Future Looks Bright For Starspangledbanner Colt

Pharos Freedom (3c Starspangledbanner – Marfa Lights, by Galileo) shaped like a smart prospect when overcoming a slow start to make a winning debut at Tipperary on Tuesday evening.

Sent off second favourite under Billy Lee, Paddy Twomey’s newcomer recovered to race prominently for much of the mile-and-a-half maiden. Pushed along to lead two furlongs from home, the Starspangledbanner colt was ridden approaching the final furlong and despite racing greenly, went on to score by a length and three quarters. The front pair finished four lengths and three quarters clear of the remainder.

“He is a good, tough horse,” Twomey later commented. “He had done all his work with Carmers, who won at Ballinrobe and at Navan. They had been working equally well together, so we had an idea we had a nice horse.

“He is out of a Galileo mare and I think he will stay well. Going up in trip wouldn't be a problem when he gets more experience, but we'll take our time.”

Pharos Freedom is owned by Vimal Khosla, having been bought by Amanda Skiffington from Limekiln Stud for €180,000 as a yearling. The son of Starspangledbanner was bred by Frank Fahy.