Nightflower Blossoms in Cologne's Europa

Stall Nizza's homebred 3-year-old filly Nightflower scored a convincing triumph older over males in the Preis von Europa (Ger-I) Sept. 27 at Cologne.

The daughter of Dylan Thomas had been knocking at the door of group I success recently and broke through Sunday as a supplemental entry. She won by two lengths over German group I winner Sirius, with Qatari champion Dubday, the 21-10 favorite with Racing Post, a head back in third in the nine-horse field.

Ridden by Andrasch Starke for trainer Peter Schiergen, Nightflower covered 2,400 meters (about 1 1/2 miles) in 2:31.55 on soft turf while improving to 2-5-0 from eight career starts. Her two previous starts were runner-up finishes in group I events in Germany: in the Henkel-Preis der Diana (German Oaks) Aug. 2 at Dusseldorf and the Longines Grosser Preis von Baden Sept. 6 at Baden-Baden.

"She hit the front too early last time at Baden Baden but achieved a lot more today," Schiergen said. "We could go for either a group I in Italy or to Munich with her now. I think the owner would like to race her for another year and not breed her yet."

German group II winner Ito was the early leader  while Nightflower relaxed in midfield before advancing into contention a quarter-mile out. The filly stayed on to snatch the advantage nearing the furlong grounds and won in a drive.

Sirius was up for second close to the finish line while Dubday, who was prominent throughout, could not keep pace with the top two.

Nightflower was bred in Ireland by Jurgen Imm's Stall Nizza. Her dam is 2009 Oaks d'Italia (Ity-II) winner Night of Magic, by Peintre Celebre.