Smart Colt Leads Home 1-2 For Zoffany

Jimmy Sparks (2c Zoffany - Gale Song, by Invincible Spirit) showed the benefit of experience when leading home a 1-2 for Zoffany in Friday’s six furlong novice stakes at Newmarket.

The Brian Meehan-trained colt finished a respectable sixth on debut over course and distance earlier in the month and was sent off favourite on his next attempt. Ridden to track the leader by Jason Watson, he was shaken up to lead approaching the final furlong and was ridden out to score by a length and a half from promising newcomer Bonnyrigg (Zoffany).

Owned by Manton Thoroughbreds, Jimmy Sparks was bought by Sam Sangster Bloodstock as a yearling for £60,000. The son of Zoffany was bred by Summerhill out of a half-sister to Grade 3 runner-up Good Governance and highly-rated miler Four Seasons.