Eldar Eldarov Owner is Living the Dream 

HH Shaikh Khalid, owner of Eldar Eldarov (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), told ITV Racing that his dream in racing is to find a horse good enough to stand as a stallion. Eldar Eldarov could well be up to fulfilling that dream one day judging by his hard-fought victory in the G2 Queen's Vase.

What do breeders want in a stallion? A horse who showed class on the track, but also one who had a will to win and was tough. Eldar Eldarov displayed all of those qualities in keeping his unbeaten record intact by snaring Zechariah (Ire) (Nathaniel) in the final strides.

Kew Gardens (Ire), Stradivarius (Ire) and Leading Light (Ire) all feature among the roll of honour for the Queen's Vase throughout the past decade and it's safe to assume that Eldar Eldarov will go down as one of the better winners of the 1 3/4-mile contest given the victory represented just the third start of his career.

Eldar Eldarov looks sure to develop further as a stayer and is likely to take high rank in the G1 St Leger at Doncaster later in the season. 

It should also be noted that this horse had an abundance of options throughout the week but Roger Varian and his team chose correctly as the step up in trip has clearly seen him in an even greater light. 

He looks a smart horse in the making and, if successful in the St Leger, will go some way in delivering his owner's dream.

Time to Give State Of Rest the Respect he Deserves

What on earth does State Of Rest have to do to start getting the respect he deserves? Here is a horse who has won Group/Grade 1 races in America, Australia and France, yet he was allowed to go off at odds just shy of 10-1 on the World Pool and returned 5-1 in a five-runner Prince Of Wales's S.

Of course, this is all being said with a heavy helping of hindsight, because State Of Rest needed to bounce back from a below-par effort in the G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh, when the race didn't go to plan. 

Like State Of Rest, Shane Crosse had a few questions to answer after that third-place effort behind Alenquer (Fr) (Adlerflug {Ger}), and he did just that with an exhibition in front-running riding. 

Crosse got the fractions right and saved enough to fend off Bay Bridge (GB) (New Bay {Ire}) who, despite having much more to prove than State Of Rest, was sent to post a 10-11 favourite. 

It's hard to imagine what more State Of Rest needs to do to start getting the credit he deserves. He has been brilliantly handled by Joseph O'Brien to win four races at the highest level–in three different continents–and it's about time he started getting the credit for being the top-notcher that he is. 

From Bad to Worse for Ortiz

Wesley Ward made a big call last week in pledging his Royal Ascot allegiance to Irad Ortiz, in doing so relegating leading European riders like Frankie Dettori to the substitutes bench.

The pair got off to a difficult start on Tuesday when Golden Pal (Uncle Mo) missed the kick completely in the G1 King's Stand S. before trailing home in last position, after which, Ortiz revealed he was looking at the withdrawn Mondammej (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) when the gates opened. 

Things went from bad to worse on Wednesday when Ortiz picked up a five-day ban for careless riding for a dangerous maneuver aboard Love Reigns (Ire) (US Navy Flag) in the G2 Queen Mary S. 

Unlike Golden Pal, Love Reigns broke like a bullet from the stalls in the Queen Mary S., but Ortiz then allowed the filly to drift across to her left, forcing leading fancy Katey Kontent (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}) off her running line. 

Love Reigns could only manage fourth behind the hugely impressive Dramatised (Ire) (Showcasing {GB}) and the stewards took a dim view of Ortiz's riding at the start of the race by dishing out that ban. 

Luckily for the top American-based rider, he has a number of chances to redeem himself, including with Campanelle (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) in the G1 Commonwealth Cup on Friday. 

Predictably, many people made the argument that a seasoned professional like Dettori, who knows Ascot better than most, would never make the same mistake at the gates as Ortiz did aboard Golden Pal.

Therefore, there was a certain irony that Lord North (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire})'s bid for Prince Of Wales's glory was all but over after Dettori failed to move the blindfold in time, costing John and Thady Gosden's charge valuable lengths at the start.

Turns out all of these top jockeys are human, eh?

Big Bear an Important Ballydoyle Winner

Little Big Bear (Ire) (No Nay Never) ran out an important winner of the Listed Windsor Castle S. for Aidan O'Brien, who had sent out 21 runners since recording his last winner, no less than Tuesday (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in the G1 Oaks.

There has been a school of thought that O'Brien has been dealing with an above average bunch of 2-year-olds this season, evidenced by the fact that he has sent out 13 winners from 26 runners domestically, which equates to a whopping 50% strike-rate.

Blackbeard (Ire) (No Nay Never) ran a perfectly respectable race when fourth in the G2 Coventry S. on Tuesday but nothing beats a winner and the success of Little Big Bear will provide the Ballydoyle team with confidence heading into the rest of the week. 

O'Brien has The Antarctic (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), a brother to Battaash, to look forward to in the G2 Norfolk S. on Thursday while Meditate (Ire) (No Nay Never) is likely to go off a short-priced favourite for the G3 Albany S.

It may have taken the O'Brien team a little time to click into gear at the royal meeting this year but it will be a surprise if the success of Little Big Bear is not built upon. 

TDN Rising Stars Come Of Age

There is an old saying that self praise is no praise but, in the case of the TDN's 'Rising Stars', the hugely popular designation is showing a 100% strike-rate in the juvenile races at the royal meeting thus far. 

Impressive G2 Coventry S. winner Bradsell (GB) (Tasleet {GB}), G2 Queen Mary heroine Dramatised and the Windsor Castle hero Little Big Bear were all flagged as 'TDN Rising Stars'. Don't say you weren't told. 

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While this renewal showcased the remarkable distance that racing has come since the last century in terms of international competition, there is possibly still a sense that achievements overseas can be overlooked in the Royal Ascot analysis. State of Rest had been at inflated odds before a late gamble thrust him back to 5-1, which was in hindsight an insult given that he had faced the thrust of battle on contrasting surfaces in the States, Australia and France. Having outgunned Anamoe (Aus) (Street Boss) and Verry Elleegant (NZ) (Zed {NZ}) at Moonee Valley in October, State of Rest was probably only in his comfort zone dealing with the French contingent in the Ganay at the start of May and connections felt that his subsequent third three weeks later in The Curragh's G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup could be bettered. Running the final three furlongs there faster than the first and second Alenquer (Fr) (Adlerflug {Ger}) and High Definition (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), he was always going to be dangerous let loose on the lead.

State of Rest may have clocked a moderate overall time for the race, especially given how the ground has allowed for some rapid outcomes over the first two day, but his finishing effort up the straight was that of a top-class performer and a rematch with the still-promising runner-up will be fascinating to witness. Remarkably, this was Joseph O'Brien's first Royal Ascot winner as a trainer and it is fitting that it arrived 10 years after he won this aboard another Cox Plate hero in So You Think (NZ). “It's very special. It's been a long time coming,” he said. “We've had a lot of horses run well here. It's special to get a winner here and not only a winner, but to win a race like the Prince of Wales's Stakes is hugely special. We have a great team of owners and a special horse.”

“We had a good chat with Shane and decided to make the running. It could not have worked out better. He got the fractions perfect,” he added. “State of Rest is a very tough horse. He is very versatile and I take some of the blame myself for not using him enough last time, but it was a great run. We knew coming here today that we had a live chance of winning the race and I'm just pleased that the horse has proved himself. It is a huge day and I am very proud of everyone. This is what it is all about. We love the game, we are born and bred into the game. It is all we know. To have a big winner here is what we do it for.”

Paul Cashman of Rathbarry Stud, part-owner of the winner, said, “Things did not go to plan in the Tattersalls Gold Cup–the ground was not on our side that day. It was Joseph's plan to go forward. He knew from furlong to furlong what he wanted and that is how it panned out. It doesn't always work like that, but they had the confidence and the horse to do that. Joseph said he was unlucky in the spring of his three-year-old career. He pulled a muscle in the spring and did not have a Guineas campaign, so was a second half of the season horse. So for me he'd been under the radar for a race like this. I thought he should have been half the price he was.”

“It's just a very proud week to be an Australian,” Henry Field told TDN AusNZ on the win. “It was absolutely fantastic. It was a crack-hot field with the top-class middle distances European horses and Japanese horses. It means a lot because he has shown he is the best mile-and-a-quarter horse in the world. It has taken a long time for us to step into this part of the market and find a middle distance horse to stand at stud, but after his Cox Plate win we took a leap of faith and I think that after today's [Wednesday] result that decision has been very much vindicated.

“He's a star horse. He's won Group 1s in America, France, obviously the Cox Plate and now Royal Ascot–that is quite the record. He has got one of the strongest syndicates of owners we have ever put together for a horse and it includes some breeders from New South Wales, Victoria and New Zealand, so it's just a great thrill and many of them are here–it's a day we will never forget.”

“I was actually talking to Chris Waller before the horses came to Ascot and how the week could be a big one for Australia,” Field added. “We have seen the Japanese horses travel round the world and really vindicate the power of their racing. So, to see a horse like Nature Strip (Aus) (Nicconi {Aus}) win the [G1] King's Stand [S.] on Tuesday, and not just win but blow his rivals away, and then our Cox Plate winner, albeit a horse trained in Ireland, prove he is the best mile-and-a-quarter horse in the world, I think all this is very important for Australian racing to showcase to the world how powerful our product is.

“This guy is trained by Joseph, who is a child prodigy and has an extraordinary brain. One of the greatest parts of investing in this horse is being able to pick Joseph's brain over the phone and I don't think I've ever spoken to a smarter younger man in the horse business. But to see both the Australian sprinting and middle-distance form stack up as it has this week, it's a week that Australians should be really proud of and it is really important for the future of our industry. It's just a very proud week to be an Australian. ”

Added Field, “Fingers crossed Artorius (Aus) (Flying Artie {Aus}) can give us something to celebrate on Saturday, but if he doesn't we will all be cheering on Home Affairs (Aus) (I Am Invincible {Aus}) for Coolmore.”

Sir Michael Stoute was far from downcast following the end of Bay Bridge's sequence and said, “The race didn't pan out brilliantly for him, but he ran a very big race and we're absolutely delighted. We haven't run him on fast ground before, but that didn't inconvenience him–there was no problem there. Whether we stick at 10 furlongs or go to 12 furlongs, no decision will be taken for a little while.” Lord North was in a race of his own for much of the contest, left several lengths behind after the blindfold had become caught in the bridle, while the G1 Tokyo Yushun and G1 Dubai Sheema Classic winner Shahryar (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) failed to fire on another disappointing day for Japan here. “When I asked to go, he didn't have the same acceleration as last time,” rider Cristian Demuro explained.

State of Rest's unraced dam Repose (Quiet American) is now the property of Juddmonte and their recent acquisition takes on even greater import following this latest confirmation of their unerring shrewdness. Also responsible for the G3 Blue Wind S. winner Tranquil Lady (Ire) (Australia {GB}), she is a daughter of Monaassabaat (Zilzal) who captured the Listed Virginia S. before producing the listed winners Prince Alzain (Street Sense) and Echo River (Irish River {Fr}), with the latter also second in the G3 May Hill S. She is also the second dam of the G2 Royal Lodge S. and G2 Vintage S. runner-up Artigiano (Distorted Humor).

The third dam is the 16-times-winning dual GI Vanity H. heroine and champion It's In the Air (Mr. Prospector), whose descendants include the triple group 1-winning Champion S. hero Storming Home (GB) (Machiavellian), the GI American Oaks heroine Music Note (A.P. Indy) and her G1 Dubai World Cup-winning son Mystic Guide (Ghostzapper), plus the G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches winner Musical Chimes (In Excess {Ire}). Repose's 2-year-old filly Double Scoop (Ire) (Dandy Man {Ire}) was a €180,000 purchase by Anthony Dutrow at the Goffs Orby Yearling Sale, while she delivered a filly foal by Sea the Stars (Ire) this year.

State of Rest will stand at Rathbarry Stud, Ireland and shuttle to Newgate Farm, Australia upon his retirement.

Wednesday, Ascot, Britain
PRINCE OF WALES'S S.-G1, £1,057,500, Ascot, 6-15, 4yo/up, 9f 212yT, 2:07.79, g/f.
1–STATE OF REST (IRE), 128, c, 4, by Starspangledbanner (Aus)
1st Dam: Repose, by Quiet American
2nd Dam: Monaassabaat, by Zilzal
3rd Dam: It's in the Air, by Mr. Prospector
(45,000gns Wlg '18 TATFOA; 60,000gns Ylg '19 TATOCT). O-State Of Rest Partnership; B-Tinnakill Bloodstock Ltd (IRE); T-Joseph O'Brien; J-Shane Crosse. £599,708. Lifetime Record: G1SW-Aus & Fr, GISW-US & G1SP-Ire, 12-5-1-3, $3,808,013. *1/2 to Tranquil Lady (Ire) (Australia {GB}), GSW-Ire. Werk Nick Rating: F. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Bay Bridge (GB), 128, c, 4, New Bay (GB)–Hayyona (GB), by Multiplex (GB). 1ST GROUP 1 BLACK TYPE. O-James Wigan & Ballylinch Stud; B-London Thoroughbred Services Ltd (GB); T-Sir Michael Stoute. £227,363.
3–Grand Glory (GB), 125, m, 6, Olympic Glory (Ire)–Madonna Lily (Ire), by Daylami (Ire). (€18,000 Ylg '17 AROYRG; €2,500,000 5yo '21 ARQDEC). O-Haras de Hus; B-Elevage Haras de Bourgeauville (GB); T-Gianluca Bietolini. £113,787.
Margins: 1, 2 1/4, HD. Odds: 5.00, 0.91, 16.00.
Also Ran: Shahryar (Jpn), Lord North (Ire). Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.

International star State Of Rest takes the G1 Prince of Wales's Stakes for @JosephOBrien2. What a horse, bred by @TinnakillHouse. pic.twitter.com/5yMOwNmROS

— TDN (@theTDN) June 15, 2022

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Hannibal Barca, who was two lengths behind Luxembourg (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) at Doncaster having won a seven-furlong Salisbury novice in September, was a 500,000gns purchase at the Tattersalls Autumn Horses-in-Training Sale. The dam Innocent Air (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) was a dual listed scorer for Juddmonte and hails from the family of the top-level scorers Proportional (GB) (Beat Hollow {GB}), Folk Opera (Ire) (Singspiel {Ire}), Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) and Mr Bailetti (Arg) (Exchange Rate). She has 2-year-old and yearling full-sisters to Hannibal Barca to come, with the former named Zoinnocent (Ire) having been bought by Eric Long for €210,000 at the Goffs Orby.

Friday, The Curragh, Ireland
HEIDER FAMILY STABLES GALLINULE S.-G3, €60,000, Curragh, 5-20, 3yo, 10fT, 2:09.94, g/y.
1–HANNIBAL BARCA (IRE), 131, c, 3, by Zoffany (Ire)
     1st Dam: Innocent Air (GB) (MSW-Eng), by Galileo (Ire)
     2nd Dam: Minskip, by The Minstrel
     3rd Dam: Fabulous Native, by Le Fabuleux
1ST BLACK TYPE WIN, 1ST GROUP WIN. (€16,000 Wlg '19 GOFNOV; £55,000 Ylg '20 GOFOR; 500,000gns 2yo '21 TATAHI). O-Ecurie Ama.Zing Team; B-Brittas House Stud (IRE); T-Joseph O'Brien; J-Shane Crosse. €36,000. Lifetime Record: 4-2-0-1, $62,513. Werk Nick Rating: A++. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Lyrical Poetry (Ire), 128, f, 3, Lope de Vega (Ire)–Luce (Ire), by Sadler's Wells.
1ST BLACK TYPE, 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. O/B-Ballygallon Stud Ltd (IRE); T-Johnny Murtagh. €12,000.
3–Boundless Ocean (Ire), 131, c, 3, Teofilo (Ire)–Novel Approach (Ire), by New Approach (Ire).
1ST BLACK TYPE, 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. (€22,000 RNA Ylg '20 GOFOCT). O-Mrs J S Bolger; B/T-Jim Bolger (IRE). €6,000.
Margins: 1, 1 3/4, NK. Odds: 1.75, 4.00, 2.75.
Also Ran: Seisai (Ire), Anchorage (Ire), Sussex, Manbehindthemoney (GB). Scratched: Global Energy (GB). Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.

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“He's a very good horse, I'm pleased with his performance and delighted for all the team at home,” commented trainer Joseph O'Brien. “He came here in good nick and we were taking on some really good horses, but I wasn't sure how our form tied up with them. I thought he did well to win because the race didn't set up to suit him. He was caught a bit wide from that [outside] draw, but Shane [Crosse] gave him a great ride. Our main objective for this season was to win a Group 1 in Europe and we'll now look at the [G1] Tattersalls Gold Cup back in Ireland. It's very exciting to have him in the yard and there's a pretty clear path for these 10-furlong horses through the summer. The [G1] Prince of Wales's S. [at Royal Ascot] is an obvious option and, now that he's owned by an Australian syndicate, he could very well return to race in Australia at the end of the season.”

“He lost second by so little because fast ground is not ideal, but I think this confirms he is a genuine Group 1 horse,” said Haras de la Gousserie's Kamel Chehboub after Sealiway was nailed on the line for second. “Good-to-soft would have been better so I think we will pass on the [G1] Prince of Wales's S. [at Royal Ascot] and wait for the [G1] Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud. We'll then give him a break until the autumn.”

Reflecting on the performance of defeated 9-10 favourite Skalleti (Fr) (Kendargent {Fr}), trainer Jerome Reynier said, “The ground was probably too firm for him. He won the Ispahan on similar ground, but the field was stronger today and Maxime [Guyon] said he was never travelling well. We had to be sporting, he is seven and if you don't try the challenge now when will you? I hope he comes out of the race well and that I don't regret my decision to run him.”

State of Rest is the second of four foals bred from the unraced Repose (Quiet American), whose own dam Monaassabaat (Zilzal) annexed the Listed Tattersalls Virginia S. and produced Listed Milcars Star S. victrix and G3 May Hill S. runner-up Echo River (Irish River {Fr}) as well as Listed Churchill S. victor Prince Alzain (Street Sense). His third dam is dual GI Vanity H.-winning champion It's In The Air (Mr. Prospector), herself the dam of G2 Criterium de Maisons-Laffitte victrix Bitooh (GB) (Seattle Slew) and Listed Honeymoon H. victor Air Dancer (Northern Dancer). Descendants of It's In The Air also include MG1SW sire Storming Home (GB) (Machiavellian), GI American Oaks heroine Music Note (A.P. Indy), Music Note's G1 Dubai World Cup-winning son Mystic Guide (Ghostzapper), G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches winner Musical Chimes (In Excess {Ire}) and Saturday's Listed Kilvington Fillies' S. victrix Umm Kulthum (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}). State of Rest is kin to Listed Silver Flash S. runner-up Tranquil Lady (Ire) (Australia {GB}) and the hitherto unraced 2-year-old filly Double Scoop (Ire) (Dandy Man {Ire}).

Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France
PRIX GANAY-G1, €300,000, ParisLongchamp, 5-1, 4yo/up, 10 1/2fT, 2:08.46, g/s.
1–STATE OF REST (IRE), 128, c, 4, by Starspangledbanner (Aus)
1st Dam: Repose, by Quiet American
2nd Dam: Monaassabaat, by Zilzal
3rd Dam: It's In The Air, by Mr. Prospector
(45,000gns Wlg '18 TATFOA). O-State of Rest Partnership; B-Tinnakill Bloodstock Ltd; T-Joseph O'Brien; J-Shane Crosse. €171,420. Lifetime Record: GISW-US, G1SW-Aus, GSP-Eng & SP-Ire, 10-4-1-2, €2,577,734. *1/2 to Tranquil Lady (Ire) (Australia {GB}), SP-Ire. Werk Nick Rating: F. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Pretty Tiger (Ire), 128, c, 4, Sea The Moon (Ger)–Fast and Pretty (Ire), by Zamindar. (€105,000 Ylg '19 ARAUG). O-Bernard Giraudon & Ecuries Serge Stempniak; B-Chevotel de la Hauquerie (IRE); T-Pia & Joakim Brandt. €68,580.
3–Sealiway (Fr), 128, c, 4, Galiway (GB)–Kensea (Fr), by Kendargent (Fr). (€62,000 Ylg '19 ARAUG). O-Le Haras de la Gousserie & Guy Pariente; B-Guy Pariente Holding (FR); T-Francis-Henri Graffard. €34,290.
Margins: 3/4, SHD, 1 1/4. Odds: 6.30, 12.00, 3.50.
Also Ran: Mare Australis (Ire), Skalleti (Fr), Smile Makers (Fr). Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Video, sponsored by TVG.

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“We think a lot of her,” revealed trainer Joseph O'Brien of the June 3 G1 Epsom Oaks and July 16 G1 Irish Oaks entry. “She had a really good run last year and has an amazing pedigree. We couldn't ask for more and we'll see where we go now, but we think she's an [Irish] Oaks type. She's very big so we'll manage her gently, maybe something like the [G3] Blue Wind [at Naas next month] would suit. We won't throw her in at the deep end and we'll take baby steps with her. She really is huge, in a way she's nearly too big, and we'll have to manage her correctly. She hasn't done anything wrong so far anyway. I don't think she will be an Epsom [Oaks] filly and I think we will look at the Curragh [for the Irish Oaks], but it is early days to be targeting that.”

Above The Curve is the third of five foals and second scorer out of an unraced sibling of eight black-type performers headed by MG1SW sire Giant's Causeway (Storm Cat). She is a full-sister to G3 Irish 1000 Guineas Trial and G3 Weld Park S. third Thinking Of You and her dam Fabulous (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), who was bred to Justify last year, has a 2-year-old filly and yearling filly by Justify to come. Descendants of the April-foaled bay's MGSW second dam Mariah's Storm (Rahy), herself a half-sister to G1SP sire Panoramic (GB) (Rainbow Quest), also include MG1SW sires Gleneagles (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and Decorated Knight (GB) (Galileo {Ire}), Classic heroines Joan of Arc (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and Marvellous (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), MG1SW distaffer Happily (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and elite-level performers Vatican City (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), Coolmore (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and Taj Mahal (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}).

1st-Leopardstown, €15,000, Mdn, 4-6, 3yo, f, 10fT, 2:10.66, gd.
ABOVE THE CURVE, f, 3, by American Pharoah
1st Dam: Fabulous (Ire), by Galileo (Ire)
2nd Dam: Mariah's Storm, by Rahy
3rd Dam: Immense, by Roberto
Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-1, $11,538. O-Susan Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Westerberg; B-Orpendale, Chelston & Wynatt (KY); T-Joseph O'Brien. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.

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“It was a lovely performance. I think he should be unbeaten, as first time out he was slowly away, got into all sorts of trouble and ran on well,” trainer Joseph O'Brien's assistant Brendan Powell said. “Last time at Down Royal he was very laid-back but went and did it well in the end, he learned from that. I think he'll keep improving, if you saw him in the paddock before he's literally asleep. He's the most laid-back horse you'll ever get. He's a tall, sparely-made horse but a good-looking horse and I think he has a very bright future. They've all come to him today and Shane said he's just doing enough in front, because he's having a look at the stands and the whole lot. He's very genuine, will stay a mile very well and could stay further as he's so laid-back.”

Snaffles is the last known foal out of the dam, with her first being the six-times group-winning sire Libranno (GB) (Librettist) whose exploits included successes in the G2 Park S., G2 Richmond S. and G2 July S. Also responsible for the G3 Prix de Cabourg runner-up Al Muthana (Fr) (Pastoral Pursuits {GB}) and the G3 Brownstown S. and G3 Silver Flash S. runner-up Unforgetable (Ire) (Muhaarar {GB}), she is a half to the G3 Polar Cup-winning multiple Scandinavian champion Alyshakeys (Den) (Sendawar {Ire}).

IRISH STALLION FARMS EBF STAR APPEAL S.-Listed, €47,500, Dundalk, 10-1, 2yo, 7f (AWT), 1:25.32, st.
1–SNAFFLES (IRE), 131, c, 2, by Churchill (Ire)
     1st Dam: Annabelle Ja (Fr), by Singspiel (Ire)
     2nd Dam: Alamea (Ire), by Ela-Mana-Mou (Ire)
     3rd Dam: Adjala (Ire), by Northfields
1ST BLACK TYPE WIN. (£28,000 RNA Ylg '20 GOFOR; €11,000 Ylg '20 GOFOCT). O-D L O'Byrne; B-Lynch Bages, Camas Park & Arkle Bloodstock (IRE); T-Joseph O'Brien; J-Shane Crosse. €28,500. Lifetime Record: 3-2-0-0, $47,596. *1/2 to Libranno (GB) (Librettist), MGSW-Eng, $620,826.
2–King X J (Ire), 131, c, 2, Cotai Glory (GB)–Star of Kings (GB), by Sea the Stars (Ire). (€25,000 Wlg '19 GOFNOV; £15,000 RNA Ylg '20 TATIRY; £100,000 2yo '21 TATGOR). O-Paul J Nolan; B-Tom and Hazel Russell (IRE); T-Michael O'Callaghan. €9,500.
3–Markaz Paname (Ire), 131, c, 2, Markaz (Ire)–Vale of Paris (Ire), by Vale of York (Ire). O-Mrs M Boylan; B-Mr Donal Boylan (IRE); T-Ger Lyons. €4,750.
Margins: 3/4, NK, NO. Odds: 11.00, 6.00, 3.30.
Also Ran: Corviglia, Leinster House, Star Girls Aalmal (Ire), The Entertainer (Ire), Cornman (Ire), Gaire Os Ard (Ire), Absolute Ruler, Lyrical Poetry (Ire). Scratched: Dirtyoldtown (Ire). Click for the Racing Post result.

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First coming to prominence when beating the G1 Prix Marcel Boussac winner Albigna (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}) and Epona Plays (Ire) (Australia {GB}) in the nine-furlong G3 Snow Fairy S. here in August, Thundering Nights was a well-beaten third to Cayenne Pepper in the course-and-distance G2 Blandford S. in September before finishing seventh in the G1 QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares S. at Ascot the following month. Back with a half-length second to Broome (Ire) (Australia {GB}) in the G3 Alleged S. again over this track and trip Apr. 17, the bay came up short by a nose to Mean Mary (Scat Daddy) in the New York June 4 and upped her game again to strike for the older fillies and mares here.

This was straightforward for Thundering Nights, who enjoyed a clear trip all the way and who had time to wait on Santa Barbara inside the closing stages before giving extra. “Broome just nabbed her here on the line, but she had an opportunity to fight back today and she did that,” Joseph O'Brien said. “In America, she would have won in another stride, the tight track caught her out a little bit as it was her first time around the bends over there. She had to spend a week after the race over there, so she's only been back a couple of weeks. She trained there for a week, then shipped straight back and came straight here. She has a great constitution. She has options back in America, like the [Aug. 9 GI] Beverly D., and she also has the likes of the [G1] Nassau [at Goodwood July 29] and [the G1] Matron [at Leopardstown Sept. 11]. She's a group 1 winner now, so she's a very exciting broodmare prospect no matter what happens.”

Aidan O'Brien believes that Santa Barbara finally had the chance to show what she is made of here with ideal trip and ground. “I'm delighted she ran well, I was very happy with her,” he said. “After Epsom, we were hoping it was the trip and the ground and it looks like she wants a mile or a mile-and-a-quarter as she's not short of pace. She did everything right, Joseph's filly was very unlucky in America the last day and she's tough. When she got to her, she didn't surrender and his horses are running well. We were thinking of going to the Nassau with Joan of Arc and maybe to split them up this filly could have the option of going to the [G1] Belmont Oaks in a couple of weeks' time. She's a big powerful filly and hopefully she'll be there for next year as well.”

Raised at Manjri Farm in India, Thundering Nights is the first foal out of the multiple-winning middle-distance performer Cape Castle (Ire) (Cape Cross {Ire}), who was bought by Stroud Coleman Bloodstock for 32,000gns carrying the winner at the 2017 Tattersalls February Sale. She is a granddaughter of the G3 Nell Gwyn S. winner and G1 Prix Vermeille runner-up Cloud Castle (GB) (In the Wings {GB}), whose trio of black-type winners are headed by the G3 Winter Hill S. winner Queen's Best (GB) (King's Best). She in turn produced the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf heroine Queen's Trust (GB) (Dansili {GB}), while Cloud Castle is also the second dam of this year's GI Turf Classic S., GI Manhattan S. and GI Hollywood Derby hero Domestic Spending (GB) (Kingman {GB}), the G3 Fred Darling S. winner and G1 Prix Marcel Boussac third Dabyah (Ire) (Sepoy {Aus}) and the G2 Badener Meile winner Royal Solitaire (Ire) (Shamardal). Cloud Castle is kin to the four-times group 1-winning dual Coronation Cup hero Warrsan (Ire) (Caerleon) from the dynasty of the G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches and G1 Prix de Diane heroine Avenir Certain (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}). Cape Castle's 2-year-old filly is by the stud's resident Phoenix Tower.

Sunday, Curragh, Ireland
ALWASMIYAH PRETTY POLLY S.-G1, €250,000, Curragh, 6-27, 3yo/up, f/m, 10fT, 2:08.72, g/f.
1–THUNDERING NIGHTS (IRE), 138, f, 4, by Night of Thunder (Ire)
     1st Dam: Cape Castle (Ire), by Cape Cross (Ire)
     2nd Dam: Kaabari, by Seeking the Gold
     3rd Dam: Cloud Castle (GB), by In the Wings (GB)
1ST GROUP 1 WIN. (€17,000 RNA Wlg '17 GOFNOV; €19,000 RNA Ylg '18 TIRSEP). O-Shapoor Mistry; B-Manjri Farm (IRE); T-Joseph O'Brien; J-Shane Crosse. €150,000. Lifetime Record: GSP-US, 11-4-3-1, $412,193. Werk Nick Rating: A+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Santa Barbara (Ire), 126, f, 3, Camelot (GB)–Senta's Dream (GB), by Danehill. O-Susan Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Westerberg; B-Whisperview Trading Ltd (IRE); T-Aidan O'Brien. €50,000.
3–Cayenne Pepper (Ire), 138, f, 4, Australia (GB)–Muwakaba, by Elusive Quality. (195,000gns Wlg '17 TATFOA). O-Mrs S Kelly; B-G H S Bloodstock & J C Bloodstock (IRE); T-Jessica Harrington. €25,000.
Margins: NK, 2HF, 3/4. Odds: 3.20, 3.00, 2.75.
Also Ran: Insinuendo (Ire), Epona Plays (Ire), Shale (Ire), Silence Please (Ire), Oodnadatta (Ire). Click for the Racing Post result or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.

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Pretty Gorgeous was a rare Rising Star to run at the low-key Irish venue of Bellewstown, but the promise of her five-length defeat of the useful Talacre (Flintshire {GB}) over this trip was there for all to see July 2. Runner-up to Donnacha’s Shale (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in the G3 Silver Flash S. over the first of three seven-furlong outings when the going was lively at Leopardstown Aug. 6, she turned that form around with ease in the ground when scoring by 2 1/2 lengths in the Debutante at The Curragh Aug. 22 before again coming off second-best to Shale in the Moyglare. “She was very impressive and I’m delighted for everybody at home, for Mr Oxley who was keen to come here and for Justin who bought her,” trainer Joseph O’Brien said. “I thought Shane gave the filly a great ride. He was patient on her and committed when he had to. Shane is a young man, but he is a very good rider–strong and cool in a finish and he doesn’t panic.”

“I was a little bit worried coming here, given that she’d been to France but she was very fresh and in great shape so we thought we’d better take our chance,” he added. “From the first day she worked, she was impressive at home and proved today that she is top-class. The Breeders’ Cup is an option, but it’s more likely she’ll be put away now and trained for a Guineas next Spring. She is a Lawman, so she would not be bred to go very far. I think Lawman’s can get 10 furlongs and I see her more as an eight to 10-furlong filly rather than an Oaks-type filly at this stage.”

John Gosden said of the runner-up, “It was a great run and I’m very happy with her. Her mother won the French St Leger and her sister won a group one over a mile and a half. She will be trained more for a mile and a quarter and middle-distance races. She won’t be trained as a Guineas filly.”

Aidan O’Brien explained the mix-up with his fillies later in the afternoon, telling the Racing Post, “I didn’t see the race live and when I looked at the replay after it was brought to my attention, I could see straight away. I contacted the BHA straight away and let them know what is after happening. We have a team based in England these days because of the coronavirus restrictions, so the problem is the lads that are with the horses at home can’t always go racing with them. I don’t know what to say other than I am so sorry that it happened.”

Pedigree Notes:
Pretty Gorgeous’s listed-placed dam Lady Gorgeous (GB) (Compton Place {GB}), who also produced the Listed Prix Nureyev scorer Alwaab (Fr) (Toronado {Ire}), is kin to the G3 Prix Fille de l’Air third Kartica (GB) (Rainbow Quest) who is in turn the dam of the G1 Coronation S., G1 Prix Rothschild and G2 Duke of Cambridge S. heroine Qemah (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}). The listed-winning second dam Cayman Sunset (Ire) (Night Shift), who was also placed in the GII Canadian H. and GIII All Along Breeders’ Cup S., is from the family of the GII Lexington S. and GIII Everglades H. winner Royal Roberto (Roberto). Lady Gorgeous’s colt by Shalaa (Ire) was purchased by Peter and Ross Doyle Bloodstock for 90,000gns at last year’s Tattersalls December Foal Sale and heads back to that venue to come under the hammer during Tuesday’s session of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book 2.

Friday, Newmarket, Britain
BET365 FILLIES MILE-G1, £400,000, Newmarket, 10-9, 2yo, f, 8fT, 1:39.10, sf.
1–PRETTY GORGEOUS (FR), 126, f, 2, by Lawman (Fr)
     1st Dam: Lady Gorgeous (GB) (SP-Eng), by Compton Place (GB)
     2nd Dam: Cayman Sunset (Ire), by Night Shift
     3rd Dam: Robinia, by Roberto
1ST GROUP 1 WIN. (€55,000 Wlg ’18 ARQDE; 525,000gns Ylg ’19 TATOCT). O-Mr John C Oxley; B-EARL Ecurie Haras du Cadran, Enrico Ciampi, SAS I.E.I. & Ecurie la Boetie (FR); T-Joseph O’Brien; J-Shane Crosse. £226,840. Lifetime Record: GSW & G1SP-Ire, 5-3-2-0, $433,221. *1/2 to Alwaab (Fr) (Toronado {Ire}), SW-Fr. Werk Nick Rating: A+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Indigo Girl (GB), 126, f, 2, Dubawi (Ire)–Montare (Ire), by Montjeu (Ire). O/B-George Strawbridge (GB); T-John Gosden. £86,000.
3–Snowfall (Jpn), 126, f, 2, Deep Impact (Jpn)–Best In the World (Ire), by Galileo (Ire). O-Derrick Smith, Susan Magnier & Michael Tabor; B-Roncon, Chelston Ire, Wynatt (JPN); T-Aidan O’Brien. £43,040.
Margins: HF, HF, NK. Odds: 2.50, 5.00, 50.00.
Also Ran: Dubai Fountain (Ire), Zabeel Queen (Ire), Shale (Ire), Star of Emaraaty (Ire), Mother Earth (Ire), Isabella Giles (Ire), Lilac Road (Ire). Scratched: Seattle Rock (GB). Click for the Racing Post result or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.

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“Following precautionary tests taken over the weekend, jockey Danny Sheehy has returned a positive test for COVID-19,” Horse Racing Ireland said in a statement. “He was asymptomatic prior to the test and is now self-isolating. Contact tracing continues.

“All other tests taken over the weekend, including contact tracing and those at the yard of Joseph O’Brien, returned negative.”

Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Senior Medical Officer Dr. Jennifer Pugh added, “We are liaising with public health in assisting them with contact tracing and all of their requirements. Public health are satisfied with all approaches we have taken and we will continue to be in regular communication.”

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Crosse has been asymptomatic and was tested as part of the protocol for traveling overseas to ride.

Dr. Jennifer Pugh, the Irish Horse Racing Board’s senior medical officer, said, “Shane was completely asymptomatic and was very surprised to learn of the test result. He was not unwell and hadn’t engaged in any high-risk behaviour. He is now in isolation for 14 days and has worked with us on identifying his close contacts.

“We have been in communication with Public Health today, notified them of the test, and they are happy with the steps we have taken. It means that those who have shared a car with him, and those who live with Shane, have been informed they must also self-isolate for 14 days. As directed by Public Health, contact tracing commenced on Friday morning and testing will be carried out today of all close contacts of the index case.

“We have been prepared for this and have responded accordingly, and this case reinforces just why we have had such strict protocols in place since racing resumed on June 8. These measures ensure that social distancing is taking place at racecourses, and face masks and coverings are mandatory both inside and outside.

“Shane is employed by trainer Joseph O’Brien and we have been working with Joseph this morning to provide contact tracing and testing of Shane’s close contacts. Joseph’s horses will run today as planned, but as a precaution these horses will be taken care of by staff from other yards. Public Health are satisfied with our protocols and the measures we have taken, and for racing to continue under strict protocols behind closed doors.”

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