3yo MALTESE CROSS produced another highly encouraging performance to win the Darley EBF Novice Stakes at Newbury.
Trained by William Haggas and partnered by Tom Marquand, the son of SEA THE STARS displayed both quality and determination to prevail in a closely contested finish, confirming the promise he had shown previously. The manner in which he saw out the trip and responded under pressure marked him down as an exciting middle-distance prospect for the season ahead.
This latest success – his second from 3 starts – strengthens the view that MALTESE CROSS could progress into Pattern company, with connections now able to look towards stronger tests in the coming weeks. Haggas indicated afterwards that a Derby trial will be next and that he is very keen to have a shot at the Epsom Derby for the George Waud owned colt.
MALTESE CROSS is a member of the STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK Pinhooking Syndicate – he was purchased at the Arqana December Sales, raised and prepped at their stud farm at SCHLOSSGUT ITLINGEN for the Tattersalls October Yearling Sales, where he was sold to Hurwoth Bloodstock on behalf of his current connections.
