Impressive York winner heads good day for Persian Force

Sirocco Sands looked a colt well capable of holding his own at a higher level when running out the easy winner of the 6f maiden at York on Saturday.

He is the 11th winner for Europe's leading first-crop sire Persian Force, whose son Immortal Guard added another stakes placing to his record not long after when a close second in the Group 3 Anglesey Stakes at the Curragh.

Trained by David Marnane for MRC International, Sirroco Sands was travelling notably well under Robbie Colgan throughout the contest and quickened clear for a two-and-a-quarter length success.

"Pure excited, brilliant," said Jimmy Nolan, representing MRC International. "I was really impressed with the horse. I was looking at Robbie and he was sitting still until the one and a half and then he just pushed the button. To win here by two-and-a-quarter lengths is a fair statement.

"Dave has loved him from the start. I'll be advocating that he comes back to York for the Gimcrack. It's hugely exciting to be able to have horses come here and compete."

Sirocco Sands was bred by Cloneymore Farm and M + R Mullen out of the winning Sub Sahara, by Muhaarar.