Lope
de Vega (Ire) is the sire of one of the best horses in the country outside of
Winx in Vega Magic, so when he gets a six length winner that has the
connections talking 'Spring Champion' we want to know more.
Three year-old colt Thy Kingdom Come had never contested anything other than
Listed and Group races in four previous starts until he went to Kembla on
Saturday for a 1600 metre maiden and the John Thompson trained runner was duly
sent out a hot favourite.
He justified punters expectations when settling back in the field before
bolting away to win by daylight with the stable confirming the Group I ATC
Spring Champion Stakes as his immediate goal.
Retained to race, Thy Kingdom Come is the third winner from Secret Savings (USA)
mare Family Jewels, a sibling to Group I winner Diamond Drille and
stakes-winners Madame Pedrille and M'Lady Pedrille.
This is of course the family of brilliant sprinter and now leading sire I Am
Invincible, so Thy Kingdom Come certainly has pedigree to back up his obvious
ability.
A Group I winning son of Shamardal, Lope de Vega won the Prix du Jockey Club
(French Derby) at 2100 metres so Thy Kingdom Come could well find the stamina
to run a longer trip.
Lope de Vega shuttled to Australia for four seasons for Patinack Farm from
Ballylinch Stud in Ireland, where he stands at a fee of 50,000 euros.