Coolmore have already enjoyed success at the highest level through the use of the late Deep Impact, notably through dual Group I winner Saxon Warrior (Jpn), and they look to have another elite performer by the Japanese champion sire in Snowfall, who won the Group III Musidora Stakes (1m 2 and 1/2f) at York overnight.
Trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Ryan Moore, Snowfall was a dominant three and three-quarter length winner over blueblood Galileo filly Noon Star who was a hot favourite.
It was the first start this year for Snowfall, who had a busy juvenile season when she started seven times for a lone win at the Curragh, but she did not quite measure up to Black Type despite several attempts.
She obviously enjoyed a step up in distance and was strong at the line, so looks sure to be suited by a further step up in trip in the Oaks, and she was cut into 6-1 second favourite for Epsom behind her stablemate Santa Barbara.
“Snowfall always looked like she was a nice filly. She's a Deep Impact from the family of Found and stepping up in trip suited her,” said Ryan Moore.
“She showed a good attitude and she picked up well. On paper it looked like a strong race beforehand and I was very happy with her. It wasn't the plan to lead but she took advantage of the situation and she was good and smooth and went through the gears well.
She ran in all the best races last year and it didn't happen but she's certainly got plenty of class. And I'm sure she'll be in the mix for all those big fillies' races now.”
The 175th stakes-winner worldwide for Deep Impact, Snowfall is the first winner for Galileo’s Group III winner Best in the World, a full sister to Champion 3YO Filly Found, who won an Arc and a Breeders Cup Turf.
Coolmore will stand Deep Impact’s two time Group I winning son Saxon Warrior in the Hunter Valley this spring at a fee of $13,750.
