TDN RISING STARS

September 16, 2005 - NEWBURY, Race , Cond, GBP £20,250, 1m, 2.4500, gd/fm

Winged Cupid (Ire), C, 2005, by In the Wings (GB)

1st Dam: Sweet Emotion (Ire) ((SP-GB)), by Bering (GB)
2nd Dam: Hiwaayati (GB), by Shadeed
3rd Dam: Alathea (GB), by Lorenzaccio

Owner: Joy & Valentine Feerick
Breeder: Longfield Stud
Trainer: Mark Johnston

Winged Cupid exhibited the bold method of front-running typical of his stable's performers when successful at first asking at Sandown Aug. 11. Sent off the 3-1 crowd's choice in this race won by Shergar (GB), Shahrastani, Rainbow Quest, Unfuwain, King's Theatre (Ire) and Nayef, he steadily rolled his way to the fore throughout the early stages and got to the front before halfway. He was firmly in command in the closing stages and was kept up to his work to beat Shahin (Kingmambo) by a comfortable two-length margin. "I was very impressed with him and he's a laid-back character," jockey Kevin Darley said. "He lobbed down like he'd done it 50 times before, but when the gates opened he was very competitive. It was nice to get a lead and at halfway he took it up and was just doing enough and kept finding every time I asked him. He's a galloper and a grinder, and he's still got to furnish and grow. There were one or two fancied horses there and he's done it well--he's a nice prospect for the future." Winged Cupid was a 9,000gns TATDEC weanling purchase.