Galileo Colt Maintains Upward Curve In Stakes Company

The progressive Roberto Escobarr (4c Galileo - Bewitched, by Dansili) made another step forward when justifying favouritism in the Listed Grand Cup Stakes at York on Saturday.

The William Haggas-trained bay won his maiden impressively at the track last summer and stepped up to a mile and six furlongs at the weekend. Tracking the leaders under Tom Marquand, he improved into second approaching the two furlong marker and led a furlong later. Pushed out, he beat last year’s winner Red Vernon by a length and a half on the line.

Speaking after the race, assistant trainer Maureen Haggas said, “Roberto Escobarr did well. He's going the right way, and I hope he'll go on improving as he's still quite a baby.”

Bought as a yearling for €145,000, Roberto Escobarr races in the colours of Hussain Alabbas Lootah. Bred by R Scarborough and Carradale, the son of Galileo is an own-brother to dual Stakes winner Pablo Escobarr (Galileo) and closely related to Group 1 performer Oosnadatta (Australia).