Written by Paul Vettise
Les Bridge didn’t mince his words after a stunning performance from Classique Legend (Not A Single Doubt) to overcome a troubled run and post a stunning win in the G2 The Shorts at Randwick.
The veteran trainer has had numerous top-class performers through his stable, including the G1 Golden Slipper S. winner Sir Dapper (Vain), but has no doubt where is current star stands in the pecking order.
“He is the best horse I’ve ever trained, he couldn’t do any better than that could he? I loved Sir Dapper, but some have got four cylinder motors and this one has got a V8, that’s the difference,” Bridge said.
Classique Legend settled toward the tail of the field in the Bowermans Commercial Furniture Shorts and had trouble finding clear air, but when he did get into the clear produced a dazzling finish to win by 1l going away from Eduardo (Host {Chi}) and Bivouac (Exceed And Excel).
The grey powerhouse was making his first appearance since claiming the Listed June S. during a cameo winter appearance and sounded a warning to his rivals in the $15 million The Everest with his epic Shorts effort.
Classique Legend was a luckless sixth in the richest race on turf 12 months ago and is now an $8 fourth favourite behind $3.50 market leader Nature Strip (Nicconi).
Welcome return
For Bridge, it was his first trip to the races since COVID-19 restrictions came into place and he got exactly the result he was expecting.
“He was a bit underdone today. I haven’t been (to the races) for four months so it took something to bring me back and he hasn’t surprised me,” he said.
Kerrin McEvoy has now won five times aboard Classique Legend and can’t wait for The Everest, a race he won twice with Redzel (Snitzel).
“I’ve ridden Redzel obviously and some great sprinters in my career and I have to say he is right up there with those,” he said.
“He’s got a great disposition and mentally he’s a joy to be around and switches off on game day and went in to beast mode when I needed him. I couldn’t be happier.
“He’s happy in the stable and horses are all about routine. We were all quietly confident he would come here and put in a stellar performance and that’s what he’s done. There’s still a month to go before The Everest, but I wouldn’t swap him for anything.
“There’s still a month to go before The Everest, but I wouldn’t swap him for anything.” – Kerrin McEvoy
“He’s a beautiful animal and a pleasure to be part of and he’s only just getting going. It didn’t all go to plan and I was back in the pack and lost my position around the corner with a bit of jostling.
“I had to bide my time and full credit to the horse, once I got clear he just powered that last furlong.”
Bred by Wallings Bloodstock, Classique Legend was bought out of Tyreel Stud’s Inglis Classic Yearling draft for $400,000 by Carmel Size on behalf of owner Bon Ho. He is a half-brother to the G2 Hong Kong Jockey Club Sprint winner Aethero (Sebring).
Their dam Pinocchio (Encosta De Lago) is a sister to the five-time Group 1 winner Racing To Win and the G3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude winner and sire Purrealist. The G2 Magic Might S. winner Mardi’s Magic (Kenny’s Best Pal) is another family member.
Classique Legend as a yearling
