QEII Result Puts Spotlight on Stunning Family

In becoming just the second female to land the prestigious Gr1 QEII Cup in Hong Kong, last Sunday’s victory by Japanese raider Loves Only You (Deep Impact-Loves Only Me, by Storm Cat) marked her as one of the best mares in the world – the race is rated the ninth best on global rankings. It has also refocussed the spotlight on the phenomenal damline of Loves Only You, winner at three of the Gr1 Japanese Oaks, whose dam is a granddaughter of multiple Gr1-winning European champion Miesque (Nureyev). Loves Only You’s grandam Monevassia (Mr. Prospector), in addition to being dam of dual Gr1-winning European Champion 2YO Rumplestillskin (Danehill) – herself dam of dual Gr1-placed Gr1 Yorkshire Oaks heroine Tapestry – is also a full-sister to triple Gr1 winner and influential sire Kingmambo, as well as to four-time Gr1-winning French Champion 3YO Filly East of The Moon (Private Account). Throw in further European Gr1-winning relations Alpha Centauri (Mastercraftsman), Alpine Star (Sea The Moon), Karakontie (Bernstein) and Study of Man (Deep Impact) – all under the third dam – and it’s clear She’s Only You won’t be out of place in either the 2021 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe or the Cox Plate if trainer Yoshito Yahagi (also trainer of triumphant Plate heroine Lys Gracieux) heads that way. Meanwhile, Love’s Only You’s internationally successful Gr1-winning full-brother Real Steel, who also boasts three Japanese elite runners-up including the Gr1 Japanese 2,000 Guineas, has his only Australian crop of yearlings (from 52 live foals) due for sale in 2022.

Dual international Group 1 winner Loves Only You (pic: hkjc.com)