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. Saturday's Observations features a Wootton Bassett (GB) half-brother to standout fillies Tenebrism (Caravaggio) and Statuette (Justify).
13.20 Curragh, Mdn, €25,000, 2yo, c/g, 6fT
HENRI MATISSE (IRE) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) injects instant spark into an already talent-stacked Curragh card as the sixth foal out of the G1 Coronation S. and G1 Prix Jacques le Marois heroine Immortal Verse (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}). Ballydoyle's newcomer, who is therefore a half-brother to the G1 Cheveley Park S. and G1 Prix Jean Prat winner Tenebrism (Caravaggio) and G2 Airlie Stud S. scorer Statuette (Justify), is joined by the stable's $1.25-million Keeneland September purchase Gun Carriage (Gun Runner), while in opposition is the Michael O'Callaghan-trained Red Evolution (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), a 300,000gns Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up graduate who is a half-brother to the day's leading Irish Guineas protagonist River Tiber (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}).
17.25 Curragh, Mdn, €20,000, 3yo, c/g, 10fT
JAN BRUEGHEL (IRE) (Galileo {Ire}) is the icing on the cake at the end of a thrilling card, being a full-brother to the shock G1 Irish Derby hero Sovereign (Ire) and smart stayer Dawn Rising (Ire). Entered in that course Classic, as well as Royal Ascot's G2 King Edward VII S., Ballydoyle's newcomer has ground to make up on his peers at this stage but has the pedigree to do so.
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