Smart Starspangledbanner Colt Comes Out On Top

Dark Thirty (2c Starspangledbanner - Beach Wedding, by Footstepsinthesand) emerged a smart prospect when beating a well-regarded field in Friday’s six furlong maiden at Newbury.

Sean Levey rode the Richard Hannon-trained newcomer to make all and asked the bay to quicken from two furlongs out. The even-money favourite produced a strong challenge inside the final furlong, but Dark Thirty kept on well to prevail on the line.

“He's a very nice horse,” Hannon said after the race. “You have to think about Royal Ascot with any juvenile who wins at this time of year, but he's a very nice horse for the rest of the season and if that doesn't include Ascot, that's fine.”

Bought by Peter and Ross Doyle as a yearling for £90,000, Dark Thirty is owned by Martin Hughes and Michael Kerr-Dineen. The son of Starspangledbanner was bred by Lynn Lodge Stud out of Stakes performer Beach Wedding (Footstepsinthesand).