Cover image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
Parure (Fastnet Rock) started the ball rolling with her success in the ZircoDATA Autumn S. in Melbourne and soon after Home Affairs (I Am Invincible) improved on a debut second to triumph in the Iron Jack Silver Slipper S.
The Chris Waller-trained Home Affairs has now put himself firmly in the picture for next month’s G1 Golden Slipper S.
“We’ve always known he is a talented horse and he’s got the looks and a great attitude,” the champion trainer said.
"We had to use him up a bit early, which wasn't ideal. It's a ticket into the Golden Slipper and an important stepping stone for a horse like him with his pedigree.”
“It's a ticket into the Golden Slipper and an important stepping stone for a horse like him with his pedigree.” – Chris Waller
Home Affairs had finished runner-up on debut in last month’s G3 Canonbury S., when he was left in front a fair way off the post and Waller felt he was left a sitting shot, but had improved significantly with the run and experience.
The colt sat in behind the speed on Saturday and once rider James McDonald angled him into the clear, he lengthened stride to inflict a first defeat on a game Rocket Tiger (Cluster) and Direct (Siyouni {Fr}) did well from a wide gate for third.
“He will probably need one more run to be tuned right up. He is a great athlete and does well between runs,” Waller said.
Home Affairs was purchased at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale by Tom Magnier out of breeder Torryburn Stud’s draft for $875,000 and is a son of Miss Interiors (Flying Spur), who won three times, and also the dam of the G1 Caulfield Guineas runner-up Aysar (Deep Field).
She is a half-sister to the dual Group 1 winner and sire Russian Revolution and to the G3 Frances Tressady S. winner Turbo Miss (Sebring).
Parure pounces
At Caulfield, the Tom Dabernig and Ben Hayes-trained Parure was coming off a BM70 win at Sandown and handled the rise in class with aplomb to land the Autumn S.
“It’s a great result and she’s very well-bred and become very valuable in a couple of minutes,” Hayes said. “I don’t think 2000 metres will be an issue and a race like the Vinery Stud S. or the Oaks may be options for her.”
Parure is a daughter of the G2 Edward Manifold S. winner Fontein Ruby (Turffontein), a half-sister to the G1 Thorndon Mile winner The Mitigator (Master Of Design).
Fillies dominated the finish of the race with Butter Chicken (NZ) (Savabeel) hitting the line well to finish second.
