Could this year's first-season sire race be heading for a photo finish?

James Thomas with his August appraisal of the new kids on the block

Sioux Spirit and Billy Lee taking the 5f maiden.NavanPhoto: Patrick McCann/Racing Post25.08.2022

Recent Navan scorer Sioux Spirit is one of 27 to have made their mark for Sioux Nation in Europe alreadyCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Sioux Nation was well fancied for the 2017 running of the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes and, although he dwelt slightly when the stalls opened, he soon travelled strongly, made sustained headway to lead late on and ultimately won with a bit to spare.

Now that Coolmore’s son of Scat Daddy is into his second career, a similar scenario may just be unfolding.

When bookmakers priced up this year’s first-season sire race, which is decided by the number of winners supplied up to December 31, Sioux Nation was the odds-on favourite.

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James ThomasSales correspondent

Published on 30 August 2022inFeatures

Last updated 16:49, 30 August 2022

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