Rapidly-improving Alanza swoops late to take Sceptre Stakes
The Aga Khan-owned filly arrived on Yorkshire soil unbeaten in two starts, both at Listed level, and was delivered with near-surgical precision by Johnny Murtagh to surge between last year’s winner Dever Dream and Chachamaidee, beating the former with more authority than a neck might suggest.
For Oxx, who has found keynote triumphs hard to come by since the Sea The Stars glory days, this was a most satisfying outcome as she was his first runner in England this season.
Jimmy O’Neill, assistant to the County Kildare handler, said: “That’s it for the season, but hopefully she’ll stay in training.”
Murtagh added: “She’s just getting the hang of things and could be a Group One filly in the making.”
A good day for Ireland was further embossed by Reply’s triumph in the Weatherbys Insurance £300,000 2-Y-O Stakes. Although the son of Oasis Dream still has some way to go to justify his 500,000 price-tag, the Coolmore team will be most content by pocketing a first-prize kitty of over £207,000.
Despite having looked ill at ease in the Gimcrack and the Phoenix Stakes, Aidan O’Brien’s colt (20-1) impressively streaked half a length clear of a high-calibre field under the trainer’s son, Joseph. Paul Smith, representing the Coolmore triumvirate, said: “Something like the Middle Park would now be under consideration.”
