Arizona Has Ascot Aim After Impressive Maiden Victory

Arizona (2c No Nay Never - Lady Ederle, by English Channel) was not for catching as he strode home an eight length winner of the Tally Ho Stud Irish EBF Maiden at the Curragh on Sunday.

Second to Royal Ascot fancy Sunday Sovereign on debut, he was sent off the short-priced favourite under Ryan Moore and faced eight rivals in the six furlong contest. Disputing the lead in the early stages, he was pushed along to lead two furlongs out and soon drew clear, leaving runners-up honours to stablemate and newcomer King Of Athens (War Front), the first foal out of Group 1 winner Together Forever (Galileo).

Winning trainer Aidan O’Brien later commented, “We really liked him the first day when he was green. He looks an Ascot two-year-old and could go for the Coventry.”

Bred by Stephen Sullivan, Arizona was sold to MV Magnier at the Arqana Yearling Sale for €260,000. His dam is a half-sister to Group 3 winner Fathayer, while the second dam is Group 1 Italian Oaks heroine Bright Generation.