Progressive Son Of Zoffany Gains Maiden Win

Minsky (2g Zoffany - Castle Cross, by Cape Cross) built on a promising performance last time out to take Tuesday’s six furlong novice stakes at Yarmouth.

Ridden to track the leader by Hollie Doyle, the bay led from the two furlong marker and was ridden approaching the final furlong, keeping on well to score by a length and a quarter, with another half a length back to previous winner Toussarok in third.

The son of Zoffany finished fourth on his first start for John Butler and Cleo McGregor last week and becomes the first winner bred by Pier House Stud out of Castle Cross, herself an unraced half-sister to Damson.

He continues a tremendous season for Castle Hyde Stud sire Zoffany, who celebrated Group 1 success over the weekend when his son Thunder Moon impressed in the National Stakes. The Joseph O’Brien-trained colt now heads the market for the 2,000 Guineas.