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 Insights features a half-sister to the well-regarded Nostrum.
14.05 Newmarket, Novice, £8,000, 2yo, f, 7fT
IMITATE (GB) (Frankel {GB}) is the eighth foal out of the listed-winning Mirror Lake (GB) (Dubai Destination), whose colt Nostrum (GB) (Kingman {GB}) is one of the better 3-year-olds in training. Also a half to the dual group winner and Group 1-placed Imaging (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), the March-foaled Juddmonte homebred is like Nostrum under the care of Sir Michael Stoute. Her peers include fellow newcomer Meribella (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), David Aykroyd's 350,000gns Tatts December Foal Sale graduate and Ralph Beckett trainee whose dam is a half to the former Stoute-trained star Poet's Word (Ire) (Poet's Voice {GB}).
HOW THEY FARED
18.55 Leopardstown, Listed, €40,000, 3yo, 14fT
Alexandroupolis (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), the TDN Rising Star who was returning in this Listed Vinnie Roe S. from a lay-off third having been third in the G3 Ballysax S. in April, was disappointing again and beat only one home in sixth.
16.35 Leopardstown, Mdn, €16,000, 2yo, f, 7fT
Ezeliya (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}), the daughter of the G1 Irish Oaks, G1 Yorkshire Oaks and G1 Hong Kong Vase-placed Eziyra (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), looked in need of the experience as she stayed on into a non-threatening fourth behind the impressive winner.
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