Pontefract winner Europa.
Bred in Germany, trained in Newmarket and a winner in Yorkshire. That was the story for Europa, who got off the mark at the second time of asking when landing the mile and a half maiden auction at Pontefract on Sunday.
Well beaten on debut having looked badly in need of the experience at Lingfield, Europa was much more streetwise at the weekend, travelling nicely under Richard Kingscote as the three-runner field went a steady gallop early.
Odds-on favourite Faith Matters was in trouble rounding the home turn, and while the free-going Spring Dixie looked briefly to have stolen a march half-way up the run-in, Europa ground her way into contention and led inside the last 100 yards.
While it would be unwise to get carried away with the level of form she has achieved, Europa got the trip well and remains open to further improvement. She looks like she will get at least an extra couple of furlongs and should make her mark once handicapping.
Congratulations to Sheikh Hamdan and all of the team at Shadwell.