Observations on the European Racing Scene for Thursday, Dec. 20

[Wandering Eyes]

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-pedigreed horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Thursday’s Insights features the first foal out of MGISP Stanwyck (Empire Maker).

6.00 Chelmsford City, Cond, £5,800, 2yo, 10f (AWT)
Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum is represented by a pair of well-related debutants in this seven-runner affair. TAJAWOZ (War Front), an Owen Burrows trainee, is a $750,000 Keeneland September yearling and the first foal produced by GSW GI Santa Margarita S., GI Apple Blossom H. and GI Personal Ensign S. placegetter Stanwyck (Empire Maker), herself a half-sister to GI Kentucky Derby-winning sire Giacomo (Holy Bull) and MGISW sire Tiago (Pleasant Tap). His rivals include Alfaatik (GB) (Sea the Stars {Ire}), one of two contenders from the John Gosden barn, who topped the sheets at last year’s Tattersalls October Book 2 sale when knocked down for 850,000gns and is kin to five black-type performers headed by G1 Gran Premio di Milano and G2 Derby Italiano hero Biz the Nurse (Ire) (Oratorio {Ire}) and G2 Gran Criterium victor and G2 Derby Italiano fourth Biz Heart (Ire) (Roderic O’Connor {Ire}).

7.00 Chelmsford City, Mdn, £12,000, 2yo, 8f (AWT)
Anthony Oppenheimer’s newcomer STAR CATCHER (GB) (Sea the Stars {Ire}), who skipped an engagement over this strip one week ago, is a homebred half-sister to GI Canadian International-winning sire Cannock Chase (Lemon Drop Kid) and G2 Prix Eugene Adam victor Pisco Sour (Lemon Drop Kid). Opposition to the John Gosden trainee features stablemate and fellow firster Baltic Song (Ire) (Sea the Stars {Ire}), who is a Gestut Ammerland homebred half-brother to six black-type performers headed by G1 Prix Vermeille victress Baltic Baroness (Ger) (Shamardal); and Mohammed Al Nabouda’s once-raced Into the Zone (GB) (New Approach {Ire}), who is a Simon Crisford-trained half-brother to GI Fillies’ Mile and GI Yellow Ribbon S. victress Hibaayeb (GB) (Singspiel {Ire}), herself the dam of G1 Prix Marcel Boussac and GI Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf heroine Wuheida (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}).

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