By Sean Cronin
Coolmore's G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains and G1 Sussex S. hero The Gurkha (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), who operated at an initial fee of €25,000, became the latest European freshman sire off the mark when Aidan O'Brien trainee Finest (Ire) graduated in Friday's Well Done To All Frontline Staff From Limerick Racecourse Fillies Maiden at Limerick.
1st-Limerick, €11,000, Mdn, 7-17, 2yo, f, 6f 150yT, 1:25.45, gd.
FINEST (IRE) (f, 2, The Gurkha {Ire}–Pearl Grey {GB} {SW & GSP-Eng}, by Gone West) was caught out by the intricacies of Bellewstown when fifth going one mile there last month and tanked to the front after the initial strides of this fourth start. Comfortable in front for the most part, the 15-2 chance was punched along passing the quarter-mile marker and came under a drive inside the final 100 yards to bravely hold the late charge of Amber Kite (Ire) (New Bay {GB}) by a nose, becoming the first winner for her freshman sire (by Galileo {Ire}). “She did that well from an outside draw and I got it a little bit easy in front,” admitted winning rider Wayne Lordan. “She tried and battled well and the line came in time.” Full-sister to a yearling colt, Finest is the sixth scorer produced by Listed Empress S. victress and G2 Cherry Hinton S. runner-up Pearl Grey (GB) (Gone West). Her dam is a herself kin to G3 Prix de Ris-Orangis victor Time Prisoner (Elusive Quality) and to the dam of G3 Superior Mile winner Balty Boys (Ire) (Cape Cross {Ire}). Sales history: €250,000 Ylg '19 ARAUG. Lifetime Record: 4-1-0-1, $10,595.
O-Derrick Smith, Susan Magnier & Michael Tabor; B-Lynch Bages Ltd (IRE); T-Aidan O'Brien.
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