Not
returning to Coolmore Australia this spring, Zoffany (IRE) has a very bright
prospect in the shape of speedy colt Barthelona, who made it two wins in as
many starts when scoring easily at Sandown on Wednesday.
Prepared by Mike Moroney, Barthelona surged late to snatch a determined short
half head win in a Bendigo maiden back in May and was immediately sent to the
paddock with spring in mind.
He reappeared in the Benchmark 70 event for three year-olds over 1000 metres
and powered clear to win by nearly three lengths breaking 58 seconds on the
soft ground to score an eye catching victory.
"He's a sprinter," Moroney said after the win.
"He's still a bit immature, but we'll look at some nice races for him coming
up."
A $50,000 Inglis Classic purchase from the Ambergate Farm draft for Paul
Moroney Bloodstock, Barthelona was bred by the Cobcroft family and is a
half-brother to Group I BRC Stradbroke Handicap winner Under the Louvre.
He is the third winner for Barcelona Girl, a half-sister to Group II winner
Master Harry. Her current two year-old, a colt by Casino Prince, made $48,000
at Inglis Classic this year and she has a yearling colt to follow by Dream
Ahead (USA).
A Group I winning son of Dansili, Zoffany was the Champion First Season Sire
for GB/Ireland last year and covered 213 mares here last spring.
His best horse here until Barthelona was Southerly Wind, who bolted in on debut
at Flemington in June and has since been sold to Hong Kong.