Royal Ascot Prospect Emerges For Starspangledbanner

Midnight Strike (2c Starspangledbanner – Not After Midnight, by Big Bad Bob) emerged as a smart juvenile when running out a stylish debut winner at the Curragh on Sunday.

Dylan Browne McMonagle took the ride aboard Joseph O’Brien’s representative in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Race over five furlongs. Racing in touch with the leaders, he travelled strongly throughout and improved to join the leaders approaching the final furlong. Ridden soon after, he quickened clear to beat the favourite Treasure Isle (No Nay Never) by a comfortable two lengths.

“He looks an Ascot type horse,” O’Brien commeted after the race. “He’s another nice Starspangledbanner for the owners (Teme Valley). We thought he’d stay six but was certainly quick enough to start at five. He looks very smart.”

As eluded to by O’Brien, he and owners Teme Valley Racing are no strangers to success with Starspangledbanner, having enjoyed international Group 1 success with State Of Rest. Their latest winner was bred by Hawes Stud.