Orby boost for Grove Stud as Phoenix Of Spain lands Acomb

Vendors offering the next generation of stars at the forthcoming yearling sales will be scanning results in the hope of finding a much needed update that could encourage buyers to give their youngsters another look.

It was Grove Stud who got lucky on Wednesday as Phoenix Of Spain - a brother to its Lope De Vega colt bound for the Goffs Orby Sale - forged clear of Toronado colt Watan to win the Group 3 Acomb Stakes at York.

Brendan Holland's operation acquired his brother for €110,000 from the Goffs November Foal Sale from Tourgar Bloodstock and he could now play a starring role at the flagship Goffs auction.

Phoenix Of Spain was bred by Cherry Faeste, who also produced Hollywood Derby runner-up Grandeur, and is one of four black-type performers out of the Key Of Luck mare Lucky Clio, who also produced the stakes-placed trio Central Square, Kingsdesire and Lucky Beggar.

She in turn is a half-sister to Special Kaldoun - a dual Group 2-winning miler who sired a Cheltenham Festival winner this year courtesy of Coral Cup hero Bleu Berry.

Lope De Vega has shown he is capable of getting top-class juvenile runners in the past with Belardo successful in the Dewhurst Stakes and Capla Temptress on the roll of honour of Woodbine's Natalma Stakes.

View Goffs Orby Sale catalogue