Curragh Debut For Athena's Son Circle Of Life

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Saturday's Observations features a son of a Belmont Oaks heroine.

1.42 Curragh, Debutantes, 2yo, 7fT
CIRCLE OF LIFE (IRE) (Dubawi {Ire}) is a notable newcomer for Ballydoyle in the maiden the stable won with Officer and Continuous in the last three years. Out of the Belmont Oaks winner Athena, he is a full-brother to the dual Group 3 winner and Prix de Diane runner-up Never Ending Story related to the Irish Oaks heroine Bracelet descended from Urban Sea. He is joined by the yard's Ice Dancer (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), a full-brother to this year's Irish Derby runner-up Serious Contender.

 

5.45 Windsor, Novice, 2yo, 6f 12yT
DIVISION (GB) (Kingman {GB}) is an important runner for Wathnan Racing, having cost 800,000gns at Tattersalls October Book 1 by virtue of the fact that he is a full-brother to last year's G2 Lowther Stakes winner Celandine. William Haggas has charge of the Middle Park Stakes entry, whose rivals include Juddmonte's €750,000 Goffs Orby Book 1 purchase Dartrey (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), the Ralph Beckett-trained half-brother to Saffron Beach who starts again having been unsteerable on debut at Chelmsford.