Redoute’s Choice colt 2nd in Ascot Coventry S. G2

Elzaam, the two-year-old son of Arrowfield’s champion sire Redoute’s Choice, has put up an outstanding performance to run second, beaten a nose by favourite Strong Suit, in the six-furlong Coventry Stakes G2 on the opening day of Royal Ascot.

Ridden by Richard Hills, Elzaam ran close to the pace and took up the running before kicking clear, as Strong Suit and his jockey Richard Hughes struggled to find a clear path through the pack. When they finally found space, Strong Suit made ground quickly to win in a head-bobbing finish.

Described by one television commentator as “one of the best two-year-olds Michael Jarvis has had through his hands for some time”, Elzaam was immediately quoted at 14/1 for next year’s English 2,000 Guineas G1, with Strong Suit at 10/1.

From the Kingmambo mare Mambo In Freeport (USA), Elzaam was born in Australia to northern hemisphere time, in January 2008. He was bred by Kia Ora Stud, NSW and sold at the 2009 Arqana August Sale to Shadwell France for ?280,000.

The colt was sent by Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum to the Jarvis stable and made his first raceday appearance on 13 May at York where won impressively over six furlongs. Elzaam is the first member of Redoute’s Choice’s first northern time crop to race, his first representative to win in Europe, and his first European Group performer.

Pictured: Elzaam (blue and white striped cap) leading Strong Suit and Roayh in the final stages of the Coventry Stakes. (PHOTO: Racing & Sports )