Starspangledbanner (Aus)

KILDARE, Ireland--Unlike last year when it took place the week before Christmas, the Goffs November Foal Sale returned to its rightful place in the calendar and proceedings got off to a very positive start on Monday. As well as last year's session-topping high price of €75,000 being eclipsed when a son of Mehmas (Ire) sold for €140,000, all the other metrics comfortably surpassed those achieved in an albeit troubled 2020 edition, headed by a 77% clearance rate which yielded an aggregate of €3,384,500, some 55% up on last year. Also...

Already proven at The Curragh, having won the five-furlong May 3 Listed First Flier S., the Fozzy Stack-trained Castle Star (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) made light work of Saturday's G3 GAIN Marble Hill S. over six. Anchored in rear early and a touch detached as Chris Hayes exuded confidence, the 5-2 second favourite cruised down the outer of his hard-ridden peers and after striking the front approaching the final half-furlong quickened clear for an impressive two-length defeat of the well-backed 15-8 favourite Masseto (GB) (Territories {Ire}). "It's not often you see...

Simon and Ed Crisford trainee Flotus (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) was slowly into stride for Saturday's MansionBet Bet 10 Get 20 EBF Maiden Fillies' S. at Goodwood, but she overturned that early deficit to register a hugely impressive triumph in the six-furlong test, earning 'TDN Rising Star' status and a ticket to Royal Ascot. The 7-4 favourite was keen under attempted restraint after breaking slowly and settled into a smooth rhythm once eased away from cover. Looming large out wide after halfway, she seized the initiative passing the quarter-mile marker and...

Sunday's G3 Coolmore Stud Irish EBF Fillies Sprint S. victress Hermana Estrella (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) is being aimed at a start in the G3 Albany S. at Royal Ascot on June 18. The filly, a 50-1 longshot at Naas, was making her first start and has come out of the race well. "She'd been working well at home," said trainer Fozzy Stack. "She hasn't been away to work or anything and hasn't even worked on grass, so it was actually a very good performance. "She'd shown plenty of talent at...

There was an unexpected turn-up in the G3 Coolmore Stud EBF Fillies Sprint S. at Naas on Sunday, with the apparent "good thing" Contarelli Chapel (Ire) (Caravaggio) managing only fourth behind the Fozzy Stack-trained newcomer Hermana Estrella (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}). Slowly away and racing in rear early off the strong tempo, the 50-1 shot was behind Ballydoyle's 2-7 favourite at halfway but had to come around as that rival began to struggle. Responding to Chris Hayes's urgings, the debutante worked her way past the speedy but errant Quick Suzy (Ire)...

NEWMARKET, UK-The prevailing mood at Park Paddocks this week has been a mixture of relief and amazement at the level of trade which, across each of three Book 2 sessions, has come close to matching the record sale of 2019. Whether there is enough depth to the buying bench ultimately is questionable but there has certainly been variety and a decent amount of international participation which, in this year particularly, is remarkable. Ever since the start of the breeze-up season, the general approach from vendors has been one of pragmatism,...

DONCASTER, UK—Well, at least that ordeal is out of the way. It was never going to be fun, but it could have been worse. Horses were sold, some of them even sold well; and other vendors, with an 83% clearance rate, were evidently ready to cut losses. And soon everybody will at least be able to start figuring out how venturesome they can afford to be, once finally bidding good riddance to 2020. Embarking on the European yearling circuit was always going to be extremely challenging for an industry so...