VIA FIRENZE TAKES SECOND PLACE IN GROUP 2 IN DUBAI

Via Firenze, a four year old Dansili filly owned in partnership by the Ecurie des Charmes and the Haras d’Etreham, came from behind to take second place in the Group 2 1800 metre Balanchine Stakes at Meydan on February 16th. The Pia Brandt trained filly made a winning debut last March and had been placed several times since including a third place in a Listed race over 1500 in Deauville in December.

On her first start over further than 1600 Via Firenze was held up by jockey Maxime Guyon in a strongly run race and finished fastest of all to take second place, only a neck behind the winner Opel Tiara. She was the only filly in the field who had not previously won a Group race and Via Firenze looked well suited to the longer trip and shaped like a future Group winner.

Via Firenze was bred by the Haras de Saint Pair and sold as a yearling at the Baden Baden September sale to Meridan International for 260.000 euros. Saint Pair has retained her Pivotal 1/2 sister Via Pisa, a Listed winner and Group 1 placed, and also has the mares Via Milano and Via Manzoni from the immediate family.