Starman's Venetian Sun back to her brilliant best at Haydock

Starman's Group 1-winning first-crop daughter Venetian Sun returned to her brilliant best for Karl Burke on Saturday when cruising to victory in the Group 2 Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock Park.

The Tally-Ho bred filly had found the mile beyond her in the 1,000 Guineas and looked every inch a Group 1 sprinter in the making back at 6f, always travelling well in the hands of Clifford Lee before stretching three lengths clear of Division.

As a result, Venetian Sun was installed as the 5/2 favourite for next month's Group 1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot. She is already a winner at the meeting, having landed last year's Group 3 Albany Stakes en route to her victory over colts in the Group 1 Prix Morny.

"On that performance I wouldn't swap her for anything else," said Sean Graham, racing manager to part-owner Tony Bloom.

"That was a fantastic performance, one of the best of the season so far, I'd say. The Commonwealth Cup is going to be 18 or 20 runners and the draw can play a big part there. We just need a bit of luck in running."

Clifford Lee added: "She's a very good filly. She travels really well. I thought I was in a position behind where I wanted to be, but she did it nicely in the end, she picked up very well. I was delighted with her."

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.