In two recent blogs we discussed inbreeding to the mare Special, and specifically her influence through Kingmambo (dam by Special's son, Nureyev). We also discussed Galileo (IRE), whose sire Sadler's Wells is both three-parts-brother to Nureyev, and a grandson of Special. Oddly enough then, the Stanjamesuk.com Two Thousand Guineas (Eng-I), saw sons of Kingmambo and Galileo separated by a nose, as Henrythenavigator got to the line just in front of the previously undefeated New Approach (IRE).
Henrythenavigator is rated a good B+ by TrueNicks on the basis of the Kingmambo/Sadler's Wells cross. The cross has produced nine stakes winners from 63 starters, but it isn't being prolific that makes it a standout, but the quality of the best runners bred on the cross. In addition to Henrythenavigator, they include El Condor Pasa (champion in Japan and France); Divine Proportions (French One Thousand Guineas and French Oaks (both Fr-I)); Virginia Waters (Ultimatepoker.com One Thousand Guineas (Eng-I)); and Thewayyouare (Criterium International (Fr-I)).