31 October 2023
Photo: scoopdyga.com
Focus on the maiden winners of the month, updated weekly, on the France Galop racecourses. Here's an opportunity to discover some of the champions of tomorrow...
GRIGNA DEL NORD (f2), USA by More Than Ready ex Lady of Kyushu (Smart Strike)
Prix de la Voie du Garde (Maiden 2-year-old Fillies, 1,900m/9.5f AWT), October 31, 2023, Saint-Cloud
Owner: Massimo Benedetti
Trainer: Gianluca Bietolini
Breeder: White Birch Farm
Rider: Cristian Demuro
Penultimate on 9th September for her debut, at Chantilly on turf and over 1 mile, then 4th at Bordeaux over 9.5 furlongs, Grigna del Nord (More than Ready) was still offered at 15/2 compared to the favourite Jalnar (Frankel) for her debut on the all-weather. At the hundred-meter mark, the latter seemed to have done the hard part by shaking off Luminesce (Roman Candle), who had attacked her from the outside at the beginning of the straight. But that was without counting on the late burst of speed that Grigna del Nord had up her sleeve: in the final stages, she produced a superb effort that allowed her to win narrowly ahead of Jalnar, more than two lengths ahead of Trophane (Camacho), a powerful finisher here.
White Birch bred Grigna del Nord in the USA. The breeder bought her dam, Lady of Kyushu (Smart Strike), for €310,000 at Goffs as part of the Wildenstein dispersal, even though she came from a Sangster family. Grigna del Nord was sold as a yearling for €35,000 at Keeneland and then for €80,000 at the Deauville breeze-ups last May. Winner of the Derby du Languedoc (L) and 2nd in the Royallieu (Gr2), Lady of Kyushu hasn't given major winners to dat.
A weanling filly by Maxfield out of Lady of Kyushu is entered in the upcoming breeding sales at Keeneland. Her yearling brother by Justify was sold this summer for $180,000 at Fasig-Tipton.
CALANDAGAN (g2), IRE by Gleneagles ex Calayana (Sinndar)
Prix du Mont César (Maiden 2-year-old Colts and Geldings, 1,900m/9.5f AWT), October 31, 2023, Saint-Cloud
Owner: S. A. Aga Khan
Trainer: Francis-Henri Graffard
Breeder: Haras de S. A. Aga Khan
Rider: Stéphane Pasquier
Scratched for failing to enter the starting stalls in the €50,000 Prix de Crèvecœur Beginners' at Deauville, then third over 1 mile after a good fight for his debut in the Prix de Montaigu on 12th August, again at Deauville, Calandagan (Gleneagles) completely dominated his five opponents on the all-weather over 9.5 furlongs. He led from the start and then accelerated to quickly leave his rivals behind. He won by 10 lengths...
The gelding is the second foal out of Calayana (Sinndar), a winner of two races including one at Longchamp over 1 mile 6 furlongs, and already the dam of Caliyza (Le Havre), winner of two races at Nancy and Compiègne and recently sixth in the Prix Belle de Nuit (L) for the same connections. Calayana has also given a New Bay filly in 2022.
MIZ VEGA (f2), (IRE) by Lope de Vega ex Mizdirection (Mizzen Mast)
Prix Douve (Unraced 2-year-old Fillies, 1,500m/7.5f), October 30, 2023, Saint-Cloud
Owner: Al Shaqab Racing
Trainer: Nicolas Clément
Breeder: Al Shaqab Racing
Rider: Stéphane Pasquier
Withdrawn from another boosted beginners' race held over 9 furlongs at ParisLongchamp two weeks ago, which also had a prize fund of €50,000, Miz Vega (Lope de Vega) was the favoured contender in this race. She proved punters right in the final furlong after racing in the second row. Leading the way was Hiddensee (Dabirsim), with a cluster of fillies close behind, sometimes four or even five abreast as they went off the turn. Miz Vega leaned against the outside rail to overcome Hiddensee, who had initially taken the lead but weakened in the final hundred yards. The outcome was already evident for Miz Vega, who covered the last 3 furlongs in 38.47 seconds (8/10ths quicker than Roadshow on this final stretch) and left her competitors trailing by two lengths. Family Silver (Dark Angel) proved to be second best ahead of With Stars (Sea the Stars) and Happy Saxon (Saxon Warrior), who finished just behind.
Miz Vega is the fifth foal out of Mizdirection (Mizzen Mast), a Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (Gr1) winner, acquired for $2.7 million out of training. So far, she has produced only one other winner, Helcia (Olympic Glory), victorious in a maiden race at Clairefontaine as a 2-year-old. Helcia is now registered for sale in December at Tattersalls, carrying a foal by Cracksman (she was previously sold for €115,000 in February 2022 at Deauville, in foal to a filly by Mehmas).
ROADSHOW (c2), IRE by Galileo ex Acapulco (Scat Daddy)
Prix Antivari (Unraced 2-year-old Colts and Geldings, 1,500m/7.5f), October 30, 2023, Saint-Cloud
Owners: Derrick Smith, Michael Tabor, Susan Magnier
Trainer: André Fabre
Breeder: Coolmore Stud
Rider: Hugo Besnier
Having been withdrawn from a Polytrack maiden race three days earlier, Roadshow (Galileo) found himself redirected to a race for beginners on heavy ground, but one whose prizemoney was boosted to €50,000!
Promptly driven at the beginning to secure a position on the front row alongside the favourite, Yoox (Lope de Vega), Roadshow subsequently maintained his position and edged towards the outer rail upon entering the straight. He was briefly challenged on the inside by Martin (Almanzor), but by the furlong marker, Roadshow had already gone away. He won by 3.5 lengths over Martin, who managed to overtake Yoox in the final strides. Yoox himself faced a late threat from Mister Gatz (Adlerflug), holding by just a short head.
Roadshow is the third foal out of the outstanding sprinter Acapulco (Scat Daddy), initially purchased as a yearling for $170,000 and later for €750,000 at the Ocala breeze-up by Michael-Vincent Magnier, who returned her to Coolmore Stud. Acapulco won in the Queen Mary Stakes (Gr2) as a 2-year-old, then went on to finish second twice in the Nunthorpe Stakes (Gr1). Initially, she gave two fillies, both of which are maidens, with the second one set for sale at Tattersalls in December, carrying a foal by Wootton Bassett.
Following Roadshow, Acapulco gave birth to a colt and then a filly by Frankel.
DORABELLA (f2), FRA by Territories ex Vegas Valentine (Lope de Vega)
Prix de Rue d’Aumale (Maiden 2-year-old Fillies, 1,600m/1m AWT), October 27, 2023, ParisLongchamp
Owners: Frédéric & Jennifer Bianco
Trainer: Christophe Ferland
Breeder: Frédéric & Jennifer Bianco
Rider: Stéphane Pasquier
Dorabella (Territories) had registered a promising third-place performance on a soft turf at Le Bouscat in her debut. She imprved decisively since then, displaying a more confident startover the All-weather than her debut, she tactfully followed the front-runners Xiomara (Lope de Vega) and Goosebumpy (Siyouni) until approximately 300 yards out when Goosebumpy seized the lead. Swiftly responding to the challenge, Dorabella wasted no time in asserting her dominance, securing victory by a two-length margin over the favorite Alimara (The Grey Gatsby), who made a late surge, and Goosebumpy, who narrowly missed second place by half a length, just a whisker ahead of Quendresa (Wootton Bassett), who displayed an impressive effort from the rear.
Dorabella was registered for the Arqana sales but was not presented, in contrast to her sister by Bated Breath, who fetched €240,000 and was sold at the recent Arqana sales in October. Their sister Shalromy (Shalaa) had previously clinched victory in a Listed race, effectively rising her value between the catalogue publication and the sale. A fourth offspring, a colt sired by Zarak, was welcomed this year. The dam Vegas Valentine (Lope de Vega) is a sibling of the Group 3 winner Desert Icon (Sea the Stars). This lineage belongs to the esteemed "P" family associated with the Wildensteins, which also boasts the likes of Peintre Célèbre.
SHAMROCK GLITTER (c2), FRA by Shalaa ex Lady Glitters (Homme de Loi)
Prix de l’Avenue de Condé (Maiden 2-ear-old Colts and Geldings, 1,600m/1m AWT), October 27, 2023, ParisLongchamp
Owners: Laurent Paris, Shamrock Racing, Hilary Erculiani, Nicolas Clément, Écurie HDBB
Trainer: Nicolas Clément
Breeder: SCA Élevage de Tourgeville, Hilary Erculiani
Rider: Stéphane Pasquier
Shamrock Glitter (Shalaa) had secured a commendable third-place finish for his debut on turf in September behind Sosie and Atlast, who won since. Confidently ridden here for his return to the track and a first on Polytrack, he rapidly took the lead, surged ahead upon entering the final straight and subsequently maintained his substantial advantage. Only the debutant First Look (Lope de Vega) managed to bridge the gap in the closing stages, finishing less than a length behind. The third-placed Promethean (Intello) put in a strong finish after taking time to reach momentum.
Unsold at €28,000 at the Deauville sales, Shamrock Glitter is a sibling to the accomplished miler Lord Glitters (Whipper), a dual Group 1 victor, including the Queen Anne Stakes (Gr1) at the Royal Ascot meeting. This lineage originates from the prestigious Bader breeding family, which has also yielded Ana Marie, Morandi, and other notable progeny. Lady Glitters produced fifteen foals to date, and this one seems to be the last.
PROPHÉTIE (f3), GB by Kingman ex Pretty Please (Dylan Thomas)
Prix de la Chapelle Saint-Pierre (Maiden 3-year-olds, 1,600m/1m AWT), October 26, 2023, Chantilly
Owners: Wertheimer&Frère
Trainer: André Fabre
Breeder: Dayton Investments Ltd
Rider: Maxime Guyon
Eighth on her debut in May at Saint-Cloud, then third at Compiègne, she was out for two months before reappearing and securing a second place at Clairefontaine, more than five lengths behind the winner. However, Prophétie (Kingman), a recent addition to the Wertheimer & Frère stable, was the clear favourite for this late-season maiden on the All-Weather surface. This time, nothing was left to chance as she took the lead alongside front-runner A Countach (Counterattack), whom she would overtake in the final stretch, accelerating even more when Sadia (Kodiac), also in contention in the betting, attempted to challenge her. In the end, Prophétie crossed the finish line with a four-length lead over Sadia, who herself held less than a length over the pleasing Short Final (Zelzal), narrowly beating Big Drift (Brazen Beau) for third place.
Prophétie is the full sister to champion miler Persian King (Kingman) and the yearling recently withdrawn from Tattersalls sales. The dam, Pretty Please (Dylan Thomas), is a sister to Planteur (Danehill Dancer), and all of them are from the same family as Peintre Célèbre (Nureyev). There is also another 2-year-old, a colt sired by Kingman, who is yet to make his debut.
DAZODREAM (g3), FRA by Doha Dream ex Dalyoza (Youmzain)
Prix Emilius 3yo Beginners' Hurdle (3-year-old colts and gedlings unraced over jumps, 3,600m/2m2f), October 20, 2023, Auteuil
Owner: Gilles Le Baron
Trainer: Gabriel Leenders
Breeder: Gilles Le Baron
Rider: Clément Lefebvre
Fourteen beginners over hurdles took to the starting line, and several lead changes led Funiculi Funicula (Storm the Stars) to take over as they approached the final bend, pursued by a group of colts. Among them, King Conti (Pastorius), who had remained inconspicuous for much of the race, and the second favourite, Dazodream (Doha Dream), announced their presence. Chanteur du Bourg (Chœur du Nord) stuck close to the rail, while the final favourite, Doctor Champdoux (Doctor Dino), lagged slightly behind.
Between the last two hurdles, Funiculi Funicula maintained a slight advantage. However, Dazodream made a decisive move in the run-in, surging past to win by over seven lengths. Funiculi Funicula, displaying great determination, resisted King Conti's challenge until the end, and Chanteur du Bourg refused to give in.
Bred by owner Gilles Le Baron in Calvados, Dazodream is the first foal out of Dalyoza (Youmzain), also bred by Gilles Le Baron. She won her one and only outing, a hurdles race in La Teste, while also trained by Gabriel Leenders. Following Dazodream, the mare produced a Chœur du Nord colt, and two other males by Moises Has. This bloodline traces back to the Wattine family and has produced talented jumpers such as Don Poli, Dalina, Mon Lino, and Dulce Leo.
ASHIYMA (f2), (IRE) by Dariyan ex Ashtaneh (More Than Ready)
Prix d’Hotot-en-Auge (Unraced 2-year-old Fillies, 1,600m/1m), October 18, 2023, Deauville
Owner: S.A. Aga Khan
Trainer: Francis-Henri Graffard
Breeder: S.A. Aga Khan
Rider: Stéphane Pasquier
Breaking well, Ashiyma (Dariyan) was overtaken before the turn by the favorite Cardistry (Invincible Spirit), allowing Aquazzura (Magna Grecia) to join them in the second position, ahead of Balani (Kendargent). At the entrance of the final straight, Aquazzura launched an attack on the leader, who initially put up a strong defense but couldn't hold out any longer as Ashiyma, gradually emerging from the two fillies' shadow, made a decisive effort, securing victory by almost a length. Cardistry ultimately fell behind, and it was Ci Mer (Siyouni), coming from a distance, who claimed the third spot at the very end, two lengths behind the second. It's worth noting that Spera (Mastercraftsman), also coming from a distance in between horses, might have contended for the third place if not squeezed out within a hundred meters of the finish line.
In any case, Ci Mer covered the last 3 furlongs the fastest, with a time of 34.22 seconds, displaying the fastest furlong (10.79 seconds at the second last) in the field. Nevertheless, the overall time was better than that of the male race in the previous competition by nearly 4 seconds.
Ashiyma is the third foal out of the American mare Ashtaneh (More Than Ready), who secured victory after eight attempts in February of her 4-year-old season on the all-weather and was not seen thereafter. The mare has produced four foals to date, with the eldest, Ashghar (Wootton Bassett), being sold last November to Paul Nataf for €20,000 soon after his first win. This 4-year-old gelding has subsequently won twice at Durtal and Moulins for Cécile Gryson, his new trainer-owner. The third dam is a sister to the classic miler Ashkalani. The 3-year-old Ashiya (Oasis Dream) has won twice for trainer Mikel Delzangles but struggles to break through at the Listed level (she is entered in the Prix de Saint-Cyr at Longchamp on Saturday), and a Bellardo filly was born in 2022.
BRIGHT PICTURE (g2), FRA by Intello ex Lucy the Painter (Excellent Art)
Prix de Saint-Désir (Unraced 2-year-old colts and geldings, 1,600m), October 18, 2023, Deauville
Owners: Wertheimer & Frère
Trainer: André Fabre
Breeder: John Plowden Carrington
Rider: Maxime Guyon
A narrow victory that was hard to foresee with a hundred meters to go for one of the two geldings assembled here for a boosted €50,000 maiden race: Bright Picture (Intello) waited until the very last moments to reach his top speed and, at the wire, took a head in front of the front-runner Roshvar (Siyouni) and his challenger Agualeto (Recoletos), who had been battling since the beginning of the final straight and ultimately couldn't be separated for second place.
Cambacérès (Wootton Bassett) finished well along the rail to edge out the favourite Vertbois (Night of Thunder), two lengths behind the leaders.
The pace was pretty slow in the early stages, and the timing confirms the visual impression: this was the slowest mile among the three 2-year-old races at the beginning of the card. However, these were also the fastest last 3 furlongs of the three races, with the winner covering them in 33.18 seconds, including remarkable splits of 10.63 and 10.66 seconds in the last two furlongs.
In June, bright Picture was gelded and had been purchased for €72,000 at the October 2022 Arqana sales. His Cloth of Stars yearling sister will be presented at the same Arqana sales on October 21. Both are out of Lucy the Painter (Excellent Art), a Group-placed mare overseas who also produced Rêve de Magritte (Dream Ahead), a handicap winner with a rating of 57lbs exported to Great Britain last summer.
MAP OF STARS (c2), (GB) by Sea the Stars ex Bateel (Dubawi)
Prix de Belleville (Unraced 2-year-old Colts and geldings, 1,800m/9f), October 15, 2023, ParisLongchamp
Owner: Al Asayl France
Trainer: Francis-Henri Graffard
Breeder: Al Asayl France
Rider: Mickaël Barzalona
As one of the co-favourites in this race for unraced 2-year-olds, boosted with a €50,000 prize, Map of Stars (Sea the Stars) triumphed by a length over the prominent frontrunner and tote outright favourite, Gamestars (Sea the Stars). Map of Stars had to be pushed a bit to reach his top speed, as Gamestars stayed on gamely. Mondo Man (Mondialiste) and Internaute (Sea the Stars), who had been travelling with the field, finished strongly, securing the third and fourth positions, almost neck and neck, just one and a half lengths behind.
It's worth noting that the colts demonstrated a slightly swifter pace than the fillies, according to the tracking report, both throughout the whole race and in the final three furlongs. Despite a more consistent race with fewer changes in the lead position, the pace remained strong throughout.
Bred by its owner, Al Asayl, Map of Stars is the second foal out of the outstanding mare Bateel (Dubawi), notably a winner of the Prix Vermeille (Gr1) and the Prix Corrida (Gr2). The mare hails from the family of the American mare Attractive Crown (Chief’s Crown), a Listed winner in the United States but originating from a French family. Attractive Crown's second dam, Arosa (Silver Shark), notably won the Prix Imprudence (Gr3, Listed at the time) in 1972 for the Batthyanys with Jean Cruguet in the saddle. As an interesting historical note, Jean Cruguet later moved to the United States and made headlines, particularly with Seattle Slew, the Triple Crown winner in 1977.
Bateel has also produced a yearling filly by Kingman and a colt by Frankel this year...
THE FIRST DANCE (f2), FRA by Dariyan ex Lavande Violet (Hurricane Run)
Prix de la Chapelle (Unraced 2-year-old Fillies, 1,800m/9f), October 15, 2023, ParisLongchamp
Owner: Christopher N. Wright
Trainer: Fabrice Chappet
Breeder: Stratford Place Stud
Rider : Cristian Demuro
With a boosted prizemoney boosted to €50,000, this maiden race was quite lively. The favourite, Cornélienne (Golden Horn), was bumped at the start by her neighbour Bubble Gum (Cloth of Stars), who veered right out of the stalls. Although she swiftly regained her position near the front, Her stablemate from Wertheimer & Frère Miwa (Siyouni) was still leading with Panay (Soldier Hollow) close behind, as Nervesland (Dink) was improving her position to take over despite her 7 draw. And so, Cornelienne was travelling outside without any cover...
The two Wertheimer horses ended up in contention in the final phase. However, after patiently biding her time, The First Dance (Dariyan) made a decisive move to take over at the furlong pole. Even though she faced a challenge near the finish line, the representative of Christopher N. Wright held on until the end, narrowly defeating Cornélienne by a short neck, with Miwa just a head behind.
The First Dance is the sixth foal out of Lavande Violet (Hurricane Run), a pure product of Gestüt Ammerland, who couldn't secure a placing in three attempts but has produced seven foals to date, with The First Dance being the penultimate one. Her elder sister, The First Waltz (Golden Horn), even secured second place in the Prix de Liancourt (L) in August. Lavande Violet was carrying The First Dance when she was sold for £90,000 in December 2018 at Tattersalls.
Lavande Violet is out of Lady Vettori (Vettori), a winner of the Prix du Calvados (Gr3), and the daml of the champion sire Lope de Vega (Shamardal), among other high-level performers.
EGIATEGIA (f2), IRE by Profitable ex Embraceable You (New Approach)
Prix du Jardin Anglais (Maiden 2-yer-olds, 1,200m/6f), October 12, 2023, Chantilly
Owners: Écurie Vitale, Alberto Morari, Maurizio Guarnieri
Trainer: Maurizio Guarnieri
Breeders: Ballygreany Stud, Elec Bloodstock
Rider: Mickaël Barzalona
Egiategia (Profitable) made a promising debut on this same track in mid-September, finishing a solid fourth against rivals with prior experience. She then showed her mettle by finishing a strong second over a slightly shorter distance, adopting a more aggressive riding style. This time, Egiategia took the lead, leaving her competitors trailing by a length and a half. Brother of Lily’s (Oasis Dream) followed her home to secure second place, while the debutante Tazara (Blue Point) delivered a convincing performance, securing third place despite having to race wide due to her 10 draw.
Egiategia went through the sales ring twice without finding a buyer, initially being unsold at €12,000 as a yearling at Goffs and later failing to change hands at €20,000 at the Arqana sales in July.
Her full yearling sister may have better luck at the Goffs sales in November, even though she was unsold at €3,000 as a weanling from the same agency, which will also present their weanling sister by Space Blues.
The dam, Embraceable You (New Approach), did not race, but she is a sibling to Glorious Journey (Dubawi), a multiple group winner, and both are descendants of Fallen For You (Dansili), a Coronation Stakes (Gr1) winner at the Royal Ascot meeting.
ALAKAI (f2), FRA by Sea the Stars ex Altyn Orda (Kyllachy)
Prix du Temple de Vénus (Unraced 2-year-old Fillies, 1,800m/9f), October 11, 2023, Chantilly
Owner: Nurlan Bizakov
Trainer: André Fabre
Breeder: Sumbe
Rider: Maxime Guyon
After a green debut over a mile in August, Alakai (Sea the Stars) subsequently ran much better behind Rose Bloom, the runner-up in the Prix Marcel Boussac (Gr1), holding off Minoushka to the end. This time, the Sumbe-bred filly led alongside the other fancied filly, Siyandra (Medaglia d'Oro). Both fillies set a moderate pace (3 seconds slower than the Colts over the first kilometre) and suddenly accelerated to distance their rivals in the home straight. Alakai ultimately prevailed by a neck, with third-place finisher Goosebumpy (Siyouni) finishing six lengths behind.
Alakai is the second foal and the first winner out of Altyn Orda (Kyllachy), a Group 3 winner in Britain, also runner-up in the Falmouth Stakes (Gr1) and third in the Sun Chariot Stakes (Gr1). Her first foal, Al Farabi (Kingman), will go under the hammer at the Tattersalls sales at the end of October.
The second dam, Albanka (Giant’s Causeway), ran for Nurlan Bizakov only once but was bred in the USA. She's a sister to champion performers Ali-Royal, Taipan and Sleepytime…
Altyn Orda also gave a Le Havre colt in 2022.
SEREMINI (c2), (GB) by Siyouni ex Semariya (Archipenko)
Prix du Jeu de l’Oie (Unraced 2-year-old Colts and Geldings, 1,800m/9f), October 11, 2023, Chantilly
Owner: S. A. Aga Khan
Trainer: Francis-Henri Graffard
Breeder: S. A. Aga Khan
Rider: Maxime Guyon
After a poor start on his debut three weeks earlier over 1 mile, Seremini (Siyouni) still managed to post the fastest final 3 furlongs of the race that day, even though he finished only sixth. Quickly tracking the leaders this time, Seremini first overcame the pace-setter and favourite, Lord Sinclair (Almanzor), and then maintained a near one-length lead over him. Lord Sinclair, however, lost second place at the very last moment to Autumn Twist (Golden Horn), who took a while to find his cruising speed and was running for the third time.
Seremini is the first foal out of the maiden mare Semariya (Archipenko), whose second dam is a sister to the classic winner Sendawar (Priolo). She was sold to the Stallions Group, in foal to Iffraaj, at Deauville for €40,000. The filly born from this is going up for sale in Deauville this October. A son of Sea the Moon was born in 2023.
SHADIZI (c2), FRA by Siyouni ex Shanndiyra (King’s Best)
Prix Pharel (Maiden 2-year-old Colts and Geldings, 1,400m/7f), October 10, 2023, Saint-Cloud
Owner: S. A. Aga Khan
Trainer: Francis-Henri Graffard
Breeder: S. A. Aga Khan
Rider: Maxime Guyon
Fourth on his debut in June on French derby day, when ridden positively, Shadizi (Siyouni) couldn't then catch a runaway leader and the consistent Adore Blue, again at Chantilly, three months after his first outing. Extended here from 6 to 7 furlongs, he displayed a blistering turn of foot to chase down another runaway, Bellano (Zelzal), beating him by a comfortable three lengths in the end. The favourite, Retort (Frankel), had to settle for a placing once again, finishing third on his fifth outing.
Shadizi is one of the last foals out of the maiden mare Shanndiyra (King’s Best), a sister to an Opéra and a Chaudenay winners. Her third dam also produced a champion sprinter in Scandinavia, with the legendary Shergar appearing under the fourth dam. Shanndiyra has also given a Listed winner, and now this Shadizi who might very well reach such heights. MC Thoroughbreds bought his Persian King brother for just €17,000 at the Goffs yearling sales in September.
LADY INVINCIBLE (f2), FRA by Invincible Spirit ex Hourglass (Galileo)
Prix Barquette (Maiden 2-year-old Fillies, 1,400m/7f), October 10, 2023, Saint-Cloud
Owners: Écurie Jean-Louis Bouchard, Écurie des Monceaux
Trainer: Pascal Bary
Breeder: China Horse Club International
Rider: Maxime Guyon
Fourth in the Prix de la Cascade on her debut, forty days before this second attempt, Lady Invincible (Invincible Spirit) had pleasingly moved forward about halfstretch but had been unable to sustaun her effort to the post. Shorthened to 7 furlongs this time, she did not falter: coming through the centre in the home straight after waiting further back, as before, she dominated to win by three lengths over Marjane (Fast Company), who tired towards the end after threatening the winner momentarily at the 300m mark. The debutante, Rouhiya (Lope de Vega), breaking late from the field, surged in the final furlong, missing out by a short head for 2nd place.
The winner, who had been entered in the Prix Marcel Boussac (Gr1), was purchased for €300,000 at the Deauville sales by Gérard Larrieu. She was consigned by her breeder, Écurie des Monceaux, who still retains half of her. She is out of a maiden mare but is a sister to... Shamardal, and by Galileo. This is the family of the prolific Helen Street, bred at Ballymacoll Stud by Weinstock and Sobell.
This summer, Lady Invincible's brother by Siyouni was purchased for €2.2 million by Michael Vincent O'Brien and White Birch. Hourglass came under the ownership of China Horse Club at Keeneland in 2019 for $1.1 million, in foal to Justify, which resulted in an average colt who won a race and is up for sale this autumn at Keeneland... gelded!
KAMSINEA (f3), FRA by Kamsin et Tabanea (Martaline)
Beaurepaire 3yo Fillies Hurdle Race (3yo Fillies unraced over jumps, 3,600m/2m2f), October 8, 2023, Auteuil
Owner: Catherine Coiffier
Trainer: Elisabeth Allaire
Breeder: Catherine Coiffier
Rider: Théo Chevillard
Ridden behind the leaders in a field of fourteen beginners over hurdles, Kamsinea (Kamsin) managed to take the lead coming out of the final turn and won with apparent authority. She left Manon (Beaumec de Houelle), who had travelled further back, to finish a strong second, more than three lengths behind. A similar gap separated her from third-place Epinephrine (No Risk At All), who had consistently run among the leaders. Despite a mistake during the race, the favourite Lady Marta (Cokoriko) didn't ultimately disappoint, securing fourth place after a strong move in the turn.
Kamsinea was bred by her owner, Catherine Coiffier, who is also the breeder of the third-placed Epinephrine.
The dam of the winner, Tabanea (Martaline), won just a single flat race at Gemozac over 1m6f. Bred by Haras du Camp Bénard, she comes from the same family as the champion Magic Night, who is the fourth dam of Kamsinea. The latter's second dam, Musimara (Margouillat), is a Listed winner and placed in the Prix Imprudence (L), now a Group 3.
Kamsinea is the third foal out of Tabanea, following a 5-year-old unraced daughter of Sri Putra and a 4-year-old daughter of Full of Gold, both bred by Thierry Joire, the dam's previous owner. Kamsinea is the first foal from the mare bred by Catherine Coiffier, followed by two Masked Marvel fillies.
ROCK’N SWING (f2), GB by Camelot ex Ragsah (Shamardal)
Prix Ténébreuse (Unraced 2-year-old Fillies, 1,500m/7.5f), October 5, 2023, Saint-Cloud
Owner: Godolphin
Trainer: André Fabre
Breeder: Godolphin
Rider: Mickaël Barzalona
The favourite among these dozen debutantes, Rock’n Swing (Camelot) got off to a good start and was later overtaken by Makemake (New Bay), followed by Pemba Bay (Blue Point), who took the lead before entering the turn. Pemba Bay continued her strong performance when challenged by Makemake, the first to move forward, and Rock'n Swing in the middle of the course. Rock’n Swing ultimately took control and won impressively by two lengths over Otherwordy (Siyouni), who hung left throughout the home straight but still finished best for second place, a short head ahead of Pemba Bay who just managed to beat Makemake to the podium.
Rock'n Swing is out of Ragsah (Shamardal), a sister to the superstar Dubai Millennium (Seeking the Gold). The maiden dam also produced Richmond Avenue (Invincible Spirit), a runner-up in the Prix de la Cochère (L).
TERRE DE VEGA (c2), GB by Lope de Vega ex Terre (Motivator)
Prix As d’Atout (Unraced 2-year-old colts and geldings, 1,500m/7.5f), October 5, 2023, Saint-Cloud
Owner: Yoana Bonchev
Trainer: Christophe Ferland
Breeder: Stone Roses Bloodstock
Rider: Maxime Guyon
Despite his 9 draw in this race of ten beginners, Terre de Vega (Lope de Vega) quickly went by the front-runner Goldfield (Profitable), thereby leading Noble Cotai (Cotai Glory, on the rail) and the big favourite, Godolphin's Driver’s Pick (Too Darn Hot). The latter, however, was ridden from a long way home and could never threaten the leaders, finishing fourth. Terre de Vega, on the other hand, edged out Noble Cotai in the final stages but narrowly missed being overtaken by a fast-finishing Brio (Le Brivido), just a short neck behind, with Noble Cotai third by only a neck!
Terre de Vega is the third foal out of Terre (Motivator), a full sister to champion Trève, who sold for £680,000 after claiming her only victory. Her first foal, the 4-year-old gelding Alcaraz (Intello), won his fifth race at Chateaubriant last August and would win again 4 days after Terre de Vega at Marseille-Borély.
Bought for £120,000 at Tattersalls, Terre de Vega is next in line, with his older sister by Siyouni yet to race.