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Making Waves: Good Things Come In Threes

In this series, the TDN takes a look at notable successes of European-based sires in North America. This week's column is highlighted by the victory of Behind Enemy Lines (GB) (Sioux Nation) in the Cutler Bay S. at Gulfstream Park on Saturday.

Sioux Nation Colt Makes The Cut At Gulfstream

Rockingham Ranch, Talla Racing, LLC and David Bernsen's Behind Enemy Lines (GB) (Sioux Nation) ran like a 1-9 favourite should to give his Coolmore sire his fifth stakes winner and first Stateside in the Cutler Bay S. at Gulfstream on Saturday (video).

Trained by Jack Sisterson, the son of the once-raced Autumn Snow (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) was bred by The Brigadier Partnership. An 88,000gns weanling when picked up by Alex Elliott from Barton Stud at the Tattersalls November Foal Sale, the bay made 90,000gns from J B Bloodstock when re-offered by The Castlebridge Consignment as a Tattersalls October Book 2 yearling. Sent through the ring yet again, this time he did not meet his reserve as a €173,228 Goffs Dubai Breeze-Up Sale buyback (breeze video). As noted by colleague Alan Carasso, Behind Enemy Lines is the second stakes winner to emerge from the inaugural Goffs Dubai Breeze-Up Sale.

Unplaced for Justin Casse and Joseph O'Brien at the Curragh in August, he put it all together over the Dundalk synthetic to win by 4 3/4 lengths in January. Purchased privately by these connections, the Cutler Bay was his American bow.

The second foal, first runner and first winner out of his dam, Behind Enemy Lines is followed by the colt Looking Bere (Fr) (Le Brivido {Fr}), who is catalogued as lot 247 in the upcoming Tattersalls Guineas Breeze-Up Sale by Dolmen Bloodstock, and a yearling half-brother by Whitecliffsofdover. Second dam Epic Similie (GB) (Lomitas {GB}) was placed in the G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, while her Manduro (Ger) half-brother Ultra (Ire) won that race in 2015 before standing under the Darley banner in France. Eclipse champion Modern Games (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) is also under the third dam.

Although his eldest foals are just 3-year-olds, Sioux Nation has sired 58 winners from 106 runners worldwide (55%). Stateside, he has three runners and Behind Enemy Lines is his first winner (33%) among that trio.

How Sweet The Sound

Amazing Grace (Ger) (Protectionist {Ger}) is no stranger to black-type victories, and, bearing the Moyglare Stud silks, secured a half-length victory in the GIII Orchid S. in Florida on Saturday (video) for trainer Christophe Clement.

Profiled in Emma Berry's Seven Days column earlier this week, the German-bred is starting to pay back her €850,000 Arqana December purchase price. Bred by Dr. Christoph Berglar, she won the G2 Diana Trial in 2021 and the G2 T. von Zastrow Stutenpreis last term. Also Group 1-placed in the G1 Preis von Europa, Amazing Grace is the second foal out of German stakes winner Amabelle (Ger) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}). Her dam foaled her winning full-sister, Ad Astra (Ger), the year after producing the Orchid winner, while her 3-year-old full-brother, Astaire (Ire), has yet to race. Amabelle's juvenile has already been named Alvorada (Ger) (Gleneagles {Ire}), and she has a yearling filly by the 2014 G1 Melbourne Cup hero.

From limited crops, Protectionist has sired 33 winners from 64 runners worldwide (51%). His other stakes winner besides Amazing Grace is G3 Bavarian Classic hero Lambo (Ger). In America, he's been represented by two runners total, and Saturday's winner is his only scorer.

An Island Of Breathing Space

The third and final stakes-winning European to prevail at Gulfstream on Saturday was Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, Steven Rocco, and Tango Uniform Racing's Breath Away (GB) (Bated Breath {GB}), who scooped the Sanibel Island S. by 2 1/2 lengths (video).

Part of the Highgate Stud breeding programme, she caught the eye of Canirola Bloodstock as a 92,000gns foal at Tattersalls November, and blossomed into a 230,000gns yearling at that venue's October Yearling Sale Book 1 when offered by Taroka Stud. Stephen Hillen was the buyer that day. A winner of her Gulfstream debut back in January, she missed by only a nose in an allowance optional claimer a month later for trainer Christophe Clement.

A full-sister to GIII Wilshire S. heroine Simply Breathless (GB) (Bated Breath {GB}), Breath Away is a daughter of Darling Grace (GB) (Nayef), who scored her lone victory as a 3-year-old. Her latest foals are fillies by Advertise (GB) and Bated Breath, foaled in 2021 and 2022, respectively. G1 Falmouth S. heroine Giofra (GB) (Dansili {GB}) is under the third dam.

From just 29 runners in the U.S., Juddmonte's Bated Breath has 17 checks in the winners' column (58%). He's firing in stakes winners at a rate of 38% (11 from 29 runners), with his leading light the 2016 filly Viadera (GB), heroine of the GI Matriarch S. at Del Mar. She is supported by GII Edgewood S. heroine Gift List (GB), the aforementioned Grade III winner Simply Breathless, and Tezzaray (GB), successful in the GIII Jimmy Durante S. and fourth in the GI Del Mar Oaks.

Emperor Of The Mill

Team Valor International's Tuddenham Mill (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) eked out a head victory in a maiden special weight at Tampa Bay Downs on Sunday. Third in a pair of starts for Hankers and Maccas and trainer Kevin Philippart de Foy, Tuddenham Mill switched to the ownership of Team Valor for start three and was eventually transferred Stateside. The 3-year-old was bred by the Imperial Crown Syndicate.

A £29,000 Tattersalls Ireland September yearling, Tuddenham Mill was picked up by Troy Steve Bloodstock from The Castlebridge Consignment. His dam, who won as a juvenile and is a full-sister to GI Suburban H. hero and sire Frost Giant (Giant's Causeway), has a 2-year-old filly by Magna Grecia (Ire) still to come.

Coolmore Stud stallion Holy Roman Emperor sports 25 winners from 49 runners in America (51%). Besides his 11 stakes horses in that jurisdiction, six of his progeny have won stakes (12%), led by top-drawer winners Glorious Empire (Ire), Rockemperor (Ire), and Rich Tapestry (Ire).

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Clement Adds Quality to Stable Roster at Arqana

Christophe Clement said he always looks forward to his annual trip to Deauville for the Arqana December Sale. It's a bit like stepping back in time for the U.S.-based trainer as he wanders the grounds that were once the setting of childhood summers spent working for his father, French conditioner Miguel Clement Sr. The youngest of three, Clement is still often called 'Little Clement' while in Deauville.

“That always makes me laugh,” said Clement, whose own son Miguel has a handle on their stable in America while his father is away. “I come to this sale every year. It's a great way to see a lot of friends and family and still do some work.”

Clement kept busy during Saturday's select session at Arqana and will be returning to the States with several new trainees in tow, highlighted by the session-topping filly Malavath (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}). The dual Group 1-placed 3-year-old was purchased for €3.2 million by Clement's longstanding client Moyglare Stud.

“I was aware that she was going to be in the December Sale and we've been working on this for the past two months,” Clement shared. “I'm delighted. I think it's a great acquisition for Moyglare.”

The winner of the G2 Criterium de Maisons-Laffitte and runner-up in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf at two, Malavath returned to the starting gate this year to claim a Group 3 in Deauville and place second in the G1 Qatar Prix de la Foret for Francis Graffard. In her most recent start, Malavath finished fifth in the GI FanDuel Breeders' Cup Mile.

Clement said that he has no specific races in mind yet for the new acquisition, but added that he believes she will be a good fit for American racing.

“I think she seems to be [best at] seven furlongs to a mile. One of the reasons why Moyglare was interested in the filly was that she brings speed to their program. We'll get her to the States and let her tell us what to do. We have a great program in New York. If she's doing well, plenty of good things can happen.”

Also on Saturday, Moyglare Stud purchased Amazing Grace (Protectionist) for €850,000. The Group 2 winner will continue her racing career with Clement.

“She will be a fun fit for the longer turf races,” said the 4-year-old's new conditioner.

Clement sends Moyglare Stud's Beautiful Lover to victory in the GIII La Prevoyante S. at Gulfstream this year | Nicole Thomas

The Co. Meath-based Moyglare Stud has sent horses to Clement for almost 25 years. Their greatest successes together include Grade I winners Relaxed Gesture (Ire) (Indian Ridge {Ire}) and Dress to Thrill (Ire) (Danehill). This year, American-bred Beautiful Lover (Arch) carried the black, white and red silks to victory in the GIII La Prevoyante S.

“We have a great relationship,” said Clement. “We've had plenty of good winners for them. It's fun because when you train for an owner-breeder, you get that kind of relationship where it doesn't depend on what happens today. It's more long-term, and usually that works out best for both sides.”

Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, who races with Clement and has been a leading owner this year on the New York circuit, was active during the first session, purchasing listed winner By All Means (Ire) (Kodiac) for €650,000. The juvenile was Group 2-placed for owners Giacomo Algranti and Haras d'Etreham.

“She is a very nice filly,” said Clement. “I believe that one of the owners, Nicolas de Chambure [Haras d'Etreham] will stay in for a piece, which makes it even more exciting.”

Also during Arqana's opening session, Clement purchased Group winner Atomic Blonde (Ger) (The Grey Gatsby {Ire}) for €300,000 and went to €280,000 for black-type filly Lady Mia (Fr) (Outstrip).

“You have a lot to compete with in New York,” he noted. “You have to buy some good horses because the turf division is not easy. You need to bring in new blood in order to compete.”

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Keeneland November Sets New Mark

The Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale ended its eighth session Monday with cumulative sales of $205 million, surpassing total sales of $203 million recorded for last year's entire 10-day auction. On Monday, 260 head sold for $4,313,300, down from the corresponding session in 2021 when 260 generated $4,363,200. Average dipped slightly from $16,782 to $16,590. The median of $11,000 decreased 8.33% from last year's $12,000.

Late in Monday's session, a daughter of Mshawish led the way during the first day of Book. Offered as Hip 2975, Taylor Avenue was secured for $130,000 by CF Farms from the Taylor Made Sales Agency consignment. In foal to Speightstown, the stakes-placed filly is out of Aqualane Shores (Friends Lake), the dam of stakes winner Respect the Hustle (Colonel John). In her most recent trip to the sales ring, the 4-year-old sold for $10,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky sale in February.

The second-highest priced offering on the day was Hip 2717, a 3-year-old filly by Flatter who realized a $75,000 final bid from her breeder, Claiborne Farm. Consigned by Winter Quarter Farm, agent, Culdee is out of MSP Bend (Arch), dam of MGSW and track record holder Clearly Now (Horse Greeley) in addition to GSW Bendable (Horse Greeley). The filly was offered by Claiborne to the 2020 Keeneland September Sale, where she brought $180,000. Culdee's brother, by Curlin, sold for $575,000 at the September sale one year earlier.

Leading the youngsters during Monday's session was Hip 3030, a filly by freshman Bolt d'Oro, who was consigned by Elm Tree Farm. The grey is out of Winning Doe (Running Stag), a half-sister to champion grass runners World Approval (Northern Afleet) and Miesque's Approval (Miesque's Son) in addition to GSWs Revved Up (Sultry Song) and Za Approval (Ghostzapper). The Mar. 27 foal is a half-sister to stakes winner and graded placed We Deer You (Hat Trick {Jpn}).

Heading the boys was Hip 2760, who brought $65,000 from Reeves Thoroughbred Racing. Consigned by Trackside Farm (Tom Evans), agent, the colt is by GI Belmont S. winner Tapwrit, represented by his first crop of juveniles in 2022. Out of unraced Fondness (Elusive Quality), the Mar. 4 foal is a half-brother to Discreetness (Discreet Cat). A half-sister to Group 1 scorer Bahamian Pirate (Housebuster) and GSW and MGISP Strong Hope (Grand Slam), Fondness hails from the family of multiple European champion El Gran Senor.

Cumulatively, 1,826 horses have sold for $205,696,600, up 7.96% from last year's $190,531,700 for the comparable period when 1,950 horses sold. The average of $112,649 increased 15.29% from $97,709 in 2021, while the median of $50,000 remained unchanged from last year.

The November sale continues through Wednesday and is followed by a horses of racing age sale Thursday. Bidding begins daily at 10 a.m. Thursday's auction begins at noon.

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Big Invasion Effortless Winner of Mahony Stakes

Big Invasion (Declaration of War)'s enormous kick carried him home to a sixth victory in a row in Saratoga's Mahony S. by three effortless lengths.

Coming into the race with four straight stakes victories, the GIII Quick Call July 17 at this venue among them, he was hammered down to 1-5 favoritism in his quest to continue the streak and he made it look a gift. He was equally dominant in the May 29 Paradise Creek at Belmont, William Walker at Churchill Downs May 4, and in the Texas Glitter S. in Hallendale Mar. 26. His only blemish was on debut Jan. 7 behind stakes-placed filly American Starlet (Twirling Candy) who went gate to wire after Big Invasion slammed into the gate on the break.

Rating well off a quick early pace set by That's Right (Goldencents) and a pursuing European invader Cadamosto (Ire), he tracked from fifth on the fence through the early part of the bend. Gradually shifting out to the four path, Joel Rosario set his mount loose in upper stretch and the race was over by the final furlong. Big Invasion inhaled his competition and won geared down by three lengths in a quick 1:01.42.

“I've always thought he was the best 3-year-old in the country on the grass sprinting. We just don't have a program with Grade 1, Grade 2, that's the way the program is made,” said Clement post-race in regards to a start in Grade I company. “But, I don't know, I'd have to talk to [owner] Mr. [Dean] Reeves. I need to give him some time at some stage and maybe we can think about a race like the Breeders Cup even if it's very ambitious. Why not?”

Big Invasion is the third black-type earner in a row for his dam, who claims several multiple winners as half-relations. Curls in Place is out of a stakes-winning half-sister to GSP Going Wild (Golden Missle). In addition to We Miss Susie, the winner is also half to SP Unitedandresolute (Violence). They have a 2-year-old half-sister by Empire Maker, a yearling half-brother by Air Force Blue, and a 2022 half-brother by War of Will. The dam went to Maclean's Music for 2023. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by TVG.

MAHONY S., $150,000, Saratoga, 8-14, 3yo, 5 1/2fT, 1:01.42, fm.
1–BIG INVASION, 122, c, 3, by Declaration of War
                1st Dam: Curls in Place, by Curlin
                2nd Dam: Pola's Place, by Out of Place
                3rd Dam: Pola, by Strawberry Road (Aus)
($72,000 Ylg '20 KEESEP). O-Reeves Thoroughbred Racing; B-John O'Meara (KY); T-Christophe Clement; J-Joel Rosario. $82,500. Lifetime Record: 7-6-1-0, $444,045. *1/2 to We Miss Susie (Creative Cause), SP, $194,692.
2–Cadamosto (Ire), 118, c, 3, No Nay Never–Saucy Spirit (GB), by Invincible Spirit (Ire). (£130,000 Ylg '20 GOFOR). O-D. J. Stable LLC; B-Peter Henley & Eric Mc Donnell (Ire); T-Joseph Patrick O'Brien. $30,000.
3–Determined Kingdom, 122, g, 3, Animal Kingdom–Filia, by Fastnet Rock (Aus). ($47,000 Ylg '20 EASOCT). O-D Hatman Thoroughbreds and Schoenthal, Phil; B-Audley Farm Equine, LLC (VA); T-Phil Schoenthal. $18,000.
Margins: 3, HF, 1 1/4. Odds: 0.35, 6.40, 26.50.
Also Ran: Sky and Sand, Surprise Boss, That's Right, Editorial Comment (Arg).

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