Contarelli Chapel Romps In Debut for Caravaggio

Caravaggio secured his second TDN Rising Star from three maiden winners on Monday at Naas when Contarelli Chapel (2f Caravaggio x Chenchikova, by Sadler’s Wells) romped in her debut.

Racing for Westerberg and the Coolmore partners, the filly showed that six furlongs was no problem under Ryan Moore.

In contention for the lead from the start, Contarelli Chapel had it before the first two furlongs were gone and traveled sweetly under Ryan Moore. She was joined for a few strides as they entered the final quarter mile but that was all the challenge all she needed to pull away.

Moore never asked her for her all as she crossed the like 5 ½ lengths ahead of the second place runner for trainer Aidan O’Brien.

“She was never let off the bridle at home and we knew that she would be very green when he did drop her, but she was very impressive,” O’Brien told Thoroughbred Daily News. “I would imagine she is an [June 18 G3] Albany-type filly. She might come back here before that.”

Bred by Coolmore, Contarelli Chapel looks like just the newest star out of Chenchikova. That mare is the dam of dual Group I winner Fancy Blue among her three stakes winners with another one of those Group I-placed. Chenchikova herself is a full sister to champion racehorse and sire High Chaparral and Grade II winner Black Bear Island, who was also Grade I-placed.

This family has found success with the Scat Daddy line in recently times with No Nay Never’s Grade III winner Love Locket among those listed under Contarelli Chapel’s second dam.

Caravaggio is off to a flying start at stud with his three winners two better than any other American freshman. The stallion moved to Ashford this year, where he stands for $25,000. All three of his winners are eyeing starts at Royal Ascot in June.