Galileo European Breeders Fund Futurity Stakes (Group 2) 2010

4.25 Curragh
Galileo European Breeders Fund Futurity Stakes (Group 2) (Class 1) (2YO only)
Winner €60,000

Pick: Glor Na Mara

Glor Na Mara: From very high class US family (dam unraced daughter of minor US 7f stakes winner Angelina Capote, herself half-sister to US 8.5f Grade 1 winner Do It With Style) and comes with huge reputation, such that he made his debut in Anglesey Stakes (was just 2/1); Bettered that with huge run in Phoenix Stakes, only just getting caught by Zoffany and beating Coventry winner Strong Suit; Major chance of breaking maiden.

High Ruler: Justified market confidence at second attempt when winning Roscommon maiden in July, having previously been smashed into last on debut; Bettered that form when workmanlike second to Zoffany last time out, and while flattered to get that close, good effort nonetheless.

Longhunter: Won his maiden in much the same way stable companion Pathfork did when cruising up in Leopardstown maiden; Well beaten on step up to this level when last of seventh in Superlative Stakes last time and more needed.

Pathfork: Always been highly regarded by trainer and chalked in at 20/1 for Guineas when he created a big impression when landing a maiden over the course and distance that has made host of top-class performers, with Teofilo and New Approach among the winners in recent years by four lengths last month, beating subsequent Galway maiden winner Robin Hood and looking every inch a Group class colt; More to come and major contender.

Robin Hood: Improving with races, having beenrushed aside by Pathfork in maiden here before winning similar race at Galway (2 subsequent winners behind him); Improving all the time but this likely to be too tough.

Rudolf Valentino: Looked Group class when bolting up at Naas 2 starts ago, leaving decent field in his wake but disappointing when well-held third (Samuel Morse second) in Group 3 Anglesey Stakes last time; Has something to find on that form.

Samuel Morse: Created good impression when scoring here on debut and has progressed since, winning 5 Marble Hill and coming fourth behind Strong Suit in Coventry; Has been rather disappointing considering that result since with seconds in Superlative and Anglesey Stakes (well beaten)and another step backwards when fifth in phoenix; This step down and presumably pick of decent looking Ballydoyle team, with 7f sure to help.


VERDICT: Pathfork looked a group race winner waiting to happen when iwnning his maiden but he’ll have to be very good to bet the better of GLOR NA MARA, who sets a very high standard based on his second in the Phoenix Stakes last time. Samuel Morse should like 7f but may not necessarily be the best of the O’Brien four, as High Ruler could have more to come.