Storm the Stars Wins Voltigeur Thriller

Rebounding from a slightly disappointing third behind the undefeated Erupt (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) when last seen in the G1 Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp July 14, the G1 Epsom Derby third and G1 Irish Derby runner-up Storm the Stars had to survive a lengthy stewards’ inquiry to secure a career-best success in this St Leger prep.

Thriving on a busy spring and summer campaign, the bay jumped from a second in the 12-furlong G3 Chester Vase May 7 to a win in Goodwood’s Listed Cocked Hat S. over a furlong shorter 15 days later before re-emerging on the first Saturday in June to complete the trifecta eight lengths behind Golden Horn (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}) in the blue riband. Five lengths second to the Epsom runner-up Jack Hobbs (GB) (Halling) in the Irish equivalent at The Curragh three weeks later, he was brushed aside too easily for it to be his true form when third in the Grand Prix de Paris and so was made to freshen up in the interim period of almost five weeks.

Sent to the lead initially by Pat Cosgrave before settling in second behind Medrano (GB) (Archipenko), he was left in front again three furlongs out and veered steadily towards the stand’s rail as he ground on with his main rivals snapping at his heels. Opting to then drift left across to the far side and carry Bondi Beach with him, he bumped that rival in the process, but was always holding the Ballydoyle challenger at bay and was therefore allowed to keep it by the officials. Both the front two drew clear late on to advertise their credentials for the G1 St Leger at Doncaster Sept. 12, which is a race the winner’s Yorkshire-born trainer William Haggas covets.

“He’s a very tough, hardy resilient horse and they often lug to the left on this track, as the bend turns into the left–it’s like Windsor in that respect,” his trainer explained. “He’s tough and hardy, has done extremely well and bounced back very well, so that should put him spot on [for the St Leger], not so much physically as mentally. It’s 3 1/2 weeks to the Leger now and whether he will stay the extra two furlongs, I don’t know. He won’t have to attack so early, though, which is one thing. It will be a different type of race, run at a different pace. I knew beforehand that Aidan liked his a lot, so we will probably see a lot of him again. Whatever happens in the Leger, he’s had a fantastic year. He’s done us proud and I think there’s every chance he will stay in training next season.”

Bondi Beach’s rider Joseph O’Brien claimed to the stewards that the bump he received cost him the race and connections are set to pitch him back in against Storm the Stars at Doncaster.

“He’s run a good race. You would have to say he would be our number one Leger horse now,” part-owner Michael Tabor commented.

Love Me Only, an unraced half-sister Giant’s Causeway, is represented by 2-year-old Bridegroom (Distorted Humor), was barren to Smart Strike last year and produced a filly by the late Lane’s End stallion this past Valentine’s Day. She was mated to Speightstown this breeding season.

Wednesday, York, Britain
BETWAY GREAT VOLTIGEUR S.-G2, £173,400, YOR, 8-19, 3yo, c/g, 12fT, 2:30.30, g/s.
1–@STORM THE STARS, 126, c, 3, by Sea the Stars (Ire)
1st Dam: Love Me Only (Ire), by Sadler’s Wells
2nd Dam: Mariah’s Storm, by Rahy
3rd Dam: Immense, by Roberto
($150,000 RNA Ylg ‘13 KEESEP). O-Sheikh Juma Dalmook Al Maktoum; B-Summer Wind Farm (KY); T-William Haggas; J-Pat Cosgrave. £98,335. Lifetime Record: G1SP-Eng, Fr & Ire, 10-3-4-2, $800,356. Werk Nick Rating: A+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.

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2–Bondi Beach (Ire), 126, c, 3, Galileo (Ire)–One Moment In Time (Ire), by Danehill. O-Derrick Smith, Susan Magnier & Michael Tabor; B-One Moment In Time Syndicate (IRE); T-Aidan O’Brien. £37,281.
3–Giovanni Canaletto (Ire), 126, c, 3, Galileo (Ire)–Love Me True, by Kingmambo. O-Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Susan Magnier; B-Southern Bloodstock (IRE); T-Aidan O’Brien. £18,658.
Margins: HF, 4HF, NK. Odds: 3.00, 2.75, 6.50.
Also Ran: Tashaar (Ire), Medrano (GB), Balios (Ire), Aloft (Ire). Click for the Racing Post result, the brisnet.com PPs or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.