Germany
Godolphin's Rebel's Romance annexes Cologne's Preis Von Europa
Adding Sunday's G1 Preis von Europa at Cologne to his G1 Grosser Preis von Berlin victory, Godolphin's Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) upstaged some of Germany's premier performers as William Buick timed it to perfection again. Switched off in rear throughout the early stages, the 13-10 favourite was delivered towards the rail to hit the front inside the final furlong (200 metres) and beat Sammarco (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) by 0.75l, with Amazing Grace (Ger) (Protectionist {Ger}) 2.25l away in third. “He was nice and relaxed and showed at Hoppegarten that he has a turn of foot–it's a long straight here and he's better on faster ground, so he did well.”
Rebel's Romance, captured last year's G2 UAE Derby on the dirt and also took the Listed Fred Archer S. at Newmarket on June 25. He also won Goodwood's G3 Glorious S. on July 29 prior to adding Hoppegarten's Grosser Preis von Berlin to his tally on August 14. He is out of the Listed Height of Fashion S. runner-up Minidress (GB) (Street Cry {Ire}).
Ireland
Starspangledbanner filly makes all for Curragh triumph
Joseph O'Brien trainee Basil Martini (Ire) (Starspangledbanner) was a four-start maiden heading into Sunday's G3 Weld Park S. at the Curragh and returned home with black type and a first win of any kind after making all under Declan McDonogh in the seven-furlong (1400-metre) juvenile fillies' heat.
The 12-1 chance had collected prizemoney in all outings to date and went postward for this stakes debut coming back off a short-head second at Punchestown earlier in the month. Basil Martini, the sharpest of 10 into stride, dictated at a solid tempo until beyond halfway. Rowed along to maintain her advantage approaching the quarter-mile (400-metre) marker, she refused to yield and was driven out inside the final furlong (200 metres) to hold the closing pack by 0.5l in game fashion.
“She generally is quick away and leads and it was a really tough performance,” said O'Brien. “Declan (McDonogh) said she really felt good today, she's a progressive filly and has held her form very well all the way through. For the last furlong-and-a-half (300 metres) I was wondering what was going to come and get her, but she just kept finding. I'd say that is probably it for this season, she is a Group winner now and is a nice filly to look forward to next spring.”
Bo Bromagen: One of '50 To 60′ US agents active at the Orby
If it's international interest Goffs want, that's exactly what they are going to get, according to Bo Bromagen, who revealed that he will be among the 50 to 60 American-based agents who will add to a power-packed buyers' bench at the Orby Sale this week.
For many of those agents, the trip will represent a maiden voyage, but not Bromagen, who has navigated these waters four times in the past and describes the Orby Sale as one of the first dates he pencils into his diary each year.
Bromagen said, “I have been beating the drum about this sale for years. I know there is a lot of American interest and, between Irish Thoroughbred Marketing and Goffs, they have done an incredible job in promoting the Orby and recruiting buyers.
“I think there is a lot of value to be had at the Orby and, over the past few years, I found horses that really suited what I was trying to do for less money than I thought I would have to give. I feel really confident about the horses I buy and at the prices I have to buy them at.”
Bo Bromagen | Image courtesy of Irish Thoroughbred Marketing
He added, “I don't work for ITM or Goffs but I have been telling everyone I know that you can find value at this sale. I would say there are between 50 to 60 American interests coming over this week when, in years past, there would have been about 25 or 30. I don't know if we are going to take over, because the Irish are very strong and there will be other European buyers, but we are going to make a run at it.”
Despite the added competition, Bromagen is confident that there will still be value on offer at Goffs this week.
He said, “Being an international bloodstock agent gives me the opportunity to attend sales like this around the world and, let me tell you, the Orby Sale is at the top of my list every single year.
“Obviously, it depends on the clients that you have, and I know Kenny McPeek went over and spent a million dollars on a Frankel horse last year. I don't have that budget, but no matter what you are looking for, be that price, distance or pedigree, there is value at all levels. That's the beauty of the Orby Sale.”
United States
Kimari runs down Lady Rocket late to win Gallant Bloom
Kimari (USA) (Munnings {USA}) was tuned up for the G1 Breeders' Cup Fillies and Mares' Sprint with an effortless victory in the G2 Gallant Bloom S. at the Belmont at Aqueduct meet on Sunday (local time). The 3-5 favorited sat just off pacesetting Lady Rocket (USA) (Tale Of The Cat {USA}) through an opening quarter-mile (400 metres) in 23.55s. The pacesetter looked to skip away into the home stretch, but Joel Rosario was still motionless aboard Kimari. Rosario flicked his wrists at the favourite and she duly inhaled Lady Rocket and strode clear to the line while under wraps.
“That's what you want to see, right? We were excited and this race set up beautifully for her time-wise to get from here to the Breeders' Cup,” said winning trainer Wesley Ward. “The timing gave her a couple of extra weeks (as opposed to a start in the October 8 G2 Thoroughbred Club of America). She always relishes the time between starts. For her, it should work out perfect. Whether she's good enough, we'll find out.”
