Redoute's Choice filly scores at Newmarket
The John Gosden-trained filly Astronomy’s Choice became the ninth winner from the first European crop of Redoute’s Choice with a strong debut performance on Newmarket’s Future Champions Day last Friday.
She lined up in the £25,000 Maiden Fillies Stakes over seven furlongs and, after a slow start, raced off the pace until asked by Frankie Dettori to quicken up before the two-furlong mark. The filly took up the lead insid the final furlong and despite runnng greenly had enough in hand to be eased down close to home.
Her performance was noted by Timeform’s Simon Rowlands in his assessment of the day’s racing.
“…two of the most eye-catching efforts were undoubtedly posted in victory by John Gosden-trained two-year-olds. Astronomy’s Choice quickened nicely on her debut on the Friday and promises to be at least useful, but Coronet was even more impressive in landing the listed Zetland Stakes on the Saturday.”
Bred & raced by London-based businessman Robin Geffen and raised at Ecurie des Monceaux, Astronomy’s Choice is the first foal of Astronomy Domine (by Galileo), whose dam Platonic has been a signifcant foundation mare for the partnership of Monceaux and Skymarc Farm.
Platonic is the dam of the stakes-winning fillies Pacifique, and Prudenzia, responsible for Irish Oaks winner Chicquita, and the family has responded to its first-class opportunities with five seven-figure Arqana yearlings since 2012.
Astronomy Domine was bought for Mr Geffen by Badger’s Bloodstock for €280,000 at the 2010 Arqana August Yearling Sale, but had only one unplaced start. With her first runner now a promising winner and €300,000 paid for her Oasis Dream colt at Arqana this year, she is already contributing to the family’s excellent record.
Monceaux Manager Henri Bozo noted on Twitter that John Gosden is already considering next year’s Listed Pretty Polly Stakes for Astronomy’s Choice. That race is held at Newmarket’s Guineas Festival meeting in early May and Gosden has trained the last two winners, subsequent Oaks winner Taghrooda and Jazzi Top.
