There are two different and converging strands in the name of promising 2-year-old filly Potapova (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}– Safina {GB}, by Pivotal {GB}): tennis memories and Russian themes. The convincing Chelmsford winner is out of Safina, also the family name of the brilliant Dinara Safina, former world number one tennis player, three-times losing finalist in Grand Slam events and sister of U.S. Open champion Marat Safin. Safina the mare is out of champion Russian Rhythm, and there are other glorious Russian names scattered in her female line, like Nijinsky and Nureyev, golden (and meaningfully named) sons of Northern Dancer. A junior winner at Wimbledon in 2016, tennis player Anastasia Potapova is still in her youth and in her promise, just like her Cheveley Park namesake.
2nd-Chelmsford City, £11,000, Nov, 11-26, 2yo, 7f (AWT), 1:25.07, st.
POTAPOVA (GB) (f, 2, Invincible Spirit {Ire}–Safina {GB} {SP-Eng}, by Pivotal {GB}) was restrained to track the pace in third after an alert getaway in this unveiling. Looming large on the bridle soon after turning for home, the 5-1 chance was shaken up for control approaching the final furlong and powered clear under minimal coaxing in the closing stages to easily outclass Natural Value (GB) (Exceed and Excel {Aus}) by an impressive 6 1/2 lengths. She is the sixth foal and winner produced by Listed Sandringham H. third Safina (GB) (Pivotal {GB}), herself the lone black-type performer out of MG1SW European champion Russian Rhythm (Kingmambo). The May-foaled homebred bay is kin to G3 Fred Darling S. victress Marenko (GB) (Exceed and Excel {Aus}), a weanling filly by Dark Angel (Ire) and the dam of G3 Prix Eclipse runner-up Nina Bailarina (GB) (Lope de Vega {Ire}). Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $9,523.
1ST-TIME STARTER. O/B-Cheveley Park Stud Ltd (GB); T-Sir Michael Stoute.
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