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. Wednesday's Insights features a half-brother to G1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud heroine Plumania (GB) (Anabaa).
2.20 Saint-Cloud, Mdn, €27,000, unraced 2yo, f, 8fT
CASTELLAR (FR) (American Post {GB}) is kin to this term's MGSW G1 Prix du Jockey Club third Recoletos (Fr) (Whipper) and debuts for the same Darpat France-Carlos Laffon-Parias axis in this firsters' test. Opposition includes Khalid Abdullah's Comforting (First Defence), a David Smaga-trained daughter of MGSW Treat Gently (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}), who was demoted from third in the 2008 G1 Prix Vermeille.
2.50 Saint-Cloud, Mdn, €27,000, unraced 2yo, c/g, 8fT
Alain and Gerard Wertheimer's homebred newcomer ROCKNET (FR) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) is a half-brother to 2010 G1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud heroine Plumania (GB) (Anabaa) and represents Andre Fabre, who guided that sibling to hit the board in three additional top-level events. Seven-strong opposition includes Henri-Alex Pantall's Kihavahfushi (GB) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), who is a stablemate and half-brother of 2014 G2 Prix du Gros-Chene victor and G1 Prix de l'Abbaye runner-up Rangali (GB) (Namid {GB}).
4.05 Newmarket, Cond, £10,000, 2yo, 8fT
The Queen's REFRAIN (IRE) (Dubawi {Ire}), a Sir Michael Stoute trainee, is a son of 2008 GI E.P. Taylor S. heroine Folk Opera (Ire) (Singspiel {Ire}) and faces seven in this unveiling. His rivals include Godolphin's once-raced Bow Street (GB) (New Approach {Ire}), who is a homebred son of 2004 G1 Nassau S. victress Favourable Terms (GB) (Selkirk), from Charlie Appleby's local barn.
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