The Cheveley Park Stud stallions enjoyed a fruitful weekend on the international racing scene, most notably with the Group 2 victory of KASPAR (Pivotal) and the Group 3 win of ARIA IMPORTANTE (Twilight Son). Kaspar, trained by Markus Klug for owner-breeders Gestut Rottgen, made all the running to notch his first Group success in the Group 2 Grosser Preis der Badischen Wirtschaft at Mulheim. Having already placed three times in Group 1 company, this was a well-deserved triumph for the 4yo colt who will now seek to gain vindication back at the highest level.
TWILIGHT SON’s star filly ARIA IMPORTANTE put up a similarly game display to secure the Group 3 Premio Carlo Vittadini at Milan, becoming the first 3yo filly to do so since 1956. Trained by Alduino Botti for owner-breeder Scuderia Blueberry, Aria Importante has won seven times in total between 6-8f, with two wins at Group 3 level and three in Listed company. Also at the San Siro racecourse, Twilight Son was represented by his first Stakes-placed 2yo of the season when LITTLE O’KELLY placed 3rd in the Listed Premio Vittorio Crespi on only her second start. Another eye-catching effort from a Twilight Son juvenile came on the Prix du Jockey Club undercard. TOIMY SON flashed home in the final furlong to finish a clear second in the newcomers event at Chantilly and looks like a talented colt to keep an eye on for the rest of the season. Further afield, the progressive WICKLOW (Twilight Son) made it two wins from two starts in Australia, winning a $122,000 handicap at Rosehill for Chris Waller and the syndicate led by Mr R A Pegum.