By Sean Cronin
High Peak (Ire) (Fascinating Rock {Ire}), a debut runner-up at Newcastle earlier this month, justified odds-on favouritism to become the first winner for his Ballylinch Stud-based freshman sire (by Fastnet Rock {Aus}) in Tuesday's Join Racing TV Now Novice Median Auction S. at Thirsk.
1st-Thirsk, £5,400, Nov, 6-16, 2yo, 7fT, 1:27.70, g/s.
HIGH PEAK (IRE) (c, 2, Fascinating Rock {Ire}–Expectation {Ire}, by Night Shift), who shaped with a deal of promise when second in his June 4 debut over six furlongs at Newcastle, duly delivered as the odds-on favourite going around a bend for the first time upped to seven in this return. Breaking sharply to seize the rail and an immediate lead, the 5-6 pick was untroubled on the front end throughout and kept on strongly once shaken up with 1 1/2 furlongs remaining to easily hold the late thrust of Deputy (Ire) (Lawman {Fr}) by 3/4-of-a-length, registering a first win for his Ballylinch Stud-based freshman sire (by Fastnet Rock {Aus}). Becoming the seventh scorer for his dam, the May-foaled bay is the latest of 15 foals and is a half-brother to the stakes-placed Nacho Libre (GB) (Kyllachy {GB}) and G2 Richmond S. victor and G1 Prix Morny and G1 Middle Park S. placegetter Always Hopeful (GB) (Mind Games {GB}). He is also a half to the dams of G3 Sweet Solera S. victress Nations Alexander (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) and G2 Oaks d'Italia runner-up Must Be Late (Ire) (Champs Elysees {GB}). Sales history: 8,000gns Ylg '19 TADEYG. Lifetime Record: 2-1-1-0, $5,952.
O-Atlantic Racing & R W Huggins; B-Ballylinch Stud (IRE); T-Mark Johnston.
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