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Brian Meehan-trained colt Cepheus scores at Deauville on Thursday

The Brian Meehan-trained English raider Cepheus (3 c ex Crimson Cheer by Van Nistelrooy) impressed in winning Thursday's Prix Arcangues (Listed, 2100m) at Deauville and in doing so provided his Aga Khan Stud-based sire Sea The Stars (Cape Cross) with his 72nd stakes winner. 

Ridden by Mickael Brazalona, Cepheus started favourite and cruised to a length and a quarter victory over Lord Achilles (Rio De La Plata) whilst Brokeback Mountain (Le Havre) finished a short neck further back in third. 

Bred by Biddlestone Stud, Cepheus is one of two winners and becomes the first stakes winner for his dam Crimson Cheer (Van Nistelrooy) who raced twice. His second dam is Yousefia (Danzig), the dam of seven winners including Group 3 winner Mythical Girl (Gone West). She produced six winners including Miss Avalon (Fantastic Light) who was bought for 16,000gns by Ric Wylie at the 2008 Tattersalls July Sale who went on to produce 2014 Diamond Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m) winner Vespa (Elusive City) and Group 3 winner Hazzabeel (Zabeel). Yousefia meanwhile is also a sister to successful sire Green Desert and a three-quarter sister to Bertolini. 

Sea The Stars has produced 14 Group 1 winners including Australian Cup (Gr 1, 2000m) winner Fifty Stars and Sydney Cup (Gr 1, 3200m) victor Shraaoh. He will stand the 2021 season at Gilltown Stud in Ireland for an unchanged fee of €150,000.