Fine Needle’s first crop have only just turned three and he didn’t have to wait long into 2023 to sire his first Stakes winner. Lining up as one of the favourites, Cruzeiro do Sul was sent straight to the front in the 1600m Junior Cup at Nakayama, and never seeing another rival cruised to a four-length triumph.
Owned and bred by Godolphin, Cruzeiro do Sul is out of the winning Alkaased mare Staria, who hails from the family of the great Fall Aspen. Already the dam of six winners, Staria also has a yearling colt by American Patriot and is to due Discreet Cat this year.
Cruzeiro do Sul is one of eight winners sired by Champion sprinter Fine Needle that also includes JRA scorers Ume Musubi, Dancing Needle and Trendy Star.