Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-pedigreed horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Today's Observations features a pair of pricey yearlings debuting at Maisons-Laffitte, one by Galileo and another by Dubawi.
12.20 Maisons-Laffitte, Mdn, €27,000, unraced 2yo, 5fT
Henri-Francois Devin trainee NEERAN (GB) (Style Vendome {Fr}) is out of 2010 G3 Meld S. third Bea Remembered (GB) (Doyen {Ire}) and is thus a half-sister to 2015 G1 Criterium International and last term's G1 Prix Jean Prat runner-up Stormy Antarctic (GB) (Stormy Atlantic), who goes for glory in Sunday's G1 Champions Mile at Sha Tin. Opposition to Al Shaqab Racing's homebred bay includes Simon Hope's Sagres (GB) (Henrythenavigator), a Francis-Henri Graffard-trained half-sister to 2011 G2 Prix Robert Papin victor and G1 Prix Morny runner-up Family One (Fr) (Dubai Destination); and Emma Kennedy's Grand Vadrouille (Smart Strike), who is a granddaughter of 2008 G1 Prix Saint-Alary, G1 Prix de Diane and G1 Irish Oaks placegetter Gagnoa (Ire) (Sadler's Wells), from the John Hammond stable.
1.20 Maisons-Laffitte, Mdn, €30,000, unraced 3yo, f, 10fT
RHODALIA (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) is a €310,000 ARAUG half-sister to 2014 G2 Prix Hocquart and 2015 G2 Prix Dollar winner Free Port Lux (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}) out of Royal Highness (Ger) (Monsun {Ger}), who hit the board four times at the highest level before annexing the 2007 GI Beverly D S., and represents Pascal Bary in this unveiling. Her one dozen rivals include White Birch Farm's Pavini (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}), who is a €600,000 GORORB daughter of 2010 G2 Prix de Pomone heroine Peinture Rare (Ire) (Sadler's Wells), representing Alain de Royer-Dupre; her Aga Khan-owned stablemate Calayana (Fr) (Sinndar {Ire}), who is out of a half to 2015 GI Belmont Derby Invitational runner-up Canndal (Fr) (Medicean {GB}); and Godolphin colourbearer Strathspey (GB) (New Approach {Ire}), an Andre Fabre-trained granddaughter of 2003 G1 Prix Vermeille victress Mezzo Soprano (Darshaan {GB}).
2.20 Maisons-Laffitte, Mdn, €30,000, unraced 3yo, c/g, 10fT
VOLFANGO (IRE) (Dutch Art {GB}) debuts for Haras de Saint Pair and trainer Freddy Head in another intriguing contest and stands out as a half-brother to last year's G1 Prix du Moulin hero Vadamos (Fr) (Monsun {Ger}). One of a clutch of notable opponents is Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani's Al Shaman (War Front">War Front), a Mikel Delzangles-trained son of the MGSW and MGISP Communique (Smart Strike) who fetched $600,000 at Keeneland.
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