Jancis, bred and owned by Arturo Cousino, ran out the emphatic winner of the Group 2 Dahlia Stakes at Newmarket on Sunday.
Her granddam Blameless was purchased through Schumer Bloodstock for €22,000 at the 2014 Goffs November Sale and this family, a very important Chilean line, has been cultivated over the years since with Arturo. That includes Jancis’ dam Blame The Ruler, a half-sister to Australian stakes winner Acquitted, who carried Arturo’s colours to success in a Clairefontaine maiden during her brief career with John Hammond.
Trained by Willie McCreery, Jancis won her first two starts as a 3yo including the Group 3 Brownstown Stakes at Leopardstown. She has run creditably in defeat since then and having had a good winter break at Ballylinch Stud, made the trip over from Ireland to take her chance in a competitive renewal of the Dahlia.
With Falakeyah setting fast fractions in front, Sean Levey was able to settle Jancis in behind during the early stages. She made a rapid move to close into the leaders coming into the dip and had enough in reserve to repel Cathedral by close to two lengths, with the pair eight lengths clear of the third Survie.
“She loved it and won well – Sean said she did everything right,” said Willie McCreery. “She danced all the dances last year and was a bit unlucky at times, but she needs quick ground and for them to go quick up front.
“Sean gave her a lovely, patient ride, so the plan worked today. I’m delighted for Sean and I’m delighted for the owner, who’s watching from Chile.
“After winning a Group 2 today, the aim would be to get a Group 1 now. We’ll go to Royal Ascot. Arturo will be over for Ascot and he’s a longstanding owner – those colours have been in his family for more than 90 years.”
Jancis was foaled, reared and pre-trained at Ballylinch Stud and its Castlemartin division.
