Stakes Success for Circles Of Gold Family

Tuesday’s victory by Angel Bleu (Dark Angel- Cercle De La Vie, by Galileo) in the Gr2 Vintage Stakes (1400m) at Goodwood saw another black-type winner added to the illustrious pedigree of Gr1 AJC Oaks winner Circles Of Gold (Marscay-Olympic Aim, by Zamazaan). Having finished second the start prior at Listed level, the Frankie Dettori-ridden juvenile colt backed up within a short time frame to take the Vintage Stakes by three-quarters of a length from Berkshire Shadow (Dark Angel), to give Overview’s Dark Angel (sire of Harry Angel) a one-two finish in the race. Out of a sister to Swettenham Stud’s seven-time Gr1-winning shuttle stallion Highland Reel (Galileo) and Gr1 winner Cape of Good Hope (Galileo), Angel Bleu’s pedigree also contains Gr1 winners and Champions Elvstroem (Danehill) and Haradasun (Fusaichi Pegasus). Purchased as a yearling from Arqana Deauville Yearling Sale for €100,000, his Siyouni half-brother will be sold as Lot 152 at the upcoming Deauville yearling sale which commences on August 14. Trainer Ralph Beckett indicated post-race that the colt could now target the Gr1 Dewhurst Stakes, a race won in the past by the likes of Shamardal, New Approach, Frankel, Dawn Approach and Too Darn Hot. “I’m not sure America would suit him, he likes a bit of juice. He’s two out of two on soft ground now so I’d say we’ll think about the Dewhurst,” stated Beckett.

Cape of Good Hope was raced by Coolmore (pic: Mark Gatt)