Observations on the European Racing Scene for Monday, Apr. 23

[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. Monday’s Insights features a half-sister to G1 Hong Kong Cup hero Akeed Mofeed (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}).

2.20 Compiegne, Mdn, €25,000, 3yo, c/g, 12fT
His Highness The Aga Khan’s SHARASTI (IRE) (Dansili {GB}) is out of 2012 G1 Yorkshire Oaks and G1 Prix Vermeille heroine Shareta (Ire) (Sinndar {Ire}) and, like his dam, is trained by Alain de Royer-Dupre. He is joined by Ballymore Thoroughbred’s fellow newcomer Pure Country (GB) (Frankel {GB}), who is kin to 2011 G1 Prix Ganay-winning sire Planteur (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}), from the Freddy Head stable. Experienced rivals on show include Godolphin’s Lindberg (Medaglia d’Oro), who is a gelded son of 2008 GI Beldame S. and GI Matriarch S. victress Cocoa Beach (Chi) (Doneraile Court), representing Andre Fabre; and Foxboro (Ger) (Maxios {GB}), who is a Peter Schiergen-trained half to 2015 G1 Deutsches Derby and G1 Grosser Preis von Bayern third Fair Mountain (Ger) (Tiger Hill {Ire}) produced by MGSW 2008 G1 Grosser Dallmayr Preis third Fair Breeze (Ger) (Silvano {Ger}).

 

4.40 Pontefract, Cond, £6,000, 3yo/up, 6fT
WONDERING SPIRIT (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) is a half-sister to Akeed Mofeed (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), who carried the same Jaber Abdullah silks to fourth in the 2012 G1 Irish Derby before relocating to Hong Kong and registering success in the following year’s G1 Hong Kong Cup. The Kevin Ryan-trained debutante faces nine opponents in this one-turn dash.

 

6.50 Windsor, Cond, £5,800, 3yo, 10fT
George Strawbridge’s COLENSO (GB) (New Approach {Ire}) is out of 2002 G1 Moyglare Stud S. third Pearl Dance (Nureyev) and is thus a sibling of GSW 2015 G1 Prix d’Ispahan placegetter Sparkling Beam (Ire) (Nayef). Opposition to the Andrew Balding trainee includes $100,000 KEESEP purchase Laughing Stranger (Medaglia d’Oro), a son of 2010 G2 Debutante S. victress Laughing Lashes (Mr. Greeley) who also hit the board in the G1 Moyglare Stud S. and G1 Irish 1000 Guineas, debuting for the Jeremy Noseda barn.

 

7.30 Navan, Mdn, €12,500, 3yo, c/g, 10fT
FRANKINCENSE (IRE) (Galileo {Ire}), one of two nominees from the Aidan O’Brien stable, is a full-brother to MGSW 2013 G1 Epsom Derby fourth and freshman sire Battle of Marengo (Ire). The bay tackles a mixed bag of 10 in this unveiling.

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