Masterstroke: bred for success

How the stallion-making family of Allegretta dominated Europe last season

Masterstroke, one of the best-bred stallions you will find, hails from the exceptional Allegretta family that it is fast becoming a dominant force in European racing. A grandson of Allegretta’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe-winning daughter Urban Sea, Masterstroke is out of the Classic-placed Melikah, who is a half-sister to the exceptional stallions Galileo and Sea The Stars.

In 2016 alone, Allegretta appeared in the five-generation pedigree of the winners of 30 of the 83 top-flight races run in Europe.

Starting with the opening G1 on the calendar, the 2,000 Guineas, (won by Galileo Gold, who is out of a mare by Galileo) and finishing with the the final contest, the Premio Roma (won by Potemkin, by Galileo’s Derby-winning son New Approach), the prominence of Allegretta has never been stronger.

Nine major European Classics fell to her influence, including both sets of Guineas in England and France, Epsom’s Oaks and Derby, the Prix de Diane and the Irish Oaks and Derby. France’s “unofficial” Derby, the Grand Prix de Paris, was won by Mont Ormel, whose dam is by the 2,000 Guineas winner King’s Best (pictured below with Allegretta).

Other major races to fall her way included the cream for older horses, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes as well as several top juvenile contests: the Dewhurst, Fillies’ Mile, Moyglare Stud Stakes and the Racing Post Trophy. Click here to see the full list of 30 races.

Masterstroke, whose first crop are now two-year-olds, is standing for a fee of €3,000, October 1st SLF at Haras du Logis.

Allegretta with her foal King's Best