Twelve years ago, his sire strolled to Dubai World Cup glory but on Saturday it was the turn for the son to shine as Eastern Anthem claimed his own Group One success in the Dubai Sheema Classic.
The beautifully-bred five-year-old son of Singspiel out of Godolphin's dual Classic winner Kazzia, landed the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic on World Cup night, eclipsing the dual challenge of Melbourne Cup runner-up Purple Moon and the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Spanish Moon.
Twice a winner at Nad Al Sheba in the build up to the Carnival highlight, Eastern Anthem has been Listed-placed three times in the UK. His dam Kazzia won the 1,000 Guineas and Oaks in the famous blue colours of Godolphin before being retired to the paddocks at Darley. Eastern Anthem was her first foal and he has a two-year-old full-brother currently in pre-training.
The Classic trials began at Leopardstown on Sunday, with Recharge, a son of Cape Cross and G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup winner Rebelline, prevailing over Dewhurst winner Intense Focus in the G3 2000 Guineas trial. Recharge was bred by Lady Chryss O'Reilly's Castlemartin Stud and Skymarc Farm.
In France, three-year-old King's Best colt Allybar, bred by Wertheimer et Frere, won the Listed Prix Francois Mathet while his fellow Haras du Logis resident Slickly was responsible for the winner of the G3 Prix Edmond Blanc, the multiple Stakes scorer Gris De Gris. The five-year-old was bred by Jean-Claude Seroul.
Also successful on the continent was Pedra Pompas, winner of the Listed Premio Regione Toscana at Pisa. The son of the pensioned Darley stallion Mark Of Esteem is out of the Bering mare Edwardian Era and was bred by Azienda Agricola Rosati Colarieti.
