A Galileo colt bought for 500,000 guineas by Aquis Farm at the 2019 Tattersalls October Yearling Sale staked a claim for the Epsom and Irish Derbies when winning the Listed Cocked Hat Stakes (1m 3f) at Goodwood overnight.
Trained by Martyn Meade for Aquis and Ballylinch Stud, who bred and sold the colt, Lone Eagle ran out a dominant four length winner.
Winner of the Group III Zetland Stakes at his final start as a two year-old, Lone Eagle has the overall record of four wins and a second from six starts.
Lone Eagle disappointed when fourth as favourite in his seasonal return, but rebounded here.
“Lone Eagle didn't seem to be himself at Sandown so we had a bit of trepidation coming here, but he really did it well,” sad Martyn Meade.
“He's a relentless galloper and has all the attributes. The Epsom and Irish Derby are possibilities and our end game might be the St Leger. He's such a good horse that he has to be minded.”
Lone Eagle is the first winner for stakes-winning Duke of Marmalade mare Modernstone, a grand-daughter of blue hen Modena, the dam of Group I stars Reams of Verse and Elmaamul and grand-dam of Champion Mare Midday.
