By Tom Frary
There was a strong vibe about Ballydoyle's Johannes Brahms (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}–Illaunmore, by Shamardal) ahead of Saturday's six-furlong Irish Stallion Farms EBF Race at Naas and he did not disappoint to show distinct promise and earn TDN Rising Star status. Jumping smartly under Seamie Heffernan to race on the front end, the 5-6 favourite was kept company by the Ger Lyons-trained fellow newcomer Tourist (GB) (Zoustar {Aus}) and was briefly headed inside the two. Battling against the rail, the 200,000gns Book 1 purchase who races for Coolmore, Westerberg and Brant eked out a half-length success.
“I'd say they are two nice colts and I'd like to own either,” the winning rider said. “He was sleepy and green going to the start, is quick and is going to get quicker. When they are strong like this they can go to Ascot.” Stable representative Chris Armstrong added of the bay, whose sire's eight TDN Rising Stars include the G1 Moyglare Stud S. winner Tahiyra (Ire), “He's a smashing colt, he's got plenty of size about him and has a lot of class and speed. He showed a bit of greenness throughout, at home they haven't been off the bridle, and they penny hasn't dropped with this fella yet.”
“There is a lot to like about him,” Armstrong continued. “Seamus thought he had plenty of gears for a horse his size and he cruises very well. We'll try and get one more run into him before Ascot and he's one to look forward to. We thought that trip might have been his minimum but Seamus said he's versatile, five or six and he can go up further. From the three home he was never really travelling, he was a bit lost, but once Seamus got him gathered up he found the line well and kept stretching out. Once the penny drops, he should be lovely at any trip.”
Johannes Brahms (Siyouni) shows ability and no little tenacity on debut to make a winning start for Seamie Heffernan and Aidan O'Brien at @NaasRacecourse 🏇 pic.twitter.com/1d8eBET1w9
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) May 6, 2023
Johannes Brahms becomes the second winner from as many runners and foals of racing age for the
Listed Prix de la Pepiniere and Listed Prix Urban Sea-placed Illaunmore, the leading performer out of the G3 Albany S.-placed Illaunglass (Ire) (Red Clubs {Ire}). She is in turn kin to the Listed Heron S. winner and G1 Criterium International-placed Redolent (Ire) (Redback {GB}) and to the listed scorer and G3 Summer S. third Pepita (Ire) (Sir Prancealot {Ire}). Also related to the G1 Flying Five runner-up Son Of Rest (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) and the G1 Irish 1000 Guineas heroine Forest Flower (Green Forest), Illaunmore's yearling filly is by Camelot (GB).
3rd-Naas, €22,000, Cond, 5-6, 2yo, 5f 205yT, 1:13.90, g/y.
JOHANNES BRAHMS (GB), c, 2, by Siyouni (Fr)
1st Dam: Illaunmore (MSP-Fr), by Shamardal
2nd Dam: Illaunglass (Ire), by Red Clubs (Ire)
3rd Dam: Esterlina (Ire), by Highest Honor (Fr)
(200,000gns Ylg '22 TATOCT). Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $14,545. O-Tabor/Smith/Magnier/Westerberg/Brant; B-Chasemore Farm (GB); T-Aidan O'Brien. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
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