Top class stallion State of Rest had his first trip to the races on Sunday since winning last year’s Cox Plate and the Joseph O’Brien trained son of Starspangledbanner emerged triumphant capturing the Group I Prix Ganay (2100m) at Longchamp.
It was the third successive Group I victory for State of Rest following on from his win in the Group I Saratoga Derby Invitational last August and the Cox Plate defeating Anamoe and Verry Elleegant.
"That was our main objective for this season, to try and win a Group 1 here," Joseph O'Brien told UK Racing Post.
"Hopefully we'll look for the Tattersalls Gold Cup next back in Ireland."
State of Rest holds entries at Royal Ascot for the Group I Prince of Wales's Stakes and the Group I Queen Anne Stakes, while a second Cox Plate is also in the plans for this year.
"I think you'd have to say that with those ten-furlong races there's a pretty clear path for that type of horse through the summer," said O'Brien.
"He's owned by an Australian Group, Newgate Stud and their partners, so I would say that [Australia] is likely at the end of the season, but hopefully he has some nice targets through the summer in Europe before then."
With four wins and three placings from 10 starts, State of Rest is the best of 23 stakes-winners by Starspangledbanner and is a half-brother to stakes-placed Tranquil Lady from an international family packed with Black Type. His third dam is Champion US 3YO Filly It’s In The Air, who has spawned an impressive dynasty of stakes-winners.
State of Rest won the Cox Plate last year, but the best might still be to come! - image Grant Courtney
