'A superstar filly' - Venetian Sun stars in the Commonwealth Cup

Returning to the scene of her Albany Stakes success, Starman's first-crop daughter Venetian Sun starred at Royal Ascot once again on Friday, turning in a brilliant performance to win the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup for Tony Bloom and Ian MacAleavy.

The Tally-Ho bred filly had been highly impressive when taking last month's Sandy Lane Stakes and was duly installed as the 11/8 favourite in a field of 22. Always in a prominent position under Clifford Lee, she showed real tenacity to fend off the strong finishing Spicy Marg.

It was the second Group 1 for Venetian Sun, whose 2yo season was capped by a win in the Prix Morny at Deauville.

"A lot of faith in Venetian Sun but relief," said trainer Karl Burke. "It's such a hard place to win here, especially the Group Ones. I wouldn't even say we've been hitting the post. They haven't been running badly but we've had plenty of shots. She's a great filly. Everyone was going on about the Haydock run, I think she appreciates that cut in the ground and it probably slows a few others up but she's a superstar filly."

Clifford Lee added: "Venetian Sun has already got me my first Group One in France last year and to pull it off again this year is just fantastic. We obviously tried to stretch her for the Guineas over the mile but she's got loads of boot. I just told myself I'd try and kid her into the race and I think it was probably at the furlong pole when I asked the question, she's just fantastic."

A half-sister to the stakes-placed Sir Yoshi, Venetian Sun was bred by us out of the Listed-placed Johara, by Iffraaj. She was bought her owners, Tony Bloom and Ian McAleavy, through Todd Investments from us at Book 1 of the 2024 Tattersalls October Sale.

She is one of seven first-crop stakes winners for Starman and his second winner at this year's Royal Ascot meeting following Moonfall, winner of Thursday's Britannia Stakes.