Frankel filly out of triple Group 1 winner Star Catcher to debut at Wolverhampton

Our resident bloodstock experts profile the well-bred eyecatchers and expensive purchases set to grace the track.

Star Of Light

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What's the story?

Anthony Oppenheimer's famous silks have been worn by some genuine superstars of the turf in recent years – think Golden Horn and Cracksman to name but two – and an exciting debutante awaits her turn at Wolverhampton for the leading owner-breeder. 

Star Of Light is another resident at the Gosdens' Clarehaven academy in Newmarket, and she's a nice ride for Luke Catton in the 1m11/2f fillies' maiden at Wolverhampton on Saturday.

How's she bred?

Rather beautifully, as it turns out. 

The daughter of Frankel is the first foal out of the top-class Sea The Stars mare Star Catcher, winner of the Irish Oaks, Prix Vermeille and British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes for her owner-breeder and John Gosden. 

Star Catcher is in turn out of prolific producer Lynnwood Chase, a Horse Chestnut half-sister to Group 2 winner Lord Admiral and the dam of Grade 1 Canadian International Stakes winner Cannock Chase and Group 2 Prix Eugene Adam scorer Pisco Sour. Both of those are by the late Lemon Drop Kid. 

Star Catcher powers to victory in the Irish OaksCredit: Patrick McCann

Lynnwood Chase is also the second dam of 2023 Tattersalls Book 1 sale-topper Galveston, a 2,000,000gns purchase by Coolmore and winner of his second start for Aidan O'Brien at Naas in October. 

Who does she face?

Among the filly's seven rivals is Niarchos homebred Coma Cluster, a Wootton Bassett filly who was fourth on her second start at Yarmouth most recently for the now retired Sir Michael Stoute. She needs to step up on both efforts on her first run for George Boughey but has a nice pedigree as a half-sister to the stakes-placed Uxmal and daughter of Group 3 Lacken Stakes winner Only Mine, by Pour Moi. 

Lanwades' Study Of Man homebred Lesson Of Life was beaten only just over two lengths on her debut at Kempton this month and is a likely improver. She is by one of the most exciting young sires around and out of Nayef mare Luisa Calderon, a half-sister to Group 1 Prix de l'Opera winner Lady Marian. 

Cracksman filly Safe Idea was another to run well on her debut, in her case finishing fourth at this track last month, and she is out of a Dutch Art close relation to New Zealand Group 1 winner Turn Tide. 

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