Gleneagles Filly Wins Maiden In Fine Style

After finishing second on her first two starts, Taranta (2f Gleneagles - Kiss Of Spring, by Dansili) gained just rewards when striding home clear in a mile maiden at Vichy on Wednesday.

The Josephine Soudan-trained bay tracked the leader under jockey Augustin Madamet and led approaching the two furlong pole. Running home strongly, she scored by four and a half lengths to justify favoritism.

Her previous two starts came over seven furlongs and most recently saw her chase home the promising Baga at Longchamp, where she was beaten just a length into second.

Bred by Madame Ilse Smits and owned by Ecurie Jean-Louis Bouchard, Taranta was a €80,000 yearling buy at Arqana. Her dam Kiss Of Spring, who was sold in foal to Gleneagles last winter, is a half-sister to Group 3 winner and Group 1 performer Karar and comes from the family of Leger victor Lucarno and talented stayer Flying Officer.

Taranta continues a fine start at stud by Gleneagles, which was rewarded at the recent Arqana Yearling Sale, where his second crop yearlings sold for up to €220,000. His first crop includes Group 2 July Stakes winner Royal Lytham, Royal Ascot Listed winner Southern Hills and Goup 2 runner-up Precious Moments. The precocity of his progeny is a reflection on the son of Galileo’s own juvenile form, his four two-year-old victories including three at Group level, one of those coming in the Group 1 National Stakes.

Gleneagles went on to win his first three starts the following season, taking the Group 1 2,000 Guineas, Group 1 Irish 2,000 Guineas and Group 1 St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. He commands €30,000 at Coolmore Stud.