Pike completes dream Group 1 double on top colt in Guineas

Written by

Paul Vettise

4 min read

William Pike’s spring of content in Victoria elevated him into rarefied air on Saturday when the Western Australian jockey dominated the Caulfield card with a Group 1 double and two undercard victories.

Pike landed the biggest prize of all in the G1 Neds Caulfield Guineas with Team Hawkes’ Ole Kirk (Written Tycoon), and anyone’s guess the value now on the colt’s noble head, having earlier won the G1 Neds S. with Arcadia Queen (Pierro).

He had also guided Ole Kirk’s stablemate Dirty Work (Written Tycoon) to victory in the McCafe Schillaci S. and combined with Arcadia Queen’s barnmate Windstorm (Redoute’s Choice) to claim the Listed The Big Screen Company Weekend Hussler S.

It was a dream day for Pike, who later finished third in the G1 Toorak H. with Superstorm (Sebring), and he showed a cool head aboard Ole Kirk after the race didn’t pan out the way he had hoped.

“I got on Tagaloa’s back and I was pretty happy with myself and thought I’d got half the job done, but he was gone before acceptances,” Pike said.

Plan B, C and D

“Then Plan B, C and D all came out at once and I went in and then out and it took me a moment to gather my momentum. When I did, he was strong through the line yet again and the Hawkes team have these horses right,” Pike said.

Once into the clear in the straight, Ole Kirk lengthened stride and was too strong for Aysar (Deep Field), who was gallant off a wide run, and the front-runner Grandslam (Myboycharlie {Ire}) took third at long odds.

“He doesn’t like other horses much so I hope he changes his attitude there. I’m so grateful for the support and we had to zig and zag a little bit and I’m so happy we got the job done,” Pike said.

“I’m so grateful for the support and we had to zig and zag a little bit and I’m so happy we got the job done.” – William Pike

Having completed the Group 1 double of the Golden Rose S. and the Caulfield Guineas, Ole Kirk’s stallion value has gone to the highest of levels as he is out of a sister to the unbeaten champion Black Caviar (Bel Esprit) and a half-sister to the multiple Group 1 winner and Vinery Stud producer All Too Hard.

William Pike and Wayne Hawkes

“It was something special and I never get nervous, but I did today. What it means is that he is the best 3-year-old in the country and if they want to retire him now I’m happy with that,” said Wayne Hawkes, who has now clocked up 21 Group 1 wins with farther John and his brother Michael.

“He was lovely and relaxed and he’d done everything right. He was back in his old box as he was here as a baby.

“He was as tough a 2-year-old as I’ve ever had in my hands and I’ve been lucky to have some good ones. When he went to Sydney I said to Michael good luck because he’s as tough as old boots.

“I’m sure Peter Moody will tell you Black Caviar was and I can guarantee you All Too Hard was, so it’s probably the family. He won his first start in a stakes race and, as I said, he’s the best 3-year-old in the country and can go to the paddock for a well-earned break.”

“I’m sure Peter Moody will tell you Black Caviar was and I can guarantee you All Too Hard was, so it’s probably the family." - Wayne Hawkes

Hawkes said he also had no concerns about Ole Kirk mastering the 1600 metre trip.

“He had to go back to last in the G1 Champagne S. from a wide barrier and James McDonald said if he didn’t have to go back to last he would have won so we never thought that was going to be an issue,” Hawkes said.

“It was more about whether he would get the right run and what about Willie – at the 800 he was thinking will I go in or out and he had two options and as usual he pulled the right rein.

“You have to get the blokes on top to do the right job and Willie is like Damien Oliver. He was cool, calm and relaxed and he said he was on the best horse and he’d get the job done.”

Ole Kirk was sold at the Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale for $675,000 by breeder Gilgai Farm, who has remained in the ownership in a syndicate that also includes high-profile owner Neil Werrett.

“This is what we do, we get stallions and he was the second top-priced yearling at Melbourne and Neil and Colin Madden and company spend a lot of money,” Hawkes said.

Ole Kirk as a yearling

Odeum scores Thousand Guineas for Price and Kent Jnr

Written by

Georgie Dennis

4 min read

Odeum landed the first leg of a Guineas double for her sire Written Tycoon and scored the first elite-level win for Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr as training partners when winning the G1 Thousand Guineas.

Odeum became the first Group 1 winner for Michael Kent Jnr since joining the ticket with Mick Price as she produced a dominant performance to take out the G1 Thousand Guineas at Caulfield.

Price and Michael Walker teamed up in 2017 to take out the G1 Caulfield Guineas with Mighty Boss (Not A Single Doubt) and it was the same combination again on Saturday with the jockey giving Odeum a near-perfect ride.

Jumping from barrier four, Odeum settled just behind the speed in the box seat and as they weakened in front of her in the straight, she burst through and never looked liked being beaten, going on to score by 1.75l.

Personal (Fastnet Rock) and Instant Celebrity (Not A Single Doubt) both ran on well, but were no match for Odeum as they scored second and third respectively.

"She's a filly that has bloomed this whole preparation,” Price said.

“I know when Walker rode her in the Atlantic Jewel behind Night Raid, he said she should have finished a lot closer, that's fine, but I've had to nurse Night Raid and this thing has just bloomed and bloomed.

"I haven't overworked her and she looked fantastic in the mounting yard. I'm just pleased for Michael Walker."

Michael Walker gives Odeum a pat after winning the G1 Thousand Guineas

Formidable relationship

Odeum was purchased by Sheamus Mills at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale and Price gave credit to the bloodstock agent who he has built a formidable relationship with over the years.

“I'd have to say a big congratulations to Sheamus Mills,” Price said.

"We sat in that 'dungy old' office 20 years ago and have been working together for years and years and years. He's been putting up with me, dragging him in here on Saturday morning to clock horses.

“It's great now that he's logged on a Group 1 filly. He does a lot of hard work and he's a smart man.”

“It's great now that he's logged on a Group 1 filly. He [Sheamus Mills] does a lot of hard work and he's a smart man.” - Mick Price

Kent Jnr joined Price as his co-trainer 18 months ago and he was thrilled he was able to score his first major win on the ticket.

"I am sure one day, by himself, he'll have the skill and the intelligence and everything that's needed to be a Group 1 trainer in his own right and he's a great addition to the stable," Price said.

Price also credited Walker’s ride and said: "I have a soft spot for that bloke.

"I know it is very competitive for those jocks, but every Tuesday he is there, every Saturday he is there.

"He's in the zone. He's got a little baby, he's got a good partner, so he's got a good family background at the moment. He's in that nice settled zone and he can do what he does best and that's ride."

Walker was bullish about the filly’s chances heading into the race and his opinion was justified after the dominant performance.

"I've never been this confident going into a Group 1,” Walker said. “I really thought she could win today and she did.

"I'm very fortunate that Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr are huge supporters of mine.

"I'd just like to thank Sheamus Mills and all his staff, his team and his owners for this opportunity. I've ridden a few winners for this owner and our first Group 1 together. I hope it's the first of many."

Odeum as a yearling

Bred and sold by Newhaven Park, Odeum was purchased by Mills for $420,000 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale and is out of the stakes-placed mare Movie (Red Ransom {USA}), making her a half-sister to Listed winner Goodfella (Snitzel).

Odeum’s second dam, Strawberry Storm (Thunder Gulch {USA}), is a half-sister to Miss Barley (Fastnet Rock) who is responsible for Group 1-winning sprinter Gytrash (Lope De Vega {Ire}).

Movie has a 2-year-old colt by I Am Invincible who is named Video and was purchased by Belmont Bloodstock for $400,000 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale while she has a yearling by Zoustar and is back in foal to the Widden Stud stallion.

In what has been a stellar season so far for Written Tycoon, Odeum becomes his 11th overall Group 1 winner after he landed the G1 Golden Rose with Ole Kirk a fortnight earlier.

The former Woodside Park resident relocated to Arrowfield Stud this season and stands for a fee of $77,000 (inc GST).

Montefilia claims Spring Champion

Written by

Georgie Dennis

3 min read

Montefilia (Kermadec {NZ}) backed up her G1 Flight S. win with a brilliant performance to take out her second Group 1 in a week in the G1 Spring Champion S. at Randwick.

In almost identical fashion to her Flight win, the 3-year-old filly came from back in the field and looked to be caught for a run but Jason Collett managed to angle her out and she used her impressive turn of foot to run home Lion’s Roar (NZ) (Contributer {Ire}) and win by 0.8l.

Regally-bred colt Bucharest (Deep Impact {Jpn}) added a valuable Group 1 placing to his CV as he finished 3.8l away in third.

Montefilia is the first filly to win the Spring Champion since Yankee Rose (All American) in 2016 and the first horse to ever win the staying feature and the Flight S.

Trainer David Payne was thrilled with the win but believes she still has plenty of improvement left to come.

“She is good and will be even better next year,” Payne said. “If you look at her she is quite a lean filly. It’s exciting.

“She is good and will be even better next year." - David Payne

“She got a little bit held up there but it all worked out well there.

“If you see her getting off the float you’d think she was flat as a pancake. She just stood there with her head down. She is a trainer’s dream.”

Montefilia has long been the favourite for the G1 VRC Oaks and Payne said he will wait to decide whether she heads there next.

“I will have a look at the race in Melbourne,” the trainer said. “You have to look at it.

“She has only had seven runs now but we’ll see how she is in a couple of days as we will be taking on the fillies again. I feel she will be better over 2500 metres.”

David Payne and Jason Collett

A star

Collett credited Payne and his team for keeping the filly in good order and said he was confident in her chances heading into the race.

“She’s a star,” the jockey said. “Credit to David Payne and his team to get here in top shape, I galloped her Thursday morning and I left there pretty excited.

“Everything panned out perfectly, I got the barrier to suit, it was just a matter of getting her into the clear at the right time.

“There is expectation there to get the result when you are riding the favourite, so it was great to just get the result.”

Montefilia was originally purchased as a weanling by Baystone Farm for $62,000 at the Inglis Great Southern Sale from the draft of Tyreel Stud before being again offered under the Tyreel Stud banner at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale where she was purchased by Payne Racing for $130,000.

She is the third winner from four to race out of Bana Wu (GB) (Shirocco {Ger}) who herself was placed at stakes level in the UK three times. Her second dam is Ausherra (USA) (Diesis {GB}), who is also responsible for dual Group 2 winner and the G1 Dewhurst S.-placed Strategic Prince (GB) (Dansili {GB}).

Bana Wu has a 2-year-old filly by Arrowfield shuttler Shalaa (Ire), who was purchased by Ciaron Maher Racing for $160,000 at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, while she has a yearling colt by Ribchester (Ire).

WA mare leaves hot-pot struggling in her wake

Written by

Paul Vettise

3 min read

Foot problems have dogged star Western Australian mare Arcadia Queen (Pierro) in recent times, but she put those issues behind her with a dramatic trouncing of the hot-pot Russian Camelot (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) in the G1 Neds S. at Caulfield.

Arcadia Queen had been expected to be a minor player if the pre-post betting market was to be believed with Danny O’Brien’s Russian Camelot all the talk, but she was having none of it and left the raging favourite in her wake.

Her emphatic victory handed trainers Grant and Alana Williams a first Group 1 victory on Victorian soil and another in the long line for breeder and owner Bob Peters while jockey William Pike revelled in an outstanding day.

He had earlier won on stablemate Windstorm (Redoute’s Choice) in the Listed The Big Screen Company Weekend Hussler and landed the G2 McCafe Schillaci S. on Dirty Work (Written Tycoon) for Team Hawkes and the G1 Neds Caulfield Guineas with Ole Kirk (Written Tycoon).

Arcadia Queen’s Melbourne campaign was away to a stuttering start when a foot abscess forced her out of the G1 Memsie S., but bounced back to run second in the G2 Let’s Elope S. and was then also runner-up behind Russian Camelot in the G1 Underwood S.

William Pike and Arcadia Queen

Revenge executed perfectly

She turned the tables in merciless fashion when she peeled off his back and finished far too well to score by 1.25l.

“I think I got sucked in a bit the other day from a good gate and was a spot closer than I wanted. She travels strongly wherever you put her and she overdid it a bit,” Pike said.

“This time she travelled strongly again and I got in behind Russian Camelot and got my hopes up. I knew my only chance was to try and catch him in the last 200 metres and there was no point trying to match motors with him before that.

“That’s exactly what I did and sat there biding my time and things panned out well. We did sprint really hard off the bend and I shook her up and she got straight back on the bridle and cruised to the line.”

Arcadia Queen’s performance has put her firmly into the G1 Cox Plate picture.

“You would have to look at that now. I’m pretty proud of her and she’s always been a favourite so it’s nice to see her back on the winner’s list,” Pike said. “She can be very hard work around the stables so everyone deserves a pat on the back.”

“I’m pretty proud of her and she’s always been a favourite so it’s nice to see her back on the winner’s list.” – William Pike

Co-trainer Grant Williams echoed Pike’s thoughts and was elated to see all the hard work rewarded with Group 1 success.

“It’s been a great team effort and has been a lot of months in the making. A heap of recovery work has been done with her,” he said.

“I’d still like her feet to be better, but it’s great. It was a typical Willie Pike ride and he got on the back of the horse we were to follow and now we can look forward to the Cox Plate.”

There were no excuses for Russian Camelot, who was angled three wide into the straight and hit the front, but he had no answer to Arcadia Queen and his colours were lowered by 1.25l.

O’Brien said his charge was beaten by the better horse on the day and paid tribute to her performance and was hoping for a hard-run Cox Plate for Russian Camelot, who he thought may now be looking for more ground.

Mr Quickie shows he’s a mean miler

Written by

Paul Vettise

3 min read

Phillip Stokes is a good listener and that attribute was a major factor behind the return to Group 1 form of Mr Quickie (Shamus Award) in the Toorak H. at Caulfield.

Stokes, who operates as a dual-state trainer with stables at Pakenham and Morphettville, heeded the advice of those closest to him to target the 1600 metres with Mr Quickie, who won the G1 Queensland Derby over 2400 metres as a younger horse.

“It’s fantastic and full credit to Wylie Dalziel and all the owners, and Peter Moody and I bounced a lot of ideas off each other and we thought this was the way to go,” Stokes said.

Syndicator Dalziel, who has worked closely with Moody for a number of years, purchased Mr Quickie out of breeder Rosemont Stud’s draft at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale for $115,000.

While the Derby success may have indicated he was a middle distance horse, Stokes is now understandably of the opinion that Mr Quickie is a mile specialist and aided by a gem of a ride from Jamie Kah landed the Toorak.

“Jamie Kah, what a jockey, gave him a peach of a ride. He hasn’t jumped that cleanly for a while and it was really nice to watch and it was a big thrill for the team at Pakenham,” Stokes said.

“Horses run for Jamie and after he jumped so well I was confident a long way out.”

“Horses run for Jamie and after he jumped so well I was confident a long way out.” – Phillip Stokes

Mr Quickie settled behind the leading division near the fence and when the field fanned out into the straight he went through his gears to hit the front 100 metres from home and dashed clear to win by 2l.

Buffalo River (USA) (Noble Mission {GB}) ensured it was a truly-run contest by setting up a solid clip in front and he stayed on well for second with Superstorm (Sebring) making ground well along the rail for third and Age Of Chivalry (NZ) (Mr Remarkable {NZ}) was next to cross the line.

“We’ll keep him fresh now and go to the G1 Cantala S. on the last day of the carnival and it’s great to see him back,” Stokes said. “He’s in form and we just have to keep him happy.”

Phillip Stokes

Kah is now hoping the Toorak can be a forerunner to further success through the carnival.

“It’s amazing and I’m happy to ride a Group 1 for an Adelaide supporter of mine. He’s just been doing a few things wrong this boy by not jumping away and giving them too much of a head start,” Kah said.

“He’s just been doing a few things wrong this boy by not jumping away and giving them too much of a head start.” - Jamie Kah

“He’s just such a talented horse on his day and they’ve found the trick to him by keeping him fresh.

“I’m just so happy with how things are going at the moment and the support I have been getting. I’m really excited to be riding in the G1 Melbourne Cup this year, that was my goal to ride in at least one of the features so things are looking pretty good.”

Kah has recently been booked for the ride on the Charlie Fellowes-trained Prince Of Arran (GB) (Shirocco {Ger}) in the Cup. It will be his third tilt at the race, having finished third in 2018 and runner-up last year.

Happy Maher hoping lightening strikes twice

3 min read

Written by Paul Vettise

Co-trainer Ciaron Maher is hoping former employee Hannah Mathiesen has worked her selection magic again with Fake Love (I Am Invincible) and the early signs are that the American-based horsewoman has.

Maher prepares the 2-year-old with David Eustace and the filly capitalised on her inside gate to lead from barrier rise and post an effortless victory in the Listed Magic Millions Debutant S. at Caulfield.

Fake Love was sold by breeder Segenhoe Stud at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Weanling Sale last year to Mathiesen, who remains in the ownership, under her Oakmont banner.

“Hannah came over and worked for us for six months and found Away Game she looks like she’s found another one. She’ll be targeted at the Magic Millions now, she’s got a bit of black-type and hopefully follow the same steps,” Maher said.

“Away Game was very durable and this horse is the same shape, but probably a little bit stronger. You never know, she might be a bit better.”

“Away Game was very durable and this horse is the same shape, but probably a little bit stronger.” – Ciaron Maher

It will be a hard act to follow with Away Game (Snitzel) having won four times last season, including the Magic Millions 2YO Classic and the G2 Percy Sykes S. and finished fourth in the G1 Golden Slipper S.

Maher and Eustace also successfully defended their Debutant title having produced Tanker (Pride Of Dubai) to win 12 months ago and Fake Love never looked like getting beaten.

“It’s great to get the win and she did it in pretty emphatic style,” Maher said. “It’s great for David Gillies and she's one of his first horses in the stable and his colours were on.”

It continues a fine season for part-owner Gillies, who bred the G3 Up And Coming S. winner and G1 Golden Rose S. runner-up North Pacific (Brazen Beau).

Fake Love was ridden by Mark Zahra and delivered the performance he was expecting.

“I’ve had a bit to do with her and ridden her in both of her jump-outs. Ciaron’s stable is great at getting 2-year-olds to the races early in the season and she is a fine example,” he said.

“Ciaron’s stable is great at getting 2-year-olds to the races early in the season and she is a fine example.” – Mark Zahra

“She was quickly out and when she kicked she gave nothing else a chance. She has showed speed and she’s beautiful. She sat in the gates and never turned a hair in the gates and was very professional.”

She is a daughter of the dual stakes winner Anatina (Fastnet Rock), who was also runner-up in the G1 The Galaxy H.

Fake Love is a half-sister to the black-type winner Pricked (Thorn Park) and to the dam of the Listed Mode Plate winner Sugar Boom (Spirit Of Boom). Also on the pedigree page is the G2 Villiers S. winner Quackerjack (Not A Single Doubt).

Extreme Warrior (Extreme Choice) settled behind the speed on the fence and ran on well when clear with Naples (Street Boss {USA}) and Bird Of Dubai (Pride Of Dubai) both getting home strongly from the tail of the field to run third and fourth respectively.

International News Wrap

6 min read

Pretty Gorgeous wins dramatic Fillies’ Mile

Second last out by 0.75l in a Group 1, Pretty Gorgeous (Fr) (Lawman {Fr}) reversed that result on Friday with a victory in the G1 Fillies' Mile in her first trip to England.

Racing in midfield over the soft ground, the filly made good work of the race inside the final 200 metres. She had 0.5l length on Indigo Girl (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) in second.

“Early on, I wasn’t overly happy and she’s so big she didn’t come down the hill all that great but once I got her balanced and rolling in the last half-furlong it was a case of me getting there too soon,” said jockey Shane Crosse.

There was a bit of drama post-race when trainer Aidan O’Brien reported that Snowfall (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), who had been recorded as crossing the line in third, and Mother Earth (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}) had accidentally switched saddle towels with Mother Earth crossing the line in that third position.

While the results have not yet been overturned, it is likely both horses will be disqualified with Dubai Fountain (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) moving into the third position.

Never out of the top two in five career starts, Joseph O’Brien-trained Pretty Gorgeous is now the sixth Group 1 winner for Lawman (Fr).

One of two stakes winners for stakes-placed Lady Gorgeous (GB) (Compton Place {GB}), Pretty Gorgeous dam is a half-sister to the dam of dual Group 1 winner Qemah (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}).

Euchen Glen pulls upset in Cumberland

Going gate-to-wire, Euchen Glen (GB) (Authorized {Ire}) pulled an 18/1 upset in the G3 Betsafe Cumberland Lodge S.

Brushing off race favourite Logician (GB) (Frankel {GB}) in the final 300 metres of the 2400 metre race, Euchen Glen then held off Desert Encounter (Ire) (Halling {USA}). He was able to vanquish that runner by 0.5l with the pair 9l in front of Highland Chief (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}).

A grandson of multiple Group winner Isle de France (USA) (Nureyev {USA}), the colt’s dam is a half-sister to the dam of Australian stakes winner Akario (Snitzel) and Group 1 winner Aerolithe (Jpn) (Kurofune {Jpn}) with another dam producing Japanese champion Mikki Isle (Jpn).

Zaykava another stakes winner for dam

G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Zarkava (Ire) (Zamindar {USA}) produced her third stakes winner from four runners on Friday when Zaykava (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}) won the Listed Prix Charles Laffitte.

Racing over 2000 metres, Zaykava beat Galova (Fr) (Galiway {GB}) by 1.75l with Frankel’s Magic (Fr) (Frankel {GB}) in third.

By Siyouni (Fr), who also sired Sunday’s Arc winner, Zaykava’s European Horse of the Year dam has seen multiple family members end up in Australia including winning half-brother Zourkhan (Ire) (Shamardal {USA}) and half-sister Zarakiysha (Ire) (Kendor {Fr}), whose foals include Group 3-placed Zarzali (Hussonet {USA}). That mare was exported back to France in early 2019 after dropping a Shalaa (Ire) colt in October 2018.

Just Beautiful impressive winner for Pride Of Dubai

Pride Of Dubai scored his 10th Northern Hemisphere-bred 2-year-old on Friday when Just Beautiful (GB) romped home at Kempton by 5l.

Racing over 1400 metres in her debut, Just Beautiful went straight for the lead and never looked back. Shrugging off any potential challengers over 200 metres out, the filly easily won by 5l over Daphne May (GB) (Mayson {GB}) with The Last Lion’s (Ire) She’s A Lion (GB) 0.5l back in third.

A half-sister to Group 2 winner Fearless King (GB) (Kingman {GB}), Just Beautiful is out of a Group 3 placed half-sister to Australian runner and Group 3-placed Our Candidate (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) among three stakes performing siblings.

Pride Of Dubai’s first Northern Hemisphere 2-year-olds also include four stakes winners, led by Group 3 winner Star Of Emaraaty (Ire).

Pinatubo retired to Darley

Last year’s European Champion 2-Year-Old Colt Pinatubo (Ire) (Shamardal {USA}) was retired to Darley’s Dalham Hall on Friday after discussions among the operation’s team.

Undefeated in six starts at two, the colt was third in this year’s G1 2000 Guineas 1.25l behind Kameko (USA) (Kitten’s Joy {USA}) and second in the G1 St. James’ Palace before earning a 3-year-old Group 1 victory in the Qatar Prix Jean Prat. The G1 Prix du Moulin de Longchamp where he was second to Persian King (Ire) (Kingman {GB}) was his final race.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome a horse as exceptional as Pinatubo to the roster at Dalham Hall Stud. Last year he carried all before him, most notably in the National S. which as we all know was a performance that cannot be matched by any other 2-year-old in the last quarter of a century. We were delighted to see him add a third Group 1 win to his superb record in the Prix Jean Prat and now look forward to him beginning his new career, where we’re confident he can continue Shamardal’s great legacy,” said Darley’s director of stallions Sam Bullard.

Out of Listed winner Lava Flow (Ire) (Dalakhani {Ire}), Pinatubo hails from the same family as leading sires Invincible Spirit (Ire) and Kodiac (GB) in addition to last season’s Australian Champion Freshman Sire Pride Of Dubai.

Equine movement proposal sent to Michel Barnier

A six-member task force has sent a proposal on cross-border horse movement to the European Commission’s Head of Task Force for Relations with the United Kingdom (UKTF) Michel Barnier and to Lord Frost, the British Prime Minister's Europe Adviser and Chief Negotiator of Task Force Europe.

Among the items proposed to make it easier for horses to move through Great Britain after they leave the EU is digital passports to provide traceability for horses and immediate access to medical records for horses. The proposal would also like to extend the zero tariffs that currently exist to geldings as well.

“The equine industry is of crucial importance to the economic, social, sporting and cultural fabric of both the European Union and the United Kingdom, and as representatives from all sectors of that industry, we believe that there are simple solutions that can guarantee a secure future for the European equine industry”, said Ingmar De Vos said, president of the International Horse Sports Confederation

The task force is hopeful the proposal they have put forward will be included in both the Trade Agreement and EU Animal Health Law coming out in late April.

Black type results: Caulfield

9 min read

G1 Neds Caulfield Guineas, $2,000,000, 1600m

Race summary

Things didn’t go to plan for Ole Kirk (Written Tycoon) in the race but his class prevailed and he scored his second elite-level win here.

Ridden by William Pike, the 3-year-old colt settled midfield and was hampered by Tagaloa (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) when he begun heading backwards, but he was able to navigate through the trouble and find the outside in the straight to storm home and win by 0.4l.

Aysar (Deep Field) and Grandslam (Myboycharlie {Ire}) put in career-best performances to score second and third respectively.

Pedigree notes

Ole Kirk was a $675,000 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale purchase by International Thoroughbred Solutions from the draft of Gilgai Farm and comes from a rich and deep pedigree.

His dam Naturale is an unraced sister to the unbeaten multiple Group 1 winner Black Caviar (Bel Esprit) and a half-sister to All Too Hard, a multiple Group 1 winner who now resides at Vinery Stud.

The page also features the G1 The Galaxy H. winner and sire Magnus and the G2 Schillaci S. winner and sire Wilander.

Naturale has a 2-year-old filly by Not A Single Doubt, named Gimmie Par, but missed to Cable Bay (Ire) in 2019.

G1 Schweppes Thousand Guineas, $1,000,000, 1600m

Race summary

Odeum (Written Tycoon) scored the first Group 1 for the Mick Price and Micheal Kent Jnr training partnership as she scored a dominant win here.

Personal (Fastnet Rock) and Instant Celebrity (Not A Single Doubt) both ran on well, but were no match for Odeum as the scored second and third respectively.

Pedigree notes

Odeum was purchased by Sheamus Mills Bloodstock for $420,000 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale from the draft of Newhaven Park and is out of the stakes-placed mare Movie (Red Ransom {USA}), making her a half-sister to Listed winner Goodfella (Snitzel).

Odeum’s second dam, Strawberry Storm (Thunder Gulch {USA}), is a half-sister to Miss Barley (Fastnet Rock) who is responsible for Group 1-winning sprinter Gytrash (Lope De Vega {Ire}).

Movie has a 2-year-old colt by I Am Invincible who is named Video and was purchased by Belmont Bloodstock for $400,000 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale while she has a yearling by Zoustar and is back in foal to the Widden Stud stallion.

G1 Neds S., $1,000,000, 2000m

Race summary

Arcadia Queen (Pierro) caused an upset as she defeated short-priced favourite Russian Camelot (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) to score her first win in over a year.

The Grant and Alana Williams-trained mare settled last under William Pike and as Russian Camelot began his run for home in the straight, Arcadia Queen came down his outside and went straight past him to win by 1.25l.

Humidor (NZ) (Teofilo {Ire}) was again tough in defeat as he ran on to finish another 1.5l back in third.

Pedigree notes

Bred and raced by Bob Peters, Arcadia Queen is out of Arcadia (Redoute’s Choice), who has done an outstanding job at stud.

She is also the dam of the mare’s Group 3-winning brother Arcadia Prince as well as G2 Western Australian Derby winner Arcadia Dream (Domesday) and the Listed winner Arcadia Rose (Kheleyf {USA}).

Arcadia is a sister to the Listed Jungle Dawn Classic winner Broadway Belle, who has produced the G2 Western Australian Derby winning brothers Regal Power (Pierro) and Action.

Arcadia has a yearling sister to Arcadia Queen while she is back in foal to Coolmore stallion Pierro.

G1 Lexus Toorak H., $500,000, 1600m

Race summary

Mr Quickie (Shamus Award) returned to the winner’s stall for the first time since taking out last year’s G1 Queensland Derby with a brilliant performance here.

Carrying the top-weight, Mr Quickie settled just off the speed on the rails and jockey Jamie Kah continued to hug the rail until a gap opened in the straight and he burst through to win by 2l.

Buffalo River (USA) (Noble Mission {USA}) was gallant in defeat after leading the trip and holding on for second while Superstorm (Sebring) crept through on the rails to finish 0.5l back in third.

Pedigree notes

Bought for $115,000 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale by Dalziel Racing from the draft of Rosemont Stud, Mr Quickie is from the winning General Nediym mare Special Favour, who is a daughter of Group 2 winner My Tusker (NZ) (Volksraad).

Special Favour’s dam is also a half-sister to the Group 2-placed Platinum Passion (Redoute’s Choice), the dam of Listed winning Tribal Wisdom (Makfi {GB}). Special Favour’s third dam is five-time Group 1 winner Horlicks (NZ) (Three Legs {GB}), who also produced champion full siblings Brew (NZ) (Sir Tristam {Ire}) and Bubble (NZ) with her other daughters producing a further two Group 1 winners.

Mr Quickie is the first foal from his dam. She has a yearling filly by Sacred Falls (NZ) and is again in foal to Rosemont Stud sire Shamus Award.

G2 McCafe Schillaci S., $300,000, 1100m

Race summary

Dirty Work (Written Tycoon) added a valuable Group 2 win to his CV as he scored a narrow come from behind win here.

In a small field, the 4-year-old entire settled at the tail of the field under William Pike and was still last at the bend but he managed to veer to the outside and storm home down the middle of the track to win by 0.1l.

Diamond Effort (Mossman) was unlucky in defeat as she scored second with expensive gelding Octane (I Am Invincible) another 0.2l away in third.

Pedigree notes

Dirty Work was an $800,000 yearling purchase for Spendthrift from the 2018 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale out of Sledmere Stud's draft.

He is out of the twice successful mare Maidel (Ad Volorem {USA}), who is a half-sister to the G3 MRC Ethereal S. winner Gamay (Pierro), and the Listed-winning and G2 ATC Silver S. placegetter Meidung (Bernadini).

His pedigree also features the Group 1 placed and twice successful G2 ATC Warwick S. winner Pinwheel (Lonhro). Maidel has produced a 2-year-old sister and a yearling brother to Dirty Work and last visited Newgate Farm stallion Capitalist.

G2 Neds Herbert Power S., $300,000, 2400m

Race summary

The Mike Moroney-trained Chapada (Bullet Train {GB}) booked his spot for next week’s G1 Caulfield Cup with an impressive performance here.

The gelding settled midfield under Daniel Stackhouse and peeled out around the turn to run down leader In Good Health (Congrats {USA}) to win by 1.25l.

Zebrowski (NZ) (Savabeel) and Platinum Invador (NZ) (Redwood {GB}) both ran home strongly to score second and third respectively.

Pedigree notes

Sold by Bowness Stud, Chapada was purchased by Paul Moroney for $32,500 at the 2017 Inglis Classic Sale and he is the third foal to race out of Diamantina Dior (Oasis Dream {GB}).

Diamantina Dior is out of Diamantina (Fr) (Linamix {Fr}), who herself is a sister to Group winners Diamond Mix (Fr) and Diasilixa (Fr) and a half-sister Group 3 winner Diamond Dance (Fr) (Dancehall {USA}).

Damantina Dior has a yearling colt by Odyssey Moon and is currently in foal to former Arrowfield shuttler Maurice (Jpn).

G3 Thoroughbred Club S., $200,000, 1200m

Race summary

Swats That (Shamus Award) was well-supported following her win in the G3 Champagne S. at The Valley and she was never really troubled to justify her support.

The filly sat in fourth spot and one of the fence to the turn and when asked for an effort she produced an irresistible finish.

Muntaseera (I Am Invincible) found the line well to run second and Bella Nipotina (Pride Of Dubai) stayed on gamely for third after making the pace.

Pedigree notes

Swats That is a sister to the two-time winner My Sweet Fish with their dam Is It A Mosquito (Bel Esprit), who was unraced.

She is a grand-daughter of the former Australian Horse of the Year and multiple Group 1 winner Let’s Elope. She also did a good job in a broodmare role as the dam of the G2 AAMI Vase winner and sire Ustinov and the G2 Adelaide Cup winner Outback Joe (Elvstroem).

The G3 Bart Cummings H. and Listed Centaurea S. winner Let’s Make Adeal (Red Ransom {USA}) is also a member of this family.

G3 Keno Northwood Plume S., $200,000, 1200m

Race summary

The Chris Waller-trained Fiesta (I Am Invincible) scored her first win in February 2019 with a tough performance here.

Given a perfect ride by Hugh Bowman, Fiesta settled midfield and ran home strongly down the middle of the track to win by 0.75l.

Felicia (Unencumbered) was gallant in defeat after she led the trip but still managed to hold on for second while Broadwayandfourth (Smart Missile) was another 0.1l away in third.

Pedigree notes

Fiesta was bred by Mike O'Donnell of Fairhill Farm, was sold for $150,000 to Star Thoroughbreds and Chris Waller Racing at the 2017 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.

Her dam Now Now (Danehill Dancer {Ire}) won five races, while her granddam Brandy Cocktail (Hennessy {USA}) is a half-sister to black-type winners Charm Scene Land (Brocco {USA}), Kingsgate (Danzero) and Stick Around (Twig Moss {Fr}).

Listed Magic Millions Debutant S., $175,000, 1000m

Race summary

Fake Love (I Am Invincible) made full use of her inside barrier and was quickly into stride for rider Mark Zahra to make the running.

She cut loose 250 metres from home to establish a winning break and coasted to the line to post a stylish debut win at the expense of Extreme Warrior (Extreme Choice).

Naples (Street Boss {USA}), who went back from a wide gate, got home well for third as did the fourth placegetter Bird Of Dubai (Pride Of Dubai) as she came from last.

Pedigree notes

Fake Love was sold by Segenhoe Stud at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Weanling Sale for $380,000 to Oakmont’s Hannah Mathieson.

She is a daughter of the dual stakes winner Anatina (Fastnet Rock), who was also runner-up in the G1 The Galaxy H.

She is a half-sister to the black-type winner Pricked (Thorn Park) and to the dam of the Listed Mode Plate winner Sugar Boom (Spirit Of Boom). Also featuring on the pedigree page is the G2 Villiers S. winner Quackerjack (Not A Single Doubt).

Listed Big Screen Co. Weekend Hussler, $175,000, 1400m

Race summary

Windstorm (Redoute’s Choice) had won on the course at his previous appearance and he had no troubling doubling up.

The Grant and Alan Williams-trained 4-year-old was giving the leaders a big start on straightening, but he mowed his rivals down under the urgings of regular partner William Pike.

Phaistos (Helmet), as he has done in the past, gave a bold first-up account of himself and Archdemus (Lope De Vega {Ire}) did well to hang on for third after going hard early to sit outside the leader.

Pedigree notes

Bred and raced by Bob Peters, Windstorm is a half-brother to Dark Alert (Testa Rossa), who won twice at Listed level.

Their dam Storm Alert (Metal Storm {Fr}) was a quality race mare who won the G3 Cockram S. and finished third in the G1 VRC Oaks.

She is a half-sister to the G1 Railway S. winner Hadrada (Marooned {GB}), who also landed two editions of the G2 Winterbottom S., and to the G2 Lee Steere S. winner Ranger (Testa Rossa).

Black type results: Randwick

4 min read

G1 Moet & Chandon Spring Champion S., $1,000,000, 2000m

Race summary

Montefilia (Kermadec {NZ}) backed up her G1 Flight S. win with a brilliant performance to take out her second Group 1 in a week here.

In almost identical fashion to her Flight win, the 3-year-old filly came from back in the field and looked to be caught for a run but Jason Collett managed to angle her out and she used her impressive turn of foot to run home Lion’s Roar (NZ) (Contributer {Ire}) and win by 0.8l.

Regally-bred colt Bucharest (Deep Impact {Jpn}) finished 3.8l away in third.

Pedigree notes

Bana Wu has a 2-year-old filly by Arrowfield shuttler Shalaa (Ire), who was purchased by Ciaron Maher Racing for $160,000 at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, while she has a yearling colt by Ribchester (Ire).

G2 Polytrack Roman Consul S., $300,000, 1200m

Race summary

Wild Ruler (Snitzel) justified his short-priced favouritism and put his hand up for the last slot in The Everest with an easy win here.

The 3-year-old colt sat in second throughout the run and tracked up to Osamu (Exceed And Excel) in the lead before kicking past and running on the score by 2l.

On The Lead (I Am Invincible) finished off strongly to score second with Doubtland (Not A Single Doubt) weakening in the final stages of the race to finish another 1l back in third.

Pedigree notes

Wild Ruler was purchased by China Horse Club, Newgate Bloodstock and WinStar for $525,000 at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale from the draft of Kia Ora Stud and is out of American Grade 2 winner and Grade 1 runner-up Gypsy Robin (USA) (Daaher {Can}).

Gypsy Robin herself is a half-sister to stakes winner Tiger Cat Lily (USA) (Tale Of The Cat {USA}) while further back this is also the family of full Grade 1 winner Influent (Can) (Ascot Knight {Can}).

G2 Heineken Stan Fox S., $250,000, 1500m

Race summary

Peltzer (So You Think {NZ}) needed the line but he found it just in time as he scored a narrow victory here.

The 3-year-old colt jumped away quickly and went straight to the front before kicking clear in the straight. His rivals made good chase in the final stages but he managed to hold on to win by 0.5l.

Prime Star (Starspangledbanner) came from last to finish second with Jet Propulsion (Rubick) finding a second wind score third by 0.1l.

Pedigree notes

Peltzer was purchased by Gerald Ryan Racing and David Raphael for $260,000 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast from the draft of Mill Park Stud.

He is the fourth foal out of Miss Otto (Elusive Quality {USA}) who herself is a half-sister to the multiple stakes-placed Miss With Attitude (Galileo {Ire}) as well as Listed third Oui Is Attitude (Bianconi {USA}) who is also the dam of Listed Adelaide Guineas winner So We Are (So You Think {NZ}).

Miss Otto has a yearling sister to Peltzer while she is currently back in foal to So You Think (NZ).

G3 Bentley Angst S., $160,000, 1600m

Race summary

Emeralds (Sebring) needed the entire length of the Randwick straight but she managed to get the nod in her final stride to score her maiden stakes win here.

Greysful Glamour (Stratum) led for the entire trip and was all but home but Emeralds kicked up on the fence and just nabbed her on the line to win by 0.1l.

Nimlee (So You Think {NZ}) ran home well to finish 1.5l away in third.

Pedigree notes

Emeralds is the first foal out of unraced mare Doulmera (USA) (Mr. Greeley {USA}) who is out of Group 1-performed mare Daltaya (Fr) (Anabaa {USA}), who is also responsible for Group 1 winner Dalkala (USA) (Giant’s Causeway {USA}).

Further down the page is former shuttle sire Dalakhani (Ire).

Doulmera has an unraced 2-year-old filly by Snitzel named Four Moves Ahead as well as a yearling colt by Pierro but slipped to Dundeel (NZ) last season.

Black type results: Morphettville

1 min read

Cover image courtesy SAJC

Listed Hill Smith S., $100,000, 1800m

Race summary

Anthony and Sam Freedman have a decision to make after Ain’tnodeeldun (Dundeel {NZ}) scored a big win here.

The short-priced favourite settled well back in the field during the run but showcased his elite turn of foot and stormed home to take out the race by 0.7l, staking his claims for a start in the G1 VRC Derby.

It was a quinella for Dundeel (NZ) as Victoria Quay also finished off well to score second with Passing Phase (Spill The Beans) coming home another 2l back in third.

Pedigree notes

Ain’tnodeeldun is the sixth foal out of Ain’tnofallenstar (Starcraft {NZ}) who herself won two stakes races.

He was sold by Bhima Thoroughbreds for $240,000 to Anthony Freedman Racing and Blue Sky Bloodstock at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale and his grandam is Listed Let’s Elope S. winner Ain’t Seen Nothin’ (Nothin Leica Dane).

Ain’tnofallenstar has a yearling colt by the late Redoute’s Choice and this year foaled a brother to Ain’tnodeeldun.

Black type results: Matamata & Hawera

2 min read

Hawera, G3 Wyndspelle Grangewilliam Stud Taranaki Breeders’ S., $70,000, 1400m

Race summary

Supreme Heights (NZ) (Jimmy Choux {NZ}) is in a rich veins of form that has now netted her consecutive black-type successes.

She won the G3 NZB Ready to Run Sale Trainers’ Sale and then claimed Group 3 honours in style at Hawera.

The 5-year-old made all the running and showed her fighting qualities to rally after being headed in the straight to claim top honours. Le Castile (NZ) (Dalghar {Fr}) arrived late to cut the favourite Kiwi Ida (Squamosa) out of third.

Pedigree notes

Supreme Heights is a daughter of Summer Heights (NZ) (Stark South {USA}), who won one modest event over 2000 metres.

She is a sister to Rising Heights (NZ) and he was a capable stayer who won seven races up to 2300 metres, including the G3 Manawatu Cup.

The headline act in this pedigree is Sky Heights (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}), who won four times at Group 1 level in the Caulfield Cup, Yalumba S., Australian Derby and the Rosehill Guineas.

Matamata, Listed Matamata Cup, $50,000, 1400m

Race summary

Tavi Mac (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) was given a cosy run by Opie Bosson and the Allan Sharrock-trained gelding was never in danger of defeat.

He raced three back and one off the fence before peeling wide into the straight strode clear to win with authority.

Hay Tiger (NZ) (Tiger Prawn {SAF}) settled in the last three and rounded off generously in the straight for second ahead of Burgundy Belle (NZ) (Burgundy {NZ}) came out of the trail to finish third.

Pedigree notes

Tavi Mac is a son of Bellaroof (NZ) (Maroof {USA}), who has produced two other winners including Darci Mac (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}), successful on 10 occasions.

Bellaroof won five times up to 1400 metres and she is a grand-daughter of Highden Belle (NZ) (Pevero {Ire}), who won twice at Listed level and ran third in the G1 Western Australian Oaks.

The outstanding member of this family in more recent times is Group 1-winning machine Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands), whose collection of top-flight titles now stands at 11.

Foal Showcase

1 min read

To have your foal featured, send a landscape-oriented image to olivia@tdnausnz.com.au

Your Song x Sheeznodoubt (filly) at Widden Stud

Trapeze Artist x Zelady's Night Out (filly) at Vinery Stud

Odyssey Moon x Swish (filly) at Twin Hills Stud

Daily News Wrap

Flit in contention

Flit (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}) has boosted her claims for the upcoming Golden Eagle with success on Saturday in the Silver Eagle lead-up at Randwick.

The 4-year-old was able to track the Queenslander Alligator Blood (All Too Hard) off a genuine tempo and proved too good in the straight.

“She’s been flying this preparation without winning. Now she’s feeling good we couldn’t see her running a bad race,” trainer James Cummings said. “This horse has got a great turn of foot and she’s marched right into contention.”

Flit was ridden by Rachel King, who was also successful earlier in the program on the progressive Criaderas (Lonhro).

Flit

Peltzer to chase big prize

Peltzer (So You Think {NZ}) returned to winning ways in the G2 Stan Fox S. at Randwick and will be back in a fortnight’s time to chase a bigger pot of gold.

Co-trainer Gerald Ryan confirmed the 3-year-old’s next appearance would be in the Bondi S.

“Too right. I part own a share in the horse, he'll be coming back for the $1 million," he said.

Peltzer has been racing well in top company, he was a last-start fifth in the G1 Golden Rose S. and took advantage of a drop in grade on Saturday to lead all of the way.

Stallion credentials enhanced

The Spendthrift-owned Dirty Work (Written Tycoon) enhanced his stallion profile with a dashing victory in the G2 Schillaci S. at Caulfield.

The 4-year-old sat at the tail of the field in the McCafe-sponsored dash and unleashed with an electric burst to win for the fifth time in his career.

“He’s a stallion now and he’s a belting-looking horse with a great attitude,” co-trainer Wayne Hawkes said.

Rider William Pike gave credit to regular rider Tommy Berry who told him Dirty Work had an ‘amazing’ 250 metre sprint so held him up for a final run and the tactic proved spot on.

Everest chance?

In-form sprinter Wild Ruler (Snitzel) raised the question of his inclusion in the $15 million The Everest with a dashing win in Saturday’s G2 Polytrack Roman Consul S. at Randwick.

The 3-year-old was untested to claim the thick end of the stake for trainers Peter and Paul Snowden.

“I guess it’s my guys will talk to your guys. This is what it was all about today and it’s a Group 2 so not to be sneezed at,” Paul Snowden said. “We’ll look at our options and it’s food for thought.”

Rival trainer Chris Waller holds the last remaining slot to be filled for The Everest.

Wild Ruler

Visitors given all clear

Runners from Aidan and Joseph O’Brien’s stables have been cleared to run at the Melbourne spring carnival.

Racing Victoria stewards have been advised by Racing Analytical Services Limited that Zilpaterol was not detected in the out of competition samples obtained from the international visiting horses.

Following recent reports that feed used by both of the O’Brien stables in Ireland was found to be contaminated with Zilpaterol, stewards sought to determine whether the 10 horses from the two stables which arrived in Melbourne last weekend for the carnival were affected, but tested clear.

In-form filly strikes again

Swats That (Shamus Award) showed she was on target for a sterner test when she landed the G3 Thoroughbred Club S. at Caulfield.

It continued the filly’s winning form this season as she had been successful at her previous appearance in the G3 Champagne S. at The Valley and will run next in the G1 Coolmore Stud S.

“She sat back and relaxed and hit the line nicely. She’s doing a fantastic job and one of her main attributes is that she goes home and smashes her feed,” co-trainer Troy Corstens said.

Colt’s Guineas odds cut

Not An Option (Not A Single Doubt) has been elevated to co-favouritism for next month’s G1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas.

Following a successful resuming effort at Matamata on Saturday, the colt now shares the top line of betting at NZ$4.50 with last-start G3 Hawke’s Bay Guineas winner Aegon (NZ) (Sacred Falls {NZ}).

“I’ve always thought he would love a mile and a big track like Riccarton, so we’re on target for the Guineas down there now,” trainer Tony Pike said.

“He will have one more run before we go to Christchurch, which will be in the G2 Sarten Memorial at Te Rapa.”

Trained by Tony Pike, Not An Option was making his first appearance since tailing the field home in the G1 JJ Atkins S. and had enjoyed a quiet lead-up trial before coming from last to win the Fairview Motors Matamata 1400.

Plein Ciel fancied

Plein Ciel (Ger) (Mamool {Ire}) has been in good form this preparation and presents as a strong chance to add Sunday’s Listed TAB Cranbourne Cup to his record.

The Danny O’Brien-trained 8-year-old has finished runner-up in two of his last three outings, including a most recent second in the G3 JRA Cup at The Valley.

Noncomformist (Rebel Raider) is third-up at a trip that should be ideal for him and a more competitive performance should be forthcoming while Tavirun (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) has a home track advantage and is a two-time winner at the distance.

Trap For Fools (Poet’s Voice {GB}) was a sound fifth when resuming in the G1 Underwood S. and with a major step back in class he has to be respected, even with 62kg. Polly Grey (NZ) (Azamour {Ire}) shapes as an each way hope after a solid effort for fifth in the G3 Naturalism S.

Back-to-back wins

Matamata mare Supreme Heights (NZ) (Jimmy Choux {NZ}) added a second stakes victory to her burgeoning record when she took out Saturday’s G3 Wyndspelle Grangewilliam Stud Taranaki Breeders S. at Hawera.

The Mark Brosnan-trained 5-year-old had given an emphatic display of front running when taking out a Group 3 contest at New Plymouth at her last start and repeated the dose on Saturday in similar fashion.

Rider Michael McNab took over the reins on the mare from the suspended Sam Collett, but adopted the same game plan as he went straight to the front before stacking up his rivals in the mid-stages.

“The instructions were to ride her like last time where she led and dictated, but to also be prepared to take a sit if something wanted to go mad in front,” McNab said. “I ended up getting a soft lead and she got into such a nice rhythm.”

Supreme Heights (NZ) (right) | Image by Peter Rubery at Race Images

Tavi Mac takes Cup

Favourite Tavi Mac (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) provided his many followers with another thrilling performance when he dashed away with the feature race at Matamata on Saturday, the Listed Team Wealleans Matamata Cup.

He carried topweight of 59kgs in the event, but gave no indication that the impost was in any way a hindrance as he bolted clear in the run home to win by more than 3l.

“I’m just thrilled with that as it isn’t easy to carry topweight and do it as well as he did,” Sharrock said. “He put them to bed pretty easily, the little beauty. It was a good effort for a little horse, but Opie (Bosson) rode him beautifully.

“When you get those top riders on it really shows. Opie hasn’t done a lot of riding for me but when he has, he hasn’t been beaten too many times.”

Looking Ahead - October 11

Cranbourne, Race 1, 12.40pm AEDT, Dirt Rock Civil H., $50,000, 1400m

Pioneer River (Snitzel) was purchased by Sun Bloodstock for $1.1 million at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale from the draft of Sledmere Stud and is out of Ocean Of Tears (NZ) (Minardi {USA}), making him a half-brother to Group 3 winner No More Tears (Darci Brahma {NZ}).

Pioneer River as a yearling

Ocean Of Tears herself is a half-sister to stakes winner Hips Don’t Lie (NZ) (Stravinsky {USA}) who is responsible for stakes winners Ennis Hill (Fastnet Rock) and Lake Geneva (Fastnet Rock). Further back, this is also the family of G2 Arrowfield 3YO Sprint winner Splintex (Snitzel).

Cranbourne, Race 7, 4.15pm AEDT, De Bortoli Wines H., $50,000, 1400m

Last year’s G1 Caulfield Guineas third Groundswell (Fastnet Rock) was purchased by Anthony Freedman Racing for $2.3 million at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale from the Arrowfield draft and is out of The Broken Shore (Hussonet {USA}), making him a brother to multiple Group 1 winner Shoals.

Groundswell as a yearling

His second dam is the blue hen mare Shantha’s Choice (Canny Lad), who is responsible for champion sire Redoute’s Choice as well as Manhattan Rain, Platinum Scissors and Sliding Cube (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}), the dam of Coolmore stallion Rubick.

Hawkesbury, Race 7, 4.55pm AEDT, Lander Toyota Ladies Day Maiden, $35,000, 1300m

So Far Away (Snitzel) was bought by Yulong for $400,000 at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale from Arrowfield and he is out of American stakes winner and Grade 1 performer Tara From The Cape (USA) (Leroidesanimaux {Brz}).

So Far Away as a yearling

Tara From The Cape is a half-sister to Grade 3 winner and G1 Santa Anita Derby third Royal Mo (USA) (Uncle Mo {USA}), while this is also the family of multiple stakes winner Irish Linnet (USA) (Seattle Song {USA}).