G3 double for Fastnet, G1 next for impressive Fas

Sunday was another red-letter day in Europe for Fastnet Rock with decent Group winners in both France and Ireland. At Chantilly, the Pia Brandt-trained Fas (3c Fastnet Rock-Sotka, by Dutch Art) put in an outstanding performance to run away with the G3 Prix Sigy over six furlongs by three and a half lengths (pictured). The three-year-old, bred by joint-owner Zalim Bifov, looks sure to figure highly in the sprinting division and his next start is set to be the G1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot. “He is so fast,” Brandt told TDN. “He quickened brilliantly to win in very good style. He is very easy to train and does little in the mornings, keeping his best for the afternoons so it is not a problem keeping him fresh for the G1 Commonwealth Cup [at Royal Ascot June 23]. He will not run in between.” Meanwhile at Naas, Mary Slack’s colours were carried to victory in the G3 Gladness Stakes by the Fastnet Rock filly Diamond Fields (4f Fastnet Rock-Question Times, by Shamardal). The Fozzy Stack-trained four-year-old made the frame in G2 company at both Belmont and Saratoga last year. "She was a little bit unlucky last year in the Sandringham (at Royal Ascot), and in America the saddle slipped one day and she also finished third in a Grade 2 in Saratoga,” said Stack. "It lashed rain beforehand and the ground was very slippy. She ran well at Belmont on her last start behind a very smart filly, and probably didn't just get the 1m1f that day. "She's smart and may come back here for the G3 Athasi, and then maybe Ascot, although there is another race back in New York around that time so we'll have to see where we go. "I'm very pleased for the owner, Mary Slack. It's the biggest winner she has had in Ireland or England. She is a good supporter of the yard, and has a stud farm down in South Africa so I'm sure she will breed off Diamond Fields at some stage."