Eight for Almanzor
New winners
Almanzor (pictured) – It was a good week for Cambridge Stud shuttler Almanzor (Wootton Bassett) as he sired his seventh and eighth individual winners. Dissociate (2 f ex Party Animal by Makfi) became the seventh winner for the first-season-sire when she won the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden over seven furlongs at the Curragh. Bred by Tally-Ho Stud and owned by Martin Schwartz, the two-year-old was purchased by his trainer for £62,000 at the Goffs Orby Sale in October 2020. Dissociate is the first winner out of placed mare Party Animal (Makfi), who herself is a half-sister to 2017 Easter Cup (Gr 3, 2000m) winner Observational (Galileo). Later in the week, Filistine (2 c ex Desire To Win by Lawman) opened his account at the second attempt at Newmarket to give Almanzor his eighth winner. Bred by Haras d’Etreham and Gestut Zur Kuste, Longways Stable purchased Filistine for €30,000 at the Arqana Select Sale before selling him on to Charlie Gordon-Watson for €120,000 at the Arqana Breeze-up at Doncaster. His dam Desire To Win (Lawman) is a half-sister to the French Group 2 winner Don Bosco (Barathea). Haras d’Etreham’s Almanzor stands the 2021 southern hemisphere season at Cambridge Stud for a fee of NZ$30,000 (plus GST).
Ribchester – Haunui Farm shuttler Ribchester (Iffraaj) chalked up his 15th first-crop winner when the Carlos Laffron-Parias-trained Dobra (2 f ex Scarlet Belle by Sir Percy) shed her maiden tag at the fourth attempt in the Prix de la Maniguette (1500m) at Chantilly. The two-year-old filly finished strongly to beat Mazal Tov (Kodiac) by three-quarters of a length with Restless Spirit (Invincible Spirit) another length and a quarter further back in third. Dobra was purchased for 20,000 guineas (approx. AU$38,347) at 2020 the Tattersalls December Yearling Sale. The filly becomes the third winner out of winning mare Scarlet Belle (Sir Percy), who herself is a half-sister to Group 1 winner Neatico (Medicean) and Grade 2 scorer Beautyandthebeast (Machiavellian). Ribchester was provided with his first stakes winner last weekend when Flaming Rib won the Doncaster Stakes (Listed, 6f).He is standing at Haunui Farm for a fee of NZ$15,000 (plus GST).
The Mission – Champagne Stakes (Gr 1, 1600m) winner The Mission (Choisir) sired his first winner as the Les Ross-trained Mishani Warfare (2 g ex Mishani Harmony by Denman) comfortably landed a two-year-old handicap over 1200 metres at Eagle Farm. Mishani Warfare, a homebred for owner Mike Crooks and making his third start, defeated stablemate Mishani Persuasion (Heroic Valour), a last-start winner, by one and three-quarter lengths with Cocobrew Express (Spill The Beans) four and a quarter lengths behind the winner in third. The Mission, who stands for a fee of $8,800 (inc GST) at Aquis Farm, has 64 first crop foals.
New Group / Grade 1 winners
I Am Invincible – I Am Invincible (Invincible Spirit) sired his tenth Group 1 winner when Home Affairs (3 c ex Miss Interiors by Flying Spur) blew his opponents away to claim the sire-making Coolmore Stud Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m) at Flemington. Owned by the race sponsors after Coolmore principal Tom Magnier went to $875,000 to secure him from his breeders Torryburn Stud at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale in 2020, Home Affairs earned his spot on their acclaimed stallion roster with a three-length success over Bruckner (Snitzel), with Artorius (Flying Artie) again placing in a Group 1 race, finishing a further half-length back in third. I Am Invincible stands at Yarraman Park Stud for a fee of $220,000 (inc GST).
Maurice – Arrowfield’s Japanese shuttler Maurice (Screen Hero) leapt to the top of the second season sire rankings and scored a landmark first Group 1 success in Australia as Hitotsu (3 c ex Love Is Fickle by Redoute’s Choice) ran away with the VRC Derby (Gr 1, 2500m) at Flemington. Backing up from a fifth-placed finish in the Caulfield Guineas (Gr 1, 1600m) last start, Hitotsu won by a length and three-quarters over Alegron (Teofilo) and Teewaters (Dundeel), who was a further two lengths back in third. Originally a $100,000 yearling purchase for previous trainer Wendy Kelly from the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Hitotsu was switched to the Maher and Eustace stable after three runs at stakes level as a juvenile, including running tenth in the Blue Diamond (Gr 1, 1200m), when snapped up by a syndicate featuring Ozzie Kheir and Joe O’Neill. Maurice, who landed his first Australian stakes winner last week courtesy of Mazu, has two Group 1 winners worldwide and returned to Arrowfield this year where he stands for a fee of $44,000 (inc GST).
Sebring – The Western Australian-owned Superstorm (5 g ex Stormy Nova by Metal Storm) prevailed in a blanket finish to the Cantala Stakes (Gr 1, 1600m), becoming the seventh individual Group 1 winner for late Widden Stud-based sire Sebring (More Than Ready). A homebred for Bob Peters, Superstorm added to his Feehan Stakes (Gr 2, 1600m) success in denying Icebath (Sacred Falls) by a nose, with Cascadian (New Approach) the same margin in third and race favourite Mr Brightside (Bull Bars) in fourth. He is one of four stakes winners out of dual Group 3 winner Stormy Nova (Metal Storm), being a half-brother to Cosmic Storm (Street Sense) and Royal Command (Street Sense) and a brother to Listed winner Mikimoto. The mare has a yearling by Sessions (Lonhro) and she was covered by Darley shuttler Too Darn Hot (Dubawi) in September. Sebring’s final-crop yearlings sold for up to $950,000 earlier this year.
New stakes winners
Epiphaneia – Circle Of Life (2 f ex Sea Breeze Life by Admire Japan) stepped up on just her third career start to claim the Artemis Stakes (Gr 3, 1600m) at Tokyo. The filly flew over the top under Mirco Demuro to deny Belle Cresta (Duramente) by a neck, who was engaged in a battle with Shigeru Iwaizaki (Epiphaneia) throughout the majority of the straight. Bred by Chiyoda Farm, the Sakae Kunieda-trained filly is raced by Masatake Iida. She becomes the fifth individual stakes winner for promising young sire Epiphaneia (Symboli Kris S), who stands at Shadai Stallion Station.
Fast Company – Symphony Perfect (2 f ex Irish Romance by Rip Van Winkle) gave her late sire Fast Company (Danehill Dancer) his 20th individual stakes winner with an authoritative success in the Bosra Sham Fillies’ Stakes at Newmarket. Hayley Turner positioned her mount close to the speed, towards the outside of the pack, and the filly quickened smartly to lead a furlong and a half out before stretching clear for a two and a half-length score ahead of Desert Dreamer (Oasis Dream). Barbanera (Showcasing) was a further short-head behind in third. The Richard Hannon-trained juvenile took her career tally to two wins from 11 starts, having previously placed third behind Chipotle in the Redcar 2YO Trophy (Listed, 6f). Her dam is a winning half-sister to the listed winners Power Elite (Linamix) and La Sylvia (Oasis Dream), from the family of Classic winner Haafhd (Alhaarth) and the Hong Kong champion Military Attack (Oratorio). Fast Company stood at Darley’s Kildangan Stud until his death in March, 2020.
Footstepsinthesand – In winning the Autumn Miss Stakes (Gr 3, 8f) at Santa Anita, Burgoo Alley (3 f ex Nurama by Daylami) handed her sire Footstepsinthesand (Giant’s Causeway) his 67th individual stakes winner. Trained by Phillip D’Amato and ridden by Umberto Rispoli, the three-year-old filly came home a half-length winner over race-favourite Spanish Loveaffair (Karakontie) with a further length back to Javanica (Medaglia d’Oro) in third. Bred by Eoghan Grogan and owned by CYBT, Michael Nentwig and Ray Pagano, the filly is the eighth foal out of unraced dam Nurama (Daylami) and is a half-sister to winners Carlton Blue (Aussie Rules) and the Listed-placed Lordelio (Dandy Man). Footstepsinthesand stood at Coolmore’s Castlehyde Stud in 2021 for a fee of €12,500 (approx. AU$19,200).
Lonhro – Pareanui Bay (3 g ex Okahu Bay by Flying Spur) overcame an awful trip in running to win the James and Annie Sarten Memorial Stakes (Gr 2, 1400m) at Te Rapa for trainer Tony Pike. The three-year-old gave his sire Lonhro (Octagonal) a 93rd individual stakes winner on only his second career start. Going off as the $5.20 second-favourite behind Hawke’s Bay Guineas (Gr 2, 1400m) winner Mana Nui (No Nay Never), the gelding won by a neck ahead Meritable (Snitzel), while the fast-finishing Dark Destroyer (Proisir) was third two and a half lengths further behind in third. “We knew he was very good but to step up to the quality he met today was very special,” Pike said. “They didn’t go overly quick, but he was stuck out wide for most of the trip, which didn’t help him much. He still wants to float around at the business end and takes a little while to really knuckle down, so we know there is improvement in him, which is very exciting for the future.” Pike will take a few days to consider where to next send the three-year-old, but was disappointed that a late entry into the New Zealand 2,000 Guineas (Gr 1, 1600m) at Riccarton on November 6 wasn’t available after late entries for the race closed on 20 October.
Makfi – The Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman-trained Frontman (4 h ex Imposingly by Zabeel) shrugged off the disappointment of his previous run, as he ran out a good winner of the PRH Transport Trophy (Listed, 1600m) at Tauranga, giving sire Makfi (Dubawi) his 41st individual stakes winner. Allowed to find his stride in the early stages of the race by Matt Cameron, the four-year-old ran down long-time leader Crystallize (Iffraaj) to win by three-quarters of a length with Spring Delight (Tavistock) a further two and a half lengths back in third. The win was his first at stakes level and also added to the placed effort in the New Zealand Derby (Gr 1, 2400m) last year.
New Bay – Bay Bridge (3 c ex Hayyona by Multiplex) stayed on well at the death to win the James Seymour Stakes (Listed, 1m 2f) at Newmarket for trainer Sir Michael Stoute. The win provided his sire New Bay (Dubawi) with his fifth individual stakes winner. Ridden by Ryan Moore, the three-year-old colt chased the long-time leader Majestic Dawn (Dawn Approach) into the final couple of furlongs and managed to reel him in at the line to win by half a length with the German raider Monty (Motivator) a further six and a half lengths back in third. Bay Bridge is the fourth foal out of Hayyona (Multiplex), who is a half-sister to Group 2 winner Shimraan (Rainbow Quest), he is a half-brother to winner Nataleena (Nathaniel). New Bay stood at Ballylinch Stud for the 2021 season for a fee of €20,000 (approx. AU$30,700).
Pour Moi – Wentwood (6 g ex Desert Liaison by Dansili) came out on top of a blanket finish to win the Bendigo Cup (Gr 3, 2400m) and in doing so provided former shuttler Pour Moi (Montjeu) with his seventh individual stakes winner. Trained by Maddie Raymond, the six-year-old gelding stayed on well to beat Smokin’ Romans (Ghibellines) by a short-head with Taramansour (Dansili) a further head back in third. The six-year-old gelding – who started his life with trainer Dermot Weld in Ireland – was purchased by Peter and Ross Doyle for 15,000 guineas at the 2015 edition of the Tattersalls December Foals Sale, before being snapped up for €46,000 at the Goffs Orby Sale the following year. He is one of four winners and first stakes scorer out of unplaced mare Desert Liaison (Dansili). Further back this is the same family as New Zealand Group 3 winner Chant (Traditionally), who in turn produced dual Group 1 winner Recite (Darci Brahma). Pour Moi shuttled to Windsor Park for three seasons and he now stands exclusively at Haras de Cercy in France.
Sea The Stars – Sea La Rosa (3 f ex Soho Rose by Hernando) gave sire Sea The Stars (Cape Cross) his 86th individual stakes winner when she won the River Eden Fillies’ Stakes (Listed, 1m 5f) at Lingfield. Trained by William Haggas and ridden by Tom Marquand, the three-year-old filly was held up in behind the leaders and was switched for an effort coming around the home bend. Picking up in the style of a good filly, she stretched clear at the finish to come home an impressive four-and-a-half-length winner over Pennymoor (Frankel) in second with a further three and a half lengths back to the consistent Viola (Lope De Vega) in third. A €200,000 (approx. AU$309,780) purchase at the Arqana Deauville August Sale in 2019, the filly is entered in the upcoming Tattersalls December Sale on November 30. The fourth foal out of Listed-winning mare Soho Rose (Hernando), Sea La Rose is a half-sister to winners Dean Street Doll (Oasis Dream) and Caline (Invincible Spirit). Sea The Stars stood at Gilltown Stud in 2021 for a fee of €150,000 (approx. AU$232,335).
Sans Frontieres – Jason The Militant (7 g ex Rock Angel by Desert King) took a switch in codes in his stride as he won the Finale Stakes (Listed, 1m 4f) at Naas and gave his National Hunt sire Sans Frontieres (Galileo) a first individual stakes winner. A useful hurdler last season, the seven-year-old gelding was making only his second ever flat appearance and first since October 2020 and he went clear and never looked like being caught. The gelding eventually finished a half-length in front of Azallya (Le Havre) at the line with Layfayette (French Navy) a further three and a quarter lengths back in third place. A homebred for the Peter Michael Racing partnership, Jason The Militant is the third foal out of hurdle-winning mare Rock Angel (Desert King), who is herself a sister to winner Kinger Rocks. Sans Frontieres stood at Vauterhill Stud in 2021.
Sir Percy – Kawida (2 f ex Kandahari by Archipenko) gave sire Sir Percy (Mark Of Esteem) his 24th individual stakes winner when she won the Montrose Fillies’ Stakes (Listed, 1m) at Newmarket. Trained by Ed Walker, the two-year-old filly looked in a little trouble at halfway stage when already being pushed along by Tom Marquand, but she made good headway inside the final two furlongs and stayed on strongly to beat outsider Flash Betty (Gregorian) by half a length with race favourite With The Moonlight (Frankel) a further one and a half lengths back in third. Bred and raced by Kirsten Rausing, Kawida is the first foal out of winning mare Kandahari (Archipenko), who is a half-sister to multiple Australian Group 1 winner Zaaki (Leriodesanimaux). Sir Percy stood at Lanwades Stud in 2021 for a fee of £7,000 (approx. AU$12,730).
Siyouni – Haras de Bonneval resident Siyouni (Pivotal) chalked up his 56th individual stakes winner as Shine For You (3 f ex Lady Viola by Sir Percy) won the Prix Solitude (Listed, 2000m) at Saint-Cloud. The three-year-old filly stayed on well at the finish to get up late to beat My Astra (Lope De Vega) by a length and a quarter with Baptisia (Helmet) a further two lengths back in third. Bred by Mr and Mrs Pakenham, the filly was a 85,000 guineas purchase for Marion Goodbody at the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Ups Sale in June 2020 and she is catalogued as Lot 1797 at next month’s Tattersalls December Mare Sale. Shine For You is the second foal out of the unraced mare Lady Viola (Sir Percy), who herself a half-sister to Group 2 winner Meeznah (Dynaformer) and the Group-placed winner Shahin (Kingmambo). Siyouni stood for a fee of €140,000 (approx. AU$215,200) in 2021.
Soldier Hollow – Auenfurst (4 g ex Auengunst by Waky Nao) provided Soldier Hollow (In The Wings) his 56th individual stakes winner when he won the Songline Classic (Listed, 2100m) at Bro Park. Trained by Lennart Reuterskiold Jr and ridden by Jacob Johansen, the gelding stayed on well to beat Gold Tyranny (Zoffany) with Castashadow (Harbour Watch) back in third. The fifth foal out of Listed-placed mare Auengunst (Waky Nao), Auenfurst is a half-brother to the Group-placed Andoyas (Lando), Listed-placed Auenlee (Doyen) and to winner Auendon (Doyen). Soldier Hollow stood at Gestut Auenquelle for a fee of €30,000 (approx. AU$46,117) in 2021.
Wings Of Eagles – Epsom Derby (Gr 1, 1m 4f) winner Wings Of Eagles (Pour Moi) sired his first stakes winner when Blue Wings (2 f ex Blue Mood by Invincible Spirit) won the Prix Delahante (Listed, 1800m) at Marseille for trainer Jean-Pierre Dubois. Blue Wings, a homebred for his trainer, defeated Asad Zabeel (Dubawi) by a length with favourite Zanndabad (Iffraaj) in third, two and a half lengths behind the winner.