BDS-bred Ikigai looks a smart prospect at Yarmouth

Blue Diamond-bred Ikigai looked a seriously exciting prospect on Tuesday when the impressive winner of her debut at Yarmouth for Ilka Gansera-Leveque.

Ridden by Brett Doyle, the Sayif filly skipped clear in the final furlong of the 7f contest to win unchallenged by six lengths. As a May foal, there should be plenty of improvement to come from her.

Ikigai was bred by Saleh Al Homaizi and Imad Al Sagar out of Usem, a Bahamian Bounty half-sister to the Japanese Group 1 performer Mikki Charm purchased by Tony Nerses as a foal.

They are out of Listed-winning sprinter Ripples Maid, herself a half-sister to Group 3 Horris Hill Stakes winner Peak To Creek.

Usem previously clicked with Sayif, who carried our colours to victory in the Group 2 Diadem Stakes at Ascot, to produce four-time winner Sayem. She was rated 83 at her peak for Ed Walker, and in Ikigai, Usem would appear to have thrown another smart filly.