3rd-LEI, £10,000, Mdn, 9-19, 2yo, 7fT, 1:26.90, gd.
+EMMAUS (IRE) (c, 2, Invincible Spirit {Ire}–Prima Luce {Ire} {GSW-Ire, $154,565}, by Galileo {Ire}), a €580,000 GOFORB yearling who skipped an opportunity at Newbury in the days leading up to this debut, raced off the pace in eighth through the early fractions. Stoked up approaching the two pole, the 15-8 favourite delivered his challenge entering the final eighth and was ridden out to hold the late thrust of Sound Bar (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}) by a neck. “He was a bit green and it probably wasn't his ground, but I thought it was a good performance,” commented winning trainer Roger Varian. “He came home very well once he dropped his head and relaxed, and I was pleased how he came up the hill. He's got a lot of ability and will improve for the run. We don't have any lofty short-term targets and he's certainly one to look out for next year.” Emmaus, kin to a yearling colt by Declaration of War and a filly foal by Invincible Spirit (Ire), is the second scorer out of G3 Athasi S. victress Prima Luce (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), whose winning granddam Rahaam (Secreto) produced MGSW G1 July Cup runner-up Cassandra Go (Ire), herself the dam of MG1SW G1 Irish 1000 Guineas heroine Halfway to Heaven (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}), who in turn produced G3 International S. victor Flying the Flag (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and this term's G2 Debutante S.-winning G1 Moyglare Stud S. third Rhododendron (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). Cassandra Go, a half to MG1SP sire Verglas (Ire) (Highest Honor {Fr}), is also the dam of G3 Summer S winner Theann (GB) (Rock of Gibraltar {Ire}), who produced GI Rodeo Drive S. victress Photo Call (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $8,411.
O-China Horse Club; B-Kilcarn Stud (IRE); T-Roger Varian.
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