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“Unreal” Sparks Fly contributes to impressive Robin Hood Stakes success
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“Unreal” Sparks Fly contributes to impressive Robin Hood Stakes success

The remarkable story of Sparks are flying continued with dominant success in the feature Robin Hood Stakes.

The filly, who began life on a handicap from a score of 59 last April, won under regular rider Laura Pearson and was not destined to catch up. The four-year-old stayed glued to the inside running rail down the stretch and maintained her efforts to fend off 15-8 favorite Qirat by four and a quarter lengths.

This is his third success at Listed level after his success at Saint-Cloud last time and his tenth victory in 20 starts.

“She’s unreal,” said winning owner Dave Lowe. “I’m also very proud of his mother, who produced some incredible horses for us. She had him, Caroline Dale and Baby Steps, and they were all very helpful.

“We thought that last time in France she could have gone a little faster even though she was in front, so Laura decided to move forward again this time and play catch-me-if-you-can. The filly didn’t never stopped and she loved it – she had it with her ears pricked all around.”

The Sparks Fly season is not over either, with a return to France on the agenda for more black type.

Lowe added: “We will return to Saint-Cloud for the Prix Isola Bella which she won last year. It is November 10 and she will find her favorite soft terrain there.”

Derby dream for Falconer

Golden Horn and Adayar won the 1m½f maiden before qualifying for Derby glory and this time around Epsom’s dreams will be fueled by the connections of Falconer, who challenged the green on debut against the 8 favorite -11 El Matador.


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