By Heather Anderson
In this series, the TDN takes a look at notable successes of European-based sires in North America. This week's column is highlighted by the victory of Cat Eyes in Florida.
The Florida Place To Be
JDT Racing's Cat Eyes (Ire) (Ten Sovereigns {Ire}) put an eighth-place debut run at Tampa firmly in the rear view with a victory for Brendan Walsh at Gulfstream on Jan. 5 (video).
Bred by Bill Crager, the dark bay daughter of Bodak (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) was a €65,000 purchase by JRSA from the Goffs November Foal Sale in 2021. Reoffered at the Goffs Orby Sale as a yearling, Cat Eyes was picked up by Ken Condon for €170,000. She is the first foal for her dam, who won a one-mile Dundalk handicap at three. Bodak's 2022 filly, Darling (Ire) (Australia {GB}), has yet to race, while her latest foals are fillies by Starman (GB) and Saxon Warrior (Jpn) born in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
Second dam Arty Crafty (Arch) foaled a pair of group winners in Pincheck (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) and Valeria Messalina (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}). G2 Duke of York Stakes heroine Azure Blue (Ire) (El Kabeir) is out of another daughter of that mare, while GI Gulfstream Park Breeders' Cup Handicap hero Prince Arch is a full-brother to Arty Crafty and G1 National Stakes victor Kingsfort (War Chant) is a half-brother.
New Turkish-based stallion Ten Sovereign's runners have an 64% strike rate in North America, with seven winners from 11 runners. Dual American graded winner Zulu Kingdom (Ire) is his best to date on U.S. shores, while he has an additional four stakes horses.
Cat Eyes (IRE) and @LeojockeyReyes are the winners of the 10th race. #GulfstreamPark #ChampionshipMeet pic.twitter.com/UkkZlR76Zb
— Gulfstream Park (@GulfstreamPark) January 5, 2025
Repeat Winners
It was a Ten Sovereigns double in this week's column, as Lush Lips (GB) added another victory at Gulfstream for Brendan Walsh on Friday (video). The filly races in the colours of Medallion Racing, Steve Weston, Mrs. Paul Shanahan and Mrs. MV Magnier.
Scarlet Poppy (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) earned her third victory in a row at Tampa Bay Downs for trainer Wesley Ward on Jan. 10 (video). A Making Waves firster in October, she is raced by Stonestreet Stables, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith and Westerberg.
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