Footstepsinthesand Colt Justifies Exciting Entries

The Fabrice Chappet-trained Al Aresh (3c Footstepsinthesand - Itasca, by Dylan Thomas) went one step closer to justifying some exciting Classic entries when making a winning debut at Deauville on Friday.

Ridden prominently after breaking well, he improved into second approaching the home turn when still under restraint and took the lead with minimum fuss in the straight. The favourite, Air Dance (So You Think), made a strong challenge approaching the final furlong and the pair were pushed out to the line, where Al Aresh prevailed by a short head, with four lengths separating them from the third horse.

Victory over seven and a half furlongs bodes well for the Al Shaqab-owned colt’s entry in the French 2,000 Guineas, while he also holds an entry in the Prix du Jockey Club. He first showed great promise at the Arqana Breeze-Up Sale for Mocklershill, where he fetched €220,000 from his current owners.

Bred by the late Marquesa de Moratalla, Al Aresh is a full-brother to the two-time winner Agami, while their dam was sold carrying to No Nay Never in December of last year.

Footstepsinthesand stands for €10,000 at Castlehyde Stud in 2019.