5th-GOO, £25,000, Mdn, 7-28, 2yo, f, 7fT, 1:27.72, g/f.
RHODODENDRON (IRE) (f, 2, Galileo {Ire}–Halfway to Heaven {Ire} {MG1SW-Eng, G1SW-Ire & G1SP-Fr, $941,139}, by Pivotal {GB}), a promising second in a decent maiden at The Curragh on debut last time June 24, settled in sixth for most of this second try at seven furlongs. Coming under pressure approaching the final quarter mile, the well-backed 10-11 favourite launched her bid passing the eighth pole and kept on powerfully under minimal urging in the closing stages to score by an impressive 1 3/4 lengths from Amabilis (GB) (Champs Elysees {GB}). “Ryan [Moore] said it felt like she hadn't had much of a race,2 said J P Magnier, son of co-owner Susan Magnier, “There's plenty of improvement in her and it's amazing what Galileo has been doing over the past few weeks. We'll take her back to Ireland and there's plenty of options for her there. I didn't see her goose-stepping around the paddock, but Zenyatta used to do it so hopefully that's a good omen.” Out of MG1SW G1 Irish 1000 Guineas heroine Halfway to Heaven (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}), the bay is a full-sister to a yearling filly and G3 International S. winner Flying the Flag (Ire). She shares her MGSW granddam Cassandra Go (Ire) (Indian Ridge {Ire}), who also ran second in the G1 July Cup, with last term's GI Rodeo Drive S. victress Photo Call (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). Lifetime Record: 2-1-1-0, $24,942. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.
O-Susan Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith; B-Orpendale, Chelston & Wynatt (IRE); T-Aidan O'Brien.
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