Great races on Sunday afternoon at Milan

San Siro, Sunday May, 20, wide track, good to firm

Premio Emilio Turati, Gr.2, metres 1600, 3 y.o. and up

1st NICOBAR, b.c. 4 y.o., Kg 60, by Indian Ridge out Duchess of Alba, by Belmez; Owner: R. Hitchin; Breeder: Font Hill Stud; Trainer: I. Balding; Jockey: K. Darley,

2nd CALUKI, b.c., 4 y.o., Kg 60, by Kris out Chevisaunce, by Fabulous Dancer; O.: L3C Stable; B.: Rosati Colarieti Farm; T:. L. Camici; J.: O: Fancera,

3rd FABERGER, b.b.c., 5 y.o., Kg 62, by Dashing Blade out Friedrichslust by Caerleon; O.: Wiesenhof Bloodstock; B.: in Germany; T.: E: Mader; J.: L. Hammer Hansen,

4th FAIRY CHARM, b.c., 4 y.o. Kg 60, by Fairy King out Fatal Charm, by Sham; O. and B.: Blueberry Stable; T.: B. Grizzetti; J.: M. Demuro,

also run: 5th Montestefano, 6th Dane Friendly, 7th Lupescu (3 y.o., Kg 54½), 8th Fluxus. Retired: Low Pivot (3 y.o., Kg 541/2).

Distances: 1 l, 21/2 l, ¾ l, ½ l, 11/4 l, 11/2 l, 4 l.

Oaks d’Italia, Gr.1., metres 2200, 3 y.o. filly, Kg 56

1st ZANZIBAR, b. by IN THE WINGS out Isle of Spice, by Diesis; Owner: R. Clark – Valley Stud; Breeder: Milton Park Stud; Trainer: M. Bell; Jockey: M. Fenton,

2nd ROSA DI BREMA, b., by LOMITAS out Oshima, by Danehill; O.: Blueberry Stable; B.: M. Fusi; T.: B. Grizzetti; J.: M. Esposito,

3rd MISS MELTEMI, b.b. , by Miswaki Tern out Blu Meltemi, by Star Shareef; O.: Messrs C. and E. Protetti ; B.: C. and E. Protetti – V. Ricci; T.: C. Cardaioli; J.: F. Jovine,

4th TESORETTA, ch, by Nordance out Tanah Lot, by Scouting Miller; O. and B.: Ri.Ma Stable; T.: F. Camici; J.: A. Arbau,

also run: 5th Baranja, 6th Tankarama, 7th Reine du Lac, 8th Canasita, 9th Bugia, 10th Miss Caterina, 11th Americaone, 12th Nuage Irise, 13th Miss Caerleon. Retired: Love Roi.

Distances: 7 l, ½ l, ½ l, short head, 2l, 3 l, 10 l, head, 8 l, ½ l, 21/2 l , 9 l.

Analysis

Whole success of English breeder and trainer in the two group races planned at Milan track; these were won by the track favourite Nicobar (technical counter-favourite of Dane Friendly; this being vexed by the moderate pace imposed to the race by Caluki) and by the “technical surprise” Zanzibar, nevertheless very bet (21/2 at the bookmaker) because of a splendid presentation in the saddle ring.

And if Nicobar won only with a margin length, but still in confidence, Zanzibar carried off the Italian Oaks with wide margin, confining the Italian opposing at the notable margin of 7 lengths.

Between the Italian filly, the more disappointing was Bugia (winner of Premio Regina Elena, Italian 1000 Guineas), always in the backward and plainly feeling uncomfortable, as a sheer Kendor filly, on the 11 furlongs of the San Siro wide track; but also Canasita, the best local trainer (Bruno Grizzetti) and jockey (Mirco Demuro) selection, ran bad, decidedly below the waits of supporters.

Zanzibar is the first foal of her mother, winner of Deal Stakes at Folkestone, and coming out the usual crossbreed “sire by Northern Dancer on a mare by Native Dancer” (in this case, the European line of Atan – Sharpen Up) set out on a genealogical background of typical American stamp. The second dam, Gold Treasure, is a winner of over 100.000 dollars, and has already done very well at the stud.

Because Gold Treasure is a Northern Dancer filly, Zanzibar is 3x3 inbred on the same Northern Dancer (1st and 3rd father) while the preceding mother, Treasure Chest, good winner, proved herself already at stud as an excellent mare because she is at the starting point of a large and important progeny: I point out only Media Starguest, Glint of Gold and Diamond Shoal, sires in U.S.A., England and U.S.A. – Japan respectively, Ensconse (Goffs Irish 1000 Guineas) and Armiger (Racing Post Trophy).

Roma, May, 22, 2001

(Leonello Falco)