Son Of Galileo Captures Zipping Classic

A drop back in trip saw Southern France (4c Galileo - Alta Anna) reward new Australian connections with a Group 2 success in the Zipping Classic at Sandown over the weekend.

A dual Stakes winner and twice Group 1 placed in Europe, the son of Galileo was purchased privately from Ballydoyle and made his debut for Ciaron Maher and David Eustace in the Melbourne Cup. Dropping back to a mile and a half on his latest start, he was sent off favourite under Mark Zahra and scored by a length and three quarters from Miss Siska (So You Think).

On the winner’s future plans, Maher commented, “I would love to keep him but the owners bought him as an international horse, they thought maybe a race at Ascot could be for him. But it's just the path how we get there, whether we go to Dubai, whether we don't. He's a quality horse and they were so disappointed on Cup day. The race didn't go to plan, but it was great today.”

Owned by a group that includes Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock and Halo Racing Services, Southern France was bred by Lynch-Bages and Rhinestone Bloodstock. He has an unraced two-year-old full-brother named Palm Beach. In training with Aidan O’Brien, he holds entries in the Epsom and Irish Derby’s.