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  • Valuable Exceed and Excel Filly Debuts

    Wednesday, 24th March 2021

    One of just two runners to make their debut in the ANZ Bloodstock News Plate (1300m) on Thursday, the Hermitage Thoroughbreds-purchased Pretty Elsa (Exceed and Excel-More Than Real, by More Than Ready) was a $1.2 million Inglis Easter yearling graduate from the draft of Kia Ora Stud, and after impressing with a 3-length trial win last week, one would be expecting a very forward showing on Thursday. A half-sister to the Listed winner Miss Debutante (Fastnet Rock), both daughters of the Group 2-winning, Group-1 placed imported American mare More Than Real, herself a sister to the dam of Gr1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf winner Structor (Palace Malice), Pretty Elsa was the second highest priced filly sold at the 2019 Inglis Easter yearling sale and the equal highest-priced yearling filly ever sold by her Darley-based Champion Sire. With Tommy Berry in the saddle, the filly jumps from barrier three, and as long as the inside of the track isn't too cut up for the race, betting suggests she is a solid chance. Godolphin looks to have one of the favourites in the shape of the James McDonald-ridden Stelvio (Lonhro-Guelph, by Exceed And Excel) – a full-brother to Group 2-winning Eureka Stud stallion Encryption and closely related to triple Group 1-winner Bivouac (Exceed And Excel) – a narrow last start second behind the Bjorn baker trained Vanderland (Vancouver).