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. Sunday's Observations features a daughter of Grade I winner Athena (Ire) (Camelot {GB}).
1.40 Curragh, Mdn, €20,000, 2yo, f, 6fT
NEVER ENDING STORY (IRE) (Dubawi {Ire}) is another significant Ballydoyle newcomer on this important weekend, being the first foal out of the GI Belmont Oaks Invitational winner Athena (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) linked not only to the G1 Irish Oaks heroine Bracelet (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}) but also to the incredible dynasty of Sea the Stars (Ire) and Galileo (Ire). In against the February-foaled bay is Micheal Ryan's Finsceal Go Deo (Ire) (Kingman {GB}), the Jim Bolger-trained daughter of Finsceal Beo (Ire) (Mr. Greeley) who was fourth on debut here in March; Craig Bernick's Aspen Grove (Ire), the first runner in Europe for Justify from the family of Skitter Scatter (Scat Daddy) representing Fozzy Stack; Amo Coutinho Partnership's Olivia Maralda (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), the Michael O'Callaghan trainee who at 460,000gns was the second-highest-priced lot and top-priced filly at the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up Sale; and Eric Long's €210,000 Goffs Orby purchase Zoinnocent (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}), the Joseph O'Brien-trained full-sister to Friday's G3 Gallinule S. winner Hannibal Barca (Ire).
5.20 Curragh, Mdn, €20,000, 3yo, f, 10fT
ENGAGEMENT RING (IRE) (Galileo {Ire}) debuts in the Westerberg silks for Ballydoyle, having cost 850,000gns at the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book 1 Sale. A full-sister to the G1 Irish Derby and G1 St Leger hero Capri (Ire), the April-foaled grey holds an entry in the G1 Irish Oaks.
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