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. Wednesday's Observations features a full-brother to Niarchos start Alpha Centauri (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}).
1.20 Leopardstown, Mdn, €16,500, 2yo, f, 6f 171yT
DISCOVERIES (IRE) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) is the latest progeny out of the Niarchos Family's remarkable Alpha Lupi (Ire) (Rahy), which makes her a full-sister to the accomplished Alpha Centauri (Ire) and a half to last year's G1 Coronation S. heroine Alpine Star (Ire) (Sea the Moon {Ger}). Jessie Harrington also has charge of this April-foaled bay, who is up against it on debut in a hot contest against some experienced peers with smart form and also Ballydoyle's unraced Madonnadelrosario (Ire) (Caravaggio), a half-sister to the G1 Prix Morny and G2 Coventry S.-winning sire The Wow Signal (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}).
8.00 Chelmsford City, Novice, £9,050, 3yo/up, f/m, 10f (AWT)
SEA EMPRESS (IRE) (Sea the Stars {Ire}) takes a step down following her disappointing effort when sixth in last month's Listed Haras de Bouquetot Fillies' Trial S. trialling for Epsom. Long held in high regard by William Haggas, the Tsui family's relative of Buratino (Ire) (Exceed and Excel {Aus}) beat the Oaks-bound Teona (Ire) (Sea the Stars {Ire}) on her only other start at Newcastle in October and needs to get back on track against some newcomers with boutique pedigrees. Two are from John and Thady Gosden's stable and they are Bjorn Nielsen's Flaunt (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), a half-sister to Coolmore's celebrated Lillie Langtry (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}), and Qatar Racing's Future (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), a 800,000gns Book 1 half-sister to the luminaries by Camelot (GB) Latrobe (Ire) and Pink Dogwood (Ire).
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