Japan Cup winner spotlights Gio Ponti colt

Epiphaneia’s tremendous four-length victory in Sunday’s Japan Cup 2400m G1 spotlights an interesting colt to be offered by Arrowfield in two months’ time.

Epiphaneia is by two-time Japanese Horse of the Year Symboli Kris S. from the Sadler’s Wells mare Kirov Premiere who was based at Arrowfield from 2003 until her death just over a fortnight ago. Her last foal, an attractive colt by US champion Gio Ponti, is catalogued for the 2015 Inglis Classic Sale in February.

Gio Ponti’s first US yearlings have sold this year for up to $US500,000 and $US450,000 at Saratoga & Keeneland respectively.  The seven-time Grade One winner stood the 2012 season at Arrowfield which will present his first Australian yearling, a filly from Jemison (Commands), at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale in January.

Kirov Premiere was among the mares managed by the successful Arrowfield-Jungle Pocket partnership, responsible for Horse of the Year Weekend Hussler, Blue Diamond G1 winner Reaan and multiple Group winner Sweet Idea.

Herself a Grade 3 winner in the United States, Kirov Premiere had seven foals in Japan, including Epiphaneia’s dam Cesario, Japan’s Champion 3YO Filly of 2005 and winner of the Hollywood American Oaks G1 as well as the Japanese Oaks.

Kirov Premiere’s Australian-bred progeny include Group 3-placed city winner Savannah’s Choice (Redoute’s Choice), the unraced 2YO gelding See Me Sizzle, with Perth trainer Grant Williams, and two daughters, Kirovskaya (French Deputy) and Vishneva (Charge Forward) in the Arrowfield broodmare band.

Kirovskaya visited All American this Spring, while maiden mare Vishneva visited Redoute’s Choice, and both mares are safely in foal.