Starspangledbanner Sires Impressive Group Double

Basil Martini (2f Starspangledbanner - Under Offer, by Bated Breath) completed an international Group double for Starspangledbanner when making all to win the Group 3 Weld Park Stakes at the Curragh.

Runner-up on three previous occasions, the Joseph O’Brien-trained filly was ridden by regular pilot Declan McDonogh, who asked the chesnut to quicken approaching the final furlong. Keeping on well under pressure, she showed a game attitude to win by half a length, as Gan Teorainn (Saxon Warrior) kept on well in second.

Another step up in class is now on the cards for Basil Martini, with her trainer saying, “She has held her form very well all year and that was a good, tough performance. She might go now for the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf.”

Bred by Summit Bloodstock, the £160,000 yearling purchase is owned by Mrs MV Magnier and Mrs Paul Shanahan. She provides a timely update for her sister by Footstepsinthesand, who will be offered at the Goffs Sportsman’s Sale.

At Sha Tin earlier that day, the talented California Spangle (4g Starspangledbanner - Pearlitas Passion, by High Chaparral) made an impressive seasonal return in the Group 3 Celebration Cup.

Sent off favourite under Zac Purton, Tony Cruz’s stable star made all of the running and began to draw clear from two furlongs out. Soon in command, he won with minimum fuss, recording a winning margin of two lengths.

Owned by Howard Liang Yum Shing, California Spangle adds to an impressive record of seven wins from 11 starts, having never finished outside the first two. Bred by Mark Enright, his previous victories include the Hong Kong Classic Cup, and was last seen finishing second in the Group 1 Champions Mile.