With his sire Lonhro now clearly in front on the General Sire table and his full-brother Denman being readied to cover his second book of mares during the upcoming breeding season, two-year-old colt Spain could not have been more impressive breaking his maiden on June 30.
Hunted out of the gates from a outside draw, the Peter Snowden-trained colt was posted wide for most of the trip, but as the field rounded the home turn jockey Josh Parr urged the colt forward and he responded, recording a narrow but decisive neck victory.
Like his G1-winning brother Denman (pictured), Spain broke his maiden at his second start and will now be aimed towards better class races in the city. It is difficult to say if Spain will reach the heights of Denman, but if Snowden’s praise of Denman is anything to go by then we better take note. To hear Peter’s in-depth appraisal of Denman not only as a racehorse, but as a potential sire, please click here to watch a short web clip.
Out of the Vain mare Peach, Denman was bred by Woodlands Stud and is a half-brother to the G1 winner Preserve and the dual Listed winner Rio Osa, both by Canny Lad. Rising 20 years of age, Peach has been an outstanding producer to date, with Spain becoming his dam’s 11th winner from 11 runners to reach the track. Peach has a weanling sister to both Denman and Spain, and one could assume a return visit to Lonhro could be on the cards for this season.
With 13 individual two-year-old winners so far this season, Lonhro is also the sire of this season’s G1 winners Benfica and Beaded as well as further Stakes winners Parables, Obsequious Trim, Territory, Launay and Tampiko.
Standing the forthcoming season at Darley Kelvinside along side each other, both Lonhro ($77,000 inc GST) and Denman ($38,500 inc GST) are sure to receive high quality books of mares again.
