TDN RISING STARS

August 15, 2013 - LEOPARDSTOWN, Race , Mdn, EUR €15,000, 1m, 18.5500

Free Eagle (Ire), c, 2, 2011 by High Chaparral (Ire)

1st Dam: Polished Gem (Ire), by Danehill
2nd Dam: Trusted Partner, by Affirmed
3rd Dam: Talking Picture, by Speak John

Owner: Moyglare Stud Farm
Breeder: Moyglare Stud Farm Ltd
Trainer: Dermot Weld

The subject of significant support into 11-4 favoritism in this race--won in recent times by Sea the Stars (Ire) and Galileo Rock (Ire) (Galileo {Ire})--which drew an assortment of bluebloods, Free Eagle was quickly into a perfect position against the rail behind the leading duo. Granted a gap at the top of the stretch, the bay was through without hesitation passing the quarter pole and opened up in impressive fashion to register a 5 1/2-length success from Orchestra (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), the immediate relative of Moonstone (GB) (Dalakhani {Ire}), Cerulean Sky (Ire) (Darshaan {GB}) and L'Ancresse (Ire) (Darshaan {GB}). Wexford Town (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), the full-brother to Trading Leather (Ire), was 1 1/4 lengths further back in third. "He did what I expected him to," Dermot Weld commented. "He's a lovely colt and so relaxed. I would expect he'll come out of this well and have one more run this season. That could be in the G2 Beresford S. [at The Curragh Sept. 29] or G1 Racing Post Trophy [at Doncaster Oct. 26]. He's a stayer with speed with the attitude, temperament and confirmation that a good horse needs." The winner is a half to Sapphire (Ire) (Medicean {GB}), Hwt. Older Mare-Ire at 11-14f, MGSW & G1SP-Ire & GSW-Eng, $518,923; and Custom Cut (Ire) (Notnowcato {GB}), GSW-Ire, $132,120. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, €10,350.