FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michael Adolphson
(847) 385-7558
Barn Notes: Thursday, June 26, 2014
In Today's Notes:
- Ceisteach to Possibly Take on Elders in Modesty
- Stellaris Aimed toward Arlington Oaks
CEISTEACH TO POSSIBLY TAKE ON ELDERS IN MODESTY
One of the most impressive performances on the Arlington International Racecourse lawn this meet was on June 7 when Glen Hill Farm and Hill 'n' Dale Equine Holdings' 3-year-old filly Ceisteach stormed down the stretch to easily defeat older fillies and mares in her American debut. Named for the Irish/Gaelic word for 'questioning', there was very little question about the daughter of European champion New Approach's superiority to her elders that day.
"I barely got her running," said rider Channing Hill. "I just tipped her out and smooched and she was ahead in three strides. The feeling she gave me was much different than how it looks when you watch the replay. It looks like I made a gradual run, but she basically won it in a matter of strides and barely got into her acceleration."
Before her eye-opening Stateside victory, the Irish-bred chestnut was with breeder and previous owner and trainer Jim Bolger in Ireland. Her four runs on the Emerald Isle – though producing a mere win and a second – were saturated with class. She debuted in the $64,000 El Gran Senor Stakes at Tipperary in August against the boys, finishing second to Coolmore's multiple stakes winner Indian Maharaja and was subsequently beaten by that same Irish powerhouse stable's (eventual Group I Irish 1000 Guineas winner) Marvellous in a Navan maiden against straight fillies. Intriguingly, it was Ceisteach – not Marvellous – who went off the favorite that day. Also, it is of note that all three courses upon which she raced before coming Stateside were left-handed courses – including her 1¼-miles Leopardstown maiden victory in March.
"We bought her privately after her first race as a 2-year-old," said Glen Hill Farm President Craig Bernick. "(Indian Maharaja) was very highly regarded when he beat her and her race the other day (at Arlington) was really impressive. She didn't beat much, but she has a huge upside. We think she fits in the (Modesty) and will love the distance."
Another Glen Hill Farm filly under serious consideration for the race is the consistent 5-year-old mare Gulsary. "She was bought out of a mixed sale in France last February," Bernick explained. "She had a series of trainers and cost about 200,000 Euros. Being a daughter of Galileo, if she gets black type, she'll be worth a lot more than we paid. Her last two races were better and she's improving. Both fillies fit the race."
Last out, the Irish-bred was a head-second to Praia in the Keertana Stakes at Churchill Downs going a grassy 1 3/8 miles. The race was arguably the best of eight races in the United States since arriving in early 2013 and her third stakes placing. It was also her first beyond 1 1/8 miles on this side of the pond. As a 2- and 3-year-old in Europe, she raced regularly from 1 1/8 miles to 1½ miles – including an off-the-board finish in the Group I Prix de l'Opera behind Ridasiyna (who was subsequently fourth in the Grade I Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf).
"To look at her – she's slight of build and not the leggiest filly – you wouldn't think she would run a marathon on turf, especially since her female family is filled with speed. But, it's just what she wants to do. She's also stabled at Arlington and I don't think she's the type of filly you want to ship; she can be a bit quirky. We'll take a shot in the Modesty. Arlington is more of a galloping turf course and she'll enjoy that. She may not be a Grade I filly, but is definitely a good Grade III or maybe even Grade II type."
STELLARIS AIMED TOWARD ARLINGTON OAKS
Stellaris, a flashy 7¾-length winner in a May 15 allowance at Arlington International Racecourse, is to be aimed toward the Grade III $150,000 Arlington Oaks on July 19 for her next start. With only four starts, including a runner-up in her stakes debut in the $75,000 Northbound Pride Oaks at Canterbury Park on June 15, the daughter of the late Harlan's Holiday will be taking on graded stakes competition for the first time.
"She's really talented," said Hillary Pridham, long-time assistant to trainer Mike Stidham and co-owner of the dark bay filly with Stidham and breeder Tom Van Meter. "She was unlucky not to win last time."
Last out, Stellaris had her first experience with an off track, but ran very well to be caught in the final strides by Ice for the Lady after establishing a clear lead in early stretch. In her previous three starts, she was a good third on debut in March on the Fair Grounds' fast main track, before breaking her maiden April 12 at Keeneland on its former Polytrack course and her runaway allowance win at Arlington.
Out of the winning Victory Gallop mare Stellas New Groove, Stellaris comes from the stamina-rich family of six-time Grade I-winning champion filly Althea. With all four of her races already around two turns, the nine furlongs of the Oaks should be little issue for the classy filly.
"The plan is the Oaks," Pridham said. "I think she will be tough and run very well. She had some issues as a 2-year-old, but we gave her time and she's in great shape. We're really happy with her." According to Stidham, Stellaris will have two timed works before the Oaks – July 5 and either July 12 – with the more serious preparation occurring on the former.
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David Zenner│Senior Manager of Communications
Arlington International Racecourse
2200 W. Euclid Ave. Arlington Heights IL 60006-0007
P 847.385.7535│C: 847.371.1670 | F: 847.870.6727│E: David.Zenner@arlingtonpark.com
Twitter: @dave_zenner, @arlingtonracing
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