G1 Goals for Via Sistina

The magic Fastnet Rock x Galileo cross might have a new Group I winner in the making with progressive mare Via Sistina (5m Fastnet Rock x Nigh, by Galileo) scoring a resounding six length win in the Group II Dahlia Stakes (1m1f) at Newmarket.

Trained by George Boughey and ridden by Jamie Spencer, Via Sistina was having her first run of the year and could not have been more impressive.

“The ground is key to Via Sistina, she's got a hell of a turn of foot in soft ground. Her work is good on decent ground but it's a lot better on softer ground. It didn't come as a huge surprise when the rain started to fall, we were pretty happy,” said George Boughey, who will be looking towards G1 assignments for the quality mare.

“I think even the back end of last year we were talking about the G1 Prix de l'Opera on Arc day for her. That's a realistic possibility as it's been soft however many times on that day and we'll work back from that. The G1 Pretty Polly Stakes on Irish Derby Day is quite possibly the next step.”

A bargain purchase from the Tattersalls December Yearling Sale where she made just 5000 guineas when bought by Stephen Hillen Bloodstock, Via Sistina has the overall record of four wins and two placings from nine starts.

Via Sistina is the first winner for Nigh, a half-sister by Galileo to Group I winner Kingsgate Native.

She is one of the 28 stakes-winners for Fastnet Rock bred from a daughter of Galileo, the nick running at 20% stakes-winners to runners.