Moonlight Cloud (GB)

A consequence of massive book sizes is that it has become even harder for a less obvious prospective stallion to break into the elite tier. However, just as many seemingly excellent stallion prospects over the years have failed to make the grade, and there is still scope for a stallion to succeed against the odds, to 'pull himself up by his bootstraps', to join the elite after having started out considerably farther down the ladder. One such has been the admirable Invincible Spirit (Ire), whose retirement from active service at...

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. Sunday's insights features the unveiling of Hantano (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), son of MG1SW Moonlight Cloud (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}). 13.35 Chantilly, Debutantes, €50,000, 2yo, c/g, 5 1/2fT HANTANO (IRE) (Dubawi {Ire}) is a fascinating runner in this intriguing and valuable juvenile opener to the Prix du Jockey Club fixture,...

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 Insights features Sayyida (GB), a half-sister to Derby winner Masar (Ire). 2.00 Gowran Park, Mdn, €15,500, 2yo, f, 8fT EYLARA (IRE) (Gleneagles {Ire}) takes the eye at the end of an emotional week for the Dermot Weld stable, being a half-sister to the talented Eziyra (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire})...

5.15 Compiegne, Debutantes, €20,000, 3yo, 10fT BALTIC GOLD (IRE) (Golden Horn {GB}) is the first foal out of the G1 Prix Vermeille winner Baltic Baroness (Ger) (Shamardal) who debuts for the same Gestut Ammerland-Andre Fabre stable. The January-foaled descendant of the high-class Borgia (Ger) (Acatenango {Ger}) meets a trio of similarly well-connected peers in the fellow colts Scenario (Ger) (Soldier Hollow {GB}), a Waldemar Hickst-trained half-brother to the Group 1 winner Scalo (GB) (Lando {Ger}), and Westward (GB) (Dansili {GB}), George Strawbridge's full-brother to With You (GB) and We Are...

Fast approaching a silver jubilee of time served in the trenches, there remains nothing which acts as such an effective catalyst for in-house discussion and disagreement as our beloved niche, TDN's Rising Stars. "Genius is 1% talent and 99% hard work." So said Einstein. I don't suppose he gave that one a second thought, though his words perfectly illustrate the backstory of notable achievements in almost any sphere. However, for this publication's signature product, there is no small measure of luck required too. "TDN Rising Stars allow readers to identify...