By Sean Cronin
2nd-Ascot, £12,000, Mdn, 9-7, 2yo, 7fT, 1:30.94, gd.
PRINCE EIJI (GB) (c, 2, Dubawi {Ire}–Izzi Top {GB} {G1SW-Fr & Ire, MGSW & G1SP-Eng, $734,076}, by Pivotal {GB}), who was the top-priced colt at last year's Tattersalls' October Book 1 when knocked down for 2.6-million guineas, broke well to track the leading duo in a close-up third through halfway in this debut. Looming large approaching the final quarter mile, the 4-1 chance was soon in command and kept on well, despite rolling around in front, under urging in the closing stages to best Red Armada (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) by a half length. Kin to a yearling filly by Muhaarar (GB) and a colt foal by Frankel (GB), he is the third scorer from as many foals out of G1 Prix Jean Romanet and G1 Pretty Polly S. heroine Izzi Top (GB) (Pivotal {GB}), herself a half-sister to GSW G1 Prix de l'Opera second Jazzi Top (GB) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}) out of G1 Prix de l'Opera victress Zee Zee Top (GB) (Zafonic). The latter is a daughter of G1 Irish Oaks heroine Colorspin (GB) (High Top {Ire}) and is thus a half-sister to MG1SW sires Opera House (GB) (Sadler's Wells) and Kayf Tara (GB) (Sadler's Wells). Sales history: 2,600,000gns Ylg '17 TATOCT. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $10,036. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.
1ST-TIME STARTER. O-Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum; B-Meon Valley Stud (GB); T-Roger Varian.
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