By Tom Frary
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. Friday's Observations feature the debut of a half-sister to a Classic winner.
14.00 Chantilly, Mdn, €27,000, unraced 3yo, f, 10fT
THE PLANETS (IRE) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) is a half-sister to the G1 Prix du Jockey Club-winning sire Study Of Man (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), who debuts for the Andre Fabre stable in the famed Niarchos silks. The granddaughter of Miesque (Nureyev) is met by Al Shira'aa Farms' Caelestis (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), a 1.25-million guineas Tattersalls Book 1 half-sister to MG1SW sire Waldgeist (GB) (Galileo {Ire}), who accounted for Study Of Man in the 2019 G1 Prix Ganay. Other contenders of note include Princess Zahra Aga Khan's Marindja (Fr) (Zarak {Ire}), who is a daughter of three-time Group 1 heroine Mandesha (Fr) (Desert Style {Ire}); Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum's Lady's Slippers (Fr) (Frankel {GB}), who is a half-sister to G1 Prix Marcel Boussac victrix Lily's Candle (Fr) (Style Vendome {Fr}); and Alex Pantall representative Jalapao (Ire) (The Grey Gatsby {Ire}), who is a half-sister to last term's G1 Prix de Diane runner-up and G1 Prix Vermeille third La Parisienne (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}).
12.40 Chantilly, Mdn, €27,000, unraced 3yo, c/g, 10fT
Haras de Treli's homebred GOT LAND (FR) (Shalaa {Ire}), a half-brother to November's G1 Melbourne Cup hero Gold Trip (Fr) (Outstrip {GB}), encounters nine rivals in this newcomers' heat. They include His Highness The Aga Khan's Saghany (Fr) (Harzand {Ire}), who is a gelded half to G3 Prix du Pin victrix and G1 Prix Rothschild runner-up Sagamiyra (Fr) (Sea The Moon {Ger}).
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