Author: News

St Leger: Where Did They Come From?

by Heather Anderson & Brian Sheerin

The final leg of the original Triple Crown, the G1 Betfred St Leger features nine colts, with several homebreds and auction graduates, including two at €440,000. If Their Majesties' Desert Hero (GB) pulls off the victory, he would be the first royal winner since Queen Elizabeth's Dunfermline (GB) in 1977. Aidan O'Brien, gunning for his seventh edition, will saddle a quartet of individuals, all in with a chance, and the choice of Ryan Moore is the G2 Great Voltigeur S. hero Continuous (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}).

 

ALEXANDROUPOLIS (IRE), Camelot (GB)–Jazz Cat (Ire) (Tamayuz {GB})
Owner: D Smith, Mrs J Magnier, M Tabor & Westerberg
Breeder: Mrs Fitri Hay
Trainer: Aidan O'Brien
Sales History: 240,000gns Tattersalls October Book 2 yearling
Pedigree Notes/Form Analysis: Maiden winner over an extended mile at the back end last year; sent off odds-on favourite for the G3 Ballysax S. at Leopardstown, a key Derby trial, on his seasonal return, but couldn't rival White Birch (GB) (Ire) back in third; mid-season break of 144 days before disappointing in the Vinnie Roe S. on his first attempt at 1m6f and, while he is from the family of this stable's 2018 St Leger winner Kew Gardens (Ire), he still has plenty to prove at this level; outsider.

 

ARREST (IRE), Frankel (GB)–Nisriyna (Ire) (Intikhab)
Owner: Juddmonte
Breeder: Swordlestown Little
Trainer: John & Thady Gosden
Sales History: €440,000 Goffs November foal
Pedigree Notes/Form Analysis: The seventh foal out of his unraced dam and her third black-type horse, this half-brother to group winner and G1 Hong Kong Gold Cup third Dinozzo (Ire) (Lilbourne Lad {Ire}) has already won a brace of Group 3s, including when collecting the G3 Geoffrey Freer S. just 100 yards shy of the St Leger trip last month. One of the most highly rated in the field, it would be no surprise to see him give Juddmonte their third St Leger.

 

 

CHESSPIECE (GB), Nathaniel (Ire)–Royal Solitaire (Ire) (Shamardal)
Owner: Godolphin
Breeder: Ammerland GMBH & Co Kg
Trainer: Simon & Ed Crisford
Sales History: €100,000 Arqana October yearling
Pedigree Notes/Form Analysis: The most decorated offspring of his dam, who won the G2 Badener Meille and was second in the Grosser Dallmayr-Preis Bayerisches, this stakes winner already found the re-opposing Gregory (GB) (Golden Horn {GB}) too tough to handle in the G2 Queen's Vase at this distance. However, he was only a neck shy of Desert Hero (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) in the G3 Gordon S. at Goodwood last month. Several of these would have to run below par for Chesspiece to prevail.

 

CONTINUOUS (JPN), Heart's Cry (Jpn)–Fluff (Ire) (Galileo {Ire})
Owner: D Smith, Mrs J Magnier, M Tabor & Westerberg
Breeder: Orpendale, Chelston & Wynatt
Trainer: Aidan O'Brien
Pedigree Notes/Form Analysis: Dished out a comprehensive beating to Gregory in the Great Voltigeur at York, the form of which is up there with the best on offer in this race, and his chance is bolstered by the fact that he is Ryan Moore's pick of a Ballydoyle four-pronged attack. In truth, the rider would not have had much to think about, as this colt has gone from strength to strength this season and appears ground versatile; gave the impression that he would see out the 1m6f at York and rates a leading player on form and pedigree. His dam Fluff (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) is a sister to the formerly smart stayer Barbados (Ire), which gives hope that he should be as effective over the extra two furlongs, while she is also a sister to the Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Maybe (Ire), now the dam of Saxon Warrior (Jpn); classy sort.

 

 

DENMARK (IRE), Camelot (GB)–Board Meeting (Ire) (Anabaa)
Owner: D Smith, Mrs J Magnier, M Tabor & Westerberg
Breeder: Dayton Investments (Breeding) Limited
Trainer: Aidan O'Brien
Sales History: €440,000 Arqana October yearling
Pedigree Notes/Form Analysis: From the family of French Oaks winner Bright Sky (Ire) (Wolfhound) and, while there is plenty of stamina in the pedigree, he didn't appear to have any excuses when beaten by Middle Earth on his penultimate start at York. He hung left-handed when third in a handicap at Haydock last time; plenty to prove.

 

DESERT HERO (GB), Sea The Stars (Ire)–Desert Breeze (GB) (Dubawi {Ire})
Owner: HM The King & HM The Queen
Breeder: The Queen
Trainer: William Haggas
Pedigree Notes/Form Analysis: Bred by The Queen, Desert Hero is closely related to four-time group winner and dual top-level placed Dartmouth (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}). Gritty performer who has advertised his St Leger credentials in grinding out victories in a handicap at Royal Ascot followed by the G3 Gordon S. at Goodwood. Could be open to even further progression upped in trip.

 

 

GREGORY (GB), Golden Horn (GB)–Gretchen (GB) (Galileo {Ire})
Owner: Wathnan Racing
Breeder: Normandie Stud Ltd
Trainer: John & Thady Gosden
Pedigree Notes/Form Analysis: This Queen's Vase winner was third to Continuous (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) in the Great Voltigeur, after winning his first three starts. Retiring jockey Frankie Dettori has opted for fellow Gosden trainee Arrest, so Kieran Shoemark will partner the son of G2 Park Hill S. heroine Gretchen. A Cocked Hat S. hero like his half-brother Lionel (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Gregory's staying proclivities come naturally, and his dam's half-brother Duncan (GB) (Dalakhani {Ire}) won the G1 Irish St Leger. One to watch.

 

 

MIDDLE EARTH (GB), Roaring Lion–Roheryn (Ire) (Galileo {Ire})
Owner: Qatar Racing Limited
Breeder: The Roheryn Partnership
Trainer: John & Thady Gosden
Pedigree Notes/Form Analysis: Although yet to earn black-type and by a classy sire who was just found out at the 12-furlong distance in the Derby, this half-brother to the multiple group-placed stakes-winning Buckaroo (GB) (Fastnet {Aus}), has inherited his stamina from his King George V Cup-winning dam, whose four group placings were anchored by a second in the G3 Ballyroan S. Already a winner at this trip defeating Denmark (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) in the Melrose H. at York, Middle Earth's connections thought highly enough of his chances and paid the supplementary fee. However, the waters are a great deal deeper in this contest.

 

 

TOWER OF LONDON (IRE), Galileo (Ire)–Dialafara (Fr) (Anabaa)
Owner: D Smith, Mrs J Magnier, M Tabor & Westerberg
Breeder: Lynch Bages Ltd & Camas Park Stud
Trainer: Aidan O'Brien
Pedigree Notes/Form Analysis: Brother to Irish Derby and St Leger winner Capri (Ire) and fellow smart stayers Cypress Creek (Ire) and Passion (Ire); denied a third win on the trot when narrowly beaten in a Group 3 over 1m5f at Newmarket in July and, while this is his first start since then, fitness will not be an issue hailing from this camp. One of the more lively outsiders and he certainly commands respect.

The post St Leger: Where Did They Come From? appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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‘She Has Taken Time To Mature’: Millie Girl Chases Graded Status In Sunday’s Seaway

A field of nine fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up, will travel seven furlongs on the Toronto Tapeta in Sunday's $150,000 Seaway Stakes (G3) at Woodbine.

Millie Girl, a 5-year-old daughter of Hard Spun-Mendocino Beano, has reached the podium in all seven career starts to sport an overall mark of 3-1-3.

Trained by Catherine Day Phillips, who co-owns (through her Kingfield Racing Stable, Ltd.) with Braconcrest Inc. and Apricot Valley Thoroughbreds, the dark bay reeled off two straight scores to start her career, both at seven furlongs on the E.P. Taylor turf, including a half-length victory in her debut last July.

Since then, Millie Girl has raced twice on the Tapeta, once at seven furlongs, the other at 1 1/6 miles, along with three starts on the E.P. Taylor, over “good” ground at 1 1/16 miles on October 22, over “firm” going at 6 ½ furlongs on June 3 and on “yielding” ground at one mile on July 1.

The latter two races, the Royal North (G2T) and Nassau (G2T), marked the mare's first two appearances on the stakes stage.

She was third in both, including the Nassau, a race that saw Grade 1 winner Fev Rover (IRE) take top spot and Canada's reigning horse of the year, recent Canadian Stakes (G2T) winner Moira, finish second.

“Millie Girl has shown talent all along,” said Day Phillps, of the $67,000 (U.S.) Keeneland Association November Breeding Stock Sale purchase in 2021, who was bred in Ontario by Sean Fitzhenry. “She has taken time to mature both physically and mentally, but she has shown professionalism in her races right from her first start.”

Declan Carroll will ride.

Kevin Pena Salgado is the groom.

Other starters include a pair of Michael Stidham trainees, multiple stakes winner Ready to Venture (GB) and graded stakes-placed Purrfect, multiple graded stakes winners Il Malocchio and Hazelbrook, and stakes winner Ticker Tape Home. ​ ​ ​

Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame inductee, jockey Robin Platts, has a record six Seaway scores. Prospective Dolly won three editions (1991-92 and 1994) of the race that was inaugurated in 1956.

Sunday's first post is 1:15 p.m. The Seaway is listed as race nine on the 11-race card. Fans can watch and wager via HPIbet.com, bet365 and the Dark Horse Bets App.

$150,000 Seaway Stakes (G3)

Post – Horse – Jockey – Trainer

1 – Ready to Venture (GB) – Rafael Hernandez – Michael Stidham

2 – Millie Girl – Declan Carroll – Catherine Day Phillips

3 – Vantarsi – Kazushi Kimura – Kevin Attard

4 – Hazelbrook – Jason Hoyte – Lorne Richards

5 – Purrfect – Emma-Jayne Wilson – Michael Stidham

6 – Ticker Tape Home – Patrick Husbands – Mark Casse

7 – Talk to Ya Later – Ryan Munger – Ian Black

8 – Hai Bobbi (S) – Sofia Vives – Kadain Gordon

9 – Il Malocchio – Sahin Civaci – Martin Drexler

The post ‘She Has Taken Time To Mature’: Millie Girl Chases Graded Status In Sunday’s Seaway appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Trueshan Back To Winning Ways In The Doncaster Cup

Beaten in the G2 Doncaster Cup last season, Trueshan (Fr) (Planteur {Ire}) showed his story is far from finished back in that Town Moor feature on Friday as he registered an unorthodox success returning from a break. Only fourth in the G3 Sagaro S. when last seen in May, the Singula Partnership's 7-year-old had undergone wind surgery in the interim and there were obvious questions as to whether he could get back to his previous pinnacle in the staying division.

Things looked dubious for the 100-30 shot in the back straight as Hollie Doyle struggled to contain the imposing veteran behind the pace and as she let him go with five furlongs still to race it was touch and go whether he would last home. Separated from the other four in the straight, the pride of the Alan King stable could have given up as the Gosdens' Sweet William (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) gained a brief lead approaching the final furlong but instead piled it on to regain the advantage and record another impressive success by 1 1/4 lengths.

 

“That was definitely not Plan A! It's not the first time he's given me a rodeo either, but he can still win because he's so superior,” Doyle said. “He's back to his best. To do it that way round he must be. The thing today was we were going a pedestrian pace and it was breaking his stride, so when you are on a big horse like that I just let him bowl along and it was going to be make or break. The wind op has definitely helped. At Ascot earlier this year, we hacked around and he curled up a furlong and a half out whereas today he proved he's back to his best.”

It is rare to see a horse do so much wrong and still prevail at this level, but what we already knew about Trueshan is he is a true class act on his day in these “Cup” races. That was clear in the 2021 G1 Goodwood Cup, that year's G1 Prix du Cadran, in the last three editions of Ascot's G2 British Champions Long Distance Cup and in last year's Northumberland Plate in which he put up one of the all-time great weight-defying handicap performances. With Kyprios (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) back in the mix after the weekend, this win adds spice to the division's autumn features.

Pedigree Notes
Trueshan has only two black-type performers under the first three dams, but one of them happens to be the current smart Australian stayer True Marvel (Fr) (Masked Marvel {GB}). In April, he was runner-up in the G1 Sydney Cup at 150-1, while two months later he proved that was no fluke when third in the G2 Brisbane Cup.

Friday, Doncaster, Britain
BETFRED DONCASTER CUP-G2, £130,000, Doncaster, 9-15, 3yo/up, 17f 197yT, 4:05.61, sf.
1–TRUESHAN (FR), 133, g, 7, by Planteur (Ire)
     1st Dam: Shao Line (Fr), by General Holme
     2nd Dam: Marie D'Altoria, by Roi de Rome
     3rd Dam: Marie De Lempire (Fr), by Faristan (GB)
(€8,000 Ylg '17 OSLATE; 31,000gns 2yo '18 TATHIT). O-Singula Partnership; B-D Blot (FR); T-Alan King; J-Hollie Doyle. £73,723. Lifetime Record: G1SW-Eng & Fr, 24-14-4-1, $2,108,785. Werk Nick Rating: D. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
2–Sweet William (Ire), 133, g, 4, Sea The Stars (Ire)–Gale Force (GB), by Shirocco (Ger).
1ST BLACK TYPE, 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. O/B-Normandie Stud Ltd (IRE); T-John & Thady Gosden. £27,950.
3–Broome (Ire), 133, h, 7, Australia (GB)–Sweepstake (Ire), by Acclamation (GB). (€120,000 RNA Ylg '17 GOFOR; 150,000gns Ylg '17 TATDEY). O-M Matsushima/Mrs Magnier/M Tabor/D Smith; B-Epona Bloodstock Ltd (IRE); T-Aidan O'Brien. £13,988.
Margins: 1 1/4, 3, HF. Odds: 3.30, 3.00, 6.00.
Also Ran: The Grand Visir (GB), Coltrane (Ire).

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