Russian Revolution x Hidden Gem colt purchased by Darby Racing
Stakes company may beckon Falconet after the three-start veteran posted her second successive win at Churchill Downs (Kentucky, USA). The Todd Pletcher trained filly demonstrated resilience and grit to race on the lead and repel a determined challenger to score in a USD120,000 Allowance (1 mile) race.
Falconet was a rare yearling filly purchase for co-owners WinStar Farm and China Horse Club and that decision is looking astute. The filly is a daughter of the exceptional Birdatthewire who won the G1 La Brea Stakes, G2 Gulfstream Park Oaks, and G2 Forward Gal Stakes in her breakout three-year-old season.
“Falconet continues to make great progress at each of her starts and to win at Churchill Downs right now is a great result. The prize money levels here are attracting high quality horses,” said Fabricio Buffolo, China Horse Club’s Regional Manager for America, LATAM and Caribbean.
“Falconet came back well after the race and what she is demonstrating so early in her career is very encouraging. The second half of this year could be very exciting with her.”
Falconet’s win was matched in Australia within 24 hours when the former British based runner Surf Dancer scored for trainers Adrian Bott and Gai Waterhouse in Sydney. The five-year-old was sent straight to the front under jockey Rachel King and was untroubled in scoring a comfortable 1.2 length win in the AUD130,000 Petuluma Handicap (1800m) at Rosehill Gardens.
Meanwhile clients of Darby Racing have enjoyed a tremendous upgrade to the pedigree of the Russian Revolution x Hidden Gem colt they secured at this year’s Adelaide Magic Millions Yearling Sale. The well-made colt was an AUD160,000 purchase from the consignment of The Chase having been bred by China Horse Club.
The colt’s dam, Hidden Gem, is a half-sister to Emily Upjohn who is one of the most progressive racehorses in Europe today. The powerful filly has made waves since returning as a three-year-old, winning at her return by almost 10 lengths and streeted rivals in the G3 Musidora Stakes to start a short-priced favourite in the time honoured G1 Epsom Oaks last Friday. Emily Upjohn slipped when the gates opened, settled a clear last of 11 runners before unleashing a withering burst to be touched out in a photo finish.
The performance had many assess Emily Upjohn as one of the most exciting staying fillies seen in Europe for several years. Despite her first defeat, the filly was immediately installed as one of the leading favourite’s for Europe’s premier race the €5 million G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
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