Wandering Eyes

English Affair split horses in late stretch to score a half-length victory over Amboseli in the $100,000 Cardinal Handicap (G3T) for fillies and mares Nov. 22 at Churchill Downs. View the full article

Expectations were tempered ahead of the second and final day of the Goffs November Breeding Stock Sale and so it proved as trade ticked over at pretty low revs throughout the session. Despite a smaller offering of mares compared to last year, the clearance rate fell to 45% when only 67 of the 148 mares on offer changed hands. This had a severely detrimental effect on turnover, which finished up at €370,600, less than a quarter of the aggregate of last year. The average and median also suffered and came in at €5,531 (-49%) and €2,000 (-63%), respectively. Taken as a whole, the two day breeding stock sale obviously came up well short on last year, with turnover for the sale amounting to €6,290,000, a drop of over €8.5-million from last year and even allowing for the absence of some big-ticket lots this year there are clear signs that there is little or no appetite among breeders to continue breeding from potentially loss-making mares. Acknowledging the highs and lows of the last couple of days, Goffs Group Chief Executive Henry Beeby said, “In recent years Goffs has been privileged to handle a number of significant dispersals at our November Breeding Stock Sale. Who can forget the amazing atmosphere as Chicquita sold in front of a packed house for a record breaking €6-million, whilst the Wildenstein Stables mares also added a real buzz before and during their sale? “When this year’s edition was launched we highlighted 16 stand-out mares that we felt held international appeal and set about promoting them to the widest audience. As it turned out 10 of them were withdrawn from the catalogue and we feel that was the difference when comparing yesterday with 2017. I stress we make no criticism of the vendors as it is absolutely their prerogative whether or not to sell, but to an extent it does help explain the big drops in Thursday’s statistics. That said, those that stood out and commanded six figure sums enjoyed a vibrant trade as a truly international group of buyers fought it out for the best we presented. In fact, the top five lots sold to interests from China, Australia, Japan, Spain and France to clearly illustrate the global appeal of the best at Goffs. “Away from the top lots it was a very different story, however, and I would be deluded not to refer to the stark state of the market beneath the top. Some of Thursday and most of Friday has proved extremely tough for breeders and we should not underestimate the ongoing challenges the industry is facing. In my 36 years in the bloodstock business I have seen many highs and lows, enjoyed selling in several strong markets and worked through some very trying times. However I have rarely, if ever, seen a trade that is both so strong and so weak at the same time. As we saw on Wednesday with the best foals, and at the Orby, there is an ongoing hunger for the best-bred but today is just one of several days in recent months that would give huge cause for concern, especially with the ongoing uncertainty of Brexit looming. ‘Polarised’ is an overused description of the market at present but it is very accurate in our view and all we can do is double down on our efforts to seek out new buyers and promote the horses entrusted to us to the widest number of potential purchasers. As ever we are grateful for the support of our vendors, and never more so in such trying times, and our simple promise is to keep endeavouring to repay their trust as best we are able.” The highlights from Friday were few and far between, but a Galileo (Ire) mare that has already produced a stakes performer should not have too much difficulty finding a new home and it was Paul Nataf who signed for lot 1062 for €27,000. Offered by Denis Brosnan’s Croom House Stud in foal to Fascinating Rock (Ire), the unraced mare, named Phillipa (Ire), has bred four winners including the Group 3-placed Naseem Alyasmeen (Ire) (Clodovil {Ire}) and her 2-year-old filly by Acclamation (GB) made €50,000 as a yearling in the Orby Sale last year. Another of the more popular mares during the day was lot 1053, Lady Heart (GB) (Kyllachy {GB}) and she received a quality update since the catalogue was printed when her half-brother Son Of Rest (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) dead-heated in the Ayr Gold Cup. The 3-year-old, offered by the Stack’s Thomastown Castle Stud was purchased by Cavalier Bloodstock for €26,000. Meanwhile, the John McConnell trained filly Evie’s Wish (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) (lot 1117) will now embark on her breeding career after selling to PP Bloodstock for €23,000. A winner this year, Evie’s Wish is a half-sister to the Group 1- placed Lottie Dod (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) and a full-sister to another stakes performer in Rockaway Valley (Ire). Indian and Turkish buyers have been a feature of this sale in the past and while their participation isn’t as prolific as in years gone by, they still make a significant contribution to trade. Gaurav Rampal, one of the leading bloodstock agents in India, made his presence felt when purchasing lot 1085, Ibiza Empress (Ire) (Tertullian) for €22,000. The Castletown Stud-consigned 5-year-old was offered in foal to Holy Roman Emperor (Ire). The lone offering by Scat Daddy was bound to generate interest and lot 1120, Miss Margarita (GB), eventually went the way of Honey Pound Farm & Stud for €21,000. Saturday will see the resumption of selling foals with a single-session Part 2, which commences at 10 a.m. View the full article

15:00 Haydock – Betfair Chase In the world of sport, we have witnessed very intense rivalries both past and present. The likes of Celtic v Rangers in football, Ali v Frazier in boxing and even in our beloved sport of racing we’ve had Denman v Kauto Star. This Saturday sees a very hotly anticipated rivalry that brewed from last years Cheltenham Gold Cup. Native River got the better of Might Bite back in March but just over 8 months later they are set to lock horns again. The word on the grapevine is that both runners have improved over the summer and are better than ever which makes this duel even more mouthwatering. Normally racing fans get very disheartened when you only see a handful of runners (5 in this case) line up for a major Grade 1 race but despite the two chasers that are getting all the plaudits there’s a trio of other runners that demand a tonne of respect. Clan Des Obeaux ran well at Aintree in the Betfred Bowl last time out to finish 3rd behind Might Bite so clearly deserves his spot. The likelihood is that he isn’t going to be able to reverse the placings with Might Bite but what he does have over his former conqueror and also Native River is a Haydock course success. If he’s progressed over the summer he may finish closer than before. Former World Hurdle winner Thistlecrack is seen by a handful of racing fans as the better of Colin Tizzard’s duo. After two poor performances in his last couple of starts, it’s easy to forget just how good Thistlecrack really is. He racked up a run of 9 straight victories which culminated with a clear win in the 2016 King George VI Chase. If he’s put his bad recent efforts behind him he certainly, at least on paper, has the credentials to not only win but to possibly dominate a race of this nature. The downside with Thistlecrack, however, is that a lot is taken on trust and just how much this multiple Grade 1 champion has left is up for debate. The horse that looks the most likely to cause an upset for the two at the head of the market has to be Bristol De Mai. Nigel Twiston-Davies’ charge won this race last term and from 3 runs here at Haydock already he remains unbeaten. He’s yet to finish with his head in front of either Might Bite or Native River from 3 previous attempts and although he clearly loves it here at Haydock whether or not he possesses the star ability to finally topple his main rivals is hard to see. Although it may seem boring it’s hard to see past either Native River or Might Bite claiming victory and it’s very tricky to split the two. That being said however I have to side with the Gold Cup hero. Without being disrespectful to Nico de Boinville, who returns from recent injury, you can’t help but acknowledge that the fact Richard Johnson climbs aboard Native River is a huge plus for the 8-year-old. It’s also somewhat surprising to see that Native River is younger than Might Bite as it seems Native River has been around much longer than Nicky Henderson’s runner. The rain is scheduled to fall the night before the race and if the expected down poor occurs it just makes the task easier for Collin Tizzard’s star. Might Bite is still prone to the odd jumping error and if Johnson gets his mount ahead early it’s going to be difficult for his rivals to catch the bold jumping Native River. NATIVE RIVER (WIN) Gowran Park: 11:35 – Union Gap (E/W) 12:05 – Daly An Sceil (E/W) 12:35 – Ballyneety (WIN) 13:10 – Satoshi (WIN) 13:45 – Taisara (E/W) 14:20 – Tycoon Prince (WIN) 14:55 – Crazyheart (E/W) 15:30 – Baby Jake (E/W) Lingfield: 11:45 – Contrive (WIN) 12:15 – Um Shama (E/W) 12:50 – Baby Gal (E/W) 13:25 – Salateen (E/W) 14:00 – Red Impression (WIN) 14:35 – Just Glamorous (WIN) 15:10 – Ban Shoof (WIN) 15:40 – Visor (E/W) Huntingdon: 12:00 – Espoir De Loire (WIN) 12:30 – Jet Set (WIN) 13:05 – Cervaro Mix (WIN) 13:40 – Beach Break (WIN) 14:15 – Boagrius (WIN) 14:50 – Aquarian (E/W) 15:25 – Simply Loveleh (WIN) Haydock: 12:10 – Grand Sancy (WIN) 12:40 – Very First Time (E/W) 13:15 – River Wylde (WIN) 13:50 – Cliffs Of Dover (E/W) – ITV Racing 14:25 – First Assignment (E/W) – ITV Racing 15:00 – Native River (WIN) – ITV Racing 15:35 – Vintage Clouds (WIN) – ITV Racing Ascot: 12:20 – Senior Citizen (WIN) 12:55 – Dino’s Benefit (E/W) 13:30 – Miss Mash (WIN) 14:05 – Charbel (WIN) NAP – ITV Racing 14:40 – We Have A Dream (WIN) – ITV Racing 15:15 – Caid Du Lin (E/W) – ITV Racing 15:50 – Jelski (E/W) Wolverhampton: 17:15 – Fantasy Justifier (E/W) 17:45 – Normal Equilibrium (E/W) 18:15 – Sunday Prospect (WIN) 18:45 – Perceived (E/W) 19:15 – Dal Horrisgle (E/W) 19:45 – Casanova (WIN) 20:15 – Fume (WIN) 20:45 – Global Humour (E/W) The post Picks From The Paddock Best Bet – Saturday 24th November appeared first on RaceBets Blog EN. View the full article

Frankel (GB)’s half-brother Morpheus (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}-Kind {Ire}, by Danehill) will stand at Haras du Grand Chesnaie in France in 2019. Morpheus has sired six winners with his first-crop 2-year-olds this year. Sean Tiernan represented Tally-Ho Stud in the deal, and the agent has also recently brokered the deal on behalf of Coolmore to stand Magician (Ire) at Haras de Corlay in France in 2019. Tiernan said, “I was introduced to Morpheus by Alan Delany of Corbal-Lis Stud and liked him a lot, so things progressed from there.” View the full article

Smooth Daddy (Scat Daddy-Prairie Maiden, by Badger Land), winner of last year’s GIII Fort Marcy S. at Belmont Park and placed at the graded level four more times, will stand in Ireland with Compas Stallions in 2019 for a fee of €5,000 Micheal Orlandi of Compas Stallions said, “We are really excited to be standing this good-looking son of Scat Daddy. He has an exceptional walk and stands a solid 16.1hh. He has been retired to stud to offer commercial breeders access to the Scat Daddy sire line.” Smooth Daddy is from the family of Irish high-weighted mare Catch The Blues (Ire) (Bluebird) and G1 Keeneland Phoenix S. winner Sioux Nation (Scat Daddy), who retires to Coolmore for 2019. View the full article

The ITV racing team is bringing viewers action from Ascot and Haydock on Saturday, where the Betfair Chase takes centre stage at the Lancashire course. The jumps season is in full swing now following some much-wanted rain. There are some very big names making their seasonal debuts and it’s a day to really savour. I have taken a look at some of the key races taking place this weekend and it looks like it could be a “fav” feast in the feature races. 1965 Chase This looks like an ideal opportunity for Politologue to open his account for the season. Paul Nicholls’ grey was a dual Grade 1 winner last season which included the Tingle Creek and Melling Chase. Bear in mind that he is still only a seven year old and these performances were all the more impressive. There could still be some improvement to come from him and there looks to be nothing in the field that could mount a serious challenge. Gary Moore landed a big prize at Cheltenham last week with Baron Alco and runs Benatar in this and he could prove the biggest threat to the favourite. The lightly raced son of Beneficial was a Grade 2 winner last season and also finished third behind Shattered Love in the JLT at Cheltenham. Benatar ran disappointingly on seasonal debut at Newton Abbott but he looked in need of the run that day and should Politologue run below par, he could pick up the pieces. Charbel beat the aforementioned Baron Alco back in October and that form received a timely boost last weekend. He finished nearly six lengths behind Politologue in last season’s Tingle Creek and if he can make match fitness count then perhaps he can turn the tables. The field is made up by Gold Present, Hammersly Lake and Sizing Granite. Selection: Politologue Stayers’ Handicap Hurdle First Assignment was one of the most impressive winners at the Cheltenham November meeting last week and he gets in here off just the mandatory five-pound penalty. Ian Willams’ charge is on a real upward curve and should prove very difficult to beat here if he’s none to worse for his recent exertions. Paisley Park was Grade 2 placed last season and began the current campaign in great fashion when landing a handicap at Aintree in October. Emma Lavelle’s six-year-old now races off a seven pound higher mark and has to give the favourite twelve pounds, which may prove too hard. Paul Nicholls’ runs Captain Cattistock in this and he ran with real credit in the Silver Trophy when finishing sixth behind Garo De Juilley. This was improved form on what he showed last season and considering he’s only five, he may be worth following for the season ahead. Folsom Blue is the sole Irish-raider and he’s proved a very shrewd acquisition for current connections, with the highlight coming in the Irish Grand National when he finished a fine fourth in behind General Principle. It’s worrying that he’s only won once on seasonal debut and I think there will be bigger targets later in the season. Selection: First Assignment If The Cap FitsAscot Hurdle This looks like a match race between We Have A Dream and If The Cap Fits. The pair have already met this season in the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton where If The Cap Fits proved seven lengths too good for We Have A Dream. They both came up short behind the improving Verdana Blue. We Have A Dream was unbeaten since moving to Seven Barrows prior to the Elite Hurdle, having won four on the bounce last season with the highlight coming at Chepstow when emerging victoriously in the Grade 1 Future Champions Juvinelle hurdle. It will be intriguing to see if he can bridge the gap with his rival but I find it hard to see why he would. If The Cap Fits had an immaculate start to life over hurdles with victories at Exter, Bangor and finally Kempton, on his only three runs last season. He wasn’t ever asked a serious question on any of these starts and was one of the talking horses last season. However, injury ruled him out for the remainder of the season and there were lots of positives to be taken from his season return. I think he’s one of the most exciting hurdlers in training and is my idea of the winner. Old Guard should prove best of the rest and has already run three fine races this season. I think he’ll again give his running but will come up short. Selection: If The Cap Fits Betfair Chase It’s disappointing that only five go to post in this Grade 1 contest but the five that do face the starter are the creme de la creme of national hunt racing. All of the field will have the Cheltenham Gold Cup as their main seasonal target. Native River won British racing’s blue riband event last season and makes his seasonal debut on Saturday. Colin Tizzard’s front-running gelding runs with his heart on his sleeve and although he only graced the track twice last season, he won on both occasions. The Tizzard stable is running at a 25% strike rate at the moment and if he shows up in the same form as last season he will be hard to contain. Nicky Henderson’s Might Bite was sent off favourite in the Gold Cup last season and although he came up short behind Native River, he regained the winning thread when demolishing a field which included Bristol De Mai(re-opposes) in the Aintree Bowl. The imposing son of Scorpion could improve again for a summers grass and looks a force to be reckoned with. Many eyes will be Thistlecrack who’s exuberant style of racing makes his an exciting watch every time he runs. Unfortunately, his racecourse forays have been limited in recent seasons due to injuries. The now ten-year-old won the World Hurdle back in 2016 and looked to have the chasing world at his feet when impressively landing the King George on Boxing Day of the same year. Following another injury, it has to be said, Thistlecrack didn’t seem to be the same horse last season and came up short on both starts. It will be interesting to see how he fares on Saturday and a watching brief is advised. The final runner is the Paul Nicholls’ trained Clan Des Obeaux, who needs to improve to feature. Selection: Might Bite The post Saturday Preview – Who’ll Take The Biggest Bite In The Betfair Chase? appeared first on RaceBets Blog EN. View the full article

I wanted to run more horses this weekend but the weather is still proving quite frustrating. Hopefully next weekend we can turn a corner and get some of the horses that have been waiting for softer out. On Saturday we go to Haydock and Huntingdon, then on Sunday, it’s off to Uttoxeter with one runner. Saturday Beach Break Track: Huntingdon – 1:40 Jockey: Abbie McCain He’s been running well all year and the ground at Huntingdon is still on the good side which is fine for him. Abbie rides him and he’s a solid little horse, I do feel that he’s a better horse going left-handed but we are just going to take our chance and hope he continues to run well. Chti Balko Track: Haydock – 1:50 Jockey: Brian Hughes We have been aiming for this race for some time but in the hope that we would have our normal Haydock ground. I think he copes with the better ground but he is more effective on deeper ground. He’s handicapped on deep ground and even though he ran very well on seasonal debut, he may find things happening too quick for him tomorrow. Black Key Track: Haydock – 12:10 Jockey: Brian Hughes He’s not a horse we picked up at the sales from the Henry De Bromhead yard and in truth, I don’t know that much about him. He won two of his last three starts in Ireland and it was difficult to find a starting point for him with his current mark, so we said we’d take our chance in this Listed contest. He seems healthy and we have to get started somewhere, I wouldn’t think he’s up to winning off his current mark but hopefully, he proves me wrong. Sunday Whiteoak Stroller Track: Uttoxeter – 1:40 Jockey: Brian Hughes She is a well-bred daughter of Shirocco, who is definitely stronger this year. I think she will need further in time and could be more of a staying hurdler down the line but this looks like a place to start her season and we are hoping for a good run. Best Chance: Chti Balko The post Donald McCain Blog appeared first on RaceBets Blog EN. View the full article

17:45 Kempton John Gosden looks to enhance his record with the smart looking Jadeerah here in this one. The Hamzan Al Maktoum Frankel colt was a decent second on debut at Newmarket three weeks ago and can land this easily with the expected progress so is the confident selection. Jim Crowley makes the trip to take the ride here tonight and this exciting colt can confirm its early promise by getting his head in front tonight. Roger Varian’s debutant Regal Banner looks the main danger to the selection given the yard’s exemplary record with 2yos this term. Of the rest, Clive Cox’s Regal Ambition is a beautifully bred filly by Pivotal and the market will guide as to her chances. JADEERAH (WIN)-NAP RACEBETS.COM ALTERNATIVE BET OF THE DAY 13:00 Ascot The Ben Pauling trained Kildisart has long been mooted as a chaser in the making for high profile owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede and today he makes his long-anticipated chasing bow. The stable can easily ready one on debut and having schooled well over fences, the 6yo looks primed to run a big race in the Ascot opener this afternoon having gone well in the past. He is one to follow this season and he may just take all the beating this afternoon. The David Pipe-trained Moon Racer is a high-class animal who made an admirable debut in third behind the impressive Jersey Bean and he will be sharper for that outing and could give the selection most to think about. KILDISART (WIN) Ascot: 13:00 – Kildisart (WIN)* 13:30 – Igor (E/W) 14:05 – Thomas Darby (WIN) 14:40 – Flying Angel (E/W) 15:15 – Battle of Shiloh (E/W) 15:50 – Flying Tiger (WIN) Catterick: 12:15 – Goldencard (WIN) 12:45 – Grow Nasa Grow (E/W) 13:20 – Liva (WIN) 13:50 – Pickamix (E/W) 14:25 – Scented Lily (E/W) 15:00 – Braavos (WIN) 15:35 – Nickelsonthedime (WIN) Ffos Las: 12:35 – Cougar’s Gold (E/W) 13:10 – Al Dancer (WIN) 13:40 – Milanstorm (E/W) 14:15 – Absolute Power (E/W) 14:50 – Penn Lane (E/W) 15:25 – Bubbles Of Gold (WIN) Kempton: 17:15 – Merchant of Venice (E/W) 17:45 – Jadeerah (WIN) – NAP 18:15 – She’s Got You (WIN) 18:45 – Frederickbarbarosa (WIN) 19:15 – Simon’s Smile (E/W) 19:45 – Rampant Lion (E/W) 20:15 – Miss Blondell (WIN) 20:45 – Get Back Get Back (WIN) Dundalk: 17:30 – Ajmera (E/W) 18:00 – Reckless Lad (E/W) 18:30 – Too Precious (WIN) 19:00 – Isotype (E/W) 19:30 – Star Sapphire (E/W) 20:00 – Equitant (WIN) 20:30 – Proud And Elated (WIN) 21:00 – Hey Pretty (E/W) The post Picks From The Paddock Best Bet – Friday 23nd November appeared first on RaceBets Blog EN. View the full article

Lerner, Curatolo suspended View the full article

Jomo beats wide draw for three-in-a-row View the full article

Zaki shows plenty of Bounceback Ability View the full article

Oliver helps himself to some more View the full article

Whistling Win blows them away View the full article

Horses' body weights November 23 View the full article

Track conditions and course scratchings November 23 View the full article

Darrell and Sadie Brommer's 6-year-old homebred mare Prado's Sweet Ride led every step of the way and drew off in deep stretch for a decisive 4 3/4-length win over 3-5 favorite Devine Miss Grey in the $200,000 Falls City Handicap (G2) Nov. 22. View the full article

India Mantuana, a 4-year-old filly claimed for $40,000 in August by trainer Ray Bell, hung on gamely in the final strides under a masterful ride by jockey Tyler Baze to complete a gate-to-wire victory Nov. 22 in the Red Carpet Handicap (G3T). View the full article

In the 41st start of his career, Ara Aprahamian's Life in Shambles earned his first stakes win, using a strong late kick to win the $200,000 Fall Highweight Handicap (G3) Nov. 22 at Aqueduct Racetrack. View the full article

English Affair split horses in late stretch to score a half-length victory over Amboseli in the $100,000 Cardinal Handicap (G3T) for fillies and mares Nov. 22 at Churchill Downs. View the full article

In the 41st start of his career, Ara Aprahamian's Life in Shambles earned his first stakes win, using a strong late kick to win the $200,000 Fall Highweight Handicap (G3) Nov. 22 at Aqueduct Racetrack. View the full article

The biggest horse race in Japan, the Japan Cup takes place on Sunday at Toyko racecourse. This Group 1 contest was first run in 1981 and is an invitation-only event. Even though the race comes at the end of the flat season it generally attracts some leading talent from home and abroad. This very valuable contest has proved elusive for Aidan O’Brien and he relies on Irish Derby winner Capri this year. He has only won once this season when taking a weak Group 3, but his standout piece of form is undoubtedly a fifth-place finish behind Enable in the Arc. If he can reproduce this form then he holds leading claims. Race favourite and leading the home defence is Almond Eye, who became the first horse to complete the three-year-old fillies Triple Crown since Gentildonna back in 2012. She never really looked in danger in any these races and is one of the most exciting horses in Japanese racing since the great Deep Impact. Ther raiding party hasn’t lifted the prize since Alkassed took it in 2005 for Luca Cumani and Frankie Dettori. The second European runner is Thundering Blue, who has shown improved form in recent times, by winning two Group races in his last four starts and he was a fine second in the Canadian International when last seen. Although he’s only won three times, he’s on an upward curve and should be taken very seriously. Cheval Grand bids for back to back victories in the race and although he hasn’t won since he’s still shown a good level of form and must hold leading credentials. Other of note include Suave Richard, Satono Diamond and Kiseki. Selection: Thundering Blue The post Japan Cup Preview appeared first on RaceBets Blog EN. View the full article

KILDARE, Ireland—Two years ago the Goffs November Sale benefited from the major Wildenstein dispersal and then 12 months ago some well-credentialed mares going under the hammer to dissolve the partnership between the China Horse Club and John Magnier. This time around, a lack of star names, some high-profile withdrawals and resulting shortfall in range of buyers led to a more sobering set of returns. Despite there not being the usual depth of participants, the top transactions of the day still reflected the international draw of the Irish sales, with leading lots scattered among buyers from China, Japan, Spain and France. The clearance rate rallied to 79% as higher-profile mares took to the ring later in the day and 169 of the 215 offered found a new home. The aggregate was less than half that accrued last year at €6,074,900 (-54%) and the average fell in line with that to €35,946 (-47%), while the median dropped by 26% to €20,000. Yuesheng Zhang of Yulong Investments has been a major investor at Goffs in recent years and, though absent this time, purchased the day’s most expensive lady for €350,000 through BBA Ireland’s Michael Donohoe. The 6-year-old She’s Complete (Ire) (Oratorio {Ire}) (962), a former stakes winner in California, was sold carrying her second foal by Sea The Stars (Ire) having produced a Golden Horn (GB) colt in 2017. “Mr Zhang is over in Japan at the moment but we thought that this mare was very nice physically and she was a 2-year-old stakes winner on the turf. Her Golden Horn yearling sold for 200,000gns and has gone to John Gosden. It’s obviously a lovely cover to Sea The Stars, breeding back into the family.” It’s a family which has certainly proved worthwhile to repeat in matings. She’s Complete’s third dam Anatevka (Ger) is also the dam of Allegretta (GB) who, among her other accomplishments, gave birth to Sea The Stars’ dam Urban Sea (Miswaki). Donohoe had earlier signed on Zhang’s behalf for the young Shamardal mare Wassail (GB) (903), sold carrying a foal by the National Stud freshman Aclaim (Ire) for €75,000. Rifa Mustang Returns The Chinese-owned Rifa Mustang Europe was active throughout the session, ending up with two well-credentialed mares to add to a burgeoning broodmare band. These included Lost In Silence (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) (970), now four, who was a winner at two for Dermot Weld and owner-breeder Moyglare Stud. Sold this time last year for €65,000 to the Irish National Stud, she was then covered by that farm’s flagship stallion Invincible Spirit (Ire) and returned to make a swift profit when knocked down for €220,000. The covering sire has already worked well with the immediate family as Lost In Silence’s Grade 2-winning half-sister Speaking Of Which (Ire) is a daughter of Invincible Spirit. “We’re at the start of building up a broodmare band in Europe,” explained Rifa Mustang’s European representative Peter Hensey, who was working the sale with his Australian counterpart Robert Roulston. The duo also went to €140,000 for 3-year-old filly Moons Of Jupiter (956), a winning daughter of War Front and the 10-time winner Daisy Devine (Kafwain), whose victories include the GI Jenny Wiley S. “She’s a lovely filly with a great pedigree but there are no plans yet regarding her breeding career,” Hensey said. Sinndar’s Sister A First For Spanish Buyer A tussle between French and Spanish interests ensued in the purchase of the Aga Khan mare Simawa (Ire), an Anabaa half-sister to the dual Derby and Arc winner Sinndar (Ire). Bertrand Le Metayer made a pretty determined attempt from the buyers’ pit but sitting across the ring from him was Francisco Bernal, who had bought the previous day’s top-priced Kingman (GB) foal for his unnamed Spanish client and backed that up with making the first broodmare purchase on her behalf. Sold as lot 977 and carrying to the dual Guineas winner Gleneagles (Ire), the 13-year-old fetched €210,000 and will now become a boarder at Haras du Quesnay in Normandy. “My client wants to breed and race in France,” he said. “Until recently she was only involved in sport horses but now she bought four Thoroughbreds and this was the mare she wanted. She may be covered by Motivator next year.” Simawa was herself a winner and listed-placed as a juvenile and has produced the listed winner Silwana (Ire) (Peintre Celebre) and Group 3-placed Summaya (Ire) (Azamour {Ire}). The Aga Khan Studs draft returned a total of €742,000 for 11 fillies and mares sold through the first session. Muirin Makes Early Waves Muirin (Ire) (799), a daughter of Born To Sea (Ire) who was fourth in last year’s G1 Moyglare Stud S., led early trade when sold through Baroda & Colbinstown Studs for €210,000. Laurent Benoit of Broadhurst Agency stood alongside Paul Shanahan while conducting the bidding and had the final say over Paul Hensey of Rifa Mustang Europe. Muirin, bred by Sunderland Holdings and a winner on debut for Eddie Lynam, is a daughter of Group 3-winning sprinter Girouette (Ire) from the Haras du Quesnay family of Villadolide (Fr) (Anabaa). Sunderland Holdings also featured as the buyer of lot 957, Niku (Ire), a 3-year-old High Chaparral (Ire) half-sister to the Group 1 winner and dual Arc-placed Cloth Of Stars (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), who has recently been retired to Haras du Logis. With a top-class runner by Sea The Stars in the immediate family, the appeal to the stallion’s owner Ling Tsui is obvious, and her representative John Clarke said after signing the ticket at €140,000, “It’s likely she’ll start with Sea The Stars, or she might go to France to visit Born To Sea (Ire).” Cloth Of Stars was far from the only draw on the page. Niku’s dam Strawberry Fledge (Kingmambo) is a full-sister to the Oaks winner Light Shift who has already produced the multiple Group 1 winner and young sire Ulysses (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), while another Group 1-winning half-sister Shiva (Hector Protector) is the dam of listed winner and G2 Prix Corrida runner-up That Which Is Not (Elusive Quality). I’m Yours, Saxon Warrior Among the mares in the first book of this year’s QIPCO 2,000 Guineas hero Saxon Warrior (JPN) (Deep Impact {JPN}) is likely to be the regally-bred listed winner I’m Yours (GB) (980). The 7-year-old daughter of Invincible Spirit (Ire) and champion racemare Rebelline (Ire) (Robellino) was sold by her breeder Moyglare Stud for €210,000 to Katsumi Yoshida of Japan’s Northern Farm. Offered with a cover to Darley freshman Ribchester (Ire), the mare has a 2-year-old Dark Angel (Ire) filly to race for her named Coco Blanco (Ire), as well as a yearling filly by Free Eagle (Ire) and a colt foal by Iffraaj (GB). The next mare in the ring (981), also from Moyglare and a daughter of Invincible Spirit, was Last Jewel (Ire), an unraced half-sister to the dual Group 3 winner Profound Beauty (Ire) (Danehill). Knocked down to Fozzy Stack for €195,000, agent Mick Flanagan signed for the 5-year-old, who is carrying her second foal by Ulysses (Ire). Cottonmouth For O’Connor The 14-time winner and treble Italian Group 1 winner Dylan Mouth (Ire) (Dylan Thomas {Ire}) retires to Yorkshire’s Worsall Grange Stud for 2019 and his accomplished dam Cottonmouth (Ire) (Noverre) (931) took to the ring on Thursday in the Kilmaglish House Stud draft. John O’Connor, a successful breeder in his own right alongside his duties as manager of Ballylinch Stud, went to €120,000 to ensure that the 14-year-old mare, who is carrying to Exceed And Excel (Aus), would join the ranks of his Limefield Stud. A prolific winner herself, with 12 victories to her credit including the G3 Premio EBF Terme di Merano, Cottonmouth has produced five winners, with listed scorers Per Un Dixir (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) and Henry Mouth (Ire) (Henrythenavigator) adding to Dylan Mouth’s vast black-type haul. “She’s a proven racemare, a proven producer and in foal to a very good stallion, and I like all that about her. She’s not the youngest but she looks very well in herself,” O’Connor said. Another familiar name which appeared on the buyers’ sheet on a number of occasions on Thursday was that of Ana O’Brien, who signed for five fillies and mares including the Niarchos family’s Lustful (GB), a Maxios (GB) grand-daughter of the great Six Perfections (Fr) (Celtic Swing {GB}). Sold as lot 948, the 3-year-old filly is out of an unraced sister to recent G2 Herbert Power S. winner Yucatan (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and sold for €22,000. The final session of fillies and mares begins at 10am today. View the full article

Legendary Newmarket-based trainer Luca Cumani saddled his last runner at Wolverhampton on Thursday evening before heading into retirement. The 2-year-old filly Swansdown (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), carrying the colours of his family’s Fittocks Stud, was a fast-finishing second on her fourth outing as the 6-5 favourite in a nursery handicap. “It’s a shame we didn’t manage to go out on a winner, but it was only a little race and the important thing is that we managed to have a Group 1 winner in our final year [God Given won the Premio Lydia Tesio at Capannelle earlier this month]. This filly finished well. She is bred to appreciate further and I’m sure she’ll step up to a mile and a half next year.” With Cumani’s Bedford House stables due to be sold early next year, Cumani and his wife Sara will move across Newmarket to live and work at Fittocks Stud. Asked if it could take him a while to adjust, Cumani said, “It might do, but I’m lucky that I’ve got another job to go to and something else to focus on. We’re going to Australia in January, so we’ll move after that.” View the full article

6.15 Kempton, Cond, £6,000, 2yo, f, 7f (AWT) Merry Fox Stud Ltd’s GENEVA SPUR (Distorted Humor), a Roger Varian-trained debutante, is a homebred half to G1 Grosser Preis von Berlin victor Second Step (Ire) (Dalakhani {Ire}). Her rivals include Cheveley Park Stud’s hitherto untried Queen’s Sceptre (GB) (Pivotal {GB}), who is a half-sister to GI Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf heroine Queen’s Trust (GB) (Dansili {GB}), from the Sir Michael Stoute stable. View the full article

Talismanic (GB) (Medaglia d’Oro-Magic Mission {GB}, by Machiavellian), Godolphin’s 2017 GI Breeders’ Cup Turf winner, will enter stud at Darley Japan next year, the global breeding operation announced on Thursday. The 5-year-old Talismanic, who also won at Group 2 and 3 level in France for trainer Andre Fabre and was second to Highland Reel (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in last year’s G1 Hong Kong Vase, was retired from racing last week. Darley Japan President Harry Sweeney noted that Talismanic has Japanese connections in his pedigree; Wind In Her Hair (Ire) (Alzao), the dam of superstar Japanese racehorse and sire Deep Impact (Jpn), appears under the third dam. That branch of the family also includes another leading sire in Black Tide (Jpn). “We are really excited to have Medaglia d’Oro’s best turf son, Talismanic, in Japan,” said Sweeney. “He has a wonderful pedigree, his exceptional sire has sent out numerous winners in a variety of races and his family has produced many big-name horses. He is extremely attractive with a gorgeous body, and we are looking forward to introducing him to our clients in Japan.” View the full article