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The race to be European Champion First-Season Sire is underway and we have seen impressive juveniles in the UK, Ireland and France.
The race to be European Champion First-Season Sire is underway and we have already seen impressive juveniles in the UK, Ireland and France. Ante-post favourites to take the crown, Blue Point and Ten Sovereigns, have already produced winners and look likely to battle the championship throughout the year. We look at a few of the notable two-year-olds that have already won:
Brighter (Ten Sovereigns x Tara's Force) – 11th April – Dundalk
Half-sister to a French Listed winner, the Aidan O'Brien-trained Brighter made an eye-catching start to her career with a win over 5f at Dundalk AW. She beat a well-regarded two-year-old in Vanity Pays (Kodiac) and did not look the easiest ride, with Ryan Moore required to keep her straight in the closing stages. Her breeding would suggest a longer distance would suit.
Valour and Swagger (Blue Point x Music Chart) – 17th April – Windsor
It may have only been a three- runner affair but it was hard not to be impressed by Valour and Swagger as the colt recorded a six-and-a-half length success. He went clear inside the final furlong although jockey Neil Callan reported he was hanging badly left. Too Darn Hot's first runner Perelle finished third in the same contest. Out of a UAE Guineas Trial (L) winner, this Karl-Burke trained colt may be an ideal candidate for one of the stable's regular successful forays to France for Black Type.
Myconian (Magna Grecia x Sirici) – 23rd March – Saint-Cloud (FR)
UK-based trainer Amy Murphy has an excellent record in France, and she targeted a debutantes contest at Saint-Cloud for this son of Magna Grecia. Out of a Listed winning sprinting mare, Myconian showed a good attitude in the closing stages to battle back after being headed inside the final furlong and scoring by an eventual three-quarters of a length. A French Listed race looks likely to be next on his agenda.
Classic Flower (Calyx x Crown Of Flowers ) – 5th April – Salon de Provence (FR)
The performance of Patrice Cottier-trained Classic Flower in a 5½f conditions race at Salon-de-Provence was considerably better than the finishing distance of half-a-length would suggest. She always looked in control during the final two furlongs despite showing signs of greenness and easily kept the favourite Aquila Volante at bay. It was also a notable first progeny victory for dam Crown of Flowers, who is by Garswood.
Sturlasson (Invincible Army x Angelic Light) – 8th April – Cork
Although yet to win, Sturlasson deserves inclusion with two second-placed finishes from two runs. He has been beaten by short-priced fancies on both occasions and noticeably had an Aidan O'Brien-trained half-brother to Sioux Nation, Alabama, behind him in third at Cork. A maiden victory looks likely within the next month if trainer Kieran Cotter can find a suitable contest.
