Yearling purchase Sun Goddess impresses in G2
Exciting 2yo Sun Goddess justified odds on favouritism to run out the impressive winner of the Group 2 Airlie Stud Stakes for Derrick Smith, Mrs John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Westerberg at the Curragh on Saturday.
The daughter of Sioux Nation, a yearling purchase by Avenue Bloodstock on behalf of connections at last year’s Goffs Premier Sale in Doncaster, looked a smart prospect for Aidan O’Brien when breaking her maiden at the Irish Guineas meeting and had stepped up on that next time out at Royal Ascot when second in a 25-runner Group 3 Albany Stakes.
Sun Goddess made light of the quick turnaround on Saturday, always travelling well in the hands of Ryan Moore before quickening clear for an easy success.
“We were running her back quick, so we didn’t really know,” said Aidan O’Brien. “She’s a lovely filly and we’ll give her a bit of time now.
“She just got hung up in the pace a little bit [at Ascot]. Ryan said he had to fight early and the winner was locked up out the back and just came when the race was over. That’s the way you know.
“She is very classy. A great traveller. She is still a baby. I think the Moyglare would be suitable. I think she’s going to stay and will be comfortable enough going up to seven [furlongs].
“She seemed to be well after Ascot. The race was there this weekend and it’s beautiful ground. All the things suited.”
Sun Goddess was bred by Owenstown Stud out of the Starspangledbanner mare Etoile Bleu, a half-sister to Group 2 winner Gibraltar Blue from the immediate family of recent Jersey Stakes winner Thesecretadversary. She was sold by Owenstown Stud at the Goffs Premier Sale last August.
Her win capped a great day for Avenue Bloodstock that also featured a fourth win for Denis Gerard Hogan’s Meriden in the Premier Handicap at the Curragh; the Bated Breath filly was a 32,000gns purchase by Avenue from Juddmonte at last year’s Tattersalls July Sale.
Room Service, who was sold by Avenue Sales at last year’s Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale, also struck in the 7f handicap at Newcastle for Jamie Osborne.
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