Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-pedigreed horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Today's Observations features Lily Spain, a half sister to last season's Group 1 winner Lily's Candle.
3.00 Saint-Cloud, Mdn, €27,000, unraced 2yo, f, 7fT
Soccer's World Cup Final Man-of-the-Match Antoine Griezmann is on the cusp of a new chapter in another sphere while his €230,000 Arqana October acquisition LILY SPAIN (FR) (American Post {GB}) begins her career in this newcomers' heat. She is a half-sister to last term's G1 Prix Marcel Boussac heroine Lily's Candle (Fr) (Style Vendome {Fr}), herself knocked down for €390,000 and €1.1-million at last year's Arqana Arc and Arqana December sales. Opposition to the Philippe Decouz trainee includes Prime Equestrian's €200,000 Arqana August yearling Grudge (Fr) (Free Eagle {Ire}), who is a half-sister to G1 Chipping Norton S. and G1 Ranvet S. hero Contributer (Ire) (High Chaparral {Ire}), from the Christophe Ferland stable; and Carlos Vazquez Gonzalez's homebred Azahar (Fr) (Dabirsim {Fr}), whose year-older half-brother Albir (Fr) (Style Vendome {Fr}) debuts later on the same card.
4.10 Saint-Cloud, Mdn, €25,000, unraced 3yo, 12fT
His Highness The Aga Khan's VORASHANN (FR) (Sinndar {Ire}) is a gelded half-brother to MG1SW globetrotter Vazirabad (Fr) (Manduro {Ger}) and debuts for Alain de Royer-Dupre in this newcomers' stamina test. Rivals include stablemate and fellow Aga Khan homebred Mirann (Fr) (Motivator {GB}), a son of Listed Prix de Thiberville victress Mila (Fr) (Cape Cross {Ire}); and Carlos Vazquez Gonzalez's homebred Albir (Fr) (Style Vendome {Fr}), whose year-younger half-sister Azahar (Fr) (Dabirsim {Fr}) debuts earlier on the same card.
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