Newcomer Continues Fantastic Run For Starspangledbanner

Back To Brussels (2f Starspangledbanner - Big Boned, by Street Sense) continued a fantastic start to the season for her sire when making a winning debut in Sunday’s five furlong maiden at Navan.

A half-sister to Listed performer K Club, the chesnut filly was not without market support and was given a confident rider by stable jockey Chris Hayes. Waiting until a furlong and a half from home to make a move, she led inside the final furlong and was ridden out to hold off Feminista by three parts of a length.

On future plans, winning trainer Fozzy Stack commented, “She has plenty of speed, those Starspangledbanners seem to be quick. Royal Ascot is the plan and whether she goes straight there or has a run beforehand, I'm not sure yet. There is a possible race for her at Naas, or else the Marble Hill.”

If Back To Brussels does go for the Queen Mary Stakes, she may face fellow debut winners Lady Kermit and Chasing Dreams, each bidding to become Starspangledbanner’s second winner of the race after Anthem Alexander.

Owned by D Keoghan and partners, Back To Brussels was bred by N Hartery and was bought by De Burgh Equine for €105,000 at the Goffs Orby Sale.