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 half-sister to Group 1 winner Tenebrism (Caravaggio).
1.05 Navan, Mdn, €16,000, 2yo, f, 5f 162yT
STATUETTE (Justify) is the fifth foal out of the G1 Coronation S. and G1 Prix Jacques le Marois heroine Immortal Verse (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}), making her a half-sister to last year's G1 Cheveley Park S. winner Tenebrism (Caravaggio). Coolmore, Westerberg and Merriebelle Stables' March-foaled chestnut is joined by fellow Ballydoyle trainee Unless (Justify), another by the Triple Crown winner and the first foal out of another Cheveley Park heroine in Clemmie (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). They will have to be smart to deal with Amo Coutinho Partnership's Curragh runner-up 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.
1.40 Navan, Mdn, €16,500, 2yo, 5fT
AGE OF KINGS (IRE) (Kingman {GB}), the 1.1-million gns Book 1 graduate who went down by a whisker on debut at Naas earlier this month, appears to have things easier in this maiden won three years ago by the G2 July S.-winning sire Royal Lytham (Fr) (Gleneagles {Ire}). Like him, Westerberg, Magnier, Tabor, Smith and Brant's son of the G2 May Hill S. winner Turret Rocks (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) bears the Ballydoyle standard and after such a promising debut it is anybody's guess what he can achieve.
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