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 Canto Della Terra at Santa Anita.
Kodiac Filly Thrives At Santa Anita
The fourth time was the charm, as Canto Della Terra (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) made her American debut a winning one at Santa Anita for trainer Phil D'Amato last weekend (video). Bred by Tally-Ho Stud where her sire stands, the 3-year-old filly is owned by Medallion Racing, Parkland Thoroughbreds, Rancho Temescal and Ed Orr.
A €48,000 Tattersalls Ireland September yearling when picked up by Shamrock Thoroughbreds and Nigel O'Hare, the bay was second at Fairyhouse last June in the colours of O'Hare and the Kabin Racing Syndicate for trainer Ado McGuinness. Switched to trainer Donnacha O'Brien after being purchased by Orr, Medallion, Rancho Temescal and Weston, she ran second again, this time at Gowran Park a month later. Her Irish finale was a fifth-place run at Leopardstown in September before she was brought to the U.S. The daughter of Smart Bounty (GB) (Bahamian Bounty {GB}) is the fourth winner and final reported foal for her unraced dam, herself a half-sister to dual group winner Lovelace (GB) (Royal Applause {GB}).
Kodiac has sired 45 winners from 85 runners (53%) in America, with 10 of those (12%) gaining stakes credentials. His six graded winners are anchored by GII City Of Hope Mile Stakes hero and GIII Thunder Road Stakes victor True Valour (Ire).
Canto Della Terra loses her maiden tag impressively for @MedallionRacing & partners @santaanitapark today. Trained by @PhilDamato11 & ridden by Flavien Pratt this filly was purchased by @AvenueBstock @MillerJoe7 from @adomcguinness1! Many congratulations to all! 👏🇺🇸🇮🇪 🐎 👏 pic.twitter.com/V0bWgPnfjd
— Mark McStay 🇺🇦 (@mcstayagent) January 19, 2025
Repeat Winner
Michael Ryan's Be Your Best (Ire) (Muhaarar {GB}) once again graces this column for a third time after her initial appearance following a 2024 victory in the GIII Long Island Stakes. Trained by Saffie Joseph, Jr., she won the GII Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf Invitational Stakes at Gulfstream Park on Saturday (video).
#3 BE YOUR BEST ($16.80) got to the lead in the stretch and held off a fast closing #10 Sacred Wish to win the $500,000 @TBAftercare Pegasus World Cup F&M Turf Invitational (G2) at @Gulfstream Park. @zayas_edgardo was up for @SaffieJosephJr. pic.twitter.com/uxPWvV5QHN
— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) January 25, 2025
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