By Heather Anderson
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. Thursday's Insights features a daughter of G1 Irish Oaks heroine Chicquita (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}).
5.45 Leopardstown, Mdn, €17,500, 2yo, f, 7f 25yT
SECRET THOUGHTS (War Front) is one of two high-profile debutantes for Ballydoyle in this race won by the stable's subsequent G1 Irish Oaks heroine Bracelet (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}) and last year by September (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}). She is the first foal out of this establishment's Chicquita (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}), a winner of that Curragh Classic herself whose half-sister Magic Wand (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) recently won the Listed Cheshire Oaks. Joining her is Fire Fly (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), a full-sister to the G1 Irish 2000 Guineas third and G2 Superlative S. winner Gustav Klimt (Ire) and other top-level performers Mars (Ire) and Nayarra (Ire) (Cape Cross {Ire}).
5.55 Sandown, Cond, £7,000, 2yo, f, 5f 10yT
HEARTWARMING (GB) (Showcasing {GB}) runs in the colours of Hot To Trot Racing, who will be hoping that lightning can strike twice after their G2 Queen Mary S. success with this newcomer's half-sister Heartache (GB) (Kyllachy {GB}) last year. Clive Cox introduces her in a contest full of potential talent including Cheveley Park Stud's Vivionn (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), a 500,000gns TAOCT RNA who is a full-sister to the recet G3 Sandown Classic Trial runner-up Ispolini (GB) and half to the useful Playful Sound (GB) (Street Cry {Ire}). From the excellent middle-distance family of Nathaniel (Ire), it is fascinating that Sir Michael Stoute starts her over this trip which is much too sharp on pedigree.
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