Starspangledbanner x Tansania ’23

This European-bred filly is a most attractive acquisition on any day. She was referred to OTI by the legendary Irish trainer and long-time friend, Jessie Harrington. Jessie had seen the filly as a younger yearling and liked her, but her price was too high. She saw the filly again in October, liked her even more, and negotiated her purchase on behalf of OTI. She immediately moved to Jessie’s property to be broken in and complete her early education.

By early February, the filly will be in full work, and it is believed that she should get to the races by mid-year. Being light on her feet, her breeding and precociousness give Jessie the confidence that she’ll be a quality performer as a 2-year-old. Her performance at 2 and 3 will dictate her ultimate future, however the plan would be to bring her to Australia at the end of her 3-year-old season. On breeding, she should be most effective between 1200m and 1600m, although she could possibly stretch to 2000m in time.

Her pedigree enhances the value of the filly. Australian-bred, Starspangledbanner has excelled in Europe, producing over 50 stakes winners, including eight Group 1 winners like champions, State Of Rest, California Spangle and Beauty Eternal. In 2025, his European service fee is set at A$75,000. The filly’s dam, Tansania, is by the top broodmare sire, Sea The Moon. Tansania, a winner and Listed-placed, has had one foal, Wait For It, who was narrowly beaten in late November at his second race start.

Be it as a racehorse or ultimately a broodmare, this Starspangledbanner filly is a most attractive acquisition.