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. Today's Observations features the top lot of the 2019 Goffs November Foal Sale.
13.10 Newmarket, Mdn, £10,000, 2yo, 8fT
Godolphin's hitherto unraced AL NAFIR (IRE) (Dubawi {Ire}), a Charlie Appleby trainee, topped the sheets when knocked down for €1.2-million at Goffs's 2019 November Foal Sale and is a son of G1 Irish 1000 Guineas heroine Nightime (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). He is thus a full-brother to MG1SW sire Ghaiyyath (Ire) and a half to GI Man O' War S. heroine Zhukova (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}). Rivals to the March-foaled chestnut include the Richard Hannon-trained Duelist (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), a once-raced half-brother to G1 1000 Guineas and G1 Sun Chariot S. heroine Billesdon Brook (GB) (Champs Elysees {GB}), who comes back off a debut fifth at Goodwood in August.
15.30 Newmarket, Mdn, £10,000, 2yo, 7fT
Westerberg and Coolmore's FIRST OFFICER (IRE) (Galileo {Ire}), a full-brother to G3 Give Thanks S. victrix Sizzling (Ire), is out of a half-sister to MGISW sire Court Vision (Gulch) and opens up for the in-form Roger Varian team here. Opposition features Sheikh Juma Dalmook Al Maktoum's fellow newcomer Al Mubhir (GB) (Frankel {GB}), who is a William Haggas-trained son of G1 Jebel Hatta third Muffri'ha (Ire) (Iffraaj {GB}).
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