Everest never a bridge too far for confident Les

Written by

Paul Vettise

5 min read

Randwick trainer Les Bridge has been telling all and sundry for months that Classique Legend (Not A Single Doubt) would win the $15 million The TAB Everest and his prophecy came true in thrilling style on Saturday.

Cover image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

Bridge took an unconventional training approach to fulfil his prediction with Classique Legend and it proved a masterstroke with the grey powering to victory in the richest turf race on the planet for Hong Kong-based owner Bon Ho.

While many of his sprinting peers were enjoying time out during the winter, Classique Legend had been kept in work with a winning outing in the Listed June S. to keep him ticking along.

Bridge then started to get more serious and sent the 5-year-old to land the G2 The Shorts last month and a runner-up finish in the G2 Premiere S. earlier this month had him strip at his very best on Saturday.

“I’ve been telling everyone for three months he would win. One of my greatest friends was Percy Sykes, who I spent a lot of time with, and he said it’s all in the genes,” he said.

“Some horses just get more of the good genes and I’m just repeating his words. This horse had got a girth on him that deep and a V8 motor, he’s unbelievable.”

“This horse had got a girth on him that deep and a V8 motor, he’s unbelievable.” – Les Bridge

Classique Legend has twice been booked on a flight to Hong Kong, but in a year turned upside down by the COVID-19 outbreak he remained in Bridge’s care.

“He’ll still probably go, but we’ll see what happens – we kidnapped him last time,” he said.

Among Bridge’s finest training triumphs has been G1 Melbourne Cup success with Kensei (NZ) (Blarney Kiss {USA}) and a G1 Golden Slipper S. with Sir Dapper (Vain) and while he considers Classique Legend his best horse, first place in his heart goes to his multiple Group 1 winner Hot Danish (Nothin Leica Dane).

“The horse I got the most pleasure out of in my life was Hot Danish because my wife was dying of cancer and every time that horse won it gave her a lift so there will never be a horse to replace Hot Danish in my sentiments,” he said.

Bred by Wallings Bloodstock, Classique Legend was offered by Tyreel Stud at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale and was bought by Carmel Size on behalf of Ho for $400,000.

Classique Legend when sold as a yearling

Love at first sight

“He means the world to me and I’ve been obsessed with him since I first laid eyes on him. It’s just so special and I’m so proud of the horse,” she said.

“Les has been so confident, very bullish for such a long time. He’s had an unorthodox preparation so what a marvel Les is, he’s a legend. The horse has been on a flight to Hong Kong twice so the Gods have shone on me and he’s come back.”

“He means the world to me and I’ve been obsessed with him since I first laid eyes on him.” – Carmel Size

Classique Legend settled back in the body of the field, but when rider Kerrin McEvoy got him to the outside he mowed down his rivals to beat Bivouac (Exceed And Excel) by 2.5l with Gytrash (Lope De Vega {Ire}) third.

Trekking (Street Cry {Ire}) finished fourth ahead of Haut Brion Her (Zoustar), Santa Ana Lane (Lope De Vega {Ire}) and a weakening Nature Strip (Nicconi).

“We jumped out and I got on the back of Trekking and just had to ride my race. At the 600 (metre mark) the leaders were well in front, but full credit to my horse, he was really able to power home,” McEvoy said.

“He did a marvellous job and Les has done a great job and Carmel has looked after him like a baby. It’s been fantastic and it's an unbelievable feeling to win another one.”

McEvoy, of course, won the first two editions of The Everest with Redzel (Snitzel) and stayed with him last year when Nash Rawiller rode Classique Legend into a sixth.

“I was lucky to team up with Redzel and last year was a tough call and this horse was a bit unlucky, but he’s come back even better so it’s extra special.”

Kerrin McEvoy and Classique Legend | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

Perfect record defended

It’s Me (Shamus Award) added to her burgeoning reputation when she kept her unbeaten record intact and overcame a midweek scare to land the $1.3 million The Kosciuszko.

The 4-year-old had developed a cough following a swimming session, but hadn’t missed any work and was cleared to start.

It’s Me settled back in the field and had trouble finding a clear run in the straight, but once a gap opened she was into the clear and charged home to beat Redouble (Redoute’s Choice) to make it four wins on the bounce.

“She’s just amazing. She was in traffic and in a black hole and I thought this is it, but gee whiz she did it,” trainer Brett Cavanough said.

Jason Collett has ridden It’s Me in her last three wins and said she had lifted the bar each time at the races.

“Once we were clear I asked her for a bit more and she got the job done. Obviously, this was her biggest test and she’s come through with flying colours, she was impressive. All credit to Brett and his team, they’ve done a great job. She is very smart.”

It's Me after winning The Kosciuszko | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

Bubbly to flow in Zahra household after Cup

Written by

Paul Vettise

4 min read

Mark Zahra had a pretty good idea how he was going to celebrate his first G1 Caulfield Cup victory after partnering the resilient mare Verry Elleegant (NZ) (Zed {NZ}) to victory.

The Victorian jockey won the race to partner the quirky Verry Elleegant last month after regular rider James McDonald stayed in Sydney due to COVID-19 travel restrictions and it’s since proved to be a match made in heaven.

Zahra got his first feel of the Chris Waller-trained 5-year-old in the G1 Turnbull S. and they hit it off immediately with a lead-up win and it was more of the same at Caulfield where they repelled the challenge of the topweight Anthony Van Dyck (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}).

“I’ll be telling the missus to put 10 bottles of champagne on ice and I suppose all we can do is drink them together,” he said.

Zahra earned a celebratory drink or three after a grand ride on Verry Elleegant, who has now added the Caulfield Cup to a record that already featured Group 1 success in the Turnbull S., Tancred S., Winx S., Australian Oaks and the Vinery Stud S.

Verry Elleegant was midfield in the early running with Zahra keen to keep her away from the fence.

“When she gets to 2400 metres it’s about getting her in a rhythm and I wasn’t in a bad spot, but the stablemate wanted to put me back on the fence which she didn’t like,” Zahra said.

“All I wanted to do was to get to the outside and I gave her a rev up on the turn and, like I say, she’s very tough and wasn’t going to be beaten.”

“All I wanted to do was to get to the outside and I gave her a rev up on the turn and, like I say, she’s very tough and wasn’t going to be beaten.” – Mark Zahra

Verry Elleegant got the front and then had to withstand the challenge of Anthony Van Dyck and her fighting qualities were evident in the closing 100 metres when she pinned her ears back and stayed on strongly to land the major prize.

“It’s a great feeling and she’s so tough, the other horse joined her and she dug deep and to win a Caulfield Cup is amazing,” Zahra said.

Mark Zahra aboard Verry Elleegant (NZ)

First taste

It also plugged one of the few remaining holes on Waller’s CV with his first taste of success in the Caulfield Cup.

“It can’t be stressed enough what a big team effort it has been effort it has been,” Waller’s Melbourne representative Jo Taylor said.

“Sydney has done a fantastic job to get her down here and then our team here as well, who have worked tirelessly and certainly deserve a big result like this so well done to everyone involved.

“She’s just kept maturing and you’d imagine she will continue to do that.”

“She’s just kept maturing and you’d imagine she will continue to do that.” – Jo Taylor

Verry Elleegant will now attempt to follow in the path of another great Kiwi-bred staying mare in Ethereal (NZ) (Rhythm {USA}), who completed the major staying double in 2001.

“Hopefully, this year we will go on to a G1 Melbourne Cup and the further she goes, the stronger she gets. She is an incredible endurance athlete and Mark did a great job,” Taylor said.

“At one stage it looked like she was going to be caught on the fence, but he made sure she stayed off and he kept her out of trouble. She was certainly very tough.

“Chris will be ecstatic and he's so deserving. It’s a race that’s eluded us until now so it certainly means a lot.”

Verry Elleegant (NZ)

Runner-up Anthony Van Dyck’s run was full of merit after being forced to drop back from a wide barrier while The Chosen One (NZ) (Savabeel) ran out of his skin at long odds to claim the third prize.

Prince Of Arran (GB) (Shirocco {Ger}) has placed in the last two editions of the G1 Melbourne Cup and he showed by coming from last to finish fourth that he is in the right order to perhaps go all the way this year.

Finche (GB) (Farnkel {GB}) did well to grind it out for fifth after racing three wide throughout and the honest Avilius (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) was next to cross the line.

Crack mare lands 12th Group 1 with effortless display

Written by

Paul Vettise

3 min read

New Zealand’s Queen of the Turf Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands) revelled in all the pomp and ceremony of a Group 1 day when she took her collection of elite titles to 12 with a successful defence of her Livamol Classic crown.

Melody Belle returned from an unsuccessful winter trip to Sydney to land the G1 Windsor Park Plate on the second day of the Hastings spring carnival and she produced an equally impressive win in Saturday’s Livamol.

The 6-year-old unleashed a devastating home stretch sprint to sail clear and confirm what trainer Jamie Richards had been thinking for much of the week.

“She loves it here and has prepared well. She worked super on Thursday and I said they couldn’t beat her here last time in the Windsor Park they’d have struggled this time as she has improved,” he said.

“She was explosive and I don’t like to say too much ahead of these races, but she hadn’t put a foot wrong. She’s a great mare and she’s nowhere near finished yet.”

“She was explosive and I don’t like to say too much ahead of these races, but she hadn’t put a foot wrong.” - Jamie Richards

Melody Belle’s victory continued the outstanding run in Group 1 events Richards has enjoyed since taking over the Matamata stable.

“We might look back in 10 years and think how lucky we were to have her, Avantage, Te Akau Shark and Probabeel all at the same time,” he said.

“All the staff have done a magnificent job and I would like to give them a big thank you. They work from 3 or 3.30am in the morning until five at night and never complain. They have all been terrific.”

Beyond doubt

Melody Belle settled in the last quartet and rider Troy Harris bided his time before he urged the mare around the field 700 metres from home.

They were widest into the straight and once balanced Melody Belle lengthened stride to quickly put the issue beyond doubt.

“It was a no pain ride and once she got to the outside she just let rip,” Richards said.

Troy Harris

She is raced by the Fortuna Melody Belle Syndicate managed by John Galvin.

“She was imperious. She’ll probably go to the G1 Captain Cook S. and there’s enough time for her to have 10 days or two weeks in the paddock first before we go to the big stage at Trentham,” Galvin said.

Melody Belle had 2.8l on stablemate Avantage (Fastnet Rock) at the finish with Vadavar (Fr) (Redoute’s Choice) coming from well back for third with Dolcetto (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) next home.

“She went to sleep in the gates and it all worked out from the jump. I was pretty happy where I was and as soon as I pulled out and got to the middle of the track she was far too good,” Harris said. “This is very special to me.”

Harris’ father Noel won the Livamol three times with Secret Seal (NZ) (Imperial Seal {GB}) in 1987, Castletown (NZ) (One Pound Sterling {GB}) in 1991 and Princess Coup (Encosta De Lago) in 2007 and his uncle Des posted back-to-back victories aboard La Mer (NZ) (Copenhagen {GB}) in 1978 and 1979.

Wise heads deliver first winner for Capitalist

3 min read

Cover image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

Written by Paul Vettise

Peter and Paul Snowden were the guiding hands behind Capitalist’s brilliant racing career so it was fitting they put the polish on the Newgate stallion’s first winner when Captivant successfully debuted at Randwick.

The father and son training combination are enamoured with the first-crop representatives of the G1 Golden Slipper S. winner and understandably so after Captivant careered away with Saturday’s ACY Securities Victory Vein Plate.

The colt carries the colours of the China Horse Club, who share in the ownership with a number of high-profile identities including Newgate.

“It’s pretty special and he stamps his stock from what we have seen so far and they are quite mature, well beyond their years I feel,” Paul Snowden said.

“They are lovely types to deal with and this bloke’s certainly going to train on. He’s nowhere near the finished product yet – he’s that raw he’s still frozen, he’s got a lot more to come.”

“He’s nowhere near the finished product yet – he’s that raw he’s still frozen, he’s got a lot more to come.” – Paul Snowden

Successful in his only trial on the course, Captivant settled in midfield but once he was angled into clear air in the straight by rider Jason Collett he unleashed to easily put his rivals to the sword.

“Honestly, I had never been so confident in my life when the gates opened and they went a 100 yards and I thought this horse is home,” Snowden said.

“He was just lobbing along back in the field doing absolutely nothing and as soon as Jason gave him a squeeze he came straight back underneath him.

“He got to the right part of the track when the breaks came and he was simply too good.

“I spoke to Henry (Field) on Friday and said we are nowhere near the end of him and if we wished there’s the Golden Gift in three weeks and obviously to think about later on.

“No decision will be made on game day and we’ll wait until we get him home, but I’m picking he will be pulling up pretty well.”

Captivant dashed clear to win by 1.8l from the longshot Akihiro (Maurice {Jpn}) and the favourite She’s All Class (I Am Invincible) with Bacchanalia (Exceed And Excel) arriving from the tail for fourth.

“He’s a big boy for an early 2-year-old and wasn’t the cleanest away, but I got him into stride on a nice speed,” Collett said.

“He’s a big boy for an early 2-year-old and wasn’t the cleanest away, but I got him into stride on a nice speed.” - Jason Collett

“It was just a matter of asking him to improve between a few runners and then get him out into the clear and into top gear. It’s pretty exciting and he’s quite a raw and gross type so he’s going to learn a lot.”

Captivant was offered at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale by Ashleigh Thoroughbreds with the China Horse Club, Newgate and Starlight Racing signing for the colt at $550,000.

He is a son of Speedboat (Commands), whose first foal Anna Cecilia (More Than Ready {USA}) has been a winner, and she is a half-sister to Cross Current (Keltrice).

He was a dual stakes winner and the family of the G1 New Zealand Derby winner Crown Prosecutor (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}) and the G2 Magic Might S. winner Willow Creek (Tale Of The Cat {USA}).

Captivant as a yearling

Albarado gets the bob in thrilling Classic

3 min read

Written by Georgie Dennis

The Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young stable have a strong contender for the G1 VRC Derby with Albarado (NZ) (Savabeel) producing a tough performance to take out the G3 Neds S. at Caulfield on Saturday.

The 3-year-old colt settled well back in the field under Mark Zahra and had to do it the hard way after being caught wide and over racing. Zahra going around and down the side of the track was one of the widest around the bend but Albarado was tough and managed to fight out his challengers in a tight finish to win by 0.2l.

Let’s Karaka Deel (NZ) (Dundeel {NZ}) managed to hold on for second after racing on the speed while Hit The Shot (Dundeel {NZ}) flashed home to finish another 0.1l away in third.

“Obviously it was a messy race, but (Mark) Zahra summed it up and got going early, but he still had to do plenty of work going wide around them, so it was a good, gutsy win,” Busuttin said.

Busuttin celebrated Derby success with Sangster (NZ) (Savabeel) in 2011 and the trainer said it was hard to compare him and Albarado.

"He was our first good horse and we came here and he took off like that and got nutted on the line. Same colours, most of the owners of Sangster are in this horse, so hopefully this bloke can replicate it in a couple of weeks," he said.

"Most of the owners of Sangster are in this horse, so hopefully this bloke can replicate it in a couple of weeks." - Trent Busuttin

"This horse has been spot on all the way through and it's always been the aim (to get him to the Derby)."

Zahra credited the horse for fighting out the finish and believes he is a great chance for the Derby in two weeks’ time.

"He jumped well but I just wanted to have him back and switched off, be strong late and be really relaxed,” the jockey said. “It took me a while to get him to switch off. I just kept him going through his gears.

"He's green. I hit the front at the 200 (metre mark) and Redwood Shadow came and challenged him and he found.

"I think with the blinkers, when he saw the horse coming down the outside, he dug in. At the furlong it could have gone either way. He could've turned it up. Credit to him. First horse and he got the job done."

Albarado (NZ) as a yearling

Albarado was purchased by Busuttin Racing for NZ$140,000 at the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale from the draft of Rich Hill Stud and is the first foal to race out of three-time stakes winning O’Reilly (NZ) mare O’Fille (NZ).

O’Fille has a 2-year-old colt by Shocking who was bought by Hawkes Racing for NZ$200,000 at this year’s New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale but has not been served since.

Oaks unlikely for Chica after Ethereal win

3 min read

Written by Georgie Dennis

The G2 Ethereal S. is generally used as a lead-up race for 3-year-old fillies going into the G1 VRC Oaks, but that is not the case for this year’s winner Chica Fuerte (Hinchinbrook) despite the filly leading all the way to win with dominance.

Ridden by Ben Melham, who secured his second win for the day, the Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained filly jumped away quickly, leading the trip at a moderate tempo and never looked like being beaten as she went on to score by 1.75l.

Salto Angel (NZ) (Sacred Falls {NZ}) made her claims for the Oaks as she ran home strongly to finish second with Star Of Eden (Wandjina) coming home a further 0.2l away in third.

Sam Freedman was on course for the win and said the G2 Wakeful S. is the next likely target for Chica Fuerte, and believes the 2500 metres of the Oaks may be beyond her best distance range.

"The Wakeful will be a nice race for her if she comes through this well," he said. "The Oaks is probably not on the agenda at this stage. It's a very testing 2500 metres and we think she's probably a preparation away still and the Wakeful will be a nice grand final."

"The Oaks is probably not on the agenda at this stage. It's a very testing 2500 metres and we think she's probably a preparation away." - Sam Freedman

"She's a very straightforward filly and very easy to do anything with. We talked about it pre-race with Ben that the 2000 metres was a slight query but he really thought if he could find the front and give her an easy time she would have a really good turn of foot and he's really riding brilliantly at the moment."

Chica Fuerte winning the G2 Ethereal S.

Chica Fuerte was purchased by Bahen Bloodstock for $300,000 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale from the draft of Rosemont Stud and is out of the unraced American-bred mare Guapa (USA) (Rock Hard Ten {USA}).

Guapa stems from a talented American family with her third dam being Fast Approach (USA) (First Landing {USA}) who is also responsible for G1 Flower Bowl H. winner First Approach (USA) (Northern Fling {USA}), who herself produced multiple stakes winner and Grade 1-placed Alice Springs (USA) (Val De l’Orne {USA}).

Further back this is also the family of G1 Manhattan S. winner Spring Quality (USA) (Quality Road {USA}) as well as Australian Group 1 winners Assertive Lad (Zeditave) and Assertive Lass (Zeditave), who is also the dam of successful sire Reset.

Black type results: Caulfield

7 min read

G1 Stella Artois Caulfield Cup, $5,000,000, 2400m

Race summary

Verry Elleegant (NZ) (Zed {NZ}) added one of the Australian majors to her already extensive CV as she fought out the finish to win here.

The Chris Waller-trained mare settled midfield and over-raced in the early stages of the race but Mark Zahra managed to keep her off the rail and have her in a good rhythm.

European raider Anthony Van Dyk (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) began his run approaching the bend and Verry Elleegant went with him and the pair went toe to toe all the way to the line with Verry Elleegant getting the edge on him and winning by 0.2l.

The Chosen One (NZ) (Savabeel) bounced back from a disappointing run last start to finish 0.75l back in third.

Pedigree notes

Bred by Don Goodwin, Verry Elleegant is one of three winners out of Opulence (NZ) (Danroad), who herself was a winner of two races.

She is a sister to multiple winner Verry Flash (NZ) and her second dam is Mulan Magic (King’s Theatre {Ire}).

Mulan Magic is a half-sister to the stakes-placed Monards (Danehill {USA}), Starnui (Brave Lad), the dam of Listed Cranbourne Cup winner Starmon (Monolith), and Personal Guarantee (Danzero) who produced Listed-winning 2-year-old Plutocrat (Rich Enuff).

G2 McCafe Caulfield Sprint, $300,000, 1000m

Race summary

Graff (Star Witness) returned to winner’s stall for the first time since taking out G3 San Domenico S. in 2018 with a dominant performance here.

Having his first start for new trainer Danny O’Brien, Graff settled second last throughout the run and rocketed home in the final 200 metres to win by 1.25l.

Perth mare Fabergino (Maschino) was tough to finish second after sitting three-wide on the speed while old boy Crystal Dreamer (Stratum) returned to form as he finished off well to score third.

Pedigree notes

Graff was originally purchased by Alan Bell Racing for $200,000 from the draft of Widden Stud at the 2017 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale and was secured by Australian Bloodstock and Aquis earlier this year.

He is out of Group 3 winner Dinkum Diamond (Keep The Faith), making him a brother to the stakes-placed Steel Diamond, while his second dam is Raja Lane (Devaraja {NZ}) who is also the dam of multiple stakes winner Dawn Passage (Dawn Approach {Ire}).

G2 Schweppes Tristarc S., $300,000, 1400m

Race summary

Madame Rouge (Zoustar) capped off a big day for Chris Waller as she showcased her brilliant turn of foot to add another stakes win to her CV here.

The 5-year-old mare settled three back on the fence under Ben Melham and snuck up along the inside as the rest of the field veered away from the fence to nab a 0.3l win.

She Shao Fly (Epaulette) was as consistent as ever finishing second and adding a fourth black-type placing to her CV this campaign, while Felicia (Unencumbered) also added more black-type to her pedigree, finishing 0.2l back in third.

Pedigree notes

Madam Rouge was bred by Widden Stud and GW Evers Pty Ltd. She was a $310,000 purchase by Waller and Guy Mulcaster at the 2017 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

She is out of the Al Maher mare Cabernet, who won six races including the Listed Summoned S. and placed in the G3 Herald Sun S. and Listed Aspiration H. Cabernet is the dam of two winners from two foals to race.

Second dam Golden Weekend (Nine Carat {USA}) won three races including the Listed Triscay S., while fourth dam Paris Weekend (Gielgud {USA}) was a stakes winner and placed in the G1 Champagne S. Paris Weekend was the dam of Listed Aurie’s Star H. winner Monet Rules (Commands).

Cabernet produced a colt by Lonhro in 2018 who is now named Gulf Of Panama, a colt by Fighting Sun in 2019, and another colt by Lonhro this season.

G3 Neds Classic, $250,000, 2000m

Race summary

Albarado (NZ) (Savabeel) pressed his G1 VRC Derby claims with a tough as nails to performance to overcome a wide run.

The Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained colt sat off the pace and travelled four deep around runners to have the leaders in his sights at the top of the straight.

Under the urgings of Mark Zahra, he finished resolutely to get the better of Let’s Karaka Deel (NZ) (Dundeel {NZ}) and Hit The Shot (Dundeel {NZ}) found the line strongly for third.

Pedigree notes

Bred by Peter Smith, Albarado was purchased out of Rich Hill Stud’s draft at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale for NZ$140,000.

He is a son of O’Fille (NZ) (O’Reilly {NZ}), who was a talented mare and twice successful at Group 3 level.

It is also the family of the G1 Wellington Cup winner Willy Smith (NZ) (Volksraad {GB}) and the winners and Group performers Charmante (NZ) (Zamazaan {Fr}) and Charmaine (NZ) (Centaine).

G3 Lexus Ethereal S., $200,000, 2000m

Race summary

Chica Fuerte (Hinchinbrook) went from point to post to score a dominant win here.

Salto Angel (NZ) (Sacred Falls {NZ}) made her claims for the Oaks as she ran home strongly to finish second with Star Of Eden (Wandjina) coming home a further 0.2l away in third.

Pedigree notes

Chica Fuerte was purchased by Bahen Bloodstock for $300,000 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale from the draft of Rosemont Stud and is out of unraced American-bred mare Guapa (USA) (Rock Hard Ten {USA}).

Guapa stems from a talented American family with her third dam being Fast Approach (USA) (First Landing {USA}) who is also responsible for G1 Flower Bowl H. winner First Approach (USA) (Northern Fling {USA}), who herself produced multiple stakes winner and Grade 1-placed Alice Springs (USA) (Val De l’Orne {USA}).

Further back this is also the family of G1 Manhattan S. winner Spring Quality (USA) (Quality Road {USA}) as well as Australian Group 1 winners Assertive Lad (Zeditave) and Assertive Lass (Zeditave), who is also the dam of successful sire Reset.

G3 Neds Moonga S., $200,000 1400m

Race summary

The drop back down from Group 1 level and trip down to Melbourne saw the Team Hawkes-trained Wild Planet (Animal Kingdom {USA}) land his second Group win in there starts here.

Ridden by Hugh Bowman, the 5-year-old gelding settled midfield with cover throughout the run and angled into the clear around the bend before storming home in the final stages of the race to edge out Morrissy (Snitzel) and win by 0.1l.

Group 1 winner Fifty Stars (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) was late on the scene as he finished another 2.5l back in third.

Pedigree notes

A $280,000 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale purchase by Hawkes Racing and Andrew Williams Bloodstock from the draft of Arrowfield Stud, Wild Planet is from Redoute’s Choice mare Salutations, who has two winners from four to race.

She is from Group 2 winner Toast Of The Coast (Rory’s Jester), who is also the grandam of Listed-placed Pearl Congenial (Gio Ponti {USA}). Toast Of The Coast’s Group 2-winning dam Solo Show (NZ) (Dahar {USA}) is from Solo Performance (Without Fear {Fr}), the dam of two stakes horses and grandam of one other.

Salutations is also the dam of G1 Caulfield Guineas winner and Waikato Stud stallion Super Seth.

Listed Polytrack Gothic S., $175,000, 1400m

Race summary

Endanger (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}) has made a bright start to his career and came off a resuming third to open his black-type account.

The 3-year-old was pulled three wide at the top of the straight and he finished resolutely to post his second career win for trainers Anthony and Sam Freedman.

Osamu (Exceed And Excel) made all in front and was clear 200 metres from home before feeling the pinch and he held second from So Let’s Toast (So You Think {NZ}).

Pedigree notes

Bred by Godolphin, Endanger is the only to foal to race for Hazard (Flying Spur), who was a talented race mare.

She won 10 races including the G2 Dane Ripper S. and the G3 Proud Miss S. and is a half-sister to the Group 3 winners Antelucan (Domesday), Java (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}) and Crucial (Nadeem).

The multiple Group 1 winner and successful sire Desert King (Ire) and the G2 Curragh Moorsebridge S. winner Cairdeas (Ire) (Darshaan {GB}) add international flavour to the pedigree.

Black type results: Randwick

2 min read

Cover image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

G3 Fujitsu General Sydney S., $500,000, 1200m

Race summary

The Kim Waugh-trained Trumbull (NZ) backed up his terrific first-up record with a tough and narrow victory here.

Ridden by Tommy Berry, the 5-year-old gelding settled midfield and burst though the pack in the straight to hit the front before he was challenged by a late charge from Standout (Exceed And Excel).

The line came before Standout though and Trumbull managed to hold on to win by 0.2l, with Standout finishing second and Signore Fox (Exceed And Excel) another 1.5l away in third.

Pedigree notes

Trumbull was originally sold by Sledmere Stud for $65,000 at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale and Waugh subsequently paid $125,000 for him at the Inglis Ready2Race Sale from the draft of O'Gorman Racing.

He is a son of Pride And Passion (Encosta De Lago), whose first foal Hard Merchandize (Burgundy {NZ}) won the G2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas.

Pride And Passion is a daughter of the G1 Golden Slipper S. winner Calaway Gal (Clang), who was also placed at Group 3 level and she’s the only black-type performer in the first three generations.

G3 Yulong Australia Craven Plate, $500,000, 2000m

Race summary

Think It Over (So You Think {NZ}) got the gun run in the box seat and snuck up on the rails with 200 metres to and couldn’t be caught as he run on to win by 1.3l.

Nettoyer (Sebring) made a late run to finish second with Vanna Girl (Husson {Arg}) also coming from back in the field to finish another 0.3l back in third.

Pedigree notes

Bred and raced by Bylong Park, Think It Over is out of unraced Zabeel (NZ) mare Personal Service, who herself is a half-sister to four-time Group 1 winner Universal Prince as well as G1 Robert Sangster S. winner Universal Queen (Scenic {Ire}).

Personal Service is also a half-sister to Soft Landing (Al Maher) who is the dam of multiple stakes winner Krone (Eurozone).

Black type results: Hastings

2 min read

G1 Livamol Classic, NZ$250,000, 2040m

Race summary

Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands) settled well back in the field and rider Troy Harris kept a cool head before setting the mare alight 700 metres from home.

The 6-year-old eased around the field to be widest on the home turn and then unleashed with a mighty finish that saw her sail clear to win with ease.

Melody Belle was out on her own at the post with stablemate Avantage (Fastnet Rock) a game second with Vadavar (Fr) (Redoute’s Choice) arriving late for third.

Pedigree notes

Melody Belle was bred by Marie Leicester and bought out of Haunui Farm’s New Zealand Bloodstock Yearling Sale draft by Te Akau principal David Ellis on behalf of John Galvin’s Fortuna Syndications for NZ$57,500.

She is a daughter of Meleka Belle (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}), who is a half-sister to the winner and multiple black-type placegetter Tsarina Belle (NZ) (Stravinsky {USA}).

Melody Belle hails from a family that includes Rock Kingdom (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}), who was successful in the G1 Epsom H.

G3 Red Badge Spring Sprint, NZ$70,000, 1400m

Race summary

Hypnos (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}) had finished runner-up when resuming on the track a fortnight ago and he showed the necessary improvement to go one better.

The Roger James and Robert Wellwood-trained 5-year-old settled midfield and one off the fence and came with an irresistible finish in the run home for rider Danielle Johnson.

The favourite Rock On Wood (NZ) (Redwood {GB}) got back in the running and he came with long strides for second ahead of Vigor Winner (Declaration Of War {USA}), who fought grimly after making the running.

Pedigree notes

Bred by Gerry Harvey, Hypnos was purchased out of Westbury Stud’s draft at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale by James for NZ$50,000.

He is a son of the unraced Elusive Quality (USA) mare Quality Dream, a daughter of the G2 Royal S. winner Dreamworks (NZ) (Maroof {USA}).

The third dam Slanchyvah (NZ) (Kaapstad) was also a talented performer and won the Listed Doomben Classic and was twice placed at Group 1 level.

Black type results: Ascot

1 min read

G3 Crown Perth Northerly S., $150,000, 1400m

Race summary

Taxagano (Rogano) caused a boil over in the Ascot feature as stormed down the outside to take out the race.

The 7-year-old gelding settled well back in the field in the strongly run race and was one of the widest around the bend but showed a very good turn of foot in the final 200 metres to beat Platoon (Playing God) by 0.37l.

Race favourite Massimo (Sessions) was another 0.1l back in third.

Pedigree notes

Bred and raced by Dr RJ Lukatelich, Taxagano is one of five winners from five to race out of Taxa (Carry A Smile), who is also responsible for fellow five-time winners Taxadermy (Blackfriars), Tax A Million (Hurricane Sky) and Taxtime (Danetime {Ire}).

Further back, this is also the family of Listed winner and Group 3 placegetter Oswonder (Osmunda).

Foal Showcase

1 min read

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

Capitalist x Roeinda (colt) at Willow Park Stud | Image courtesy of Lisa Richards

Smart Missile x Out Of Credit (filly) at Twin Hills Stud

Press Statement x Considering (filly) at Vinery Stud

Daily News Wrap

Stable change works

A change of stable worked wonders for Graff (Star Witness), who made a winning start from Danny O’Brien’s stable in the G2 McCafe Caulfield Sprint.

Formerly with Kris Lees, Graff sat off the speed and came with a well-timed run under Damien Oliver to beat Alfa Oro (NZ) (Bachelor Duke {USA}).

“He is a horse that has always showed a lot of ability so hopefully this gives him a good confidence lift,” O’Brien said.

Graff

Honour in defeat

Hugh Bowman was full of praise for the effort of G1 Caulfield Cup runner-up Anthony Van Dyck (Ire) (Galileo) {Ire}).

“Great run, superb effort. We had a beautiful run in transit and I got going when it suited me. I thought I had the race at my mercy at the 300 metres, but all credit to the winner. She's so tough," he said.

Daniel Stackhouse, rider of the third-placed The Chosen One (NZ) (Savabeel) was equally effusive.

"He ran absolutely super. We probably got the gap a little bit late, but he stuck to his guns. Full credit to the trainers and owners."

Group targets for Endanger

Promising 3-year-old Endanger (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}) confirmed he was on target for ongoing stakes success with victory in the Listed Polytrack Gothic S. at Caulfield.

“It’s nice to get another one for Godolphin, they have been great supporters of our family,” co-trainer Sam Freedman said. “I think he’ll go to the G3 Carbine Club S. and then possibly the G2 Sandown Guineas.”

Endanger, who had finished third at The Valley when resuming at his previous outing, was angled wide at the top of the straight by rider Jye McNeill and finished stoutly to breeze past the front-runner Osamu (Exceed And Excel).

Endanger

Surprise Sale marches on

So here we are, at the furlong pole, and somehow still hard on the bridle. With just Book 4 to go, the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale continues to confound the gloom generated this year as the bloodstock industry reeled under the nightmarish burden of a pandemic.

On Friday, even the weaker second session of Book 3 sailed serenely clear of the riptide. Turnover of 2,274,500 gns (AU$4,322,687) soared past the equivalent day last year, up a giddy 27 per cent from 1,796,400 gns (AU$3,414,060). That yielded an average of 10,245 gns (AU$19,470), up from 9212 gns (AU$17,500) while the median inched forward to 7000 gns (AU$13,300) from 6500 gns (AU$12,350). The clearance rate, which has been understandably brisk even at unhappier auctions, raced to 83 per cent from 73 per cent in 2019.

In much the same spirit, Alex Elliott was justly enthusiastic after topping trade, late in the session, with a 90,000 gns (AU$171,000) son of Authorized (Ire), presented as Lot 1923 by the Castlebridge Consignment.

The colt is out of an unraced New Approach (Ire) half-sister to three stakes winners out of the Group 1-placed German mare White Rose (Ger) (Platini {Ger}).

McMahon cuts fees

McMahon of Saratoga’s 2021 roster is headed once again by Central Banker (USA) (Speightstown {USA}), whose fee was reduced from US$7500 (AUS$10,565) to US$6000 (AU$8455) for 2021.

Solomini (USA) (Curlin {USA}), who will be standing his second year at stud in 2021, also had his fee cut from US$6500 (AU$9160) to US$5000 (AU$7050). Redesdale (USA) (Speightstown {USA}) was decreased from US$5000 (AU$7050) to US$3000 (AU$4225).

“Recent months have been very hard for everyone involved in racing and breeding and we are reducing the fees for our stallions for the 2021 breeding season to reflect the challenges brought on by 2020,” Joe McMahon said.

“We feel confident that the New York breeding program remains the strongest of its kind in the world and our goal is to offer the best valued and most attractive stallions outside of Kentucky.”

Complexity to Airdrie

Klaravich Stables, Inc.'s Complexity (USA) (Maclean's Music {USA}) will stand stud at Brereton and Elizabeth Jones's Airdrie Stud upon his retirement from racing.

Trained throughout his career by Chad Brown, Complexity was a convincing winner of his most recent start, the G2 Kelso H. at Belmont, earning a 110 Beyer Speed Figure, the highest number earned by any horse at a mile or longer in 2020.

He has won five of his nine starts, including the G1 Champagne S. and was runner-up in the G1 Forego S. Daily Racing Form currently lists him as the favourite for both the G1 Breeders' Cup Sprint and the G1 Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile.

Hypnos takes sprint

Cambridge visitor Hypnos (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}) was back to his best to win the G3 Red Badge Spring Sprint at Hastings.

The 5-year-old was Group 1-placed in the Levin Classic as a 3-year-old, but had disappointed on several occasions during his 4-year-old season when he won one of his six starts.

Hypnos (NZ) (white cap)

“We want to get to Riccarton with him for the G2 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile so we have some options before then but it really depends on how he returns from this one,” co-trainer Roger James said.

“I’m thrilled for his connections as they were my original owners and the first people I ever bought a yearling for.”

Hypnos is raced by Fran and Ron Dixon after James purchased him for the Wellington couple from the Westbury Stud draft for NZ$50,000 during the 2017 Select Yearling sale at Karaka.

Exciting filly stays unbeaten

Promising 3-year-old Bonham (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) made it two wins from her first two starts when she dominated her female rivals over 1300 metres at Hastings.

The Johno Benner and Hollie Wynyard-trained filly was on trial for a trip south next month to contest the G1 Barneswood Farm New Zealand 1000 Guineas at Riccarton and performed as expected as she cruised clear in the run home to win in the hands of Danielle Johnson.

“It is four weeks to the 1000 Guineas so we won’t run again, but I’m confident we can keep her sound and mentally sound, so we will now sit down and work out how we get her down there.”

Looking Ahead - October 18

Nowra, Race 2, 2.30pm AEDT, Hayles Douglass Plate, $22,000, 1400m

Solar Flash (Olympic Glory {Ire}) had won two trials ahead of her debut at Wyong where she understandably had plenty of support and fought on gallantly for third after racing on the pace. She is sure to have benefitted from that experience and from an inside gate looks the one to beat.

Solar Flash as a yearling

Prepared by Mark Newnham, Solar Flash is the first representative of Aurora’s Flash (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}), who was twice successful, and she is a daughter of the G3 Adrian Knox S. winner and G1 Australian Oaks placegetter Miss Darcey (Hussonet {USA}). The second dam Mrs Bussell (Danzero) was a stakes winner while the third, Lurestrina (NZ) (Sir Tristram {Ire}), won the G1 Auckland Classic.

Nowra, Race 4, 3.40pm AEDT, Tierney Breed & Race H., $22,000, 1200m

Great Tye (Dundeel {NZ}) has been taken along patiently and finished fourth at his first appearance behind rising star Criaderas (Lonhro) before he was put aside. He has returned to finish second in both of his trials for Jason Coyle and should make his presence felt in what is a modest line-up.

Dundeel (NZ), sire of Great Tye | Standing at Arrowfield Stud

A half-brother to a pair of multiple winners, he is a son of She’s Choice (Choisir), who won on two occasions and is out of the 2-year-old winner and black type performer She’s All Class (NZ) (Pompeii Court {USA}). The stand-out name on the pedigree page is the dual Group 1 winner Hail (NZ) (Stark South {USA}).

Bet365 Park Kilmore, Race 1, 1.00pm AEDT, bet365 Odds Protector Plate, $35,000, 1200m

Valanetti (Sebring) is a half-sister to three winners and their dam is the former high class race mare Gallica (Redoute’s Choice). She triumphed in the G1 Thousand Guineas and in the G1 Schweppes Oaks. She has a rich international pedigree with family members including the European Group 2 winners Masterful (USA) (Danzig {USA}) and Corviglia (USA) (Cresta Rider {USA}).

Valanetti as a yearling

Trained by Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, Valanetti has improved with each outing and following a debut fifth at Wangaratta the filly made good ground at Pakenham to finish third. She should be given every chance by in-form rider Michael Walker and from an inside gate and a breakthrough win beckons.