SUNDAY
Cloth Of Stars won the Group 2 Prix Greffulhe over 10 furlongs at Saint-Cloud, a third pattern success for the Group 1-placed son of Gilltown Stud stallion Sea The Stars (by Cape Cross). Bred by Peter Anastasiou and trained by Andre Fabre, the colt is out of Strawberry Fledge (by Kingmambo), an unraced full-sister to the Group 1 Oaks heroine Light Shift and half-sister to Group 1 scorer Shiva (by Hector Protector). His third dam is the Arc-placed Group 1 star Northern Trick (by Northern Dancer).Ito won the Group 2 Gerling-Preis over 12 furlongs at Cologne, a third pattern success for the Group 1-winning son of Gestut Harzburg stallion Adlerflug (by In The Wings). Gestut Schlederhan's homebred five-year-old is trained by Jean-Pierre Carvalho and he is out of Group 1 Preis der Diana (German Oaks) heroine Iota (by Tiger Hill).Diplomat won the Group 2 Premio Presidente della Republica over nine furlongs at Capannelle, making him a new pattern winner for Kildangan Stud stallion Teofilo (by Galileo). The Mario Hofer-trained five-year-old was bred by Gestut Rottgen, he is out of Desidera (by Shaadi) and that makes him a half-brother to the stakes winner Daressalam (by Singspiel) and also to listed scorer and Group 1 Deutsches Derby runner-up Dickens (by Kallisto).Moonlight Magic won the Group 3 Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial Stakes over 10 furlongs at Leopardstown, a race that has produced many future Group 1 stars over the past two decades. The Darley-bred colt is trained by Jim Bolger, he is a son of Kildangan Stud stallion Cape Cross (by Green Desert) and he is out of the classic-placed stakes winner Melikah (by Lammtarra).He is a half-brother to Group 2 scorer Masterstroke (by Monsun) and to listed race winner Hidden Gold (by Shamardal), his grandam is the Group 1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe heroine Urban Sea (by Miswaki), and so his dam is a half-sister to the Group/Grade 1 stars Galileo (by Sadler's Wells), Sea The Stars (by Cape Cross), Black Sam Bellamy (by Galileo) and My Typhoon (by Giant's Causeway).
I reviewed Moonlight Magic's pedigree in detail in the 31st October 2015 edition of The Irish Field.
Steip Amach sprang a 14/1 surprise in the Group 3 Amethyst Stakes over a mile at Leopardstown, holding off the strong late challenge of Cougar Mountain to win in a photo. The four-year-old is a first-crop daughter of Redmondstown Stud stallion Vocalised (by Vindication), she is trained and bred by Jim Bolger, and this was her second pattern success.She is a half-sister to the US Grade 3 scorer Ceisteach (by New Approach) and to yesterday's Wexford maiden winner Fiuntach (by Intense Focus), and her dam, Ceist Eile (by Noverre), comes from a branch of the family of runaway Derby hero Shergar (by Great Nephew).
I reviewed Steip Amach's pedigree in detail in the 1st November 2014 edition of The Irish Field.
Now Or Never was an easy winner of the Group 3 Derrinstown Stud 1000 Guineas Trial over a mile at Leopardstown, a first blacktype success for the twice pattern-placed daughter of former Tally-Ho Stud stallion Bushranger (by Danetime). The Michael O'Callaghan-trained filly was bred by Tally-Ho Stud, she is a £42,000 graduate of the Doncaster 2yo Breeze-Up Sale and she is the second foal out of Queenofthefairies (by Pivotal). Her unraced dam is a half-sister to Group 1 sprint star and successful sire Dream Ahead (by Diktat).One Foot In Heaven followed-up on last month's listed success with a win in the Group 3 Prix d'Hedouville over 12 furlongs at Saint-Cloud. The four-year-old son of Coolmore Stud's Fastnet Rock (by Danehill) was bred by Craigavon Agro Ltd. He is out of the Group 1 Champion Stakes heroine Pride (by Peintre Celebre) and so is also related to the classic stars Speciosa (by Danehill Dancer) and Touching Wood (by Roberto).Wildpark won the Listed Fruhjars-Meile des Carl Jaspers Versicherungskontors over a mile at Cologne, a second blacktype success for the gelded son of Kildangan Stud stallion Shamardal (by Giant's Causeway). Gestut Brummerhof's homebred five-year-old is the first foal out pattern-placed Wildfahrte (by Mark Of Esteem), a half-sister to Group 1-placed dual Group 3 scorer Wake Forest (by Sir Percy), a six-year-old who was only beaten by a head in the Grade 2 Pan American Stakes over 12 furlongs at Gulfstream Park last month.-----
SATURDAY
The Grade 1 Kentucky Derby was the highlight in the USA this weekend, of course, but there was a winner for a European stallion in the Grade 2 Sheepshead Bay Stakes at Belmont Park as former French-trained filly Sea Calisi justified favouritism in the 11 furlong turf event. Last year's dual Group 1-placed Group 2 scorer was bred by Derek Bloodstock, she is now trained by Chad Brown, and she is a daughter of Haras du Quesnay stallion Youmzain (by Sinndar).She is out of Triclaria (by Surumu), who is also responsible for the multiple blacktype scorers Tareno (by Saddlers' Hall) and Timos (by Sholokhov) and also for Ticinella (by Hernando), the winning dam of Group 3 scorer Theo Danon (by Lord Of England) and his stakes-winning full-sister Taja.
Ashadihan sprang a 10/1 surprise in the Group 3 Betfred “Be Part Of The Action” Chartwell Fillies' Stakes over seven furlongs on the polytrack at Lingfield, a second win from four starts for the Kevin Ryan-trained three-year-old. Bred by Highbank Stud Llp, the 48,000gns Tattersalls Guineas Breeze-Up Sale graduate is one of four winners out of Miss Delila (by Malibu Moon). Her dam is a half-sister to the Group Cherry Hinton Stakes and Group 3 Albany Stakes winner Sander Camillo (by Dixie Union).Seventh Heaven narrowly won the Listed Betfred Mobile Oaks Trial Fillies' Stakes over 11 and a half furlongs at Lingfield, a second success from four starts for the daughter of Galileo (by Sadler's Wells). The Aidan O'Brien-trained bay was bred by the La Traviata Syndicate, she is out of La Traviata (by Johannesburg) and that makes her a half-sister to the Group 1 Middle Park Stakes winner Crusade (by Mr Greeley).Humphrey Bogart narrowly won the Listed Betfred Derby Trial Stakes over 11 and a half furlongs at Lingfield, a second win in eight starts for the Richard Hannon-trained son of Rathbarry Stud stallion Tagula (by Taufan). He was bred by Ringfort Stud, he is out of Hazarama (by Kahyasi) and his dam's siblings include Group 3 Blue Wind Stakes winner and Group 1 Irish Oaks third Hazarista (by Barathea).So Beloved won the Listed Pertemps Network Spring Trophy Stakes over seven furlongs at Haydock, a second blacktype success for the six-year-old son of Banstead Manor Stud stallion Dansili (by Danehill). The Juddmonte Farms-bred gelding is trained by David O'Meara, he is out of Valencia (by Kenmare) and his siblings include the Group 2-winning sprinter and blacktype sire Deportivo (by Night Shift).I reviewed So Beloved's pedigree in detail in the 5th September 2015 edition of The Irish Field.
Elite Army won the Listed Carey Group Buckhounds Stakes over 12 furlongs at Ascot, the lightly-raced gelding's first start in 12 months. A Darley-bred son of Derby hero and Haras du Logis stallion Authorized (by Montjeu), the Saeed bin Suroor-trained five-year-old is out of classic-placed pattern winner White Rose (by Platini). That makes him a half-brother to the blacktype scorers Promesse De L'Aube (by Galileo) and Pure Diamond (by Street Cry) and to the listed-placed filly Champagnelifestyle (by Montjeu).Ridge Ranger won the Listed EBF Stallions Weatherbys General Stud Book Kilvington Fillies' Stakes over six furlongs at Nottingham, a first blacktype success for Con Harrington's homebred mare. The pattern-placed five-year-old is trained by Eric Alston, she is a daughter of former Tally-Ho Stud stallion Bushranger (by Danetime) and she is one of four blacktype horses out of the sprint winner Dani Ridge (by Indian Ridge). Her grandam Daniella Drive (by Shelter Half) won 12 times in the USA, and the pedigree was reviewed in today's edition of The Irish Field as Ridge Ranger's half-brother Profitable (by Invincible Spirit) won the recent Group 3 Palace House Stakes at Newmarket.Haras de Bonneval's Makfi (by Dubawi) added another stakes winner to his tally when Imposing Lass justified favouritism in the Listed All-New Jaguar XE Gold Coast Bravelet QTIS 3YO Fillies Place over nine furlongs at Gold Coast in Australia. The Bjorn Baker-trained bay was bred by City Bloodstock Ltd, she is out of Imposingly (by Zabeel) and that makes her a half-sister to the Group 3 scorers Full Of Spirit (by Flying Spur) and Lady Cumquat (by Duke Of Marmalade).-----
FRIDAY
Dartmouth is now a dual pattern winner following his success in the Group 3 Boodles Diamond Ormonde Stakes over one mile, five furlongs and 89 yards at Chester. The Darley-bred four-year-old is a son of Dalham Hall Stud's outstanding stallion Dubawi (by Dubai Millennium), he is trained by Sir Michael Stoute, and he is out of the Group 3 Blue Wind Stakes winner Galatee (by Galileo). He represents the famous family of whose array of Group 1 stars includes Aquarelliste (by Danehill), Arcangues (by Sagace) and Cape Verdi (by Caerleon), and I reviewed his pedigree in detail in the 23rd April 2016 edition of The Irish Field.Viren's Army came out best in a three-way photo finish for the Listed Betdaq Dee Stakes over a few yards short of 10 and a half furlongs at Chester, taking his record to three wins from eight starts. A first-crop son of Grade 1 winner and Lane's End Farm stallion Twirling Candy (by Candy Ride), the Richard Hannon-trained bay was bred by Ruskerne Ltd. The €115,000 Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale graduate is the first foal out of Blue Angel (by Oratorio), a stakes-placed half-sister to Group 3 scorer Empowering (by Encosta De Lago). His grandam is Group 1-placed stakes winner Blue Cloud (by Nashwan), a half-sister to the mile Group 1 star Bigstone (by Last Tycoon).Sayana made it three wins from four starts when taking the Listed Prix Maurice Zilber over a mile at Chantilly. The Aga Khan's homebred four-year-old is trained by Alain de Royer-Dupre, she is a daughter of prolific champion sire Galileo (by Sadler's Wells) and she is out of listed scorer Sichilla (by Danehill). That makes her a half-sister to Group 1 winner and classic sire Siyouni (by Pivotal), to dual Group/Grade 1 scorer Siyouma (by Medicean) and to Group 2-placed stakes winner Siyenica (by Azamour). Her dam's string of blacktype siblings includes the four-times Group 1 star Slickly (by Linamix).-----
THURSDAY
Nancy From Nairobi, who was trained by Mick Channon until late last year, is now with John Sadlers in the USA and she won the Grade 2 Royal Heroine Stakes over a mile on turf at Santa Anita late on Thursday night. The five-year-old was bred by Norman Court Stud, which is where her classic-winning sire Sixties Icon (by Galileo) stands, and she is the second foal out of the stakes-placed Madame Hoi (by Hawk Wing). Her grandam, Lindesberg (by Doyoun), is a half-sister to the triple Group 2-winning miler Gothenberg (by Polish Patriot).US Army Ranger maintained his unbeaten record with a narrow defeat of his Group 2-winning stable companion Port Douglas (gave 4lbs) in the Group 3 MBNA Chester Vase over 12 furlongs and 66 yards at Chester. The pair finished a long way clear of the third and they are both sons of Coolmore Stud's prolific champion sire Galileo (by Sadler's Wells). The winner was bred by the partnership of Orpendale, Chelston & Wynatt, he is trained by Aidan O'Brien and he is out of the Group 1 Irish Oaks heroine Moonstone (by Dalakhani). That makes him a half-brother to last year's Group 3 Munster Oaks winner Words (by Dansili) and to the listed scorers Nevis (by Dansili) and Stubbs (by Danehill Dancer).Cannock Chase won the Group 3 Betway Huxley Stakes (for the Tradesman's Cup) over 10 furlongs and 75 yards at Chester. It is a third pattern success for last year's Grade 1 Canadian International Stakes hero. The five-year-old was bred by Hascombe Stud, he is trained by Sir Michael Stoute and he is a son of Lane's End Farm stallion Lemon Drop Kid (by Kingmambo). He is a full-brother to the Group 2 Prix Eugene Adam winner Pisco Sour and his dam, Lynnwood Chase (by Horse Chestnut), is a half-sister to the Group 2 Jebel Hatta scorer Lord Admiral (by El Prado).Tres Rock Glory sprang a 10/1 surprise in the Listed Coupe des Trois Ans over 12 furlongs at Lyon Parilly, beating the odds-on favourite Doha Dream by half a length. The Freddy Head-trained filly was bred by Haras Chevotel, she is a daughter of Coolmore Stud's shuttle sire Fastnet Rock (by Danehill) and she is out of Tres Ravi (by Monsun). That pattern-placed mare is a half-sister to the Group 2 scorer Tres Heureux (by Konigsstuhl) and her progeny also include Group 2 winner Tres Blue (by Anabaa Blue), multiple pattern scorer Tres Rock Danon (by Rock Of Gibraltar) and multiple pattern-placed Tres Rapide (by Anabaa Blue).Shining Emerald won the Listed Grosser Preis der Sparkasse Dortmund over six furlongs in Germany, a fourth blacktype success for last year's Group 2 Goldene Peitsche scorer. The Andreas Wohler-trained five-year-old is a gelded son of Rathasker Stud stallion Clodovil (by Danehill) and he was bred by Rabbah Bloodstock Ltd. He is the best of several winners out of Janayen (by Zafonic), a winning daughter of triple 10 furlongs listed scorer Saafeya (by Sadler's Wells).-----
WEDNESDAY
Somehow made it two wins from three starts with a narrow victory in the Listed Arkle Finance Cheshire Oaks (for The Robert Sangster Memorial Cup) over one mile, three furlongs and 79 yards at Chester. The Aidan O'Brien-trained daughter of Coolmore Stud shuttler and Australian champion sire Fastnet Rock (by Danehill) is out of the dual Group 1 Oaks heroine Alexandrova (by Sadler's Wells), which makes her a half-sister to the Group 2 Prix Kergorlay winner Alex My Boy (by Dalakhani). She was bred by the partnership of Orpendale, Chelston & Wynatt.-----
TUESDAY
Hurricane Red won the Listed Pramms Memorial over eight and a half furlongs on dirt at Jagersro, a fifth blacktype success for 2013's Svenskt Derby winner. The six-year-old son of Gestut Ammerland stallion Hurricane Run (by Montjeu) is trained by Lennart Reuterskiold Jr, he was bred by Grangemore Stud and his siblings include the listed scorers Bernieres (by Montjeu) and Icecapada (by Mastercraftsman). He is out of Bounce (by Trempolino) and his grandam is a half-sister to the Group 1 Prix Royal-Oaks scorer Top Sunrise (by Top Ville).-----
MONDAY
Found won the Group 3 Camelot European Breeders Fund Mooresbridge Stakes, beating Success Days and Fascinating Rock in the 10 furlongs Curragh contest. The daughter of Coolmore Stud's prolific champion sire Galileo (by Sadler's Wells) was bred by the partnership of Roncon, Wynatt & Chelston, she is trained by Aidan O'Brien, and she is out of the Group 1-winning miler Red Evie (by Intikhab). She is a full-sister to the blacktype scorers Magical Dream and Best In The World, her grandam Malafemmena (by Nordico) won a listed contest over six furlongs at two, and I reviewed Found's pedigree in detail in the 11th October 2014 edition of The Irish Field.Dolce Strega won the Group 3 Canford Cliffs European Breeders Fund Athasi Stakes over seven furlongs at the Curragh, giving Coolmore Stud stallion Zoffany (by Dansili) a seventh individual stakes winner from his first crop. Renzo Forni's homebred three-year-old is trained by Willie McCreery, this was her third win from seven starts, and she is the first foal out of New Plays (by Oratorio). She is inbred 3x3 to Danehill (by Danzig), her dam's siblings include the Cesarewitch Handicap winner and Group 2 Doncaster Cup runner-up Darley Sun (by Tiger Hill), and her grandam is a half-sister to the Group 1-placed Group 2 scorer Flashy Wings (by Zafonic).Awtaad took his record to three wins from four starts with victory in the Listed Power European Breeders Fund Tetrarch Stakes over seven furlongs at the Curragh. Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum's homebred three-year-old is trained by Kevin Prendergast, he is a son of Kildangan Stud stallion Cape Cross (by Green Desert), and he is the first foal out of stakes-placed Asheerah (by Shamardal). His dam's siblings include listed-placed Daymooma (by Pivotal) and the pattern-placed pair Aaraas (by Haafhd) and Alshahbaa (by Alhaarth). Grandam Adaala (by Sahm) won the Listed Kilboy Estate Stakes over nine furlongs at the Curragh.