armstrong in sprinting game for the long run

51 Pages·2017·13.83 MB·English

FRIDAY, 8 JUNE 2018
ARMSTRONG IN SPRINTING ANothing to do with gambling, nothing to do with boozing,
nothing to do with women, nothing to do with Haydock. Just
GAME FOR THE LONG RUN those horses. Those athletes that had excelled themselves, that
had come back in hot and steaming. Just the animal."
True moments of epiphany tend to be confined to fiction. In
most of our lives, some seed of intrigue only gradually blossoms
into obsession. But there has been nothing commonplace about
the trajectory of this life. Armstrong started out, 30-odd years
ago, begging and borrowing the deposit on two rusting old
trucks to haul sand and stone. Now he sits at his desk in one of
his quarries outside Bolton, a fleet of 70 tipper lorries and a
dozen concrete mixer trucks outside; a fortune made,
reinvested, augmented. Waste and recycling, for a long time,
but the mainstay nowadays is five quarries: cut stone,
aggregate, and ready mixed concrete. One quarry, at Chorley in
Lancashire, has even ended a worldwide search for the right
material to complete Gaudi's Basilica de la Sagrada Familia in
Barcelona. Cont. p2
Paul Hanagan, Richard Fahey and David Armstrong
IN TDN AMERICA TODAY
at Pontefract in 2013 | racingfotos.com
THURSDAY BELMONT REPORT: JUSTIFY ‘FLOURISHING’
By Chris McGrath Steve Sherack files from Belmont Park, where Justify (Scat Daddy)
He'd had enough of this hot, noisy bar; enough of his pals' continues to appear well ahead of his Triple Crown bid. Click or tap
drinking and staring at ladies dressed up for the races. They had here to go straight to TDN America.
marched straight in, on arrival, and hadn't left. Now David
Armstrong wanted some air, and at least to see a horse. He'd
never previously set foot on a racecourse, after all--even though
they only lived a couple of miles from Haydock in those days.
His father-in-law did the bore-hole there, and the head
groundsman had produced some passes for a Friday evening
meeting. Armstrong hadn't felt the slightest enthusiasm, when
his brother-in-law Neil called. Give it to someone else, he said.
But Neil pressed him. "Come on," he said. "We'll pick David
Parsons up on the way, we'll all go." Actually it was Parsons who
drove, not being a drinker. So here they were. But where were
the horses?
Armstrong found his way outside, wandered towards the
parade ring. A miniature stand, just three or four wooden tiers;
two or three steps up; and his life changed forever.
"I looked down at the horses being splashed down after the
race," he recalls now. "The buckets of water, the steam. And the
hairs come up on the back of my neck. And that was it. I didn't
leave there until we were going home. I was proper smitten.@
TDN EUROPE/INTERNATIONAL • PAGE 2 OF 13 • THETDN.COM FRIDAY • 8 JUNE 2018
Armstrong In Sprinting Game For The Long Run cont. from p1 But with pigeons you'd inbreed very close, a lot closer than
Sure enough, a second dizzy ascent began when Armstrong with horses, and two or three different lines. And then those
returned from Haydock that June evening in 2003. Until that lines would be put completely outcross. Don't get me wrong,
point, racing pigeons had been his game. But he got home to his you'd still get some that were no good. But you'd breed some
wife Emma, and announced that they would be auctioning their very good pigeons. I don't think there's any set pattern, really,
birds after the season ended that September. Now they have 27 but it's all interesting, experimenting.@
broodmares, and head to Royal Ascot next week with another "This year, I've specifically inbred some of the mares closer
home-bred sprinting star in Mabs than ever. The champion
Cross (GB) (Dutch Art {GB}), who racehorse of 2017 [Enable
won the G3 Palace House S. at the (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire})] is 2 x 3
Guineas meeting and was beaten [to Sadler's Wells] and that
under a length when rattling home tells me everything. Until this
in the G2 Temple S. last month. At year I've not been closer than
Haydock, of course. This time, he 3 x 3, 3 x 4, but now we've
sponsored the entire card. come back another
Mabs Cross is a daughter of the generation. And we'll see
first horse he bought at auction, what the results are."
and also his first winner: Miss As it happens, it was a
Meggy (GB) (Pivotal {GB}), pigeon racing friend--the
purchased for ,20,000 by Tim same David Parsons who had
Easterby at the Doncaster driven him to Haydock that
breeze-ups in 2004, four months fateful evening--who first
after Armstrong scattered his focused Armstrong on his
pigeons in a three-day sale at Mabs Cross after winning the Palace House S. stock-in-trade, the sprinter.
Birmingham. This cherished mare at Newmarket | Photo courtesy Emma Armstrong Parsons had always loved
condenses her owner's achievements from a standing start. For poring over Thoroughbred pedigrees and was sharing some of
she not only won her debut at Thirsk, and promptly followed up that knowledge as they returned from the pigeon dispersal in
in a stakes race, but in time became dam of Armstrong's 100th Birmingham.
winner. "And he's going on and on, and I haven't a clue what he's
"I was brand new to the industry, completely," he stresses. "An talking about," grins Armstrong. "But then he said this to me:
annual bet on the Grand National, that was it. And I'm not a 'You've done very well with sprint pigeons, 75 to 200 miles,
gambler, never have been. So there was nothing I thought I that's what you love. You've won from France, you've won lots
knew. Once I put my foot over the threshold, it was a massive of different races, but you love the sprinters. Now in racing all
learning curve that first three or four years: everything, the the sheikhs, all the big money men, are focusing on the milers
good, the bad, as much as I could take in, day and night and above. So you've more chance of breeding a very good
pestering people." sprinter.' And he was absolutely spot on. That advice went
On one level, it can be an advantage to come fresh into a unappreciated for a good few years--through lack of
world of unquestioned norms. Especially if the questions you ask understanding, not lack of respect. But by God I do appreciate it
are founded not just in commercial experience, but in a lifelong now."
affinity with animals. Armstrong was raised on a three-acre It was also Parsons who introduced Armstrong to Easterby's
smallholding with ponies and donkeys, hens and geese, and farrier. And when Easterby took him to see his St Leger winner
developed a corresponding interest in breeding. Not just Bollin Eric (GB) (Shaamit {Ire}) at stud, Armstrong's eyes really lit
pigeons, but cattle and other livestock. In his new passion, up. All those mares and foals! Very soon he started laying the
equally, it is breeding that has driven the expansion of his stable. foundations of his own breeding programme.
"You go to the races, it's over in a minute," he says. "Breeding is "Miss Meggy only had half a page," Armstrong recalls. "The
continuous, the rearing and the planning. It was the same with bottom half was pure white paper. She's made her own
the pigeons: the breeding interested me more than the racing. pedigree. But she got me hooked quite quickly on Pivotal. So I
That hybrid vigour--We bought a lot of stock birds from Holland bought Mayleaf (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) as a yearling at
and Belgium. Streets ahead of this country, they were. Newmarket. Cont. p3
TDN EUROPE/INTERNATIONAL • PAGE 3 OF 13 • THETDN.COM FRIDAY • 8 JUNE 2018
Armstrong cont.
She was not the best of her knees and didn't get to the
racecourse. But she was a bloody flying machine, and built like a
tank."
Sadly Mayleaf died when her first foal was just three months
old. Armstrong called the colt Mayson (GB) (Invincible Spirit
{Ire}), and in 2012 he won the G1 July Cup by five lengths. Less
than 10 years after first setting foot on a racecourse, Armstrong
had home-bred a champion sprinter. Moreover he wasn't even
present, having instead gone to York to see the debut of a colt
Vice President, International Operations named Garswood (GB) (Dutch Art GB}): the next turn of the
Gary King wheel. Though beaten that day, a couple of years later
Twitter: @garykingTDN
Garswood scored a Group 1 success of his own in the Prix
[email protected]
Maurice de Gheest.
+ 1.732.320.0975
International Editor
Kelsey Riley
Twitter: @kelseynrileyTDN
[email protected]
European Editor
Emma Berry
Twitter: @collingsberry
[email protected]
Associate International Editor
Heather Anderson
Twitter: @HLAndersonTDN
Marketing Manager
Alayna Cullen
Twitter: @AlaynaCullen Mayson as a foal with his dam shortly
[email protected] before her death | Photo courtesy Emma Armstrong
Today both Mayson and Garswood are standing alongside the
Contributing Editor
Alan Carasso venerable Pivotal at Cheveley Park Stud, long a natural port of
Twitter: @EquinealTDN call for Armstrong in his quest for speed. "I have a lot of time for
Cheveley Park," he confirms. "It's a proper set-up, with a
Cafe Racing
success-rate with sprinters that's absolutely second to none. It
Sean Cronin
didn't take a lot of thinking about. It is a great match, and we're
Tom Frary
very grateful to be honest. [Stud co-owner] David Thompson is
[email protected]
the most interesting fellow I've met in my life, and they treat us
so well we almost feel part of the family."
Irish Correspondent
Daithi Harvey The stake he did retain in the young stallions required
Armstrong to expand his broodmare band; and now he must
Regular Columnists also cater to a handful of breeding rights in Ribchester (Ire)
Andrew Caulfield (Iffraaj {GB}). Bought for i105,000 at the Orby Sale, just a
John Berry
couple of months after Garswood's big win at Deauville,
Kevin Blake
Ribchester was sold to Godolphin when still a maiden and
Tom Peacock
subsequently won four Group 1 races.
Cont. p4
TDN EUROPE/INTERNATIONAL • PAGE 4 OF 13 • THETDN.COM FRIDAY • 8 JUNE 2018
Armstrong cont. "Obviously, one, she needed to get in foal and two, it had to
"It was a good deal for me at the time, and it'll always be a be a filly. Anyway she's in foal to Pivotal: great. She foals: oh,
good deal," Armstrong shrugs. "Often if you don't sell, grand, yes it's a filly. We put the filly in training, and she had the
something goes wrong; and I'm not one who dwells on things same problem with her knees. She comes home, where do I
afterwards. With the breeding rights, I'm over the moon about send her? Straight to Invincible Spirit, of course. Hope we get a
him." colt. And we do get a colt, January last year, with virtually the
Birchwood (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) was likewise sold to same markings as Mayson. Apart from a white leg he's almost
Godolphin before he won a Group 2, and is now at stud in identical."
France. All four stallions who started out for Armstrong did so
from the yard of Richard Fahey, but the string is now spread
elsewhere.
FOR ME, WE’VE ONLY THE THICKNESS
"I owe Richard so much and of course Robin [O'Ryan, Fahey's
OF THAT THERE AS THE CHANCE OF
assistant] as well," Armstrong says. "We had fantastic times but
it came to an end and we move on. Obviously we've had one or THIS COLT BEING ANY GOOD. BUT BY
two different trainers since, Michael Dods is our main trainer
GOD IT’S EXCITING ALONG THE WAY.
now and he's absolutely grand. We just fit perfect together. This
is certainly not a criticism towards Richard's yard but I've gone David Armstrong
away from big yards. I'm not saying we wouldn't find ourselves
with a horse in one, some day, for whatever reason. But
provided they can train the horses, [I prefer] medium to small
yards. Not that they're not ambitious. It's the managing of the
business."
Armstrong himself, of course, has built his own business giddily Armstrong picks up a piece of paper from his desk; a thickset
from the humblest roots. To have achieved an equivalent man, measured and comfortable but with zero hint of the
elevation in a second walk of life, and so quickly, can hardly be a conceit or swagger you see in some self-made men. You can't
coincidence. In both cases, he suspects that his own pedigree help but admire what he has achieved, or to hope for fresh
tells. chapters in his remarkable tale.
"My father was a grafter," he says. "He was a lorry driver and "For me, we've only the thickness of that paper there as the
miner and quarry worker. But he just worked. That was his ethic. chance of this colt being any good," he says. "But by God it's
And that was what we had to do, day and night. Because there exciting along the way. And that's what it's all about. It's the
was no great margin in haulage. It's absolutely just unknown--that's what does it. I've had many people tell me:
determination--and a bit of luck along the way. But I literally 'You'll pack it up after a few years. Such-and-such a person, it's
mean day and night. During the daytime you'd be finding work cleared him out; and this person, and that person.' But you've
for the lorries; and at night you'd be maintaining the lorries. I'd got to stick on, you don't give up. If you love something...
go to work on Monday morning and wouldn't go home until Provided you can afford to do it, can accommodate the number
Wednesday night. Just making sure those lorries were on the of animals you want, then I'll never give it up. I go to bed
road the morning after." thinking about it, I wake up in the middle of the night thinking
Not that he treats the horses exactly as he does business. Yes, about it, I wake up in the morning thinking about it. It's my
a fairly commercial approach is required to make the whole passion: the Thoroughbred, and trying to breed another
enterprise sustainable; and he is a stickler for maintaining champion."
standards, both in the racing string and among the mares. But
there is room for sentiment, too.
"When we lost Mayleaf, I made it my business to find her dam
Bayleaf (GB) (Efisio {GB})," Armstrong says. "I found her at Tally
Ho, and did a deal to buy her in foal to Bushranger (Ire)
(Danetime {Ire}); we foaled the colt, and he won. But all I
wanted--though I knew there was a one percent chance of it
coming off--was to send her to Pivotal to breed another
Mayleaf, if you will.@
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CL ASSICS
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South Australia Derby Gr.1 In 2017/18, Australian-breds have been
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Oaks contested in Australia to date.
Six out of these seven horses were sold
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TDN EUROPE/INTERNATIONAL • PAGE 5 OF 13 • THETDN.COM FRIDAY • 8 JUNE 2018
NO ASCOT FOR RASCAL
BREEDERS= CUP AIM FOR THUNDER SNOW
William Haggas with Young Rascal | Racing Post
G3 Chester Vase winner Young Rascal (Fr) (Intello {Ger}) will
sit out Royal Ascot after finishing a disappointing seventh in the
G1 Investec Derby last weekend. Trainer William Haggas said
he=d not yet uncovered a reason for the colt=s performance, but
the runner-up finish of the Chester Vase second Dee Ex Bee (GB)
Saeed bin Suroor has revealed plans for (Farhh {GB}) in the blue riband confirms Young Rascal ran below
Thunder Snow and Benbatl | Racing Post his best form.
"He's OK. He's hasn't been eating as much grub as usual, but
Trainer Saeed bin Suroor has nominated the GI Breeders= Cup he's sound, which is the main thing,@ Haggas said. "I've no idea
Classic at Churchill Downs in November as the primary target what happened, to be perfectly honest. He didn't race on the
this season for G1 Dubai World Cup winner Thunder Snow (Ire) day and it was very disappointing, but we live to fight another
(Helmet {Aus}). The 4-year-old has enjoyed a break since besting day. He won't be going to Ascot. The [G2 King Edward VII S.] has
American champion West Coast (Flatter) in that Meydan feature been a graveyard for Derby horses, so we'll give it a miss. We'll
in March, and bin Suroor is looking at his options in the buildup see how he is in the next couple of weeks and plan from there."
to the Breeders= Cup.

"The horse had a hard race in Dubai, but he is doing well and
the Breeders' Cup Classic is the long-term aim. We'll try to find
one or two races for him beforehand. The [G1] Jacques le RAJASINGHE OUT FOR THE SEASON
Marois is a possible and the [GI] Belmont Jockey Club Gold Cup,
Last year=s G2 Coventry S. winner Rajasinghe (Ire) (Choisir
then hopefully on to the Classic, as that is the main objective."
{Aus}) will not be seen again this season after trainer Richard
Bin Suroor said Benbatl (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), winner of the G1
Spencer revealed the 3-year-old had suffered a setback after his
Dubai Turf on the same card as Thunder Snow=s Dubai World
off the board finish in the G1 2000 Guineas on May 5.
Cup, will reappear at Royal Ascot.
"We are obviously disappointed not to be heading back to
"Benbatl is doing well since winning the Grade 1 in Dubai,@ he
Royal Ascot with Rajasinghe, but we have a strong team heading
said. "We will get him ready for Royal Ascot, and he will go for
to Ascot nonetheless," said Spencer.
the Queen Anne, as a stiff mile will suit him."
TDN EUROPE/INTERNATIONAL • PAGE 6 OF 13 • THETDN.COM FRIDAY • 8 JUNE 2018
FIRST-SEASON SIRES Slade Power (IRE) (Dutch Art {GB}), Kildangan Stud
99 foals of racing age/2 winners/0 black-type winners
WITH RUNNERS
2-CURRAGH, 5f, TENAX (IRE)
i43,000 Goffs Sportsman's Yearling Sale 2017
Friday, June 8:
UNITED KINGDOM
Bungle Inthejungle (GB) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}), Rathasker
95 foals of racing age/9 winners/0 black-type winners
13:30-CARLISLE, 5f, ELJAYEFF (IRE)
i4,500 RNA Goffs February Mixed Sale 2017; i10,000
Tattersalls Ireland September Yearlings 2017; 28,572gns RNA
Tattersalls Ireland Ascot 2yo Breeze Up Sale 2018
14:40-BRIGHTON, 5.25f, TARRZAN (IRE)

FRANCE
Anodin (IRE) (Anabaa), Haras du Quesnay
100 foals of racing age/1 winner/0 black-type winners
2-TOULOUSE, 1200m, HARMLESS (FR)
i35,000 Arqana Deauville v2 August Yearlings 2017
Bungle Inthejungle is on nine winners | Caroline Norris
IRELAND
Australia (GB) (Galileo {Ire}), Coolmore Stud
125 foals of racing age/2 winners/0 black-type winners OBSERVATIONS
1-CURRAGH, 7f, WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS (FR)
i120,000 Arqana December Breeding Stock Sale 2016 on the European racing scene
Battle of Marengo (IRE) (Galileo {Ire}), Ballyhane Stud
67 foals of racing age/2 winners/0 black-type winners 5.25 Curragh, Mdn, i17,500, 2yo, c/g, 7fT
1-CURRAGH, 7f, REX PLACE (IRE) Susan Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith=s CAPE OF
55,000gns Tattersalls December Foal Sale 2016
GOOD HOPE (IRE) (Galileo {Ire}), who comes back from a first-
Charm Spirit (IRE) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), Haras de Bonneval up seventh over this distance at Leopardstown last month, is
105 foals of racing age/3 winners/0 black-type winners one of three representing Ballydoyle with Donnacha O=Brien
2-CURRAGH, 5f, BAILLY (GB) partnering this full-brother to globetrotting stablemates
65,000gns Tattersalls December Foal Sale 2016; 100,000gns Highland Reel (Ire) and Idaho (Ire). His nine opponents include
Tattersalls October Yearling Sale 2017 - Book 1 fellow Aidan O=Brien trainee Mohawk (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), who is
a hitherto unraced son of G3 Leopardstown 1000 Guineas Trial
Gale Force Ten (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Irish National Stud
victress Empowering (Ire) (Encosta de Lago {Aus}).
98 foals of racing age/0 winners/0 black-type winners

2-CURRAGH, 5f, DOM CARLOS (IRE)
i34,000 Goffs November Foals Sale 2016; ,45,000 Goffs UK
Premier Yearling Sale 2017
© Copyright Thoroughbred Daily News.
Morpheus (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Tally-Ho Stud
107 foals of racing age/1 winner/0 black-type winners This newspaper may not be reproduced in any form or by any
1-CURRAGH, 7f, DEEP HOUSE (IRE) means, electronic or mechanical, without prior written
i16,000 Tattersalls Ireland September Yearlings 2017 permission of the copyright owner, MediaVista. Information
as to the American races, race results and earnings was
Olympic Glory (IRE) (Choisir {Aus}), Haras de Bouquetot
obtained from results charts published by The Jockey Club
119 foals of racing age/2 winners/0 black-type winners
Information Services and utilized here with their permission.
1-CURRAGH, 7f, MOTASHAKEL (IRE)
,140,000 Goffs UK Premier Yearling Sale 2017
TDN EUROPE/INTERNATIONAL • PAGE 7 OF 13 • THETDN.COM FRIDAY • 8 JUNE 2018
Held up in fourth early, he just needed a gap turning for home
and when it opened up he duly reeled in his pace-setting
stablemate Lucius Tiberius with a furlong remaining en route to
Thursday=s Results: a decisive score.
KING GEORGE V CUP-Listed, i45,000, Leopardstown, 6-7, 3yo, Jockey Donnacha O=Brien said he thinks the winner is on the
12fT, 2:34.45, g/f. up. AHe has been a bit awkward and a bit babyish, but he=s a
1--GIUSEPPE GARIBALDI (IRE), 129, c, 3, by Galileo (Ire) horse with plenty of ability and stays well,@ he said. AI liked him
1st Dam: Queenscliff (Ire), by Danehill Dancer (Ire) last year and he=s a nice horse going forward. If he went to
2nd Dam: Bonheur (Ire), by Royal Academy [Royal] Ascot, he=d probably be more of a [two-mile G2] Queen=s
3rd Dam: Queen to Conquer, by King=s Bishop Vase type, but I=ll leave that up to dad.@
1ST BLACK TYPE WIN. O-Derrick Smith, Mrs John Magnier & The dam is a full-sister to the MGSW, GI Diana S. runner-up
Michael Tabor; B-Longfield Stud (IRE); T-Aidan O=Brien; and G1 Irish 1000 Guineas and G1 Coronation S. third Carribean
J-Donnacha O=Brien. i26,550. Lifetime Record: GSP-Ire, Sunset (Ire) who also has 2-year-old and yearling full-sisters to
6-2-1-2, $56,952. the winner. The third dam is the GI Yellow Ribbon Invitational S.
2--Cimeara (Ire), 124, f, 3, Vocalised--Gold Mirage (Ire), by heroine Queen To Conquer (King=s Bishop), who went on to
Galileo (Ire). O-Mrs J. S. Bolger. i8,550. produce the G2 German 1000 Guineas winner Quebrada (Ire)
3--Lucius Tiberius (Ire), 129, c, 3, Camelot (GB)--Keegsquaw (Devil=s Bag). This is also the family of the G1 Preis der Diana
(Ire), by Street Cry (Ire). (i200,000 Ylg >16 ARAUG). O-Michael heroine Sylvester Lady (GB) (Pivotal {GB}).
Tabor & Derrick Smith & Mrs John Magnier. i4,050.
Margins: 2HF, 2 3/4, 4HF. Odds: 1.75, 16.00, 4.50. GLENCAIRN S.-Listed, i45,000, Leopardstown, 6-7, 3yo/up, 8fT,
Also Ran: Burgundy Boy (Ire), Carlo Biraghi (Ire). Scratched: 1:41.91, g/f.
Dynabee. Click for the Racing Post result. Video, sponsored by 1--ZORION (GB), 135, c, 4 , Smart Strike--Zofzig (GISW,
Fasig-Tipton. $401,024), by Danzig. 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN. O-Godolphin;
B-Darley (GB); T-Jim Bolger; J-Kevin Manning. i26,550.
Lifetime Record: 7-3-0-2, $66,405. *Full to Zip Top (Ire), G1SP-
Eng, $115,867.
2--Allegio (Ire), 135, g, 5, Galileo (Ire)--Song of My Heart (Ire), by
Footstepsinthesand (GB). (,5,500 HRA >16 GOYHIT).
O-Raymond Treacy. i8,550.
3--Belle Boyd (GB), 130, f, 4, Oasis Dream (GB)--Portrayal, by
Saint Ballado. O-Godolphin. i4,050.
Margins: HD, 2, 3/4. Odds: 3.30, 7.00, 5.50. Click for the Racing
Post result. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.
Giuseppe Garibaldi | Racing Post
Runner-up to Flag of Honour (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and ahead of
Hazapour (Ire) (Shamardal) on his second start in the
G3 Eyrefield S. over nine furlongs here in October, Giuseppe
Garibaldi was third at Cork on his return Apr. 15 before finishing
third to Carlo Biraghi (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in a 10-furlong maiden
at The Curragh May 12. Upped to 13 furlongs on Saturday, the
bay relished the extra trip to open his account at Navan and
built on that momentum to break through in black-type Zorion | Racing Post
company here.
TDN EUROPE/INTERNATIONAL • PAGE 8 OF 13 • THETDN.COM FRIDAY • 8 JUNE 2018
Glencairn S. cont.
Zorion went missing for a year after finishing third in the Listed
Leopardstown 2000 Guineas Trial S. over this course and
distance last April, but showed he retained ability on his
Thursday=s Results:
penultimate start with a win in a seven-furlong handicap here
3rd-Haydock, ,10,000, Cond, 6-7, 2yo, 5fT, :58.69, g/f.
May 13. Settled behind the leading duo early, the bay
SOLDIER=S CALL (GB) (c, 2, Showcasing {GB}--Dijarvo {GB}
overhauled the front-running Allegio passing the furlong pole
{SW-Fr & GSP-Aus}, by Iceman {GB}), who was a May 11 debut
and stuck to his guns to wrest a narrow first black-type win.
second over this trip on the Lingfield turf last time, made a slick
The winner is a full-brother to Zip Top, who ran second to
getaway and gained an immediate lead here. Maintaining
Camelot (GB) (Montjeu {Ire}) in the G1 Racing Post Trophy. The
control throughout, the crowd=s 8-15 pick was shaken up soon
dam is a daughter of the GI Selene S. winner Zoftig (Cozzene)
after passing the two pole and kept on strongly under urging in
whose Zo Impressive (Hard Spun) captured the GI Mother Goose
the closing stages to score by two lengths from Blyton (GB)
S. and Zaftig (Gone West) the GI Acorn S. Zoftig=s half-sister
(Kodiac {GB}). Kin to a yearling filly by Canford Cliffs (Ire), he is
Manerbe (Unbridled=s Song) is the dam of the GIII Seaway S.
the lone winner produced by Listed Prix La Fleche victress and
scorer Marbre Rose (Ire), also by Smart Strike, and Gidu (Ire)
G3 Railbird S. third Dijarvo (GB) (Iceman {GB}), herself a half-
(Frankel {GB}) who took the Paradise Creek S. and is Royal
sister to the dam of G2 Duchess of Cambridge S., G2 Lowther S.
Ascot-bound. The dam also has a 2-year-old filly by Dubawi (Ire)
and G3 Balanchine S. placegetter Mamba Noire (Fr) (Wootton
and a yearling colt by Iffraaj (GB).
Bassett {GB}). Sales history: 85,000gns Ylg >17 TAOCT. Lifetime
Record: 2-1-1-0, $11,226. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.
1st-Leopardstown, i17,500, Mdn, 6-7, 2yo, f, 7f 25yT, 1:31.19,
O-Clipper Logistics; B-Llety Farms (GB); T-Archie Watson.
g/f.

MORAVIA (GB) (f, 2, Siyouni {Fr}--Demeanour {SW-Swe}, by
Giant's Causeway), who was fourth on debut behind >TDN Rising
Star= and subsequent Listed Marble Hill S. winner Fairyland (Ire)
6th-Haydock, ,10,000, Cond, 6-7, 3yo, 7fT, 1:25.28, g/f.
(Kodiac {GB}) in a Naas maiden over six furlongs May 7 and fifth
MYSTIC FLIGHT (IRE) (g, 3, Kendargent {Fr}--Mystic Spirit {Ire}
in between in the Listed Coolmore Stud Irish EBF Fillies= Sprint S.
{SW-Fr}, by Invincible Spirit {Ire}) adopted hold-up tactics when
over the same course and distance May 20, broke best against
graduating in style in his May 18 debut over this trip at Newbury
the rail to lead. Kicking clear from two out, the 4-1 shot saw out
last time and was sharply away from the inside box to seize an
the extra furlong strongly to record an authoritative 4 1/2-
immediate lead here. Under a tight rein until beyond halfway,
length success from Secret Thoughts (War Front). The runner-
the 4-7 chalk had all rivals under pressure at the quarter-mile
up, the first foal out of Chicquita (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}), started as
marker and ran on strongly once quickening smartly on the
the 7-4 favourite and raced towards the fore but just stayed on
bridle entering the final eighth to prevail by an impressive 3 1/4
when the winner had gone, flashing her tail once when the whip
lengths from Glenglade (GB) (Shamardal). He is the lastest foal
was applied. Moravia=s dam Demeanour is a half to three black-
and one of six scorers from as many runners out of Listed Prix de
type performers including the G3 Solario S. third Gaspar Van
la Vallee de l=Auge victress Mystic Spirit (Ire) (Invincible Spirit
Wittel (Danehill Dancer {Ire}), descends from the G1 Irish St
{Ire}), herself kin to G3 Kolner Stuten-Meile heroine Marine
Leger heroine Dark Lomond (Ire) (Lomond). She also has a
Bleue (Ire) (Desert Prince {Ire}), who in turn is the dam of Listed
yearling colt by Outstrip (GB) to follow. Sales history: ,80,000
Prix de Thiberville victress Marina Piccola (Ire) (Halling) and G3
Ylg >17 GOUKPR. Lifetime Record: 3-1-0-0, $15,155. Video,
UAE 2000 Guineas third Wednaan (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}). Sales
sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.
history: i60,000 Ylg >16 ARAU2; i280,000 2yo >17 ARQMAY.
O-Sean Jones & David Spratt; B-Team Hogdala Ab &
Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $17,770. Video, sponsored by Fasig-
Lordagsklubben (GB); T-Ger Lyons.
Tipton.
O-Cheveley Park Stud; B-Petra Bloodstock Agency Ltd (IRE);
CONDITIONS RESULT:
T-Roger Varian.
2nd-Leopardstown, i18,500, 6-7, 3yo, 7fT, 1:29.65, g/f.
BOND STREET (IRE) (c, 3, Galileo {Ire}--After {Ire} {MGSP-Ire,
1st-Sandown, ,7,000, Cond, 6-7, 2yo, f, 5f 10yT, 1:01.42, g/f.
$107,377}, by Danehill Dancer {Ire}) Lifetime Record: 10-2-2-3,
KURIOUS (GB) (f, 2, Kuroshio {Aus}--Easy to Imagine, by
$44,122. O-Derrick Smith, Mrs John Magnier & Michael Tabor;
Cozzene), a 9-1 shot, was fastest away and instantly bagged the
B-Orpendale, Chelston & Wynatt (IRE); T-Aidan O=Brien.
far-rail advantage before being shadowed to the two-furlong
TDN EUROPE/INTERNATIONAL • PAGE 9 OF 13 • THETDN.COM FRIDAY • 8 JUNE 2018
pole. Beginning to extend there, the bay who sported the 1st-Carlisle, ,6,500, Cond, 6-7, 2yo, f, 5fT, 1:00.65, gd.
second colours of the Hot To Trot Racing Club stayed on gamely LITTLE KIM (GB) (f, 2, Garswood {GB}--Primo Lady {GB} {SW-
when pressed by the owners= main hope Heartwarming (GB) Eng}, by Lucky Story), sent off at 17-2, was on the premises
(Showcasing {GB}) to win by 3/4 of a length to become the early racing out wide. Kicking to take control with a furlong
fourth winner for her first-season sire (by Exceed and Excel remaining, the bay readily asserted to score by 1 1/2 lengths
{Aus}). That runner-up, a half-sister to last year=s G2 Queen from Stage Play (Ire) (Oasis Dream {GB}) to become the second
Mary S. and G2 Flying Childers S. scorer Heartache (GB) winner for her first-season sire (by Dutch Art {GB}). The useful
(Kyllachy {GB}), was too free early but did pick up when and precocious dam, who has already produced the G3 Queen
prompted in what is likely to turn out a decent maiden. Easy To Mary S. third Out of the Flames (GB) (Showcasing {GB}), SW-US
Imagine has proven one of those bargains dreams are made of, & GSP-Eng, $172,091, also has a yearling colt by Due Diligence.
having cost just 5,000gns at Doncaster=s November horses-in- Sales history: 45,000gns Ylg >17 TAOCT. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0,
training sale in 2002. A daughter of the MG1SP Zarani Sidi Anna $5,640. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.
(Danzig) from the family of Bates Motel, she went on to produce O-Nick Bradley Racing 35 & Sohi & E Burke; B-Mr Gary Hodson &
two classy sprinters in the G1 Prix de l=Abbaye de Longchamp Mr Peter Moule (GB); T-Karl Burke.
and G3 Palace House S. hero Tangerine Trees (GB) (Mind Games
{GB}), Hwt. Older Horse-Fr at 5-7f, G1SW-Fr & GSW-Eng,
$482,864, and Alpha Delphini (GB) (Captain Gerrard {Ire}), SW &
MGSP-Eng, $199,101. Her 3-year-old Fairy Falcon (GB) (Sepoy
{Aus}), who was third on debut recently, was a 190,000gns
purchase by Joe Foley at Tattersalls October. Lifetime Record:
1-1-0-0, $6,073. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.
O-Hot To Trot Racing Club; B-Mrs B. A. Matthews (GB); T-Henry
Candy.
5th-Sandown, ,7,000, Cond, 6-7, 3yo/up, 9f 209yT, 2:11.46, gd.
ELWAZIR (GB) (c, 3, Frankel {GB}--Dash To The Front {GB} {SW-
Eng}, by Diktat {GB}), who was last seen finishing fourth behind
the subsequent Listed Newmarket S. winner Key Victory (Ire)
(Teofilo {Ire}) in a seven-furlong novice contest at Newmarket in
October 2017, was in a close-up second early. In front passing
Little Kim | Racing Post
the three-furlong pole, the 3-1 second favourite stayed on to
score by 2 3/4 lengths from Cross Counter (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}).
The winner is a son of the useful Dash To the Front, whose 2nd-Carlisle, ,6,500, Cond, 6-7, 2yo, 5f 193yT, 1:13.98, gd.
Speedy Boarding (GB) (Shamardal) provided yet more top-level NATE THE GREAT (GB) (c, 2, Nathaniel {Ire}--Theladyinquestion
glory for Meon Valley Stud when capturing the G1 Prix de {GB}, by Dubawi {Ire}), a 9-2 shot, was away well but took time
l=Opera and G1 Prix Jean Romanet, Hwt. Older Mare-Eng & Fr at to warm up in mid-division. Delivered with a strong effort to
9 1/2-11f, MG1SW-Fr, SW & G1SP-Eng, $746,200. A half-sister lead approaching the furlong pole, the bay drew away to
to the G1 Yorkshire Oaks and G1 Fillies Mile-paced Dash To the register a 2 1/2-length verdict over Flint Hill (GB) (Excelebration
Top (GB) (Montjeu {Ire}) descended from the G1 Queen {Ire}). The dam is a half-sister to last year=s G2 Mill Reef S.
Elizabeth II S. heroine Milligram (GB) (Mill Reef), her 2-year-old winner James Garfield (Ire) (Exceed and Excel {Aus}), who has
colt by Dansili (GB) was bought by Klaravich Stables for added the G3 Greenham S. to his tally this term. With a yearling
400,000gns at Tattersalls October and is now named Value filly by Bated Breath (GB) to come, she hails from the family of
Proposition (GB). She also has a colt foal by Lope de Vega (Ire). Invincible Spirit (Ire) et al. Sales history: 30,000gns RNA Ylg >17
Sales history: 500,000gns Ylg >16 TATOCT. Lifetime Record: TAOCT. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $5,640. Video, sponsored by
3-1-1-0, $8,586. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton. Fasig-Tipton.
O-Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum; B-Meon Valley Stud O-Mildmay Racing & D. H. Caslon; B-Mildmay Bloodstock & D. H.
(GB); T-Owen Burrows. Caslon (GB); T-Archie Watson.