Listed Grafton District Services Club Ramornie H., $200,000, 1200m
Race summary
Southern Lad (Ocean Park {NZ}) reigned supreme in a fiercely contested edition of this competitive midweek feature.
The John O’Shea-trained gelding stepped quickly into stride but was restrained by rider Christain Reith to settle in a midfield position with cover.
Reith proceeded to bide his time before presenting towards the middle of the track on straightening. From there he trucked up to the leaders under hands and heels before asking his mount to extend.
Southern Lad responded and let down with a strong turn of foot to outlast a brave Phobetor (Dream Ahead {USA}) over the final 100 metres.
Fender (Toronado {Ire}) endured a soft run in transit and battled his way into third along the rail to round out the minors, while rank outsider Phantom Falcon (NZ) (Swiss Ace) finished a distant fourth.
Pedigree notes
Bred by Nearco Stud, Southern Lad was a $75,000 2016 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale purchase by Champion Thoroughbreds via the draft of Bhima Thoroughbreds.
He is the sixth foal out of the Listed-placed Distinctive Lass (Orientate {USA}), thus making him a half-brother to G1 New Zealand One Thousand Guineas winner Kahma Lass (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) and six-time Listed winner and dual Group 1 placegetter Kuro (NZ) (Denman).
Distinctive Lass’ grandam is the three-time Group 1-winning sprinter and high-class broodmare Special (Habituate {Ire}), who herself is responsible for the three-time Group 1 winner Bomber Bill (Air De France {USA}) and G2 Thoroughbred Club S. winner Camargue (Air De France {USA}).
Southern Lad’s sire Ocean Park (NZ) is continuing to cement his status as a producer of top-class racehorses. He is now responsible for 10 individual stakes winners this season, including Group 1 winners Kolding (NZ) and Tofane (NZ).
Ocean Park will stand this breeding season at Waikato Stud for a service fee of NZ$30,000 + GST off the back of his progeny's recent success.
