Pontenuovo knocked down to Blandford in Deauville

AGENT Tom Goff made Blandford Bloodstock’s presence felt at the Arqana Breeding Stock sale in France last night as he signed for classy filly Pontenuovo.

The two-year-old daughter of Green Tune, placed in Group 1 company and a Group 3 winner, realised 450,000 euros as Lot 128 at the Deauville auction.

She is the second foal out of the top-class sprinter Porlezza, who landed the 2003 renewal of the Group 1 Prix Maurice de Gheest Gr.1.

Her juvenile campaign saw her finish a debut second to another high-class performer Helleborine.

Her trainer Yves de Nicolay then stepped her into Pattern company and she duly vindicated that decision with victory in the Group 3 Prix de Cabourg at Deauville.

Back at the same venue, she gave another impressive display when third to Dream Ahead in the Group 1 Prix Morny.

After her successful two-year-old season, she is to continue her racing career in England after being bought for a longstanding client of Goff’s.