Two fillies, one goal, at Newmarket
Opal Tiara and Rich Legacy step up in grade when lining up in Stakes races at Newmarket this afternoon.
It is the start of the two-day Dubai Future Champions Festival, and includes today's highlight, the Gr.1 Fillies' Mile (15.10) in which Qatar Racing's Rich Legacy (pictured right) is one of eight runners. She won the Gr.2 May Hill Stakes over a mile at Doncaster on her most recent start, and goes into the top grade for today's race, which is worth in excess of £500,000. Trainer Ralph Beckett was impressed with the way Rich Legacy saw out trip when winning, and the filly was subsequently supplemented for today's test.
All eight runners are in with a chance, but Godolphin's Sobetsu is particularly hard to ignore after winning a mile maiden at the track by ten lengths, while the Aidan O'Brien pair of Hydrangea and Rhododendron and Sir Michael Stoute's Spatial are all bred to win at the highest level.
Oisin Murphy rides Rich Legacy, and also Opal Tiara, who moves up from a handicap success at York and Group Three win at Goodwood to tackle the Gr.2 Challenge Stakes - it has drawn a field of 12 runners. One of two fillies in the race, Opal Tiara should have no problems with ground that is relatively quick for this time of year, and trainer Mick Channon has been eyeing this race for some time.
He said: ‚"Her form has stood up well all season and I am delighted with her general wellbeing here at home.‚"
Other Qatar Racing runners in action today are Porto Ferro, who represents Johnny Murtagh's stable in a conditions race at Dundalk (17.30), and High Honcho, who tackles a Newcastle handicap (20.40) for trainer John Quinn.
Havana Gold yearling makes a mark
Tattersalls' three-day October Yearling Sale Book 1 closed last night, but not before a colt from the first crop of Qatar Bloodstock stallion Havana Gold was knocked down for 200,000gns. Consigned by Ciaran Conroy's Glenvale Stud, he was purchased by agent Ross Doyle on behalf of Al Shaqab Racing.
A half-brother to a winner, he was produced by the Listed-winning mare Waveband, a full sister to talented sprinter and young sire Bungleinthejungle, and also to Group One winner Muarrab.