True Story stakes his Derby claim

True Story, a three-year-old son of Manduro, posted by far the most eye-catching win on the opening day of Newmarket’s Craven meeting on 16 April when skipping clear of his rivals to win the nine-furlong Listed Feilden Stakes.

Always prominent under Silvestre de Sousa, the Saeed bin Suroor-trained colt quickened up impressively as he ran into the dip and eased clear of Obliterator to win by no fewer than six lengths, with Obliterator some seven lengths ahead of the rest of the field. Second to subsequent G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf winner Outstrip (Exceed And Excel) on his racecourse debut last June, True Story broke his maiden in style the following month when landing a seven-furlong maiden at Newmarket by almost four lengths. Behind him that day was Postponed (Dubawi) who lines up in the G3 Craven Stakes tomorrow.

True Story was bred by Darley and is out of the unraced Darshaan mare Tanzania, herself a daughter of G1 winner Rosefinch, meaning his second dam is none other than Triple Crown winner Oh So Sharp. Tanzania has a two-year-old colt by Authorized and a yearling colt by New Approach.

World Champion Manduro enjoyed a superb season in 2013, siring unbeaten G1 winner Charity Line and a further 16 Black type performers. He stands at Haras du Logis at a fee of €7,000 October 1st Special Live Foal.