All Dolled Up

With Funabashi and a mad schedule since, I haven't been able to do this piece, even though I've been wanting to as soon as the confirmation came through. Godiva's Pride didn't work out - these things happen - but I've signed up with something quite different to keep my relationship with Ilka Gansera-Leveque and her enthusiastic team in Newmarket going for the time being, until something else can get sorted with Godiva Racing, with Sophie becoming a shareholder in a delightful young filly called All Dolled Up.

Why Sophie? This is where it gets interesting. Ilka came up with a wonderful idea of a ladies-only syndicate a while back, as the fairer sex are sure to want something more from ownership than a badge and the regular perks. I'm sure the guys won't mind me saying a more refined ownership experience is probably the order of the day here - a chance to dress up and be glamorous amongst like-minded people that don't shout quite as loud on the run-in, plus all the usual stuff, such as private yard visits, viewing work on the famous gallops and so on. I saw a few magazine shoots that give an idea of the concept, and can only scratch my head wondering why no-one has thought of it before.

So officially, All Dolled Up belongs to the girl. One thing that doesn't change whoever's name is on the paperwork, though, and that is the horse's bloodlines. Sired by Aussie Rules, a winner of the French 2000 Guineas, as well as three stakes races, this ensures Danehill's DNA will be passed on, although Last Second (the Irish-registered dam of Aussie Rules, bringing together Alzao and Crystal Palace blood) was quite spectacular, too, clocking up four wins from seven starts, including GII races.

All Dolled Up's mother is All On Sugar by Red Ransom - a handsome chap sired by my beloved Roberto. The female line is dominated by German blood that Ilka grew up knowing before her move to Newmarket, with a proven winning formula and Danzig and Buckpasser in the mix. All told, it should be a fascinating experience on all fronts. What's more, there are still a handful of shares in the syndicate available if you want to join in the fun...