By Brian Sheerin
Leading French 2,000 Guineas fancy Isaac Shelby (GB) (Night of Thunder {Ire}) has been sold to the Qatari-based Wathnan Racing in a deal that was brokered by Richard Brown of Blandford Bloodstock.
Isaac Shelby won the G3 Greenham S. in the colours of Manton Thoroughbreds on his reappearance at Newbury last month, after which, his trainer Brian Meehan revealed that he would sidestep Newmarket in favour of the French Classic at ParisLongchamp.
The colt remains firmly on course for Sunday's race and will represent an exciting first European runner for Wathnan Racing, which was crowned the leading stable in Qatar last season following heavy investment at the autumn horses-in-training sales in Britain and France.
A tight-lipped Brown commented on Wednesday, “Isaac Shelby is a very exciting colt. He has displayed a very high level of ability with the obvious highlight his comfortable win in the Greenham at Newbury last time. He is a lovely-looking individual with plenty of scope and class–he displays the best attributes of his sire.”
Isaac Shelby's Greenham S. victory was achieved in dramatic circumstances as short-priced favourite and subsequent 2,000 Guineas winner Chaldean (GB) (Frankel {GB}) dislodged Frankie Dettori upon leaving the stalls.
But Isaac Shelby could not have been more impressive in pulling three lengths clear from his nearest rival on the day and is expected to be sent off one of the leading fancies in the market on Sunday.
TDN Europe understands that Sean Levey, who has ridden Isaac Shelby in all four of his races to date, will retain the ride.
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