Dabirsim owner committed to keeping success in family

(Getty)

German celebrations in Paris on Sunday were not confined to those who came up with a stunning winner of the greatest prize on the European Turf, in Danedream. Earlier in the afternoon a group of their compatriots had assembled on the podium after the Prix Lagardère, in which Dabirsim had set a daunting standard for whichever colt might end up staking his own claims as champion juvenile in the Dubai Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday.

Now unbeaten in five starts, Dabirsim looks better with every fresh challenge and appeared to get Frankie Dettori out of a tight spot as he rode his 500th Group winner at Longchamp. Still last as he entered a seventh furlong for the first time, Dabirsim hurtled through a gap on the rail to confirm himself another remarkably astute discovery by German bloodstock experts. Danedream had cost only €9,000 as a yearling, while Dabirsim fetched no more than €30,000. His Japanese sire, Hat Trick, is little known in Europe but Simon Springer was insistent that he must have the tall, dark colt as soon as he spotted him at the Deauville sales.

Needless to say, Springer now has the chance of trousering a huge profit – and few would be surprised if Dabirsim happened to reappear next spring in the royal blue of Dettori's employers at Godolphin. But his racing manager, Olaf Profft, is adamant that Springer will not contemplate a sale until such time as it becomes necessary to arrange his stud career.

"We had some big offers for him after he won the Prix Morny, and we'll probably get more now," Profft admitted. "But we don't want to sell – it would be like selling family. His name combines those of David, Simon's son; Birgitte, his wife; and Simon himself. We are here to have fun, and we are living the moment."

Profft also stressed the role of Christophe Ferland, the 35-year-old who has supervised the colt's emergence. "We have found the best young trainer in France," he declared. "The horse has done enough for this year, so he won't go on to the Breeders' Cup, but we definitely have it in mind for next season. On that basis, I think we would aim to give him a light campaign in Europe next year and keep him fresh – maybe only three races."

Though some bookmakers are quoting him prominently in betting on the Qipco 2,000 Guineas, Profft said that the first of those races would instead be the French version, back at Longchamp.

Those heading to the Breeders' Cup this time round may include Sea Moon, third after a troubled run as hot favourite for the St Leger. He would certainly be among the favourites for the Turf, following the news from Ballydoyle yesterday that Cape Blanco has been retired. The 2010 Irish Derby winner collected his third consecutive Grade One prize in the United States at Belmont last weekend, earning plaudits from Jamie Spencer for his courage in overcoming an apparent distaste for the soft ground. It emerged yesterday, however, that Cape Blanco had been braver yet, as he had picked up an injury in the race. At least his American exploits had already made him eligible as a first son of Galileo to stand on Coolmore's Kentucky farm, at Ashford.

Sea Moon has not been formally committed to Churchill Downs but his owner Khaled Abdulla's racing manager, Teddy Grimthorpe, yesterday confirmed that the trip is under strong consideration. "I'll have to sit down with [trainer] Sir Michael Stoute to discuss things," he said. "But I think we can consider the Breeders' Cup Turf for Sea Moon."

Also up for discussion is the future of Workforce, who trailed in 12th of 16 in a very disappointing defence of the Arc. "He's fine this morning, but it wasn't his day," Grimthorpe said. "He had a bit of a bumpy run and it didn't go well for him. I suppose the ground might have been a bit too fast for him as well. We'll just see how he is [but] no decisions have been made yet."

Six of the 16 remaining candidates for the Dewhurst, meanwhile, are stabled at Ballydoyle. With no abatement in the weird autumn heat, the course management yesterday promised to keep watering until achieving ground "on the good side of good to firm".

Turf Account

* Chris McGrath's Nap

Beechcraft Baron (5.20 Southwell)

Handicapper seems to have been curiously indulgent after a runaway maiden win over course and distance.

* Next best

Painted Tail (4.30 Catterick)

Showed ability in bumpers and shaped well for his new stable before landing a gamble in his first handicap, looking equal to this 5lb higher mark.

* One to watch

Venetian View (Gary Moore) bumped into a well-treated one on his nursery debut at Warwick last week but drew nicely clear of the rest, looking ready for a stiffer test.

* Where the money's going

Carlton House, subject of so much hype back in the spring, is 11-1 from 14-1 with Paddy Power to return to centre stage in the Qipco Champion Stakes.