The Joseph O’Brien-trained State Of Rest (3c Starspangledbanner – Repose, by Quiet American) stormed home under John Velazquez to land the Grade 1 Saratoga Derby on Saturday evening.
Stepping up to nine and a half furlongs for the first time, the Teme Valley Racing-owned bay raced in mid-division for much of the way and chased the leaders turning for home. Producing an impressive turn of foot, he ran on strongly to lead entering the final furlong and was ridden out to score by a length, with another two and a half lengths back to the third horse.
“The horse is actually a very, very nice horse,” Velazquez commented after capturing the $1million contest. “He didn’t break very well, but I didn’t panic. I just saved all the ground, looking for somewhere to go down the stretch and when I got him out, he responded really good.”
A maiden winner and Group 2 placed as a two-year-old, State Of Rest impressed connections enough for them to part with £160,000 for his half-sister by Australia at last year’s yearling sales, where she was offered by breeder Tinnakill House.
State Of Rest continues a terrific season for Starspangledbanner, who kicked off 2021 by siring the first two juvenile Group winners of the year.
Choisir – Gold Anthem Fee for 2021: €22,500
Stands at Castlehyde
European Champion Sprinter & proven Gr.1 sire by Choisir
- Won the Golden Jubilee Stakes-Gr.1 at Royal Ascot
- Won the July Cup-Gr.1 at Newmarket
- Won the Oakleigh Plate-Gr.1
- Won the Caulfield Guineas-Gr.1
Yearlings in 2020 sold for 360,000gns, 200,000gns, £170,000, 170,000gns, 140,000gns, £130,000, 130,000gns, €125,000, 125,000gns etc.
From small numbers his top performers include…
- European Champion 2YO Filly Millisle – winner of the Gr.1 Cheveley Park Stakes & Gr.3 Ballyogan Stakes for Jessica Harrington & owner/breeders Stonethorn Stud Farms
- The Wow Signal – winner of the Gr.1 Prix Morny & Gr.2 Coventry Stakes for John Quinn
- Anthem Alexander – winner of the Gr.2 Queen Mary & Gr.3 Lacken Stakes for Eddie Lynam. Third in the Gr.1 Commonwealth Cup
- Aloha Star – winner of the Gr.2 Airlie Stud Stakes for Fozzy Stack. Second past the post in the Gr.1 Phoenix Stakes
- Home Of The Brave – winner of the Gr.2 Theo Marks Stakes, Gr.3 Criterion Stakes, Gr.3 John of Gaunt Stakes, Gr.3 Aurie’s Star H’cap, Listed King Richard III Stakes, Listed European Free H’cap etc.
- Brooklyn Hustle – winner of the Gr.2 Dane Ripper Stakes & Gr.3 Proud Miss Stakes in Australia. Placed in the Gr.2 Ian McEwen Stakes & Gr.3 Blue Sapphire Stakes
- Castle Star – winner of the Gr.3 Marble Hill Stakes & Listed First Flier Stakes for Fozzy Stack. Runner-up in the Gr.2 Railway Stakes
- Hermana Estrella – winner of the Gr.3 Coolmore Stud Fillies’ Sprint Stakes on debut for Fozzy Stack
- Spangled – winner of the Gr.3 Sceptre Stakes for Roger Varian
Listed winners: Dickiedooda, Meliora, Silver Rainbow, Last Gift, Great Wide Open, Aristia & Bubbles On Ice
Other black-type performers include State Of Rest, Lil Grey, Symbolize, Stardevote, American Lady, Imtiyaaz, Lady Kermit, Back To Brussels, Dense Star, Cheerupsleepyjean etc.
