The Asian Bloodstock Review – blueblood adds another Group 1 to prodigious pedigree

Cover image courtesy of JRA photo

As far as pedigrees go, they don’t come much better than that of Geraldina (Jpn) – the winner of Sunday’s G1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Hanshin in Japan.

The Takashi Saito-trained Geraldina is by Maurice (Jpn) – a six-time Group 1 champion, from Gentildonna (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) – a seven-time victress in top company. Maurice and Gentildonna also combined for three Japan Horse of the Year crowns, with the former taking the title in in 2015 after the latter did so in 2012 and 2014.

After jumping from the outside gate under star Italian jockey Cristian Demuro, Geraldina notched her first elite-level victory by 1.75l in a time of 2:13.0.

And while she may have a long way to emulate the deeds of her parents, Demuro is confident she has a very bright future.

“Gentildonna was a good filly and I think Geraldina can be like her dam,” the Italian said.

Gentildonna is one of the all-time greats, having won the G1 Japan Cup on two occasions, as well as the G1 Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks) and the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic.

She is the second foal out of Donna Blini (GB) (Bertolini {USA}), who won two stakes races, before Katsumi Yoshida paid 500,000gns ($1,513,800) for her at the Tattersalls sale in 2005.

Prior to foaling Gentildonna in 2009, Donna Blini produced Donau Blue (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), who went on to win twice in stakes grade.

Geraldina is the most accomplished of Gentildonna’s progeny, improving her record to six wins and four minor placings from 16 starts.

“The filly was travelling very well in the last corner, came out and gave a good turn of foot.

“The last time when she won (the G2 Sankei Sho All Comers S.), it was a good race, so I was pretty confident with her,” Demuro added.

Geraldina, who has a yearling sister on the ground, is the fourth Group 1 winner for Maurice and his second in Japan, joining Sprinters’ S. successor Pixie Knight (Jpn). Maurice has sired two Group 1 winners in Australia, where he shuttles to Arrowfield Stud, they being Victoria and AJC Derby hero Hitotsu and Doomben 10,000 victor Mazu.

Son of Capitalist simply Superb

The feature race on Saturday’s card at Sha Tin may have been the Class 1 The Panasonic Cup, but it was the winner of Race 1 – a 1200-metre Class 4 - that set tongues wagging.

The Tony Cruz-trained Superb Capitalist (Capitalist) had been well-spruiked ahead of his debut after showing plenty of speed at the trials, and, consequently, he was sent off a short-priced favourite.

With Angus Chung in the saddle, Superb Capitalist made all, dashing clear in the straight to register a stunning 4.5l victory in 1:08.42, which is quicker than the time Group 2 winner and Group 1 runner-up California Spangle (Ire) (Starspangledbanner) clocked when he first won over the Sha Tin 1200 metres in July 2021 and just outside Master Eight’s (Oamaru Force) Class 4 record of 1:08.42.

“He’s got ability. He’s a young and improving horse and I’m very keen to run him at this course and distance. I think with the 10-pound claim really helped him run the time he did today (Saturday),” Cruz said post-race.

Chung added: “He’s a good horse. I expected him to win. I was pretty confident before the race. I think he can do a bit more in the future.”

Interestingly, Superb Capitalist became the first Hong Kong winner for Newgate Farm resident Capitalist, who was Australia’s Leading Second Season Sire by Winners in 2021/22.

Superb Capitalist was offered by Element Hill at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, where Cham Kuen Li/Golden River Investments paid $340,000 for him.

The gelding is from a very strong female family, with his grandam, Pravana (Anabaa {USA}), being a Listed winner, while his third dam, Pravda (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}), won at Group 2 level and also produced Group 3 victor The Good Fight (NZ) (High Chaparral {Ire}).

Son of Sooboog on debut

Later, another first starter Dragon’s Luck, recoded a similarly impressive performance, with the Douglas Whyte-trained son of Sooboog landing a plunge in Race 3 – a Class 4 over 1200 metres.

Handled by Lyle Hewitson, the 4-year-old rode the speed and skipped away over the final 200 metres to score by 2l in 1:09.08.

“He’s really done everything right at home. He’s had the three trials and he's progressively improved every time. He’s a thorough professional. Today (Saturday) we had a bit of an ordinary gate but he seemed to overcome that. Good horses can do that,” Whyte said.

“He’s very immature, I’ve taken my time with him. He’s very aware of everything around him; but the good thing, he digests it and he's able to accept it. I like horses with a bit of fiery attitude in them, that’s what makes a champion.”

Dragon’s Luck was consigned to the Kitchwin Hills draft at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale Highway Session in 2020. There, he was bought by South Australian trainer Michael Hickmott for $120,000, before being purchased by Hong Kong interests.

He is a brother to Nick Ryan’s talented 3-year-old Port Albert, who has placed in Listed company.

Tavistock gelding delivers for Purton, Hall

The David Hall-trained Beluga (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) notched the biggest win of his career when he claimed a narrow victory in the Class 1 The Panasonic Cup.

Beluga, who was bought out of the Riversley Park draft at the 2018 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale, was driven to the line by Champion Jockey Zac Purton.

“He’s been a great advertisement for the stable, I bought him out of the Ready to Run Sale myself. To see him get to this level and be able to pull that race off today, it was a very good win for the stable,” Hall said.

Beluga is closely related to Group 3 winner Cassini (Reset) and his third dam is Group 1 heroine True Devotion (Beau Sovereign {NZ}).