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So You Think (NZ) All Class in European Debut
So You Think (NZ) All Class in European Debut
Kiwi superstar So You Think (NZ) has begun his European career in fine style in the small hours of this morning, with an emphatic ten length victory in the Group 3 High Chaparral European Breeders Fund Mooresbridge Stakes (2000m) at the Curragh.
Trained by Aidan O'Brien and racing in the Coolmore colours, So You Think (NZ) (High Chaparral x Triassic), jumped from barrier four and sat three off the pace in transit. At the 600 metre mark, stable mate Windsor Plate opened up a six length lead but jockey Seamie Heffernan stayed quiet and let So You Think range up, cruising past him at the 200 metres to win by an effortless ten lengths.
Coolmore Australia's Manager Michael Kirwan was delighted with the superstar's performance.
"We are thrilled with the win given the horse is not yet fully fit, and to be able to produce a performance like that in his European debut is very exciting.
"I spoke to John Magnier shortly after the race and he was obviously very happy as well. From here we will be looking at the Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup (2000m) on May 22, and then to Royal Ascot."
The Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup is shaping up as an exciting contest with last year's Epsom Derby and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Work Force also heading towards the race, as well as last year's winner Fame and Glory.
The honours roll for the Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup includes the likes of Duke of Marmalade, Hurricane Run and Montjeu in recent years, and So You Think will be looking to add his name to the illustrious list.
So You Think was bred by Michael Moran & Piper Farm and was bought as a yearling by Duncan Ramage's DGR Thoroughbred Services from Windsor Park Stud for $110,000 at New Zealand Bloodstock's 2008 Premier Sale at Karaka. In his 12 Australian starts he amassed over A$5.6 million and won five Group 1 titles.
His sire High Chaparral had a strong opening day at New Zealand Bloodstock's National Weanling, Broodmare & Mixed Bloodstock Sale yesterday, with three weanlings selling for an average of over $150,000.
For news and sale information from New Zealand Bloodstock visit www.nzb.co.nz.
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