May 1st: Newmarket
5f Maiden |
One of the highest priced lots at the Select Tattersalls yearling sales.
Note that the last foal sold for 800k and showed little ability at 2yo.
Exceptional sire is now deceased. Has a good record with 2yos but runners
tend to develop with time. He has not had a 2yo winner before June in Britain
2002-4.
Sire can get 5f winners but better record and more quality with 6f+ wins.
Dam won over 13f and has not produced precocious runners. Her 'star' was
Grandera who developed as a 2yo to show superior form in later season and
then developed further as an older horse. Her other foals have been similar
while lacking Grandera's class.
Major Irish trainer has a very good record with 2yos and tends to target
strong debuts. In 2003-4 he has made 7 debut runs in Britain in six different
races. 5 of the 7 have been in May producing 2 wins (Evens & 10/1),
two places (3/1 & Evens) & one unplaced (9/2).
The trainer has won both of the Newmarket races he has had debut runners
in in 2003-4.
In summary a strong pedigree but the shadow cast by the name 'Grandera'
shouldn't hide the fact that the dam has produced more of the less able
athletes, including his expensive full brother. Also the pedigree is not
obviously suited to 5f in early season and he would presumably need to
win on 'class' rather than natural aptitude. The trainer has a solid but
not overpowering record with debut runners in Britain. Profile [77]
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