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 pair of Kingman (GB) colts at Naas.
2.50 Naas, Cond, €22,000, 2yo, 5f 205yT
AGE OF KINGS (IRE) (Kingman {GB}) is the first foal out of the G2 May Hill S. winner Turret Rocks (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) who debuts for Westerberg and Coolmore and Ballydoyle in the race won three years ago by Siskin (First Defence). A 1.1million gns purchase at the Book 1 Sale, the February-foaled bay encounters Flaxman Stables Ireland's Yosemite Valley (GB) (Shamardal), a half-brother to the fellow Donnacha O'Brien-trained G3 Ballysax S. winner Piz Badile (Ire) (Ulysses {Ire}). They will have to be sharp to deal with The Aga Khan's Curragh third Shartash (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), a Johnny Murtagh-trained son of the dual G2 Blandford S. scorer Shamreen (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}).
2.55 Ascot, Novice, £15,000, 2yo, 5fT
NOBLE STYLE (GB) (Kingman {GB}) is another unraced son of the Juddmonte sensation, this time representing Godolphin and Charlie Appleby in the race won 12 months ago by Go Bears Go (Ire) (Kodi Bear {Ire}). A 525,000gns Book 1 graduate, the March-foaled progeny of the Listed Boadicea S. winner Eartha Kitt (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) is up against Amo Racing Limited's fellow newcomer Walbank (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), the 2022 Tattersalls Craven Breeze Up Sale topper also at 525,000gns who represents the David Loughnane stable of last year's winner.
4.35 Naas, Mdn, €12,000, 3yo/up, f/m, 7fT
OPULENT (IRE) (Dubawi {Ire}) is the fourth foal out of the G1 Irish Oaks heroine Bracelet (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}) from the incredible family of Galileo (Ire) and Sea the Stars (Ire) which also boasts Montjeu's Wading (Ire) and her close relative Athena (Ire) (Camelot {GB}). Joseph O'Brien saddles Coolmore and Westerberg's newcomer, who will be tested by Juddmonte's Ezine (GB) (Showcasing {GB}), a Dermot Weld-trained half-sister to Sangarius (GB) (Kingman {GB}) who chased home Tuesday (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) on debut in March.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
