Wearing the famous old Robert Sangster silks of Manton Thoroughbreds, Barraquero ran out an impressive winner of the Group II Richmond Stakes (1200m) at the Glorious Goodwood festival on Thursday and is earning quotes for next years 2000 Guineas and Commonwealth Cup
The striking son of Zebedee hasn't looked back since finishing third to Tuesday's
brilliant Vintage Stakes winner Expert Eye on his Newbury debut, before winning
a novice event at Chepstow by six lengths and following up here in impressive
style on his first try at group race level.In a quality renewal of a race previously won by another son of Zebedee in Ivawood, included amongst his rivals were the July Stakes winner Cardsharp, the Superlative Stakes runner-up Nebo, as well as Royal Ascot Coventry Stakes runner-up Headway.
The manner in which he put them all to the sword could not have been more eye-catching.
"He's a wonderful horse, so straightforward and he looks very good," said trainer Brian Meehan who was winning the race for the third time.
"My past winners of the race [Easycall in 1996 and Carrizo Creek in 2003] were lovely horses but he's for sure a Group 1 horse and will get further."
"I'd think it was odds-on he'd go for the the Gr.1 Prix Morny next," said Meehan of the immediate future.
A possible rematch with Expert Eye could also beckon this season, perhaps in the Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.
Meehan said: "Maybe we'll go different directions for now and meet at the end but I think looking at the way he finished today he'd get a mile next year."
Despite the rain returning in the winner's enclosure after the race, Barraquero was not for getting flustered, and jockey William Buick –winning the race for the first time – was impressed his demeanour.
"He's got a great temperament," he said. "He handled that ground but I think he'd be better on better ground. His temperament is the big thing."
Out of Chica Whopa, a mare by Oasis Dream, Barraquero was bought by Sam Sangster Bloodstock as a yearling from the Goffs Doncaster Sale for 30,000 pounds.
Barraquero is a third Group Two winner for Zebedee who in recent weeks has reached 102 individual 2YO winners from just three and a half crops to race. To put the achievements of the son of Invincible Spirit in perspective:
Zebedee's oldest Australian born crop are now yearlings and averaged just over $52,000 at recent weanling sales. For mare bookings and enquiries this breeding season please call the team at Cornerstone Stud on 08 8561 0000.
