By Sean Cronin
1st-CUR, €17,500, Mdn, 8-27, 2yo, c/g, 8fT, 1:40.79, gd.
+SAXON WARRIOR (JPN), c, 2, by Deep Impact (Jpn)
1st Dam: Maybe (Ire) (Ch. 2yo Filly-Eur, G1SW-Ire & G1SP-Eng, $469,223), by Galileo (Ire)
2nd Dam: Sumora (Ire), by Danehill
3rd Dam: Rain Flower (Ire), by Indian Ridge (Ire)
Saxon Warrior, a Sept. 24 G2 Beresford S. and Sept. 30 G2 Royal Lodge S. entry, was settled off the pace in rear after an adequate break in this first go. Coaxed along to close passing the quarter-mile marker, he quickened in impressive fashion to challenge with 150 yards remaining and stretched clear under minimal urging thereafter to easily account for Meagher's Flag (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) by 3 1/4 lengths. “He looks a very smart colt, he was ready to come racing and [jockey] Donnacha [O'Brien] said when he pulled him out he took off,” commented trainer Aidan O'Brien. “He really quickened and when you run them you are always hoping you'll find something. He's a big, powerful horse and the dam was very good. Donnacha was very impressed and we'll try not to go too quick with him. He should come forward and we can do a lot of stuff with him. We can come back for the Beresford or go seven furlongs.” The bay, who enjoyed a modicum of support in the betting before going off at 8-1, is the second scorer produced by G1 Moyglare Stud S.-winning European champion juvenile filly and G1 1000 Guineas third Maybe (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), and he is a full-brother to Listed Platinum S. placegetter Pavlenko (Jpn) and half to a colt foal by American Pharoah. Maybe, who was bred to War Front this year, is herself a full-sister to MG1SP G3 Silver Flash S. victress Promise To Be True (Ire) out of a stakes-winning sibling of G1 Epsom Oaks and G1 Preis der Diana heroine Dancing Rain (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}), from a family which also features MG1SW sire Dr Devious (Ire) (Ahonoora {GB}). Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $12,854. Click for the Racing Post result or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.
O-Derrick Smith, Susan Magnier & Michael Tabor; B-Orpendale, Chelston & Wynatt (JPN); T-Aidan O'Brien.
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