Observations on the European Racing Scene for Friday, Apr. 27

[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. Friday’s Insights features a colt from the family of Goldikova (Ire).

1.25 Chantilly, Cond, €35,000, 3yo, 10fT
NEAR GOLD (GB) (Dansili {GB}) makes his seasonal debut for Jean-Louis Bouchard and trainer Freddy Head, having looked one of France’s more exciting prospects as he broke his maiden in style here in October. The relative of Goldikova (Ire) (Anabaa) who is entered in the G1 Prix du Jockey Club and G1 Epsom Derby encounters seven rivals including the unbeaten ex-Polish filly Glamorous Thingie (Fr) (Redoute’s Choice {Aus}) who now represents Viktor Timoshenko and Nicolas Clement.

 1.50 Sandown, Hcp, £25,000, 3yo, 8fT
KINGS SHIELD (Scat Daddy) cost 675,000gns as a Tattersalls Craven breezer, is unbeaten for Qatar Racing and John Gosden and now tries turf for the first time in this prestigious Esher Cup which can play host to some potential pattern-race performers. The half-brother to the smart Great White Eagle (Elusive Quality) and Quarrel (Maria’s Mon) comes into this test on the back of smooth wins on the all-weather at Newcastle and Kempton and holds and entry in the G1 St James’s Palace S.

 4.35 Sandown, Cond, £10,000, 3yo, f, 9f 209yT
HIGHGARDEN (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) is another notable John Gosden representative on a card in which he has historically enjoyed testing his better 3-year-olds. The Lofts Hall Stud homebred created a deep impression when winning on her sole start at Newbury in October and the descendant from the top-class Rebelline (Ire) (Robellino) is entered in the G1 Epsom Oaks.

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