Progressive Types Complete Double For Gleneagles

First Connection (3c Gleneagles - Vendetta, by Fastnet Rock) completed the first leg of a quickfire double for Gleneagles on Friday when landing the ten furlong maiden at Bath.

A promising third last month, the Charlie Fellowes-trained colt was sent off second favourite under Adam Kirby and made most of the running. Ridden approaching two furlongs out, he soon went clear and was eased down close home to win by a length and three quarters, with another four lengths back to the third.

Owned by Mrs Susan Roy, First Connection was bred by Dayton Investments out of the winning Fastnet Rock mare Vendetta.

Shortly afterwards at Haydock, Strawberri (3f Gleneagles - Altesse Imperiale, by Rock Of Gibraltar) also won her third start for Roger Varian and owner/breeder DJ Deer.

A promising fifth on debut, she finished third next time out and was sent off favourite as she dropped back to a mile in the Fillies’ Novice Stakes. Chasing the leaders under Jack Mitchell, she made headway from three furlongs out and was shaken up to lead at the two furlong marker. Ridden approaching the final furlong, she kept on well to win by a length.

Speaking after the race, the winning rider said, “Strawberri wasn't in love with the ground at all but her class got her through.” The daughter of Gleneagles is closely related to Group 1 Racing Post Trophy third Altruistic (Galileo).