One to Watch – Kembla

Tara Madgwick - Sunday September 10
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.

Lope de VegaHe 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.



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