Written by Paul Vettise
Godolphin’s Alcyone (Teofilo {Ire}) is bred to star over middle distances and he demonstrated at Flemington that he is on target to fulfil his potential as a spring staying 3-year-old.
The lightly-tried Alcyone rounded out his juvenile campaign with a strong performance to claim the Byerley H. on Saturday and a race that offered the winner ballot exemption in the G1 VRC Derby.
Trained by James Cummings, Alcyone is a son of the former top-quality performer Purple (Commands), who won the G1 Queensland Oaks and G1 Storm Queen S.
With the G3 Canterbury Cup winner Estimable (NZ) (Balmerino {NZ}) and the G2 Chairman’s H. winner Fooram (NZ) (Maroof {USA}) also family members, Alcyone has the pedigree to boost confidence in his Classic prospects.
“All credit to James and his team for the way they have prepared the horse for a race like this,” stable representative Sean Keogh said. “He’s a little bit on the green side still, but he was tough enough to win.”
“He’s a little bit on the green side still, but he was tough enough to win.” – Sean Keogh
Alcyone was given a fine ride by John Allen and they settled in third spot and one off the fence until the field approached the home turn.
Allen peeled out three wide and the colt strode to the front 350 metres from home and stayed on strongly to deny Johnny Gets Angry (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}), and Shadow Prey (Crackerjack King {Ire}) made good ground from the tail for third.
“We’re dealing with a big, raw colt at the moment. He’s well-bred and will mature into a nice 3-year-old,” Keogh said.
“With the racing he has had, he’s due for a break and we’ll get him back and iron a few things out.”
“With the racing he has had, he’s due for a break and we’ll get him back and iron a few things out.” – Sean Keogh
Alcyone was making his fourth appearance of his preparation, which opened with a runner-up finish at Ballarat.
He was unplaced at Flemington before finishing second in the Listed Gibson Carmichael S. over 1600 metres.
The way the colt handled an extra 200 metres in the Byerley, and with natural improvement to come, he looks an exciting Derby prospect.
Teofilo (Ire), sire of Alcyone | Standing at Darley Europe
His stablemate Choir (Teofilo {Ire}), who was making his third appearance off the back of two minor placings both at Ballarat, also pleased the stable with his effort for fourth on Saturday.
“He’s another colt by Teofilo and he raced beautifully. He showed he is a city-class horse and he was just found a bit wanting late and a bit over 3l from the winner so we’re very happy with him as well,” Keogh said.
Choir boasts a much sharper pedigree as a half-brother to the G1 ATC Sires’ Produce S. winner and G1 Golden Slipper placegetter Microphone, who will stand his first season at Darley in 2020.
