Starspangledbanner Colt Makes Impressive Start For Ballydoyle

Gstaad (2c Starspangledbanner – Mosa Mine, by Exceed And Excel) shaped like a smart type when leading home a 1-2 for Ballydoyle in Saturday’s five-furlong maiden at Navan.

Chris Hayes positioned the Aidan O’Brien-trained newcomer in midfield and took close order from halfway, before switching right to challenge a furlong from home. Shaken up, the bay ran on well to lead close home, beating black-type stablemate True Love (No Nay Never) by three parts of a length, the pair finishing three lengths and three quarters clear of the third.

“They are obviously two lovely ones to come here with,” Ballydoyle representative Chris Armstrong commented. “True Love had a good run at the Curragh in a Listed race and this fella (Gstaad) had been going nicely at home.

“It was Gstaad’s first time away and Chris (Hayes) was very impressed with him. Once he got him out, he really quickened to the line. I don't think he even got a flick with the stick. Chris said he really quickened and attacked the line.

“He's a horse with an unbelievable pedigree, is a great physical (specimen), and, all being well, he is in the Ascot mix now. He will come on a lot for it and is a powerful, big, strong horse.”

The race has previously been won by some smart types, including subsequent Group winners Givemethebeatboys and Medicine Jack and Most Beautiful. The latest winner is owned by Coolmore partners, having been bought by MV Magnier as a foal for 450,000gns. The son of Starspangledbanner was bred by Maywood Stud.