By Sean Cronin
Rehana (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), who had G1 1000 Guineas favourite Rhododendron (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in arrears when breaking through at The Curragh in her second start June 24, was just off the board in last term's Aug. 21 Debutante S.–where that foe gained revenge–and the Sept. 11 G1 Moyglare Stud S., and ran third in Apr. 8 G3 1000 Guineas Trial at Leopardstown on sophomore return last time. She dominated here to punch her ticket to The Curragh's May 28 G1 Irish 1000 Guineas. His Highness The Aga Khan's homebred bay was on her own in front until joined by the year-older Rose de Pierre (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) with just under three furlongs remaining and, coming off the bridle to gain the upper hand on that market rival at the eighth pole, she increased her margin of superiority under mild urging in the closing stages to hit the line with a comfortable advantage. “We said we'd keep it simple with her and the race went according to plan,” said trainer Michael Halford. “It probably wasn't ideal to make the running, but she doesn't mind doing so as she is straight forward. That will do her confidence good, she's had a couple of races against top-class fillies and even her comeback run was good. It's amazing at this time of year if the fillies get their head in front it does a lot for their confidence. Ground is important to her and if she gets her ground she'll take her chance in the [Irish 1000] Guineas. She's so genuine that she handles an ease in it, but you'd have to say she's at her best on good or quicker.”
Rehana is the first black-type winner produced by Rayka (Ire) (Selkirk) and is a half-sister to Listed Corrib S. and Listed Silken Glider S. runner-up Rayisa (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}), and the 2-year-old filly Raynama (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}). Her dam is a half-sister to G3 Killavullan S.-winning Irish highweight and G1 Irish 2000 Guineas second Rayeni (Ire) (Indian Ridge {Ire}), while her third dam is GSW G1 Irish St Leger runner-up Rayseka (Ire) (Dancing Brave).
Monday, Naas, Ireland
CANFORD CLIFFS IRISH EBF ATHASI S.-G3, €80,000, NAA, 5-1, 3yo/up, f/m, 7fT, 1:25.20, g/f.
1–#@REHANA (IRE), 123, f, 3, by Dark Angel (Ire)
1st Dam: Rayka (Ire), by Selkirk
2nd Dam: Rayyana (Ire), by Rainbow Quest
3rd Dam: Rayseka (Ire), by Dancing Brave
O-H.H. Aga Khan; B-His Highness the Aga Khan's Studs S.C. (IRE); T-Mick Halford; J-Shane Foley. €47,200. Lifetime Record: 6-2-0-2, $91,552. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Rose de Pierre (Ire), 135, f, 4, Dubawi (Ire)–Profound Beauty (Ire), by Danehill. O/B-Moyglare Stud Farm (IRE); T-Dermot Weld. €15,200.
3–Summer Icon (GB), 135, f, 4, Sixties Icon (GB)–Summer Cry, by Street Cry (Ire). (800gns Wlg '13 TATFOA). O-Allen, Porter, Voute Partnership 1; B-New Hall Stud (GB); T-Michael Channon. €7,200.
Margins: 2 3/4, 1 1/4, 3/4. Odds: 1.50, 1.50, 20.00.
Also Ran: Elizabeth Browning (Ire), Another Story (Ire), Diamond Fields (Ire). Scratched: Penny Pepper (Ire), Xenobia (Ire). Click for the Racing Post result or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.
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