Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred 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 pricy auction grad.
16.10 Kempton, Nov, £6,800, 2yo, f, 7f (AWT)
Shadwell's ALFAREQA (GB) (Frankel {GB}) is an Owen Burrows-trained daughter of G1 Cheveley Park Stakes victrix Millisle (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) and was the top-priced filly when knocked down for 1.6-million guineas at last year's October Book 1 sale. She faces a baker's dozen in this unveiling, including The Thoroughbred Corporation's Sand Gazelle (GB) (Frankel {GB}), a 425,000gns October Book 1 graduate out of a half-sister to G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe heroine Bluestocking (GB) (Camelot {GB}), representing Team Gosden; and the once-raced Andrew Balding trainee Thaisa (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), who is a half-sister to the stable's ill-fated five-time Group 2 winner Beat The Bank (GB) (Paco Boy {Ire}).
12.20 Lingfield, Nov, £6,300, 2yo, f, 8f 1y (AWT)
Lord Lloyd-Webber's homebred JOYFUL SOUND (GB) (Masar {Ire}) is the penultimate foal out of stellar producer Claba Di San Jore (Ire) (Barathea {Ire}) and encounters seven rivals in this debut for the Ed Walker yard. The February-foaled chestnut is a half-sister to Group 1 winners Crackerjack King (Ire) (Shamardal), Awelmarduk (Ire) (Almutawakel {GB}) and Jakkalberry (Ire) (Storming Home {GB}) and to stakes-winning G2 Oaks d'Italia runner-up Joyful Hope (GB) (Shamardal)
17.40 Kempton, Nov, £6,800, 2yo, 8f (AWT)
Rockcliffe Stud homebred KOMODO ISLAND (GB) (Frankel {GB}), another notable newcomer for the Ed Walker yard, is a full-brother to G1 Falmouth Stakes heroine Snow Lantern (GB) out of four-time Group 1 winner Sky Lantern (Ire) (Red Clubs {Ire}). Rivals include Cayton Park Stud's King Of Narnia (GB) (Kingman {GB}), who is a half-brother to four stakes performers headed by multiple Group 1-winning dual South African champion Oh Susanna (Aus) (Street Cry {Ire}) and the dual Group 1-placed Signore Fox (Aus) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}), representing John and Thady Gosden; and fellow debutant Shipshape (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), who is a 105,000gns Book 2 half-brother to the multiple Group 1-placed dual Group winner Swingalong (Ire) (Showcasing {GB}), from the Ralph Beckett stable.
18.10 Kempton, Nov, £6,800, 2yo, 8f (AWT)
Nat Rothschild's unraced NOBLE HORIZON (GB) (Kingman {GB}), is a homebred half-brother to three stakes performers out of G1 Irish Oaks heroine Great Heavens (GB) (Galileo {Ire}), herself a daughter of storied blue hen Magnificient Style (Silver Hawk). The William Haggas trainee encounters one dozen rivals headed by Juddmonte's Modernise (GB) (Frankel {GB}), who is a Harry Charlton-trained half-brother to the dual Grade I-placed Grand Jete (GB) (Dansili {GB}); and Godolphin's 400,000gns Book 1 graduate King's Norton (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), who is a gelded son of G1 1000 Guineas and G1 Sun Chariot Stakes heroine Billesdon Brook (GB) (Champs Elysees {GB}), from the Charlie Appleby nursery.
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