Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Friday's Observations features a Tattersalls October Book 1 millionaire.
17.45 Newmarket, Mdn, £9,000, 2yo, 8fT
Godolphin's hitherto untried ARABIAN POET (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), one of two entries from Charlie Appleby's local nursery, made a mark when purchased for the round one million at last year's Tattersalls October Book 1 sale and is one of nine set to line up for no ordinary maiden. This contest's roll of honour is awash with future Group 1 winners and includes Motivator (GB) and Frankel (GB), who earned their 'TDN Rising Star' stripes in this straight one-mile heat, as well as the ill-fated duo Roaring Lion and Coroebus (Ire). Bred by Newsells Park Stud, the May-foaled bay's five black-type siblings include multiple Group 1 winners Japan (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) and Mogul (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) and the Group 2-winning G1 Oaks and G1 Preis der Diana runner-up Secret Gesture (GB) (Galileo {Ire}). Opposition features Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum's fellow debutant King Of Cities (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), who is a Richard Hannon-trained homebred son of G1 Prix Jean Romanet victrix Ajman Princess (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) and thus a half-brother to this term's G1 Commonwealth Cup hero Inisherin (GB) (Shamardal); and Coolmore's once-raced Leopardstown maiden third Scandinavia (Justify), who is a half-brother to G1 Prix Saint-Alary victrix Above The Curve (American Pharoah), representing the Aidan O'Brien-Tom Marquand axis.
15.15 Newbury, Mdn, £12,000, 2yo, 8fT
Aidan O'Brien remains on a scouting mission for opportunities abroad and saddles G1 Dewhurst Stakes nominee ISAMBARD BRUNEL (Justify) in a contest won last year by this term's G3 Hampton Court Stakes and G2 York Stakes runner-up King's Gambit (Ire) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}). Coolmore's February-foaled newcomer is the sixth foal out of G3 Weld Park Stakes victrix and G1 Moyglare Stud Stakes fourth Magical Dream (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), herself a full-sister to connections' Breeders' Cup Turf and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe heroine Found (Ire). His rivals include Godolphin's €650,000 Goffs Orby acquisition King's Charter (Ire) (Kingman {GB}), who first went through the ring as a €550,000 Goffs November foal and is kin to four black-type performers headed by G1 Moyglare Stud Stakes victrix Skitter Scatter (Scat Daddy). The Charlie Appleby trainee has vital experience and will head postward coming back off an eyecatching debut third over Sandown's seven furlongs at the end of last month.
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