Group 1 update for Americain

Americain’s first Kentucky crop received a Group 1 boost during the Saratoga summer meet that finished on Monday.

The value of his foal from California Sunset sky-rocketed when its older half-brother V. E. Day won the G1 Travers Stakes (2000m) by a nose from stablemate Wicked Strong.

The Travers is North America’s premier classic outside the Triple Crown and it was a steep rise in grade for V. E. Day who was coming off a Listed victory in the Curlin Stakes at the Spa on July 25.

V. E. Day (3c English Channel – California Sunset by Deputy Minister) is raced by 85 year-old breeder Magalen Bryant who owns Locust Hill Farm in Virginia. She is better known for her top-class steeplechasers.

California Sunset was bred in 2001 and is an unraced half-sister to Hollywood Park stakes winner Don’t Read My Lips (Turkoman). She had already foaled minor winners by Afleet Alex, English Channel, Aldebaran and Cape Town.

Americain has just returned to Swettenham Stud from Calumet Farm in Kentucky where he stands alongside V.E. Day’s sire English Channel. Calumet owner Brad Kelley sold the Travers winner for $135,000 at the 2013 Ocala March 2YO Sale.

Trainer Jimmy Jerkens said V.E. Day and Wicked Strong could clash again in the $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont on September 27.

Americain (Dynaformer) began covering his second southern book at Swettenham this week at a $13,750 (inc gst) fee.