Savabeel, Richards headline Boxing Day acts with multiple victories

Written by

Paul Vettise

5 min read

Waikato Stud’s multiple champion stallion Savabeel shared top honours on Boxing Day at Ellerslie with Te Akau Head Trainer Jamie Richards, who produced half a-dozen of the best.

Savabeel has long been a dominant force and that continued at Ellerslie where his daughter Concert Hall (NZ) claimed the G1 Cambridge Stud Zabeel Classic while his filly Amarelinha (NZ) landed the G2 Jamieson Park Eight Carat Classic and son Brando (NZ) was successful in the Listed Shaw’s Wires Ropes Uncle Remus S.

Concert Hall was the odd one out as she is prepared by Roger James and Robert Wellwood while Amarelinha and Brando are in Richards’ care, who also produced Vamos Bebe (I Am Invincible) to claim the Listed Hallmark Stud H. for a stakes treble.

Million in sights

Richards produced star performer Probabeel (NZ) (Savabeel) to win last season’s Karaka Million 3YO Classic and Amarelinha emphasised she was in the right form to defend the stable crown with her victory in the Eight Carat.

“When David (Ellis) bough this filly we said she’s one that looks like Probabeel,” he said. “She’s a big filly by the right stallion with a very good pedigree and has the right brand.”

“She’s one that looks like Probabeel... a big filly by the right stallion with a very good pedigree and has the right brand.” - Jamie Richards

Like Probabeel, Amarelinha was bred by Waikato Stud and purchased by Ellis at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale for NZ$300,000.

She is out of the unraced O’Reilly (NZ) mare Hopscotch (NZ), a half-sister to the four-time Group 1 winner Metal Bender (NZ) (Danasinga) and the family of the Group 1 winner and producer Keeper.

David Ellis and Jamie Richards

Amarelinha has always been held in high regard and was considered a G1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas prospect earlier in her career.

“A few little things went wrong with feet issues and that may turn out to be a blessing, she’s just kept getting better,” Richards said.

Amarelinha settled well off the pace before Opie Bosson urged her around runners near the turn and she sprinted clear to win with authority from Fleetwood Macca (NZ) (Rock ‘N’ Pop).

“At the 600 I felt her come up underneath me and when I let her go she sprinted so quickly. She is an exciting horse,” Bosson said.

Super Segenhoe a hotbed of equine excellence

Written by

Paul Vettise

6 min read

Black-type success is the ultimate measure of any breeding operation’s standing and Segenhoe Stud’s graduates continue to renew the Hunter Valley nursery’s gold card membership in the elite farm club.

Year on year, Segenhoe produces high-class racehorses and particularly quality 2-year-old performers, which ensures its drafts to the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale attract widespread interest.

That has indeed been the case ahead of the 2021 auction and again off the back of a steady stream of precocious graduates delivering sparkling results.

“It is quite exciting and from the Magic Millions two years ago we had King’s Legacy, Holyfield and Barbaric who were all Group winners,” Segenhoe General Manager Peter O’Brien said.

“We also sold Vangelic, who is Group 1 placed, and the current up and coming horse Ellsberg. From this year we already have Pippa Charlotte, Fake Love, Zarastro and Jessica Rabbit.”

O’Brien said the Segenhoe mission wasn’t a total focus on juveniles, but simply producing the best-quality racehorses.

“We don’t set out to breed 2-year-olds and all I can say is it’s a testament to the farm that we produce sound, good-boned, precocious animals.

“We don’t set out to breed 2-year-olds and all I can say is it’s a testament to the farm that we produce sound, good-boned, precocious animals.” – Peter O’Brien

“We’ve had a horse in the (Magic Millions) 2YO Classic every year so anybody coming to buy off us at the Magic Millions looking to have a horse in the race can buy with confidence.

“We do breed 2-year-olds, but we’ve also had horses the like of Merchant Navy, who went on to perform on the world stage and is an exciting young sire.

“We generally rear around 80 yearlings a year and from a Magic Millions crop of 2019 we had 23 per cent Group performers.”

Older graduates have also been to the fore this year and led by Bjorn Baker’s Edison (Fastnet Rock), who has won six races, including his last two to be high in the market for next month’s Magic Millions Cup.

Vamos Bebe (I Am Invincible) also struck on Boxing Day when the Jamie Richards-trained mare was successful in the Listed Hallmark Stud H. at Ellerslie in just her sixth appearance. She is a sister to the dual Group 3 winner Holyfield.

John Camilleri and Peter O'Brien

Segenhoe’s yearling consignment for the Gold Coast Sale, to run from January 12-18, has met with universal acclaim at parades.

“I am honestly delighted with our draft and we have been flat out showing them on the farm and it’s great to get feedback,” O’Brien said.

“When you’re looking after your own children, you have your own views and they’re all good so feedback from buyers has been that it’s an incredibly consistent draft.

“I don’t think there is any tail, which we have had in the past. This year, it is an ultra-consistent bunch of tough and precocious-looking animals and we couldn’t be happier with them.

“For me, this is the most consistent draft we have ever had. We have proven stallions like Zoustar, Not A Single Doubt, I Am Invincible and Snitzel and we have two fantastic yearlings by Frankel and Kingman.

“We have proven stallions like Zoustar, Not A Single Doubt, I Am Invincible and Snitzel and we have two fantastic yearlings by Frankel and Kingman.” – Peter O’Brien

“Then we have four by Shalaa, a stallion I am a huge fan of, and then obviously young horses like Merchant Navy and no surprise I’m a fan of him.”

When TDN AusNZ asked O’Brien about the possible star of the Segenhoe show, Lot 322 was top of the list.

“I think the absolute standout is the Kingman colt out of Florentina. Kingman needs no introduction, he had two very good 2-year-old winners last weekend in Japan and they love fast ground,” he said.

“I think they are tailormade for Australian and Hong Kong and this horse has all the attributes. He has the quality of Kingman, but he’s also got the toughness of his mother.

Kingman (GB) | Standing at Juddmonte Farms

“It’s also the family of Dancing Show so he’s got a stallion’s pedigree with the looks to match. He’s as good a horse as we have reared, he was bred by John Camilleri.”

The colt’s dam Florentina (Redoute’s Choice) won the G3 Gold Coast Guineas and all three of her foals to race have been successful and includes stakes performers Villa Carlotta (Street Cry {Ire}) and Fasano (Lonhro).

“We’ve also got a Zoustar colt out of Miss Husson and he was the most expensive weanling in Australia this year. There’s always a risk when you pay a lot of money for a weanling, but this colt has just improved and improved.

“There’s always a risk when you pay a lot of money for a weanling, but this colt has just improved and improved.” – Peter O’Brien

“He’s one of the nicest Zoustars I’ve seen and particularly precocious looking and exudes quality.”

He is Lot 550 and was purchased at the Gold Coast Weanling for $410,000 by Segenhoe out of Rothwell Park’s draft.

His dam Miss Husson (Hussonet {USA}) won six races and was Group placed and from the family of Group 1 winners Hotel Grand (Grand Lodge {USA}) and Outback Prince (Desert Prince {Ire}).

“The daughter of I Am Invincible and Eloping is the standout filly for me. She has all the attributes of a good Vinnie filly and out of a brilliantly fast mare that we raced with Michael Christian,” O’Brien said. “I think she will be one of the fillies of the Sale.”

She will go through the ring as Lot 257 and her dam Eloping (Choisir) was twice successful at Group 3 level and a three-quarter sister to the G3 Blue Diamond Prelude winner Of The Brave (Starspangledbanner).

Eloping

Firm favourite

Merchant Navy is a horse close to O’Brien’s heart and the draft features two sons and a daughter of the multiple Group 1-winning sprinter.

“The Merchant Navy filly bred by Sir Owen Glenn out of Thunder Lady is a low-slung, flying machine and the Merchant Navy out of That’s How I Roll bred by Eric Lucas is just muscle on muscle,” he said. “He’s bred for speed on both sides of his pedigree.”

The filly is Lot 890 and is out of the G2 Wakeful S. winner and G1 VRC Oaks runner-up Thunder Lady (NZ) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) while the colt, Lot 876, is a son of the American stakes performer That’s How I Roll (USA) (Speightstown {USA}) and the family of the multiple Group 1 winner I’m A Chatterbox (USA) (Munnings {USA}).

“I’m very bullish about the Sale and Magic Millions have done a terrific job and managed the situation impeccably. I am extremely confident it will be as strong as ever,” O’Brien said.

Merchant Navy | Standing at Coolmore Australia

Royally-bred colt produces Grand performance

Written by

Paul Vettise

4 min read

The Elanora (Redoute’s Choice) stamped himself as a rising star with degree of arrogance as he raced away with the G3 Grand Prix S. at Eagle Farm.

The Chris Waller-trained The Elanora got to the front early in the straight, and although a touch wayward in the run to the line, was never in danger of defeat as the well-related colt completed a hat-trick of victories in the Mullins Lawyers-sponsored feature.

He had been successful in three of his previous runs, including success in the G3 Spring S. at Newcastle, before Waller sent him to Queensland and the 3-year-old continued his winning habit to give his army of supporters no concerns.

He was ridden by Glen Boss, who was afforded the luxury of an exaggerated look over his shoulder in the run to the post.

“Chris didn’t tie down Glen to any instructions and just left him to it from an awkward gate. He crossed them to get into a lovely spot and the horse relaxed beautifully,” Waller’s Queensland foreman Paul Shailer said.

The Elanora raced in a handy spot near the rail and Boss was off the rail with 1000 metres to run, and jogged up to hit the front 200 metres off the post and rolled home by 1.25l from Toscanini (Fastnet Rock) with front-runner Atonement (Dundeel {NZ}) fighting on for third.

“He hit the front early and was having a good look around late and he’d probably be much better chasing. He looked a bit lost, but he’s certainly a class animal,” Shailer said.

“He hit the front early and was having a good look around late and he’d probably be much better chasing.” – Paul Shailer

“It was a genuine speed and Glen summed it up early and that’s why he is one of, if not the best, staying rider in Australia.”

The Elanora also has the pedigree to back his advancement and is raced by breeder John Singleton’s Strawberry Hill Stud.

He is a son of Yesterjoy (More Than Ready {USA}), a half-sister to the six-time winner and Group performer Girl Tuesday (Street Cry {Ire}), a daughter of the multiple Group 1 winner Tuesday Joy (NZ) (Carnegie {Ire}).

She is a half-sister to the G1 Australian Oaks winner Sunday Joy (Sunday Silence {USA}), who produced the five-time Group 1 winner More Joyous (More Than Ready {USA}).

“He’s a progressive horse and is still a stallion so Singo will be very happy. He is a lovely, quiet animal and when you come to the races he settles and does everything right,” Shailer said.

“Glen was able to push the button out of the barrier and the colt came straight back underneath him, which is a great attribute to haver and it will take him a long way.”

Shaquero disappoints, Alpine soars

While the Waller stable enjoyed a top result with The Elanora, his younger stablemate Shaquero (Shalaa {Ire}) looked to need the run in the G3 BJ McLachlan S. with the favourite beating only one runner home.

He had been an impressive winner of the G3 Breeders’ Plate at his only other appearance, but dropped away to finish second last after racing in second spot to the turn.

Major honours went to the Toby and Trent Edmonds-trained colt Alpine Edge (Better Than Ready), who preserved his perfect record having led all the way to win the Listed Phelan Ready S. on debut.

He showed his versatility this time by settling off the pace and coming with a strong finish along the fence for rider Robbie Fradd to account for Baby Wong (Press Statement) and Subterranean (Rebel Dane), who dictated terms in front.

Toby Edmonds said he hadn’t initially intended to run Alpine Edge, but the colt had done so well since his first win that his hand was forced.

"He's a very laid-back guy. Most good horses are, that's how they present. His work on Tuesday morning was extremely good so it’s great to get a nice Group 3,” said Edmonds.

Alpine Edge was bred by Yarramalong and sold at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale for $160,000 to the triumvirate of Edmonds Racing, Kestrel Thoroughbreds and Lucky Clover.

She is a out of Freezethemillions (Freeze) and she is out of a half-sister to the G3 Champagne Classic winner Golden Fox (Foxhound {USA}). The pedigree page also features the multiple Group 1 winner Melito (Redoute’s Choice) and the G1 Lightning S. winner and sire Zeditave.

New winners for first-season sires

2 min read

Saturday brought about new winners for the exciting group of first-season sires in Australia, with Spendthrift Farm's Swear posting a debut victor and Aquis Farm's Divine Prophet also providing a winner.

The duo become the 13th and 14th first-season sires to get their name on the 2-year-old sire winners list this season, while Extreme Choice's son Palamos posted his second win in as many starts with a strong win at Ellerslie for Jamie Richards.

Spendthrift Australia's young Redoute's Choice stallion Swear had his first runner salute the judge in first place with colt Faulds, from Group 1-placed Patricia's Gem (USA) (Mineshaft {USA}) taking out the 2-year-old event at Geelong. It was an eye-catching performance from the juvenile who easily circled the field to win while easing down.

Trained by Hawkes Racing and bred by Spendthrift, Faulds was purchased off Widden Stud at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale for $80,000. The partnership also trained Swear to win on debut, who then took out the G3 Ming Dynasty S. and finished second in the G1 Spring Champion S.

When Bleriot (Divine Prophet) took out the 2-year-old event at Morphettville in a small field of three runners, he became the first winner of the Aquis Farm 'Real Purchaser Bonus Scheme' as well as the first winner by his G1 Caulfield Guineas-winning sire. The Bonus Scheme initiative sees the purchaser paid back the yearling price and the breeder paid a $50,000 bonus if the yearling wins a Saturday metropolitan race prior to the 2021 Magic Millions Race Day.

Bleriot was a $160,000 purchase for Will Clarken Racing and JS Bloodstock Consulting from the Inglis Classic Sale off breeder Aquis Farm and is raced in a diverse ownership group sporting the Aquis colours. Progeny of Aquis' other first-season sire Kiss And Make Up are also eligible for the bonus payment.

Divine Prophet | Standing at Aquis Farm

First-Season Sire Winners & Placings - 24 & 26 December

Worldwide Group 1s

0 min read


Dec 27 - 9:43 AM	G1 La Brea S.	Santa Anita	USA
Dec 27 - 10:17 AM	G1 American Oaks	Santa Anita	USA
Dec 27 - 10:51 AM	G1 Runhappy Malibu S.	Santa Anita	USA
Dec 28 - 7:04 AM	G1 Clasico Alvert Vial Infante	Club Hipico	Chi
Dec 28 - 4:15 AM	G1 Clasico Las Oaks	Club Hipico	Chi
Dec 28 - 8:05 AM	G1 Grand Prix Nacional Augusto B Leguia	Monterrico	Per

Black type results: Ellerslie and Wingatui

5 min read

Cover image courtesy of Race Images

Ellerslie, G1 Zabeel Classic, NZ$200,000, 2000m

Race summary

Concert Hall (NZ) (Savabeel) crowned an outstanding preparation when she came from last with a sustained finish to produce a career-best performance.

She has won both the G2 Tauranga S. and G3 Thompson H. and was runner-up in the G1 Captain Cook S. in her lead-up appearance.

The 6-year-old relished the step up to 2000 metres at Ellerslie to mow down Supera (NZ) (Savabeel) with In A Twinkling (Fastnet Rock) third ahead of Rock On Wood (NZ) (Redwood {GB}), who was blocked for a run in the straight.

Pedigree notes

Raced by breeder Joan Egan, Concert Hall and is the 21st individual Group 1 winner for Waikato Stud’s Savabeel.

The mare is a daughter of Classic Legacy (NZ) (Carnegie {Ire}), who won four races and is out of the juvenile winner and stakes performer Super Sound (NZ) (Sound Reason {Can}).

She is a sister to the multiple black-type winner Super Sequel (NZ) and Ultra Sound (NZ), the dam of the two-time Group 1 winner Tartan Tights (NZ) (Tights {USA}), and a half-sister to the G1 South Australian Oaks winner Lee’s Bid (NZ) (Tawfiq {USA}). She produced the dual Group 1 winner and sire Arena (NZ).

Ellerslie, G2 Eight Carat Classic, NZ$100,000, 1600m

Race summary

The Jamie Richards-trained Amarelinha (NZ) (Savabeel) won her maiden at her previous appearance on the track in such good style that it was no surprise to see her demolish her stakes rivals.

She was given a patient ride by Opie Bosson back in the field and she swung widest into the straight.

When rider Opie Bosson asked her to hit top gear the response was electric and the filly surged clear for a hollow victory.

Fleetwood Macca (NZ) (Rock ‘N’ Pop) was on the leader’s quarters throughout and fought on gallantly for second with Moana (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) coming on well for third ahead of Needle And Thread (Makfi {GB}).

Pedigree notes

The Waikato Stud-bred and sold Amarelinha completed a black-type double for Savabeel and Richards following the earlier success of Brando (NZ).

Amarelinha was bought at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale by Te Akau’s David Ellis for NZ$300,000 and is out of the unraced O'Reilly (NZ) mare Hopscotch (NZ).

She is a half-sister to the four-time Group 1 winner Metal Bender (NZ) (Danasinga) and the family of the Group 1 winner and producer Keeper.

Ellerslie, Listed Hallmark Stud H., NZ$60,000, 1200m

Race summary

Vamos Bebe (I Am Invincible) was racing well out of her grade, but she handled a rise in class in style to win for the third time in her six-start career.

The 4-year-old settled midfield and once rider Danielle Johnson found clear air with the mare who rounded off strongly in the run home for an all-important black-type success.

Vigor Winner (Declaration Of War {USA}) finished well to take the runner-up position and Madam Hass (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) got home nicely for third.

Pedigree notes

Bred by Segenhoe Stud, Vamos Bebe is yet another black-type success story for Yarraman Park’s champion resident I Am Invincible and was a $200,000 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale purchase for bloodstock agent Paul Willetts on behalf of Trelawney Stud.

She is a daughter of the G1 Myer Classic winner Hurtle Myrtle (Dane Shadow), who is the dam of four winners including Holyfield (I Am Invincible), successful twice at Group 3 level.

Hurtle Myrtle is out of a half-sister to the Listed Chairman’s S. winner Whisper Bay (Royal Academy {USA}) and the family of the G3 Magic Millions Plate winner He’ll Haunt Us (Time For War).

Ellerslie, Listed Uncle Remus S., NZ$60,000, 1400m

Race summary

Warm favourite Brando (NZ) (Savabeel) was caught wide early before rider Opie Bosson was able to slot in one off the fence in midfield.

The colt settled well and was angled into the clear at the top of the straight and quickly put his rivals to the sword to set up a crack at next month’s G1 Levin Classic.

The Irishman (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) turned in an eye-catching run by coming from the tail of the field for second and Illumination (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}) also finding the line well for third.

Pedigree notes

Brando was bred by Fairdale Stud and failed to meet his NZ$200,000 reserve at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale before he was purchased by Te Akau’s David Ellis out of Riversley Park’s Ready To Run Sale draft for NZ$500,000.

He is a son of the dual winner Saoirse (Iffraaj {GB}) and the family of the Group 1-winning siblings Headturner (Anabaa {USA}) and Anacheeva.

Te Akau has enjoyed outstanding success with the progeny of Savabeel, among them the Group 1 winners Embellish (NZ), Sword Of Osman (NZ) and Hall Of Fame (NZ).

Wingatui, Listed Hazlett S., NZ$50,000, 1200m

Race summary

Cambridge trainer Daniel Miller made a long trek south to Wingatui with Sheezallmine (NZ) (Super Easy {NZ}) to chase black type with the mare and it ended in perfect fashion.

The 5-year-old was given an economical run behind the pace by Chris Johnson and they took a rails run at the top of the straight to hit the front and then eased clear to win with authority.

Tobilicious (NZ) (Natural Destiny) raced toward the back of the field and produced a sustained run for second with the genuine Khimar War (Sweet Orange {USA}) next home to add to his list of minor placings.

Pedigree notes

Sheezallmine won the G3 Stewards’ H. last season to become the third black-type winner for her Hallmark Stud-based sire Super Easy (NZ).

The mare is out of Bast (NZ) (Tale Of The Cat {USA}) and was purchased for just NZ$1000 by the Dreamers’ Syndicate out of Leanach Lodge’s New Zealand Bloodstock Festival Sale draft.

Bast is a half-sister to multiple winners and Group performers Laaffaire (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}) and Dorian Grey (NZ) (Postponed {USA}) and Sheezallmine’s fourth dam is the G2 Surround S. winner Khaptivaan (Adraan {Fr})

Black type results: Eagle Farm, Royal Randwick and Caulfield

7 min read

Eagle Farm, G3 BJ McLachlan S., $250,000, 1200m

Race summary

Alpine Edge (Better Than Ready) settled back in the field and rider Robbie Fradd kept a cool head to allow the race to unfold ahead of him.

As runners fanned out into the straight, he brought the colt with a well-timed run along the fence for the Toby and Trent Edmonds-trained youngster to remain unbeaten following a debut win in the Listed Phelan Ready S.

Baby Wong (Press Statement) finished runner-up, his third minor placing on the bounce, and pacemaker Subterranean (Rebel Dane) was third.

Pedigree notes

Alpine Edge was bred by Yarramalong and sold by them at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale for $160,000 to Edmonds Racing, Kestrel Thoroughbreds and Lucky Clover.

She is a daughter of Freezethemillions (Freeze), also the dam of the winner Aeecee Beau (Rubick), and is out of a half-sister to the G3 Champagne Classic winner Golden Fox (Foxhound {USA}). It’s also the family of the multiple Group 1 winner Melito (Redoute’s Choice) and the G1 Lightning S. winner and sire Zeditave.

Alpine Edge is the fourth and most important individual black-type winner for Lyndhurst Stud Farm resident Better Than Ready.

Eagle Farm, G3 Grand Prix S., $250,000, 2200m

Race summary

The Elanora (Redoute’s Choice) arrived in Queensland in fine form for his Queensland debut and the colt produced more of the same.

The Chris Waller-trained 3-year-old bounced out of the gates smartly for rider Glen Boss to settle in behind the pace and was into the clear 1000 metres from home and pounced early in the run home.

The colt put his rivals to the sword with Toscanini (Fastnet Rock) next best in second spot and last- start maiden winner Atonement (Dundeel {NZ}) fought on gamely for third.

Pedigree notes

The Elanora is from a family that Strawberry Hill's Principal John Singleton has enjoyed outstanding success with.

He is out of Yesterjoy (More Than Ready {USA}) and she is a half-sister to the six-time winner and Group performer Girl Tuesday (Street Cry {Ire}), a daughter of the multiple Group 1 winner Tuesday Joy (NZ) (Carnegie {Ire}).

She is a half-sister to the G1 Australian Oaks winner Sunday Joy (Sunday Silence {USA}), who produced the five-time Group 1 winner More Joyous (More Than Ready {USA}).

Eagle Farm, Listed Falvelon Quality, $150,000, 1200m

Race summary

Roheryn (Lonhro) is a first-up specialist and he was again at his brilliant best to record his sixth fresh win from as many appearances.

The Godolphin representative was given plenty of time to settle down and wound up powerfully for rider Michael Rodd in the run home.

The Odyssey (Better Than Ready) has plenty of pace and he used that to his advantage out of the gates to take a handy sit from an outside gate and fought on gamely for second.

The winner’s stablemates Isaurain (Exceed And Excel) and Viridine (Poet’s Voice {GB}) completed a good result for trainer James Cummings as the next two home

Pedigree notes

Roheryn is a half-brother to the G1 VRC Derby winner and sire Benfica and to the G2 Moonee Valley Fillies’ Classic winner Romneya (Red Ransom {USA}).

They are out of Mannington (Danehill {USA}), who was a talented galloper and the winner of the G3 Blue Diamond Prelude S., the Listed Talindert S. and twice placed at Group 1 level.

She is a half-sister to the G1 Coolmore Classic winner Bollinger (Dehere {USA}) and she produced the G2 Louisiana Derby winner Friesan Fire (USA) (AP Indy {USA}) and the G2 Sandown Guineas winner Villermont (All Too Hard).

Eagle Farm, Listed Bernborough Plate, $200,000, 1600m

Race summary

The Harrovian (Fastnet Rock) has developed a cult following in Queensland and he didn’t disappoint with an 11th straight victory.

The 7-year-old had to dig deep this time and, after racing in behind the pace on the fence, he got to the front and fought off all-comers to pull his supporters through.

He had 0.2l to spare on the line from Niccanova (Nicconi) with Skate To Paris (Bradbury’s Luck) doing well to run third off a wide run and Gaulois (Street Cry {Ire}) was fourth.

Pedigree notes

The Harrovian is a brother to the dual Group 3 winner We’re Gonna Rock, who was also placed at Group 1 level in the Manikato S., Sir Rupert Clarke S. and in the Toorak H.

Their dam Harrow (Dehere {USA}) won a minor race over 2100 metres and she is a half-sister to the G1 Waikato International S. winner Bluebird The Word (NZ) (Bluebird {USA}) and the G1 Coolmore Classic winner Porto Roca (Barathea {Ire}).

She produced the G1 Meydan Dubai World Cup winner Monterosso (Dubawi {Ire}) and the family of the G1 William Reid S. winner Silent Sedition (War Chant {USA}) and the G2 Expressway S. winner Happy Galaxy (Nadeem).

Royal Randwick, G3 Summer Cup, $160,000, 2000m

Race summary

The Mark Newnham-trained Spirit Ridge (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) continued his progression to post a first Australian black-type success.

The lightly-raced 6-year-old, who won twice in England, enjoyed a cosy run in third spot near the fence and in a driving finish got the best of Best Of Days (GB) (Azamour {Ire}).

Third in was Black On Gold (Sebring) with the winner’s popular stablemate Greysful Glamour (Stratum) wilting to finish fifth on a surface wetter than she appreciates.

Pedigree notes

Spirit Ridge is a son of the former top mare Tates Creek (USA) (Rahy (USA), who won 11 races including a brace at Group 1 level.

She is a half-sister to Sightseek (USA) (Distant View {USA}) and she was successful on 12 occasions with five of them at the highest level.

It is a rich international family that numbers among its ranks the three-time Group 1 winner Special Duty (GB) (Hennessy {USA}) and the G1 Breeders’ Cup mile winner Expert Eye (GB) (Aacclamation {GB}).

Caulfield, Listed Christmas S., $140,000, 1200m

Race summary

Pandemic (Sepoy) had won his last start at Rosehill and continued his form with a first victory at Caulfield.

Rider Damien Oliver had the 4-year-old with the leaders within his sights in fourth spot and one off the rail before urging the chestnut to the front with 200 metres to run and he stayed on strongly to score by 1.75l.

The outside Brave Song (Your Song) came from the back of the field for second in a much-improved showing and William Thomas (Nicconi) was in the leading party all the way and boxed on gamely for third.

Pedigree notes

Bred and raced by Godolphin, Pandemic is a half-brother to the G1 Blue Diamond S. winner Earthquake (Exceed And Excel) and the Listed Desirable S. winner Palomares (Commands).

Their dam Cataclysm (Marauding {NZ}) won four times and was twice a black-type placegetter.

Cataclysm is a half-sister to the dual Group 2 winner El Cambio (Commands) and his brother Complicate won a brace of Listed events. The pedigree page also features the two-time Group 2 winner Spinney (Octagonal {NZ}).

Caulfield, Listed Lord S., $140,000, 1700m

Race summary

Defribrillate (NZ) (Shocking) returned to racing following a lengthy lay-off with a fifth placing at Pakenham last month and showed the benefit of that outing.

He finished a sound fifth on that occasion, but still went out at odds of 30-1 and made the most of an economical run to post the sixth win of his 11-start career.

The G2 Matriarch S. runner-up Paradee (Epaulette) was on the pace all the way and she didn’t shirk the challenge in the run home by fighting on valiantly and Pancho (Dissident) took third and less than 1l off the winner.

Pedigree notes

Defribillate won two of his first three starts in New Zealand for trainer and part-owner Graham Richardson before he relocated to Victorian trainer Patrick Payne.

He is a half-brother to the Listed Counties Bowe winner Italian Princess (NZ) (Bertolini {USA}) and they are out of Our Chickaroonie (NZ) (Groom Dancer {USA}).

She is a half-sister to the black-type performer Stone Wash Jeans (NZ) (Bigstone {Ire}) and the family of the G1 AJC Sires’ Produce S. winner Rhythmic Charm (NZ) (Sackford {USA}).

2020 Rapid Reflections

2 min read

A quickfire round with James Mitchell from Mitchell Bloodstock

TDN AusNZ: Favourite racing moment of 2020?

James Mitchell: Just the fact we continued to race throughout 2020 in spite of COVID-19, I think, is miraculous and a credit to all participants.

TDN AusNZ: And favourite non-racing moment?

JM: Getting Rufus our puppy, he's been a great source of fun and entertainment.

James Mitchell (left) and Gerry Harvey

TDN AusNZ: What is the best thing about Magic Millions in January?

JM: Atmosphere, excitement and top-class yearlings. Everybody loves getting to the Coast in January. Etsu is a fave of mine although not good for those hard of hearing.

TDN AusNZ: Whose progeny have impressed you so far on your Magic Millions inspections?

JM: Hellbent and Capitalist.

TDN AusNZ: If you could be someone else in the industry for a day who would it be, and why?

JM: Angus Gold, circa 1985.

TDN AusNZ: Who is your favourite racehorse of the decade? Domestic and/or international.

JM: Beat The Clock.

Beat The Clock (blue sleeves)

TDN AusNZ: Who is your favourite racehorse of the year?

JM: Sweet Reply, watch out for her in the autumn.

TDN AusNZ: What do you consider the greatest sporting moment this decade? (not solely racing related).

JM: It pains me to say but the dominance of the All Blacks over the past 10 years has been nothing short of remarkable. World Cup victories in 2011 and 2015, and they keep unearthing new gun players every year. Pretty special!

TDN AusNZ: Who is the most under-rated stallion in Australasia?

JM: Spirit Of Boom, there are some beauties going to Magic Millions!

Spirit Of Boom | Standing at Eureka Stud

TDN AusNZ: What is your New Year's resolution for 2021? Can you remember your 2020 resolution?

JM: Continue to grow Mitchell Bloodstock and provide clients with the best horses we can within their budget.

TDN AusNZ: What positive change would you like to see in the industry in 2021?

JM: Very impressed by Lindy Maurice's program to get young people involved in the industry and teach them the various professions available, more young participants can only be a good thing and growing these programs is so important. Also a jockey school in NSW, European jockeys are having a field day out here.

RapidReflections

James Mitchell

Mitchell Bloodstock

Looking Ahead - December 27

Mornington, Race 2, 1pm AEDT, Modtech Plate, $35,000, 1000m

Dana Point (I Am Invincible) is a daughter of the winning Redoute’s Choice mare Kemizengo, whose only foal to race, Regal Toff (Toorak Toff), is a two-time winner. The dam is a half-sister to the G1 TJ Smith S. winner and sire Master Of Design and to the G1 Greyville Premier’s Champion S. winner Suntagonal (Octagonal {NZ}). It’s also the family of the multiple Group 1 winner Typhoon Tracy (Red Ransom {USA}).

Dana Point as a yearling

A $350,000 purchase by trainer Brent Stanley out of Rosemont Stud’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale draft, Dana Point was well-supported following a trial success ahead of her Bendigo debut. She made all the running there before she was caught close to home and from a handy gate should be hard to roll in the hands of Nash Rawiller.

Mornington, Race 3, 1.35pm AEDT, Highview Accounting Plate, $35,000, 1200m

Unvanquishable (I Am Invincible) was passed in at the Inglis Easter yearling Sale where she failed to meet her $350,000 reserve for Kitchwin Hills. She is the first foal of Madam Belle (USA) (Rock Hard Ten {USA}) and she is a sister to the G2 Santa Anita Barbara H. winner and Group 1 placegetter Capital Plan (USA).

They are out of a half-sister to the multiple Group 1 winner and champion sire Dahar (USA) with his dam the champion mare Dahlia (USA) (Vaguely Noble {Ire}). Unvanquishable is trained by Anthony and Sam Freedman and from an inside alley is worth a serious look on pedigree alone.

Unvanquishable as a yearling

Mornington, Race 4, 2.10pm AEDT, Mornington Car & Tyre Plate, $35,000, 1500m

Polina (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) has placed in all three of her starts, including two runner-up finishes, for trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace. On each occasion the filly has got to the line strongly so the step up to this distance should be all she needs to post her first winning strike.

Bred and sold by The Oaks Stud to Maher for NZ$75,000 at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale, Polina is a half-sister to the two-time Group 2 winner Platinum Princess (NZ) (Keeper) with their dam the unraced Merle Park (USA) (Machiavellian {USA}). She is a half-sister to the Italian stakes winner Champery (USA) (Bahri {USA}) and they are out of a sister to the dual Group 3 winner Fadeyev (USA) and sire.

Darci Brahma (NZ) | Standing at The Oaks Stud

Daily News Wrap

Winning run continues

Cult hero The Harrovian (Fastnet Rock) kept his army of supporters happy with further success in Saturday’s Listed Magic Millions Bernborough Plate at Eagle Farm.

It was the Toby and Trent Edmonds-trained 7-year-olds’s 11th straight victory earned at the expense of Niccanova (Nicconi).

“It’s a great pleasure and full credit to the horse. He’s got a great following and he goes for a well-deserved spell now,” Toby Edmonds said.

Early black-type strike

Progressive mare Vamos Bebe (I Am Invincible) took the step up to stakes company with relative ease when she strode clear in the final stages of Saturday’s Listed Hallmark Stud Sprint at Ellerslie for a comprehensive victory.

Trainer Jamie Richards was delighted with the result after making the commitment to try the Rating70 mare out of her grade.

“It’s not something we do without a great deal of thought,” he said. “She’s a promising mare who we thought was the best of our 3-year-olds last year, but she had a few immaturity issues and just needed some time.

“She’s a very valuable commodity now with the black type to her name and the breeding she has on her side.”

Vamos Bebe | Image courtesy of Race Images

Another clean sheet

Ayrton (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}) kept his unbeaten record intact when the talented 3-year-old bolted in on his home track on Saturday.

Successful on debut at Bendigo, he was sent out a warm favourite in the Ken Sturt H. and raced away by 4.25l to inflict a first defeat on Robert Hickmott’s Beltoro (Toronado {Ire}).

Ayrton is prepared by Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr was offered at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale by Leanach Lodge, was passed in shy of his NZ$40,000 reserve.

He is out of the unraced Odessa (NZ) (Falkirk {NZ}) and a half-sister to the G3 Eulogy S. winner Monterey Bay (NZ) (Kaapstad {NZ}) and their dam is the Listed Canterbury Belle S. winner Sabbatical (NZ) (Bakharoff {USA}).

Ayrton (NZ)

Timely pedigree update

Palamos (Extreme Choice) handed his younger half-sister another timely boost when he remained unbeaten following success in the Skycity 1100 at Ellerslie.

The Jamie Richards-trained colt, who was a debut winner at Te Rapa in October, is a son of Unrevealed (USA) (Forest Wildcat {USA}) and her Deep Field filly will be offered as Lot 919 by Kingstar Farm at next month’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Palamos came with an irresistible finishing run in the hands of Opie Bosson and is now favourite for the DoubleTree by Hilton Karaka Million on January 23.

“He’s going to be an improved horse next time. He’s in the Karaka Million right up to his ears,” Bosson said.

He was bought out of Newgate’s Inglis Great Southern Weanling Sale draft for $65,000 by Auckland agent Paul Willetts and then secured by Te Akau’s David Ellis for NZ$85,000 at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale where he was offered by Ainsley Downs.

Extreme Choice | Standing at Newgate Farm

Freedman coming home

Hall Of Fame trainer Lee Freedman is on his way back to Australia to set up a training operation at the Gold Coast, which will be operational from March.

The 64-year-old has been based in Singapore since 2017 and said he is looking forward to his return.

"Ian Brown, the Gold Coast Turf Club Racing Manager, has outlined the huge infrastructure development plans for the Club culminating in night racing as of 2022," Freedman said in a statement.

"I believe these developments, plus the healthy prizemoney in southeast Queensland, will elevate the GCTC to an even more exciting racing destination."

Northern raider dominates

Matamata mare Sheezallmine (NZ) (Super Easy {NZ}) gave her southern rivals a galloping lesson when she strode away in the home straight to take out the Listed Alleviate Administration Hazlett S. at Wingatui.

The Daniel Miller-trained 5-year-old had trekked south off the back of a handy performance for sixth behind Levante in the Listed Haunui Bowl at Pukekohe last month.

“It was nice to get a win like that as she had been going good in races without a whole lot of luck,” he said. “She came down with my foreman Mason Stephens and he told me she had travelled and settled in well, so we were quite confident before the race.

“She never used to be that good a traveller, but I think the trip away to Riccarton last year really helped settle her down and she was ready to perform.”

Best in the West

The cream of the Western Australian yearling crop will converge on the Swan Valley in February when the world-class sales complex hosts the 2021 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale.

To be held on February 15 and 16, the Sale has brought together a quality catalogue of 303 lots.

The variety of stock on offer is again a feature with no fewer than 72 individual sires represented with strong interest set to surround the stock by 11 freshman sires.

In a great boost for local buyers, 95 per cent of yearlings catalogued are eligible for either the Westspeed Platinum or standard Westspeed scheme. Some 53 lots are BOBS eligible and all lots offered are eligible to be paid up for the $12.775 million Magic Millions Race Series.

The Sale will be preceded by the Magic Millions race day at Pinjarra on February 6, featuring the $250,000 R. Listed Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic and $200,000 R. Listed Magic Millions WA 3YO Trophy. The 2YO Classic is boosted for the second year with the $75,000 Magic Millions WA Racing Women’s Bonus.

Click here to view the 2021 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale

Primed for Australian return

Only three horses in the world finished the season with a rating higher than Addeybb (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}) and certainly none of them have won Group 1 races in two hemispheres within 2020.

Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum’s homebred 6-year-old may not have received the recognition he deserves for his exploits throughout the year, but it is safe to say that he is fully appreciated by his trainer William Haggas and jockey Tom Marquand.

Addeybb has subsequently enjoyed a well-earned spell in the paddock, but has recently returned to Haggas’s Somerville Lodge in preparation for another trip to Australia in 2021. He won the G1 Ranvet S. and the G1 Queen Elizabeth S. on his last visit.

“I think we’re going to try for the same again,” Haggas said. “The beauty of last year was the travelling. He travelled immaculately and when he came back he was 8kg lighter than when he left, which is extraordinary.”

Addeybb (GB)

Magical mark

Champion jockey Joao Moreira is only the third jockey in Hong Kong history to ride 1000 winners on the island. The Brazilian reached the mark when successful aboard Incanto Prepared (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) at Happy Valley.

He joins 13-time champion Douglas Whyte (1813) and fellow champion Zac Purton (1209) in this elite millennial club.

“I can only describe it as a dream come true because I never dreamed that, to be honest, and I would never think that I could get to that mark in Hong Kong, knowing the place is such a tough place,” Moreira told the HKJC website.

2YO & 3YO Winners by Sire

NSW Race Results