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 Observations features a seven-figure sales graduate.
14.40 Sandown, Mdn, £10,000, 2yo, 7fT
Godolphin's RULING COURT (Justify) caused a stir when realising a whopping €2.3-million at this year's Arqana Breeze-Up sale and makes his eagerly awaited debut in a contest won in recent years by Arabian Crown (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}), Nostrum (GB) (Kingman {GB}) and Kameko (Kitten's Joy). The Charlie Appleby trainee, a $150,000 Keeneland September pinhook by Norman Williamson, is out of the Grade III-placed Inchargeofme (GB) (High Chaparral {Ire}) and encounters one dozen opponents in this one-turn test.
14.30 Doncaster, Nov, £6,800, 2yo, 7f 6yT
Wathnan Racing's DAMYSUS (GB) (Frankel {GB}), a 460,000gns Tattersalls October Book 1 acquisition, is kin to a trio of stakes performers produced by G1 Prix Marcel Boussac and G1 Prix de l'Opera third Legerete (Rahy) and is opposed by nine rivals in this debut. They include Victorious Racing's Roger Varian trainee Ride The Thunder (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), himself a 400,000gns Book 1 graduate, who is out of the dual stakes-placed G1 Irish Oaks sixth Stellar Glow (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}).
17.15 Leopardstown, Mdn, €18,000, 2yo, 8fT
Coolmore's DELACROIX (IRE) (Dubawi {Ire}), who possesses a G1 Vincent O'Brien National Stakes entry, is a son of six-time elite-level heroine and dual US champion Tepin (Bernstein) and has Ryan Moore in the plate for this debut. Rivals include his Aidan O'Brien stablemate Scandinavia (Justify), who is a half-brother to G1 Prix Saint-Alary heroine Above The Curve (American Pharoah).
18.20 Leopardstown, Mdn, €25,000, 2yo, f, 7f 57yT
Jessica Harrington trainee PROXIMA CENTAURI (IRE) (Circus Maximus {Ire}), twice scratched from seven-furlong heats at this venue, is the second foal produced by multiple Group 1-winning Irish 1000 Guineas heroine Alpha Centauri (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}). Her 17 rivals include Coolmore's $550,000 Keeneland September yearling Medici Venus (Tiz The Law), who is an Aidan O'Brien-trained half to two black-type performers out of GII Adirondack Stakes third Fully Living (Unbridled's Song).
18.45 Newbury, Mdn, £12,000, 2yo, f, 7fT
Cheveley Park Stud homebred FORMAL (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) is a daughter of G1 Falmouth Stakes heroine Veracious (GB) (Frankel {GB}) and faces a reduced field of seven in this unveiling. Opposition includes Juddmonte's Sir Michael Stoute stablemate Polygram (GB) (Dark Angel {Ire}), who is out of a half-sister to GI Breeders' Cup Mile-winning sire Expert Eye (GB) (Acclamation {GB}).
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
