By Heather Anderson
In this series, the TDN takes a look at notable successes of European-based sires in North America. This week's column is highlighted by the victory of Bolshoi Ballet in a the Sword Dancer S. at Saratoga Race Course.
A Song And A Dance At Saratoga
Westerberg, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith's Bolshoi Ballet (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) delivered his second Grade I in the Resorts World Casino Sword Dancer S. at Saratoga on Saturday (video). Successful in the GI Belmont Derby two years previously, the 5-year-old entire won for Aidan O'Brien.
Bred by Lynch-Bages and Rhinestone Bloodstock, the son of Alta Anna (Fr) (Anabaa) is a full-brother to G2 Sandown Classic and G3 Irish St. Leger Trial hero Southern France (Ire), who was also third in the G1 Irish St Leger.
The great Galileo was the stallion linchpin for many years at Coolmore Stud in Ireland and Bolshoi Ballet is one of 99 Grade/Group 1 winners for the deceased son of Sadler's Wells. In the U.S., 64 of his 175 runners (36%) have won, with 27 of them (15%) winning stakes. An outstanding 15 scored at the highest level (8.6%), including three-time top-level winner Cape Blanco (Ire).
Honourable Mention
Grade II winner and 'TDN Rising Star' Carl Spackler (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) continued to pad his resume with a 3 1/2-length score in the GIII Saranac S. at Saratoga for e Five Racing Thoroughbreds and trainer Chad Brown on Friday (video). The son of graded stakes winner Zindaya first featured in Making Waves in February.
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