Newcastle, G3 Sharp Electronics Group Newcastle Gold Cup, $200,000, 2300m
Race summary
Mugatoo (Ire) (Henrythenavigator {USA}) gave weight and a beating to his rivals with a strong staying performance to remain unbeaten this preparation.
Successful in his first two runs at Rosehill, the 6-year-old was a clear topweight with 59kg, but he made light of that by coming from a handy sit at the top of the straight to round off strongly and account for the front-runner Hush Writer (Jpn) (Rulership {Jpn}).
The winner’s stablemate Attention Run (Ger) (Hurricane Run {Ire}) also enjoyed a cosy run and fought on strongly for third ahead of the Listed Wyong Cup winner Paths (GB) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) who raced outside the leader.
Pedigree notes
Mugatoo is a half-brother to the Listed Goodwood Height Of Fashion S. winner Elik (Ire) (Dalakhani {Ire}) and they are out of Elopa (Ger) (Tiger Hill {Ire}).
She was a talented staying mare who won the G2 Saint-Cloud Prix Corrida and the G3 Chantilly Prix Allex France.
Elopa is a half-sister to the G1 Singapore International Cup winner Epalo (Ger) (Lando {Ger}) and an internationally-successful family that includes the Group-winning half-brothers Eagle Rise (Ire) (Danehill {USA}) and Eye Of The Tiger (Ire) (Tiger Hill {Ire}).
Newcastle, G3 Australian Bloodstock Cameron H., $160,000, 1500m
Race summary
With the benefit of a resuming run under his belt, Rock (Pierro) had no trouble defending his title with another impressive display.
He finished fifth off the back of a break in the G2 Tramway S. and showed significant improvement to come with a powerhouse finish from the back of the field to win by 3.75l going away.
Just Thinkin’ (So You Think {NZ}) had looked to be making heavy weather of it 600 metres from home, but got a second wind to get home for second ahead of Chief Ironside (GB) (Lawman {Fr}) who went boldly to open his spring campaign.
Pedigree notes
Rock was purchased out of Coolmore’s draft at the 2017 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale for $130,000.
He is a brother to the seven-time winner and black-type placegetter Femme Fireball and they are out of Subtitle (Fastnet Rock), who was successful once.
She is a daughter of the G1 Beat Diabetes S. winner Credit Account (NZ) (Imposing) with an international flavour added to the pedigree by the G2 Criterium de Maisons-Laffitte winner Bishop Of Cashel (GB) (Warning {GB}), also a dual Group 3 winner.
Newcastle, G3 Yarraman Park Tibbie S., $160,000, 1400m
Race summary
All Saint’s Eve (NZ) (Sacred Falls {NZ}) continued her impressive progression through the ranks with the first stakes victory of her career.
She settled behind the leading division on the fence and once rider James McDonald angled her into the clear in the straight she produced an irresistible finish for the fourth win of her eight-start career.
Yamazaki (Real Saga) finished generously to take second money ahead of Wandabaa (Wandjina), who continued her consistent run of form.
Pedigree notes
Bred and raced by Waikato Stud and Rosemont Stud, All Saint’s Eve is a half-sister to the G1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas winner Hasahalo (NZ) (Savabeel).
Their dam Halloween (Encosta De Lago) was an NZ$11,000 buy at the New Zealand Bloodstock National Broodmare Sale for Waikato Stud.
She is a daughter of the dual stakes winner La Lagune (Danehill {USA}), who was also runner-up in the G1 Blue Diamond S. and the family of the Group 3-winning brothers Savvy Nature (NZ) (Savabeel) and Addictive Nature (NZ).
