PEARLY STEPH COMFIRMS HER CLASS

Pearly Steph finished fifth in the Group 3 Prix de la Grotte at Longchamp on April 12.The Haras de Saint Pair’s Oasis Dream filly had the disadvantage of being drawn ten of ten and after missing the break she ended up being settled in last place in what was a strongly run race. As the leader Penorka quickened in the false straight Pearly Steph was some 15 lengths behind, and still 4 lengths behind her principal rivals Mexican Gold and Vedouma.

Once in the straight Pearly Steph quickened brilliantly and closed on the leaders right to the line. In the end she was only fifth, but finishing best of all and only 2 1/4 lengths behind the winner Mexican Gold. On her third career start the Freddy Head trained filly progressed again and looks likely to take a place among the best three-year-old fillies of her generation.

A grand-daughter of the champion Pearly Shells, Pearly Steph is the first foal of the Group winning mare Pearl Banks. There is two-year-old full sister who is in training in Ireland, a filly foal by Invincible Spirit and Pearl Banks goes to Olympic Glory in 2015.