Modesty Next Target for Ceisteach
One of the most impressive performances on the Arlington International Racecourse lawn this meet was on June 7 when Glen Hill Farm and Hill ‘n’ Dale Equine Holdings’ 3-year-old filly Ceisteach stormed down the stretch to easily defeat older fillies and mares in her American debut. Named for the Irish/Gaelic word for ‘questioning’, there was very little question about the daughter of European champion New Approach’s superiority to her elders that day.
“I barely got her running,” said rider Channing Hill. “I just tipped her out and smooched and she was ahead in three strides. The feeling she gave me was much different than how it looks when you watch the replay. It looks like I made a gradual run, but she basically won it in a matter of strides and barely got into her acceleration.”
Before her eye-opening Stateside victory, the Irish-bred chestnut was with breeder and previous owner and trainer Jim Bolger in Ireland. Her four runs on the Emerald Isle - though producing a mere win and a second - were saturated with class. She debuted in the $64,000 El Gran Senor Stakes at Tipperary in August against the boys, finishing second to Coolmore’s multiple stakes winner Indian Maharaja and was subsequently beaten by that same Irish powerhouse stable’s (eventual Group I Irish 1000 Guineas winner) Marvellous in a Navan maiden against straight fillies. Intriguingly, it was Ceisteach - not Marvellous - who went off the favorite that day. Also, it is of note that all three courses upon which she raced before coming Stateside were left-handed courses - including her 1¼-miles Leopardstown maiden victory in March.
“We bought her privately after her first race as a 2-year-old,” said Glen Hill Farm President Craig Bernick. “(Indian Maharaja) was very highly regarded when he beat her and her race the other day (at Arlington) was really impressive. She didn’t beat much, but she has a huge upside. We think she fits in the (Modesty) and will love the distance.”
Another Glen Hill Farm filly under serious consideration for the race is the consistent 5-year-old mare Gulsary. “She was bought out of a mixed sale in France last February,” Bernick explained. “She had a series of trainers and cost about 200,000 Euros. Being a daughter of Galileo, if she gets black type, she’ll be worth a lot more than we paid. Her last two races were better and she’s improving. Both fillies fit the race.”
Last out, the Irish-bred was a head-second to Praia in the Keertana Stakes at Churchill Downs going a grassy 1 3/8 miles. The race was arguably the best of eight races in the United States since arriving in early 2013 and her third stakes placing. It was also her first beyond 1 1/8 miles on this side of the pond. As a 2- and 3-year-old in Europe, she raced regularly from 1 1/8 miles to 1½ miles - including an off-the-board finish in the Group I Prix de l’Opera behind Ridasiyna (who was subsequently fourth in the Grade I Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf).
“To look at her - she’s slight of build and not the leggiest filly - you wouldn’t think she would run a marathon on turf, especially since her female family is filled with speed. But, it’s just what she wants to do. She’s also stabled at Arlington and I don’t think she’s the type of filly you want to ship; she can be a bit quirky. We’ll take a shot in the Modesty. Arlington is more of a galloping turf course and she’ll enjoy that. She may not be a Grade I filly, but is definitely a good Grade III or maybe even Grade II type.”