and thankfully I just about got it right. Fair play to Sheikh Fahad and David Simcock for persevering with the horse. They got him here in tip-top shape after a heavy ground performance in the Sussex. It was a good performance today.” The operation’s racing manager David Redvers added, “We sponsor the race at Ascot [the G1 Queen Elizabeth II S.], but I imagine the [G1 Prix de la] Foret [at Chantilly Oct. 1] is a strong possibility. I believe he has a group one in him and we’ve always believed he has.”

Zonderland’s trainer Clive Cox said, “It was close, but he has run a blinder after a year off. I’m pleased with the performance he put up. From where I was I hoped we had held on, but it was a bit like yesterday with the angles at York and sadly we were second. He has run a blinder and credit to my team as it has been a long year. I’m thrilled he is back here in good nick. I hope he will go to Ascot. It is a shame he was second, but credit to the winner.”

Lightning Spear is one of four black-type performers out of the seven-times winner Atlantic Destiny whose exploits in black-type company include a win in the Listed Sirenia S. and who is also the dam of the Listed Newmarket S. scorer Ocean War (GB) (Dalakhani {Ire}). Atlantic Destiny is a half-sister to the MGSW Make No Mistake (Ire) (Darshaan {GB}), while the third dam Treat Me Nobly is a half-sister to the G2 Waterford Crystal Mile hero and leading sire Be My Guest from the family of the GI Ladies H. heroine Ida Delia (Graustark) and the GI Strub S. winner Victory Speech. Atlantic Destiny’s youngest progeny is an as-yet unraced 3-year-old full-brother to the winner named Naishan (GB).

Saturday, Goodwood, Britain
GROSVENOR SPORT CELEBRATION MILE S.-G2, £109,400, GOO, 8-26, 3yo/up, 8fT, 1:38.89, gd.
1–LIGHTNING SPEAR (GB), 130, h, 6, by Pivotal (GB)
1st Dam: Atlantic Destiny (Ire) (MSW-US & SW-Eng, $220,899), by Royal Academy
2nd Dam: Respectfully, by The Minstrel
3rd Dam: Treat Me Nobly, by Vaguely Noble (Ire)
(260,000gns Ylg ’12 TAOCT). O-Qatar Racing Ltd; B-Newsells Park Stud (GB); T-David Simcock; J-Oisin Murphy. £62,041. Lifetime Record: Hwt. Older Horse-Eng at 7-9.5f, MG1SP-Eng & GSP-Ire, 18-6-2-4, $807,568. *1/2 to Ocean War (GB) (Dalakhani {Ire}), SW-Eng. Werk Nick Rating: B. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Zonderland (GB), 130, c, 4, Dutch Art (GB)–Barynya (GB), by Pivotal (GB). (70,000gns Ylg ’14 TATOCT). O/B-Cheveley Park Stud Ltd (GB); T-Clive Cox. £23,521.
3–Hathal, 130, h, 5, Speightstown–Sleepytime (Ire), by Royal Academy. ($275,000 Ylg ’13 KEESEP; 320,000gns 2yo ’14 TATBRE). O-Al Shaqab Racing; B-Tenth Street Stables LLC (KY); T-William Haggas. £11,771.
Margins: NO, 3/4, 4. Odds: 1.00, 4.50, 5.50.
Also Ran: Oh This Is Us (Ire), Richard Pankhurst (GB), Opal Tiara (Ire). 

Click for the Racing Post result or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.

 

Impressive Gimcrack Success For Panis’s Sands of Mali

Saturday, August 26, 2017

 

3rd at YOR, Gr. Stk, £225,000

G2 Al Basti Equiworld Gimcrack S.

(6f)

Winner: Sands of Mali (Fr), c, 2 by Panis

 

 

Sands Of Mali | Racing Post

By Tom Frary

Introduced over this course and distance July 15, Sands of Mali was seventh without enjoying the run of the race and took a mighty leap forward next time when beating the subsequent Listed St Hugh’s S. winner Eirene (GB) (Declaration of War) by 3 3/4 lengths as that pair finished well clear of the remainder on soft ground again over this trip at Nottingham Aug. 3. Attracting some support into 14-1, the bay ran like one at much shorter odds as he belied his inexperience by dominating this prestigious prize. Allowed to bowl along at the fore by Paul Hanagan as fellow outsider Stormbringer (GB) (Dutch Art {GB}) kept him company, the imposing bay had all rivals stretched by the furlong pole where Invincible Army took over the chase from Cardsharp. Turning the screw further as the line neared, he was firmly in command there in a highly respectable time considering the ground was reportedly still a touch dead in places. “He’s still very inexperienced, but he pinged the gates and showed a great cruising speed then went again,” his rider said. “He took some pulling up, which is always a good sign and I think this year is just a bonus. He’s a bit of a shell and a big horse who can only go on to improve.”

Trainer Richard Fahey was gaining recompense for some near-misses in one of his big local races and said, “I’ve been second in it three times I think, even with Ribchester, so I’ve been desperate to tick it off my list. I couldn’t believe it when he got beat first time, but that’s racing. He’s in everything, like the [G1] Middle Park [S. at Newmarket Sept. 30] and what have you, it looks a big shout entering these horses when they’ve only won a maiden but you have to do it.”

Invincible Army’s trainer James Tate said of the runner-up, “Having beaten Cardsharp and Headway, it represents a step up on his form. He’s a big horse and can only keep on improving. We will look at the [G2] Mill Reef [S. at Newbury Sept. 23] and the Middle Park, but we want to avoid soft ground.” William Haggas said of Headway, “Judging on that run I think it’s time to step him up in trip.”

Sands of Mali is by the Haras des Faunes-based G3 Prix de Conde and G3 Prix Messidor winner Panis, who is little-known on the international stage but who has enjoyed success in his native France with the likes of Myasun (Fr) and Maiguri (Ire). He becomes the first black-type scorer for the unraced Kadiania, whose dam Kapi Creek notched 12 wins from two to eight and was runner-up in the Listed Criterium de Bordeaux. Kapi Creek is in turn the best performer for Kirigane, who was a listed-placed half-sister to the G1 Clasico Malinche runner-up Ladakh (Fr) (Sir Gaylord). Next up from the dam is a yearling filly by Kheleyf named Kherizzia (Fr).

Saturday, York, Britain
AL BASTI EQUIWORLD GIMCRACK S.-G2, £225,000, YOR, 8-26, 2yo, c/g, 6fT, 1:11.16, gd.
1–SANDS OF MALI (FR), 126, c, 2, by Panis
1st Dam: Kadiania (Fr), by Indian Rocket (GB)
2nd Dam: Kapi Creek (Fr), by Sicyos
3rd Dam: Kirigane (Fr), by Vitiges (Fr)
*1st stakes win. (€20,000 Ylg ’16 OSLATE; £75,000 2yo ’17 TATABR). O-The Cool Silk Partnership; B-Simon Urizzi (FR); T-Richard Fahey; J-Paul Hanagan. £127,598. Lifetime Record: 3-2-0-0, $168,637. Werk Nick Rating: C. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Invincible Army (Ire), 126, c, 2, Invincible Spirit (Ire)–Rajeem (GB), by Diktat (GB). (95,000gns Ylg ’16 TATOCT; 290,000gns RNA 2yo ’17 TATBRE). O-Saeed Manana; B-Rabbah Bloodstock Ltd (IRE); T-James Tate. £48,375.
(DH)-3–Cardsharp (GB), 129, c, 2, Lonhro (Aus)–Pure Illusion (Ire), by Danehill. O-Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum; B-Godolphin (GB); T-Mark Johnston. £18,135.
(DH)-3–Headway (GB), 126, c, 2, Havana Gold (Ire)–On Her Way (GB), by Medicean (GB). (38,000gns Wlg ’15 TATFOA; 60,000gns Ylg ’16 TAOCT). O-The Royal Ascot Racing Club; B-Whatton Manor-Global Equine-Larry Stratton (GB); T-William Haggas. £18,135.
Margins: 2 3/4, 1, DHT. Odds: 14.00, 4.50, 5.00 & 4.50.
Also Ran: Staxton (GB), Nebo (Ire), Stormbringer (GB), Frozen Angel (Ire), That’s a Surprise (Ire), Nobleman’s Nest (GB). Scratched: De Bruyne Horse (GB), Grand Koonta (Ire). 

Click for the Racing Post result or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.

 

Champs Elysees’s Billesdon Brook Wins the Prestige

Saturday, August 26, 2017

 

2nd at GWD, Gr. Stk, £40,000

G3 Grosvenor Sport Prestige S.

(7f)

Winner: Billesdon Brook (GB), f, 2 by Champs Elysees (GB)

 

 

Champs Elysses | Juddmonte

By Tom Frary

Second to two pattern-race fillies in Madeline (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) and Nyaleti (Ire) (Arch) in six-furlong maidens at Goodwood May 27 and Salisbury June 18, Billesdon Brook stepped up to this trip to win by six lengths on Kempton’s Polytrack July 5 before finishing a neck third in the Listed Star S. at Sandown July 27. Showing a dramatic late surge to get up late and take a nursery over this course and distance at the Glorious meeting Aug. 3, the chestnut put all that she had learnt into full effect here to beat some unexposed types in a competitive renewal. Worse than mid-division without cover off the generous early pace, she was delivered by Sean Levey to lead inside the final 150 yards and assert from Whitefountainfairy in a race where experience mattered. TDN Rising Star and 3-1 favourite Verandah (GB) (Medicean {GB}) missed the break and was trapped wide throughout, so was not disgraced in fifth.

Trainer Richard Hannon is thinking of stepping her up in trip again. “The fact she quickened past horses that were already quickening at the time was impressive,” he commented. “Ryan Moore said he thought when she gets to the front she does just enough and I think she did that there. Sean gave her a lovely ride and kept filling her up. The [G2] May Hill [S. at Doncaster Sept. 14] is a possibility. Unfortunately the Moyglare had closed before she won a race, which is typical. I am sure there is something in the pipeline she will take a lot of beating in.”

Coplow, who also has a yearling filly by Showcasing (GB) and a filly foal by Sepoy (Aus), is a half to the Hannon stable’s G3 Prix d’Aumale winner and G2 Oaks d’Italia runner-up Middle Club (GB) (Fantastic Light) and the G3 Horris Hill S. scorer Piping Rock (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}). The third dam is the G2 Preis der Diana-winning dual champion Anna Paola (Ger) (Prince Ippi {Ger}), who produced the G3 Deutscher Stutenpreis winner Anno Luce (GB) (Old Vic {GB}) and counted a further 25 black-type winners among her descendants. They include the multiple group 1-winning sires Helmet (Aus) and Epaulette (Aus) and the runaway G2 German 1000 Guineas heroine Anna Monda (Ger) (Monsun {Ger}).

Saturday, Goodwood, Britain
GROSVENOR SPORT PRESTIGE S.-G3, £40,000, GOO, 8-26, 2yo, f, 7fT, 1:26.55, gd.
1–BILLESDON BROOK (GB), 126, f, 2, by Champs Elysees (GB)
1st Dam: Coplow (GB), by Manduro (Ger)
2nd Dam: Anna Oleanda (Ire), by Old Vic (GB)
3rd Dam: Anna Paola (Ger), by Prince Ippi (Ger)
*1st stakes win. O-Pall Mall Partners & Late R J McCreery; B-Stowell Hill Partners (GB); T-Richard Hannon; J-Sean Levey. £22,684. Lifetime Record: 7-3-2-2, $67,292. *1/2 to Billesdon Bess (GB) (Dick Turpin {Ire}), SW-Eng. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Whitefountainfairy (Ire), 126, f, 2, Casamento (Ire)–Groupetime, by Gilded Time. (€5,000 RNA Wlg ’15 GOFNOV; €3,000 Ylg ’16 GOFSPT; £300,000 2yo ’17 GOFLON). O-King Power Racing Co Ltd; B-M Sinanan (IRE); T-Andrew Balding. £8,600.
3–Miss Bar Beach (Ire), 126, f, 2, Choisir (Aus)–Whitegate Way (GB), by Greensmith (GB). (€9,000 Ylg ’16 TIRSEP). O-Middleham Park Racing CXV; B-Tyrone Molloy (IRE); T-Keith Dalgleish. £4,304.
Margins: 3/4, 3/4, HF. Odds: 4.00, 10.00, 33.00.
Also Ran: Quivery, Verandah (GB), Ertiyad (GB), Izzy Bizu (Ire), Santorini Sun (Ire), Your Choice (GB), Peace Trail (GB). 

Click for the Racing Post result or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.

 

Frankel’s Betty F Bags TDN Rising Star Tag in Newmarket Unveiling

Saturday, August 26, 2017

 

1st at NEW, Cond, £7,000

Heath Court Hotel EBF Novice S.

(6f)

Winner: Betty F (GB), f, 2 by Frankel (GB)

 

 

Frankel | Juddmonte

By Sean Cronin

1st-NEW, £7,000, Cond, 8-26, 2yo, 6fT, 1:12.62, g/f.
+BETTY F (GB), f, 2, by Frankel (GB)
1st Dam: Instance (GB) (GSP-Eng), by Invincible Spirit (Ire)
2nd Dam: Hannda (Ire), by Dr Devious (Ire)
3rd Dam: Handaza (Ire), by Be My Guest
   Betty F, a Sept. 29 G2 Rockfel S. and Sept. 30 G1 Cheveley Park S. entry, was well away to race in fifth after the initial strides of this unveiling. Angled into open runway soon after passing the quarter-mile marker, the 5-2 favourite was sent in pursuit of previous winner Rockies Spirit (GB) (Swiss Spirit {GB}) at the foot of the hill and quickened in impressive fashion on the climb to the line to inhale that rival hard on the steel in the dying strides for a taking 3/4-of-a-length success. The homebred chestnut, kin to a yearling filly by Dansili (GB), is the first representative for former Jeremy Noseda stable incumbent and G3 Oak Tree S. placegetter Instance (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), herself a half-sister to G1 British Champions Fillies & Mares-winning European highweight Seal of Approval (GB) (Authorized {Ire}) and Listed Prix Denisy victress Gale Force (GB) (Shirocco {Ger}), from a family which features last term’s G1 Epsom Derby and G1 Irish Derby hero Harzand (Ire) (Sea the Stars {Ire}). Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $5,833. Click for the Racing Post result or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.
O-C Fox & B Wilson; B-Charles Fox (GB); T-Jeremy Noseda.

 

Full-brother to Al Wukair Earns Rising Stardom at York

Friday, August 25, 2017

 

5th at YOR, Mdn, £70,000

British Stallion Studs EBF Convivial Maiden S.

(7f)

Winner: Dream Today (Ire), c, 2 by Dream Ahead

 

 

Dream Today | Racing Post

By Sean Cronin

5th-YOR, £70,000, Mdn, 8-25, 2yo, 7fT, 1:26.40, gd.

+DREAM TODAY (IRE), c, 2, by Dream Ahead
1st Dam: Macheera (Ire), by Machiavellian
2nd Dam: Caerlina (Ire), by Caerleon
3rd Dam: Dinalina (Fr), by Top Ville (Ire)
   Dream Today, a 42,000gns TAOCT full-brother to this term’s G1 Prix Jacques Le Marois hero and G1 2000 Guineas third Al Wukair (Ire), broke well and was positioned in a prominent second from the outset of this storied Convivial Maiden, Britain’s most valuable maiden contest. Easing to the front with three furlongs remaining, the 14-1 chance was shaken up approaching the final quarter mile and, despite wandering slightly under pressure, was ridden out to account for Gabr (GB) (Intello {Ger}) by 1 1/2 lengths. “You always know this maiden is going to be a good race and when we saw the prize money we debated which one would make it,” said trainer Mark Johnston of the Sept. 16 G2 Champagne S. entry. “We picked out the top three and had a gallop 10 days ago. This boy was chosen and we knew he was useful. He’d been coughing badly all year so we moved him to an outside box and it was enough to see him to come here. He was in the stalls a long time and behaved brilliantly. Like all 2-year-olds he will come on for his first race and [jockey] PJ [McDonald] felt there was more there. His full-brother Al Wukair is a top-class horse and was strongly fancied for the Guineas. He’s got the pedigree and he’s got the looks, but if you win anything above a Class 4 race you have nowhere to go. He will go for a good race, but we didn’t make any plans beyond today.” Dream Today is also a half-brother to Listed Platinum S. second and Listed Knockaire S. third Witches Brew (Ire) (Duke of Marmalade {Ire}) and a yearling filly by Charm Spirit (Ire). His granddam is G1 Prix de Diane-winning European highweight Caerlina (Ire) (Caerleon), whose three black-type performers include G1 Poule d’Essai des Pouliches and G1 Irish 1000 Guineas placegetter La Nuit Rose (Fr) (Rainbow Quest), herself the dam of MGSW GII Kelso H. victor Tam Lin (GB) (Selkirk) and Listed Derby de l’Ouest winner Blue Rambler (GB) (Monsun {Ger}). The bay’s dam Macheera (Ire) (Machiavellian) is also a winning half-sister to the dam of MG1SP G2 Kinko Sho winner Curren Mirotic (Jpn) (Heart’s Cry {Jpn}) and GSW G1 Victoria Mile runner-up Hikaru Amaranthus (Jpn) (Agnes Tachyon {Jpn}). Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $55,780. 

Click for the Racing Post result or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.

O-The Passionate Partnership; B-Ballylinch Stud (IRE); T-Mark Johnston.

 

Marsha Grabs Lady Aurelia On the Line For Nunthorpe Glory

Friday, August 25, 2017

 

4th at YOR, Gr. Stk, £350,000

G1 Coolmore Nunthorpe S.

(5f)

Winner: Marsha (Ire), f, 4 by Acclamation (GB)

 

 

Marsha (black cap) bests Lady Aurelia in the Nunthorpe | Racing Post

By Tom Frary

Left out of most calculations which focused on the big two Lady Aurelia (Scat Daddy) and Battaash (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Elite Racing Club’s Marsha (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) came back to her best to deny Wesley Ward’s runner in the final stride in a dramatic finale to Thursday’s G1 Coolmore Nunthorpe S. at York. Once considered the best of her type in Britain before three consecutive defeats took some shine off, the 8-1 shot had things in her favour here and after disposing of her immediate neighbours towards the stand’s rail set off to cut down the lone far-side runner Lady Aurelia. Behind that 10-11 market-leader just before and after the line, as the photo was taken her nose was inches ahead which surprised Frankie Dettori as he had been celebrating openly on Lady Aurelia. “I wasn’t sure I’d won and when I saw Frankie put his arm in the air I was gutted, but despair turned into jubilation,” winning rider Luke Morris said after she had been announced the winner by a nose, with 3 3/4 lengths back to the 50-1 shot Cotai Glory (GB) (Exceed and Excel {Aus}) who was in turn 1 1/2 lengths in front of Battaash in fourth. “Her performance in the [G3] Palace House was exceptional and she had been slightly below-par since but I got an ideal tow into the race and even going down to the start she was on her mettle a bit more and more alive today.”

Friday, York, Britain
COOLMORE NUNTHORPE S.-G1, £350,000, YOR, 8-25, 2yo/up, 5fT, :57.97, gd.
1–MARSHA (IRE), 134, f, 4, by Acclamation (GB)
1st Dam: Marlinka (GB) (SW-Fr), by Marju (Ire)
2nd Dam: Baralinka (Ire), by Barathea (Ire)
3rd Dam: Kalinka (Ire), by Soviet Star
O/B-Elite Racing Club (IRE); T-Sir Mark Prescott; J-Luke Morris. £198,485. Lifetime Record: Hwt. 3yo-Fr at 5-7f, G1SW-Fr & GSP-Ire, 16-7-4-3, $786,389. *1/2 to Judicial (Ire) (Iffraaj {GB}), SP-Eng, $130,789. Werk Nick Rating: A++. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Lady Aurelia, 132, f, 3, Scat Daddy–D’ Wildcat Speed, by Forest Wildcat. ($350,000 Ylg ’15 KEESEP). O-Stonestreet Stables LLC & Peter Leidel; B-Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC (KY); T-Wesley Ward. £75,250.
3–Cotai Glory (GB), 137, h, 5, Exceed and Excel (Aus)–Continua, by Elusive Quality. (75,000gns Ylg ’13 TAOCT). O-Kangyu Int Racing (HK) Ltd & F Ma; B-Glebe Stud, J F Dean & Lady Trenchard (GB); T-Charles Hills. £37,660.
Margins: NO, 3 3/4, 1HF. Odds: 8.00, 0.90, 50.00.
Also Ran: Battaash (Ire), Priceless (GB), Profitable (Ire), Final Venture (GB), Alpha Delphini (GB), Goldream (GB), Washington DC (Ire), Take Cover (GB). Scratched: Duke of Firenze (GB). 

Click for the Racing Post result or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.

Sir Mark Prescott, who was not at York on Friday, had won this in 1996 with Pivotal (GB) who stormed home in similar fashion to deny the trail-blazing Eveningperformance (GB) (Night Shift) in the final stride on the last of his six career starts before going on to sire stardom. He had nurtured Marsha through her early 3-year-old campaign, taking in the Listed Land O’Burns Fillies’ S. at Ayr in June and Listed City Walls S. here in early July which she duly won to earn a tilt at the G2 King George S. at Glorious Goodwood later that month. Not disgraced when a close-up fifth in that contest, the bay was three-lengths second to Just Glamorous (Ire) (Arcano {Ire}) in the G3 Prix du Petit Couvert at Chantilly in September before returning there to capture the G1 Prix de l’Abbaye on Arc day. Beating Washington DC (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}) by 3/4 of a length on that occasion, she returned with an even better display as she again denied that Ballydoyle runner by a neck under a seven-pound penalty in the G3 Palace House S. at Newmarket May 6.

As the G1 King’s Stand S. approached, Marsha was seen as the main rival to Lady Aurelia but was never able to get within striking distance and wound up 3 1/4 lengths behind in third in that June 20 burn-up. Surprisingly turned over by Caspian Prince (Ire) (Dylan Thomas {Ire}) when a short-head second on her next start in The Curragh’s G2 Sapphire S. July 15, she was three lengths off Battaash when third on unsuitably testing ground in the most recent renewal of the King George Aug. 4. Although excuses could be made for all three reversals, it was a long time since she had flaunted her considerable ability in the Palace House and Lady Aurelia and Battaash had usurped her in the sprinting celebrity ranks during the summer.

Missing the break but ideally positioned behind Battaash, Marsha was away from Lady Aurelia on the far side but travelling notably strongly on the heels of Shadwell’s fast but high-mettled sprinter. Luke Morris took a pull at halfway, which may ultimately have made the difference as she was filled up when Battaash could lead her no longer approaching the furlong pole. Marsha had to go as Lady Aurelia kicked into what appeared to be an unassailable lead soon after but in a pulsating finale managed to snatch the prize literally from under the American’s nose.

Marsha is due for a return to Chantilly to defend her G1 Prix de l’Abbaye crown Oct. 1 according to Elite Racing Club’s manager Dan Downie. “Coming here, we were happy she was as well as we’d ever had her. She’d never looked better,” he explained. “I didn’t know if we’d won, but it’s a funny camera angle here. It’s fantastic for the club and she’s a homebred, too. She’ll go for the Prix de l’Abbaye again.” Wesley Ward said of the gallant runner-up, who cruelly emulated Acapulco (Scat Daddy) who was beaten by Mecca’s Angel (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) in the 2015 edition, “That’s racing. I’m very proud of her and we were millimetres from the win. She is a true champion and ran a brilliant race. Take nothing away from the filly that won and hats off to her.” Frankie said, “I thought I’d won by a neck!” Charlie Hills said of Cotai Glory and Baattash, who was upset before being loaded, “Battaash got caught saddling up and became agitated after that. Cotai Glory has run a big race and was fourth in it last year. There’s talk he could go to New Zealand and stand at stud.”

Marsha is the second foal out of the Listed Prix des Reves d’Or winner Marlinka, who in turn was the best produce of Baralinka who also sported these silks. The latter is half-sister to the syndicate’s dream-come-true, the European champion Soviet Song (Ire) (Marju {Ire}) who captured five group 1 races including the Sussex S. Her half-siblings Sister Act (GB) (Marju {Ire}) and Kazatzka (GB) (Groom Dancer) went on to produce the G1 Prix Jean Romanet and G2 Blandford S. heroine Ribbons (GB) (Manduro {Ger}) and the G3 Pinnacle S. scorer Miss Marjurie (Ire) (Marju {Ire}) respectively. Marlinka also has a 2-year-old colt by Cape Cross (Ire) named Magistrate (Ire) and a yearling filly by Iffraaj (GB).

 

Dansili’s Talaayeb Registers City of York Triumph

Friday, August 25, 2017

 

3rd at YOR, Gr. Stk, £175,000

G3 Sky Bet City of York S.

(7f)

Winner: Talaayeb (GB), f, 3 by Dansili (GB)

 

 

Talaayeb | Racing Post

By Sean Cronin

   Talaayeb (GB) (Dansili {GB}), who earned ‘TDN Rising Star’ status when impressing on her Sept. 24 debut going seven panels at Newmarket in her sole juvenile outing, opened her sophomore campaign with a credible fourth upped to one mile in the May 7 G1 1000 Guineas back at Headquarters, but failed to stay the 10-furlong trip when a disappointing seventh of eight in Newbury’s June 15 Listed Lord Weinstock Memorial in her only other start last time. The bay was buried in mid division through the initial strides of Friday’s G3 Sky Bet City of York S., where 1000 Guineas third and 4-1 chalk Daban (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) was pulled up early. Inching ever closer once into the straight, the 9-1 chance was shaken up to launch her bid approaching the final quarter mile and came under a late drive to claim a career high in game fashion. At the line, she had a neck to spare over the fast-closing Toscanini (Ire) (Shamardal), with seasoned campaigner Suedois (Fr)(Le Havre {Ire}) a nose adrift in third. “She’s a nice filly and Jim had the choice [of ride], but it may have been a weight issue,” explained jockey Chris Hayes. “I got the call from [Sheikh Hamdan’s racing manager] Angus Gold the other morning to see if I was riding anywhere on Friday as this filly was up for grabs and I jumped at the chance.”

   Reflecting on Talaayeb’s sophomore campaign, trainer Owen Burrows commented, “It was a great run in the [1000] Guineas, we then tried her over 10 furlongs, but she obviously didn’t stay that. Everything went wrong in that race at Newbury, but then it was stop start with her. I wanted to run her at Goodwood and at Haydock, but the ground was too soft and it’s nice to see her back. I’m chuffed to bits, but she’s had a hard enough race by the look of it. She’s in the Group 1 race in Ireland [Sept. 9 G1 Matron S.] so we’ll have a chat and see. Chris Hayes hadn’t ridden for me before and she only had 118 pounds to carry, but Jim [Crowley] couldn’t do that. Richard [Hills] and Angus know Chris as he rides for Sheikh Hamdan in Ireland. He was mentioned when we talked about a jockey for Talaayeb so we spoke to his agent and got him.”

   Runner-up Toscanini has been utilised as a pacemaker for stablemate Ribchester (Ire) (Iffraaj {GB}) in each of his last three runs, and trainer Richard Fahey was satisfied with a performance freed from those shackles, saying, “He’s just shown that he’s still a very good horse in his own right and it’s taken a very good horse, getting plenty of weight, to beat him.” David O’Meara was not too downhearted after the near miss of Suedois in third and commented, “He’s not done a lot wrong again, but had a poor draw [in gate 18] so had to use up plenty early on and he’s been beaten by a 3-year-old filly giving away lots of weight. We’ve been tempted to run him over a mile for a while now and I think we will go for the [Leopardstown’s Sept. 9 G2] Boomerang S. in Ireland.”

   Talaayeb is out of Listed Feilden S. victress and G1 Epsom Oaks third Rumoush (Rahy), and is kin to G2 Royal Lodge S. third Muntazah (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), the hitherto unraced 2-year-old colt Wadilsafa (GB) (Frankel {GB}), a yearling filly by Dubawi (Ire) and filly foal by Dansili (GB). Her second dam is dual stakes scorer Sarayir (Mr. Prospector)–herself kin to Nashwan, Nayef, Unfuwain, et al–who also produced G1 1000 Guineas and G1 Coronation S. victress Ghanaati (Giant’s Causeway) and G1 Champion S. runner-up and G3 Cumberland Lodge-winning sire Mawatheeq (Danzig).

Friday, York, Britain

SKY BET CITY OF YORK S.-G3, £175,000, YOR, 8-25, 3yo/up, 7fT, 1:24.08, gd.

1–TALAAYEB (GB), 118, f, 3, by Dansili (GB)

1st Dam: Rumoush (SW & G1SP-Eng, GSP-Fr, $147,212), by Rahy

2nd Dam: Sarayir, by Mr. Prospector

3rd Dam: Height of Fashion (Fr), by Bustino (GB)

*1st stakes win. O-Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum; B-Shadwell Estate Company Limited (GB); T-Owen Burrows; J-Chris Hayes. £99,243. Lifetime Record: 4-2-0-0, $168,540. *1/2 to Muntazah (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), GSP-Eng. Werk Nick Rating: A+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.

2–Toscanini (Ire), 126, g, 5, Shamardal–Tuzla (Fr), by Panoramic (GB). O-Godolphin; B-Darley (IRE); T-Richard Fahey. £37,625.

3–Suedois (Fr), 126, g, 6, Le Havre (Ire)–Cup Cake (Ire), by Singspiel (Ire). (€165,000 4yo ’15 ARARC). O-George Turner & Clipper Logistics; B-Elisabeth Vidal (FR); T-David O’Meara. £18,830.

Margins: NK, NO, 1. Odds: 9.00, 20.00, 6.50.

Also Ran: Jallota (GB), So Beloved (GB), Jungle Cat (Ire), Gordon Lord Byron (Ire), Above the Rest (Ire), Don’t Touch (GB), Love Dreams (Ire), Mubtasim (Ire), Mix and Mingle (Ire), Spangled (GB), Aeolus (GB), Escobar (Ire), Rusumaat (Ire), Perfect Pasture (GB). DNF: Daban (Ire). Scratched: Tupi (Ire), Viscount Barfield (GB). 

Click for the Racing Post result or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.

 

Siyouni’s Expressiy Breaks Through at Newmarket

Friday, August 25, 2017

 

1st at NEW, Cond, £7,000

TRM Excellence In Equine Nutrition EBF Fillies’ Novice S.(Div I)

(7f)

Winner: Expressiy (Fr), f, 2 by Siyouni (Fr)

 

 

Siyouni | Aga Khan Studs

By Sean Cronin

1st-NEW, £7,000, Cond, 8-25, 2yo, f, 7fT, 1:25.59, gd.

EXPRESSIY (FR) (f, 2, Siyouni {Fr}–Express American {Fr}, by American Post {GB}), who hit the board over this trip at Ascot on debut last time July 28, broke well and led from the outset of this return. Nudged along passing the two pole, the 11-4 second choice held a decisive advantage entering the final eighth and was ridden out in the latter stages to score by four lengths from Tivoli (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}). The €260,000 ARQMAY breezer, who RNA’d at €37,000 as a GOFORB yearling, is kin to the yearling colt American City (Fr) (Elusive City) and is the first scorer produced by a winning daughter of Listed Prix d’Angerville victress and G3 Prix de Sandringham runner-up Basse Besogne (Ire) (Pursuit of Love {GB}), who in turn is one of three black-type winners out of MG1SW French champion juvenile Baiser Vole (Foolish Pleasure). Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-1, $7,053. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.

 

Exceed and Excel’s Threading Prevails in the Lowther

Thursday, August 24, 2017

 

2nd at YOR, Gr. Stk, £250,500

G2 Sky Bet Lowther S.

(6f)

Winner: Threading (Ire), f, 2 by Exceed and Excel (Aus)

 

 

Threading | racingfotos.com

By Sean Cronin

   Threading (Ire) (Exceed and Excel {Aus}), who registered an impressive six-length score in an Aug. 2 Goodwood maiden in her only prior start, justified a £15,000 supplementary fee and made the required leap to claim a decisive victory in Thursday’s G2 Sky Bet Lowther S. at York. Bounding into second to track the trailblazing Happy Like A Fool (Distorted Humor) after the initial exchanges of this black-type bow, the 9-2 chance was stoked up to close soon after halfway and kept on strongly once ridden by that rival–whose saddle had slipped under Frankie Dettori–at the eighth pole to account for Madeline (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) by 1 3/4 lengths, with Mamba Noire (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) 3/4 of a length back in third. “It’s a bit early to tell if she is a [1000] Guineas filly,” admitted rider James Doyle. “She is showing all the right signs and was very impressive in deep ground at Goodwood. I rode one yesterday that was an impressive winner there and he flopped so it is hard to tell how much it takes out of them. She seems to have come on nicely from that run and I was always comfortable here. I didn’t want to give Frankie [Dettori] too much rope [on Happy Like A Fool] and I got there a touch early, but she is a typical one of Mark Johnston’s and toughed it out well. She rides like an older horse and is very push-button. She jumped well, sat a couple of lengths off the pace, eased into it and knuckled down well late on. She is very professional.”

   For trainer Mark Johnston, it was a first Lowther success and improved his cold-list sequence of just one winner from 85 previous runners at the Knavesmire track. “We came here not knowing a lot about her, but, at the same time, we wouldn’t have supplemented her if we thought she wasn’t good enough,” he said. “It was only six days ago we decided to take the plunge and thank goodness we did. I could see all the way she was travelling well and I could see she was the only one who really had the leader in her sights. She’s a lovely, straightforward horse and has done nothing but please us from day one. She pulled away at the finish and that bodes well for the future. You’d start thinking about the [Sept. 30 G1] Cheveley Park [S. at Newmarket] after that, but nothing has been discussed and there’s no plan. She won on soft at Goodwood and she’s won on soft again, but it’d be wrong to pigeon-hole her and it would be very interesting to see her run on better ground. I’d love to see what difference it makes to her. She stayed the trip very well and the [1000] Guineas would be in our minds. That’s the dream for the moment.”

   Roger Varian, trainer of the runner-up Madeline, indicated his charge’s outside draw in nine may have compromised her winning chance and said, “She ran very well, but didn’t have an ideal draw and Andrea [Atzeni] wasn’t able to get any cover. Because of that she raced enthusiastically and Andrea said that if he had been able to get some cover it might have made a difference, but we’re not saying she’d definitely have won. It was a solid run and she went through the ground, but she’s better on a quicker surface.” The Newmarket conditioner also indicated a rematch with Threading is on the cards at his local track and added, “I think the Cheveley Park will suit her as that will be a stiff six furlongs and this is more of a speed test. The uphill finish [at Newmarket] should play to her strengths.”

   Threading, kin to a yearling filly by Slade Power (Ire), is the first stakes scorer out of an unraced full-sister to UAE Horse of the Year, European highweight and MG1SW sire Dubai Millennium (GB) (Seeking the Gold). Her MGSW granddam Colorado Dancer (Ire) (Shareef Dancer), a daughter of GI Matron S.-winning Broodmare of the Year Fall Aspen (Pretense), is herself kin to the sires Hamas (Ire) (Danzig), Bianconi (Danzig), Timber Country (Woodman) and Fort Wood (Sadler’s Wells). She is also a sibling of GI Gamely H. heroine Northern Aspen (Northern Dancer), GI Kentucky Derby third Prince of Thieves (Hansel), GSW G1 Ascot Gold Cup runner-up Mazzacano (Alleged) and G2 Prix d’Astarte victress Elle Seule (Exclusive Native), whose own descendants include G1 July Cup-winning sire Elnadim (Danzig), G1 Irish 1000 Guineas winner Mehthaaf (Nureyev) and MG1SW European highweight Occupandiste (Ire) (Kjaldoun {Fr}). Occupandiste is herself dam of four stakes winners including GI Arlington Million and GI Woodbine Mile hero Mondialiste (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and MG1SP G2 Prix de Sandringham victress Impressionnante (GB) (Danehill). 

Thursday, York, Britain

SKY BET LOWTHER S.-G2, £250,500, YOR, 8-24, 2yo, f, 6fT, 1:12.48, g/s.

1–THREADING (IRE), 126, f, 2, by Exceed and Excel (Aus)

1st Dam: Chaquiras, by Seeking the Gold

2nd Dam: Colorado Dancer (Ire), by Shareef Dancer

3rd Dam: Fall Aspen, by Pretense

*1st stakes win. O-Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum; B-Darley (IRE); T-Mark Johnston; J-James Doyle. £142,059. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $203,177. Werk Nick Rating: B+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.

2–Madeline (Ire), 126, f, 2, Kodiac (GB)–Madhulika (Fr), by Marchand de Sable. (140,000gns Ylg ’16 TAOCT). O-Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum; B-Manfred Wurtenberger (IRE); T-Roger Varian. £53,858.

3–Mamba Noire (Fr), 126, f, 2, Wootton Bassett (GB)–Baileys Applause (GB), by Royal Applause (GB). (€60,000 Ylg ’16 ARAU2). O-Whitehead Family Partnership; B-Pierre Jabot, SARL de Chambure & Haras d’Etreham (FR); T-Ken Condon. £26,954.

Margins: 1 3/4, 3/4, 3/4. Odds: 4.50, 3.50, 25.00.

Also Ran: So Hi Society (Ire), Special Purpose (Ire), Happy Like A Fool, Natural (Ire), Neola (GB), Actress (Ire). 

Click for the Racing Post result or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.

 

Galileo’s Ulysses Wins Juddmonte International Clash

Wednesday, August 23, 2017 

 

4th at YOR, Gr. Stk, £1,000,000

G1 Juddmonte International S.

(10f 56y)

Winner: Ulysses (Ire), c, 4 by Galileo (Ire)

 

 

Ulysses | racingfotos.com

By Tom Frary

While the term underdog may not be entirely appropriate to Ulysses (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), the truth is that once again the Niarchos homebred was expected to play second fiddle to the Classic generation in Wednesday’s G1 Juddmonte International and once again he brushed them aside to add York’s feature to his G1 Eclipse S. title. Sent off at 4-1 coming back off a respectable second to the 3-year-old generation’s clear leader Enable (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) on testing ground in the G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth S., the chestnut oozed class as Jim Crowley waited and waited in behind Barney Roy (GB) (Excelebration {Ire}) and Churchill (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). When given the office with just over a furlong remaining, he killed the race with his superior acceleration and at the line had two lengths to spare over the latter who came back to his dual Guineas-winning form. This is a Breeders’ Cup “Win & You’re In” prize and Sir Michael Stoute, who was registering a record sixth renewal, is pointing Ulysses at the Longines Turf at Del Mar. “It all went so smoothly and there was never a blip,” he said. “I think it was his best performance to date. We had planned to drop in behind and I never had any worries the way he was travelling. I think it’s time to give him a break and I know Maria [Niarchos] is keen on the Breeders’ Cup Turf, so we’ll work backwards from that.”

Wednesday, York, Britain
JUDDMONTE INTERNATIONAL S.-G1, £1,000,000, YOR, 8-23, 3yo/up, 10f 56yT, 2:12.11, g/s.
1–ULYSSES (IRE), 132, c, 4, by Galileo (Ire)
1st Dam: Light Shift (G1SW-Eng & G1SP-Ire, $691,954), by Kingmambo
2nd Dam: Lingerie (GB), by Shirley Heights (GB)
3rd Dam: Northern Trick, by Northern Dancer
O/B-Flaxman Stables Ireland Ltd (IRE); T-Sir Michael Stoute; J-Jim Crowley. £567,100. Lifetime Record: 12-5-3-1, $1,868,883. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Churchill (Ire), 125, c, 3, Galileo (Ire)–Meow (Ire), by Storm Cat. O-Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Susan Magnier; B-Liberty Bloodstock (IRE); T-Aidan O’Brien. £215,000.
3–Barney Roy (GB), 125, c, 3, Excelebration (Ire)–Alina (Ire), by Galileo (Ire). (30,000gns Wlg ’14 TATFOA; £70,000 Ylg ’15 DNPRM). O-Godolphin; B-Eliza Park International Pty Ltd (GB); T-Richard Hannon. £107,600.
Margins: 2, NK, 4HF. Odds: 4.00, 2.50, 2.75.
Also Ran: Cliffs of Moher (Ire), Decorated Knight (GB), Shutter Speed (GB), My Dream Boat (Ire). 

Click for the Racing Post result or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.

Sir Michael Stoute’s prior five winners of this event were all admirable performers, with Singspiel (Ire) arguably the classiest overall. His success in 1997 had many similarities to this year’s, as he also traded at 4-1 despite his many achievements beforehand with all the emphasis on the brilliant filly Bosra Sham (Woodman). Like that former Sheikh Mohammed luminary, Ulysses keeps turning up on the major stages and producing with metronomic reliability now that he has reached full maturity under a trainer who knows more than most when to press buttons and when to don kid gloves. Fourth in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Turf when taken to Santa Anita more as an education than anything else, he returned a different animal when swooping with deadly precision in the Apr. 28 G3 Gordon Richards S. over Sandown’s Eclipse distance before tackling the G1 Prince of Wales’s S. at Royal Ascot June 21. Jim Crowley was on for the first time there and went to the front too soon which allowed Highland Reel (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) a target and he ended up third to that dog of war.

In the Eclipse, Crowley was intent on holding on for much longer and it paid handsome dividends as Ulysses had enough in the tank to withstand Barney Roy’s late thrust and while he went through the deep surface at Ascot with the same elan in the July 29 King George he was never able to land a serious blow on Enable. Back on an even terrain that was always going to play to his smooth-travelling strengths and on ground without the sapping nature of that he encountered in Berkshire, he was able to easily follow the tussle that happened up ahead as James Doyle looked to upset a Ballydoyle tactical ploy. Whereas Seamie Heffernan got the lead on Cliffs of Moher (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), he was never able to enjoy it with Barney Roy consistently applying pressure as Doyle sought to exploit his stride. Ryan Moore was in behind that pair on Churchill but he never looked entirely happy on the rain-deadened ground so that when he engaged Barney Roy on the 5-2 favourite approaching two out they were sitting ducks for Ulysses. Crowley could have taken them at any point, but with Royal Ascot in mind instead he counted to ten and it was only at the furlong pole that he set his mount alight and from there it was a turn of foot that made the difference.

“There is pretty much only one way to ride him, as he likes to be ridden with confidence and I always had plenty of horse–he just lobbed around and got there quite soon,” Crowley commented. “I just had to nurse him along and he picked up well. He’s improving as well, as today was the best feel I’ve gotten off him. I knew after Ascot that the rain that came this morning was not a problem and I think he’s one of those who only does as much as he has to.” Stoute is in no doubt as to the merit of Ulysses compared to his previous winners. “He’s a professional athlete now and has everything–constitution, rhythm and pedigree and I think he’s as good over 12 furlongs,” he said. “The King George was run in a swamp and on today’s performance I’d put him right up there with any of my previous winners or even in front of them.”

Aidan O’Brien was pleased to get the real Churchill back after his disappointing effort at Royal Ascot and said, “He ran very well and we are very happy with him. The ground wasn’t ideal, but he still ran well.” It is expected that he will head for the G1 Irish Champion S. at Leopardstown Sept. 9 with stamina assured. “He didn’t wilt anyway,” he added. “It was a great run for his first try at the trip. We knew conditions weren’t ideal, but at least he has left Ascot behind him. Goodwood messed us up really, as we were ready to run there but you can’t do anything about the weather. The Irish Champion Stakes is very possible, but he would have to be very well.” Richard Hannon said of Barney Roy, “That was another very solid run. They took each other on a long way out and probably set it up for the winner. We might run him over 10 furlongs again, but a lot will depend on the ground. If it comes up soft we could go back to a mile with him.”

The formation of a colt of the prowess of Ulysses is another triumph for the long-established Niarchos bloodlines which command respect the world over. The dam Light Shift proved that this family is always capable to pulling something special out of the bag when improving rapidly from two-to-three to capture the 2007 G1 Epsom Oaks, while her half-sister Shiva (Jpn) (Hector Protector) was able to beat Daylami (Ire) in the 1999 G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup. Most of Lingerie’s daughters proved capable of producing class campaigners such as this year’s G1 Prix Ganay, G2 Prix d’Harcourt and G3 Prix Exbury winner Cloth of Stars (Ire) (Sea the Stars {Ire}) and the G2 Prix d’Harcourt scorer and G1 Singapore Airlines International Cup runner-up Smoking Sun (Smart Strike), while the latter’s GSP half-sister Ikat (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}) gave the operation the champion Main Sequence (Aldebaran). Ulysses’s third dam is the formidable Northern Trick (Northern Dancer), Horse of the year and champion 3-year-old filly in France as a result of her victories in the G1 Prix de Diane and G1 Prix Vermeille and second in the G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and G1 Prix Saint-Alary in 1984.

 

Frankel’s Cracksman Imperious In the Great Voltigeur

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

 

3rd at YOR, Gr. Stk, £170,000

G2 Betway Great Voltigeur S.

(11f 188y)

Winner: Cracksman (GB), c, 3 by Frankel (GB)

 

 

Cracksman | Racing Post

By Tom Frary

It takes a colt of real substance to place in two Derbies while still considered to be on a learning curve, but Cracksman has always looked like a special horse in the making and this was the day when youth turned into young manhood where the Oppenheimer homebred is concerned. With John Gosden keen not to overface the still-raw homebred in the G2 Dante S. here in May after a deluge hit, he was back on the Knavesmire a different proposition and the less dramatic rainfall that preceded this meeting was firmly in his favour. Taking time to warm into the June 4 G1 Epsom Derby and Irish equivalent but beaten in them a total of a length and a neck respectively, the imposing bay was again languid early as Frankie Dettori tracked the pace in fourth. Roused in early straight, he lunged to the front and past Venice Beach passing the three-furlong pole and the race was decided there. Using the powerful stride that he has inherited from his sire to dominate the last two furlongs, he won with such vigour his connections are having to think again about putting him on the shelf.

“He has come on a lot and that was a good performance, as I asked him early enough to get into top gear,” Dettori said. “For the last two furlongs he was on his own and he galloped right away from the field, so I was impressed. He is laid-back and you have to shake him up a bit or he is happy to follow the others, but once he knows it’s time to go he goes. We had to get him ready for the Derby and he’s such a big horse with a big frame to fill. He has improved and will be a force to be reckoned with next year.” John Gosden, who had seemed intent beforehand on putting him away for 2018 after this race, was so taken by the display he is now refusing to ruling out a big autumn target. “He dropped back off them and went to sleep for Frankie, so he had to go early in the straight but he took off in front,” he said. “He’s a grand horse who has matured throughout the year and whether he runs again or not I will have discuss with the owner. He only has two entries, at Chantilly [for the Oct. 1 G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe] and Ascot [for the Oct. 21 G1 Champion S.]. We never wanted the St Leger this year and it was not part of his program, as his main program is for next year and the King George which would mean a lot to his owner. He is much bigger now and can quicken. He had been showing us at home that he was stronger and more confident in himself and he’s getting better all the time. The Frankels stay well and that is interesting. Him and Eminent are two super colts for him.”

Despite talk of the Arc afterwards, Dettori who already has the plum ride on Enable (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) there seemed cool on the idea. “Maybe Chantilly would be a bit sharp for him at this stage,” he added. “He is basically a 4-year-old and there is a lot to look forward to. I think the plan is to put him away after that.” Owner-breeder Anthony Oppenheimer was also of that opinion. “He is much stronger than he was for the Derbies and surged forward, whereas in those he had to be pushed forward,” he said. “We knew he was getting stronger all the time and it’s a pity he didn’t have the same strength back then. When Pat Smullen got off after the Irish Derby he said he would make a marvellous 4-year-old and would be a champion if we just looked after him. He said he needed looking after and he doesn’t need too many hard races now. I’d be inclined not to run again this year, but it obviously depends on the trainer. If he gets full of himself, we might have to. Next year, he’ll be aimed at the King George and the Arc.”

Cracksman can now lay claim to being his sire’s best among his solid first crop which seems to be excelling over middle distances. The dam Rhadegunda proved able to handle deep ground when winning her sole black-type race in the Listed Prix Solitude and her first foal was the G3 Solario S. scorer Fantastic Moon. The third dam is the 1000 Guineas and Sussex S. heroine On the House, who is also the second dam of the G2 Royal Lodge S. winner Leo (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) and who is connected to the 1997 G1 Coronation S. winner Rebecca Sharp (GB) (Machiavellian) and the G1 Epsom Derby, G1 Eclipse S. and G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe hero Golden Horn (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}). Rhadegunda also has a 2-year-old colt by New Approach (Ire) named Military Band (GB).

Wednesday, York, Britain
BETWAY GREAT VOLTIGEUR S.-G2, £170,000, YOR, 8-23, 3yo, c/g, 11f 188yT, 2:34.65, g/s.
1–CRACKSMAN (GB), 126, c, 3, by Frankel (GB)
1st Dam: Rhadegunda (GB) (SW-Fr), by Pivotal (GB)
2nd Dam: St Radegund (GB), by Green Desert
3rd Dam: On the House, by Be My Guest
*1st stakes win. O-A E Oppenheimer; B-Hascombe & Valiant Studs (GB); T-John Gosden; J-Lanfranco Dettori. £96,407. Lifetime Record: G1SP-Eng & Ire, 5-3-1-1, $722,616. *1/2 to Fantastic Moon (GB) (Dalakhani {Ire}), GSW-Eng. Werk Nick Rating: A+++ *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Venice Beach (Ire), 126, c, 3, Galileo (Ire)–Danedrop (Ire), by Danehill. O-Derrick Smith, Susan Magnier, Michael Tabor & Flaxman Stables; B-Orpendale, Chelston & Wynatt (IRE); T-Aidan O’Brien. £36,550.
3–Mirage Dancer (GB), 126, c, 3, Frankel (GB)–Heat Haze (GB), by Green Desert. O-Khalid Abdullah; B-Juddmonte Farms Ltd (GB); T-Sir Michael Stoute. £18,292.
Margins: 6, 6, HF. Odds: 0.65, 4.50, 5.00.
Also Ran: Douglas Macarthur (Ire), Spanish Steps (Ire), Atty Persse (Ire). Scratched: Count Octave (GB), Khalidi (GB). 

Click for the Racing Post result or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.

 

fonte : TDN