Starspangledbanner Sires Smart Double

The promising Sweet Thing (3f Starspangledbanner – Emerald Cutter, by Henrythenavigator) produced a smart performance to win Wednesday’s six furlong maiden at Navan.

The Andy Oliver-owned and trained filly debuted just nine days earlier, when finishing second to a more experienced rival over seven furlongs, and was sent off second-favourite to go one better. The bay raced prominently under Billy Lee and was ridden approaching the final furlong. Soon in front, she kept on well to score by a length and a quarter.

“We always liked her,” the winning owner/trainer said. “She travels very well and behaves very well. Today it was very simple. Billy looked to have loads in hand, looked to have the race in control.”

Bred by Ms Morna McDowall, Sweet Thing is an own-sister to useful sprinter Golden Dragon (Starspangledbanner).

Another smart prospect to win on the day was Yankee Dude (2c Starspangledbanner – Split Decision, by Teofilo), who gained his second consecutive success in the seven furlong novice stakes at Kempton.

Warren Greatrex’s charge built on a debut third to win his second start last month and was sent off a short-priced favourite to follow up under Edward Greatrex. Racing in touch, he made headway from over two furlongs out and was pushed along to lead a furlong later. The bay kept on well to score by a length and three quarters.

Owned by Jim and Claire Limited, Yankee Dude was bred by Noralla Ltd, Empire Bloodstock and Mrs J Dwyer.