Promising Calyx Colt Rallies For Maiden Victory

Habrdi (2c Calyx - Second Glance, by Galileo) produced a game performance to justify strong market support at Brighton on Thursday.

The first crop son of Calyx made a promising debut behind a subsequent Group performer at Newmarket in July and remained over the six furlong trip on Thursday. Sent off second favourite under Hollie Doyle, the bay raced prominently throughout and switched to the near side approaching the three furlong pole. Leading a furlong later, he kept on well when challenged a furlong from home and prevailed by a head on the line. The front pair rallied two lengths and three quarters clear of the third.

Habrdi is trained by Jane Chapple-Hyam for Ahmad Alotaibi. He is the first foal bred by Rabbah Bloodstock out of the Galileo mare Second Glance; the same cross as Calyx’s Group 2 winner Persian Dreamer, Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes third Eben Shaddad and the 95-rated Hot Fuss.

Calyx has made an impressive start at stud, led by a pair of Group 2 winners, the aforementioned Group 1 performer and Group 2 Norfolk Stakes runner-up Malc. His first runners boast a 45% strike rate in England and Ireland; currently the highest percentage for a freshman sire standing in the UK or Ireland.