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Port Philip an apt but also eyecatching newcomer on a solemn Saturday afternoon

He debuts at the Currgh, while Mondialiste and Peace Envoy have first runners

Joseph O'Brien and Lloyd Williams, with jockey Corey Brown, after their success with Rewilding in the Melbourne Cup
Joseph O'Brien and Lloyd Williams, with jockey Corey Brown, after their success with Rewilding in the Melbourne CupCredit: Racing Photos

Port Philip would be an apt winner of the TRI Equestrian Irish EBF Maiden Stakes at the Curragh at 3.45pm on Saturday, while British racing is on its respectful break as the funeral of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, is taking place.

Port Philip is an interesting newcomer anyway in the ten-furlong maiden for three-year-olds, which has drawn a full field of 22.

The son of Camelot is the 15th foal out of prolific and successful producer Aymara, a daughter of Darshaan. He was bred by Coolmore-affiliated Lynch Bages and is a half-brother to eight winners, notably the Grade 1 Vanity Handicap heroine Byrama.

Being owned by Lloyd Williams and partners, the colt is likely to be seen as a longer-term prospect, and his future may lie elsewhere. For now, however, he is with Joseph O'Brien, who also saddles the already-gelded debutant Egyptian Rock.

The son of Fastnet Rock is out of the unraced Galileo mare Incitatus Girl and was a €46,000 purchase by BBA Ireland at the Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale. He will debut in the silks of Newtown Anner Stud.

Also in the field is the Aga Khan's homebred Azaliya, who makes her debut for Dermot Weld. By Le Havre, she is the third foal out of Sea The Stars' daughter Azama, an unraced half-sister to none other than Azamour, the stunning multiple Group 1 winner whose stallion career was sadly cut way too short by his death aged 13.

Another filly well worth keeping an eye on in the race having her first start is Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Andrew Rosen's Theory Of Music - Rosen is the founder and chief executive of clothing company Theory.

Bred by Jim Bolger and trained by Jessica Harrington, she is another by Fastnet Rock and was a 290,000gns buy at Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale.

Also out of a Galileo mare, in this case the maiden Beyond Compare, she is a full-sister to May Hill winner Turret Rocks.

Saturday will also be notable for those behind stallions Mondialiste and Peace Envoy, as the first-season sires have their debut runners.

Homebred Greta Bridge represents Mondialiste and, like her sire, will be carrying the silks of the late Geoff Turnbull and his wife Sandra. Out of Dutch Art mare Rokerby Hall, the juvenile makes her debut for the Tim Easterby yard at Thirsk in the opening British EBF Maiden at the almost unheard time of 11.10am - a consequence of the afternoon break for Prince Philip's funeral.

Peace Envoy's first runner comes at Nottingham in the shape of Devon Envoy, trained by, yep, you've guessed it, Rod Millman. Out of Refuse To Bend mare Favourite Girl, who was Listed-placed as well as a winner over sprint trips, she is bred to be sharp and quick though faces four equally plausible early juvenile winners in the 5f novice stakes (4.40), three of whom are also having their first day at school.

Credit: Goffs UK

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Andrew ScuttsBloodstock editor

Published on 16 April 2021inNews

Last updated 17:39, 16 April 2021

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