The Stars of 2013

On 4 October 2009, Sea The Stars confirmed himself as one racing’s all-time superstars when sweeping to victory in Europe’s most prestigious race – the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. This win completed a run of no fewer than six successes at the highest level, with the handsome colt having landed the 2,000 Guineas, the Derby, the Eclipse, the Juddmonte International and the Irish Champion Stakes en route to Longchamp.

Sea The Stars was one of 29 Black type performers that year for his sire Cape Cross and, having already established himself as a top-class sire with nine G1 winners worldwide including outstanding mare Ouija Board, it was no surprise that the Kildangan stalwart attracted a superb book of mares for the 2010 covering season.

The mares to visit Cape Cross that year included no fewer than 59 Stakes winners and 42 mares who had already produced a Stakes winner (29 of which had produced Group winners).

Among the 141 foals born the following year were seven sons or daughters of G1 winners, including a filly out of Prix de Diane winner West Wind who is now in training with Saeed bin Suroor.

The Godolphin trainer has a further four Cape Cross two-year-olds in his stable this year, including a half-brother to the exceptional multiple G1 winner Questing, plus a daughter of his former charge Silkwood (who won the G2 Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot by no fewer than five lengths).

A colt out of Sun Chariot Stakes winner Majestic Roi, now named Long Cross, is in training with John Gosden, while Willie Muir’s stable is now home to Love Spice – a daughter of G1 winner Zanzibar, who has already produced the G2 winner and G1-placed Spice Route (King's Best).

Other notable juveniles include a colt out of Pretty Polly Stakes winner Chinese White, in training with Sir Mark Prescott; and a half-sister to G1 winner Damson who is being prepared by juvenile specialist Richard Hannon.

With trainers such as Jim Bolger, Marco Botti, Luca Cumani, Mark Johnston, Sir Michael Stoute and Roger Varian also welcoming members of this elite crop into their yards this year, 2013 could well be another star-studded year for Cape Cross.