Brighton owner Tony Bloom celebrates another victory as Santorini Star wins at Doncaster. This marks Bloom’s fourth win in six days, highlighting his successful venture into horse racing. The article also previews upcoming races and tips for Friday’s events.
Tony Bloom, the chairman of Brighton & Hove Albion, is experiencing a golden streak not just on the football pitch but also on the racecourse. Bloom's Santorini Star demonstrated impressive resilience and class at Doncaster, securing victory in the Park Hill Stakes. This win marks the fourth in just six days for Bloom and his racing partner, Ian McAleavy.
While Kia Joorabchian's Amo Racing has been making waves with high-profile yearling purchases, Tony Bloom's blue-and-white silks are currently dominating the winner's enclosure. Santorini Star's triumph is a testament to Bloom's growing influence and success in the world of horse racing.
Santorini Star, a four-year-old filly, was stepping up in class from handicaps to Group Two company in the Park Hill Stakes. The victory showcased her ability to compete at a higher level and hinted at a promising future. The race itself was a compelling contest, with Santorini Star displaying impressive grit to regain the lead after being challenged on both sides.
Jockey Tom Marquand praised Santorini Star's tenacity, noting that she always feels like she has something left in the tank. Despite coming off the bridle early, Marquand felt confident that the filly would respond when asked for more. His confidence was well-placed, as Santorini Star found another gear and surged to the finish line, beating Consent by a neck.
Marquand added, "It was a big step up from a handicap win at York, but she’s really finding her mojo and her legs now. She’s gone up a big notch to win a Group Two and there are plenty of options for her over a mile and six (furlongs) or two miles or even further if you wanted to."
Looking ahead, Sean Graham, the racing manager for Bloom and McAleavy, suggested that Santorini Star could be a horse to watch in Cup races next year. While immediate plans for the filly are yet to be decided, her staying power and determination make her a potential contender for longer distances.
“She won over two miles last time and it was a concern coming back to a mile and six and a half,” Graham said. “I don’t know what plans William has for her this year, but you’d like to think she could turn into a Cup filly next year. Tom said she kept finding, put her head down and didn’t stop and that’s what you need.”
Bloom and McAleavy have further ambitions for the weekend. Their unbeaten two-year-old filly, Venetian Sun, trained by Karl Burke, is set to compete in the Group One Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh. Venetian Sun is expected to be among the frontrunners, adding to the excitement surrounding Bloom's racing operation.
Karl Burke himself is also enjoying a successful run, having won the May Hill Stakes at Doncaster with Aylin, a filly co-owned by Kia Joorabchian and Al Shaqab Racing. Burke expressed his satisfaction with Aylin's performance and hinted at a possible run in one of the Group One races, “She was very well and very fit today,” Burke said. “I don’t know if you’ll improve much on fitness with her, and it’s just a question of whether she can hold her form for another month and we can run her in one of the Group Ones.”
Meanwhile, Christophe Soumillon is aiming to break his run of six rides without a win as he stands in for the injured Ryan Moore as Aidan O’Brien’s temporary No 1 rider. Soumillon will be riding Mission Central in the Flying Childers Stakes at Doncaster, the feature race on day two of the St Leger Festival.
O’Brien is double-handed this time around, however, with Kansas, the winner of one of his six starts to date, also in the field, but Mission Central has more scope for improvement after just three outings and put up a useful effort to win a Group Three at the Curragh last time out.
Looking at other races, Shadow Dance is set to compete in the Doncaster 1.15, while Hankelow will be running in the Doncaster 1.50. Sweet William, last year’s winner, has a strong chance of a repeat success in the Doncaster 3.00. Awaken will be running in the Salisbury 3.25. Little Dorrit will be running in the Doncaster 3.40.
Here are Greg Wood's Friday tips:
Chester 1.05 Mossvale Diva 1.40 Magic Boy 2.10 John T 2.45 Spirit Genie 3.17 Vixey 3.50 Our Lil 4.20 Dapper Valley 4.55 Hallowed Time
Doncaster 1.15 Shadow Dance (nap) 1.50 Hankelow 2.25 Mission Central (nb) 3.00 Sweet William 3.40 Little Dorrit 4.10 Classic Cuvee 4.45 Sword Maker 5.20 Tyger Bay
Sandown 2.00 Akirra 2.35 Four Adaay 3.10 Enchanged Queen 3.45 Suspended Sentence 4.15 Native American 4.50 Sunlit Uplands 5.25 Distinction
Salisbury 3.25 Awaken 4.03 Evanesco 4.35 Eyes Front 5.10 Supreme Clarets 5.45 Under The Twilight 6.15 Francis Drake 6.45 Palladium 7.15 Berkshire Smudge