G3 Sharp Office Newcastle Gold Cup, $250,000, 2300m
Race Summary
Trainer Chris Waller raised the bar with Great House (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and the progressive stayer was up to the challenge.
Coming off a fifth placing in a BM78 H. at Kembla Grange, the 5-year-old lapped up the 2300 metres and finished resolutely from a midfield sit to prove too good and post the fourth win of his 12-start career.
Quick Thinker (So You Think {NZ}) showed further improvement to finish second and a grand effort as he conceded the winner 5kg with Great House’s stablemate No Compromise (NZ) (Pins) third.
Pedigree Notes
Great House was a 175,000gns (AU$336,260) purchase for Highclere Thoroughbred Racing at a Tattersalls Online Sale and was a maiden winner in Ireland before relocating to Waller.
He is a half-brother to the G3 Prix Miesque winner Aboulie (Ire) (Exceed And Excel) and to the dam of the G2 Greenlands S. winner and sire Mustajeeb (GB).
Great House, the 345th stakes winner for Galileo, is out of Anja (Ire) (Indian Ridge {Ire}), who was a minor race winner and is a half-sister to the G1 Prix du Jockey Club winner and sire Anabaa Blue (GB).
G3 Australian Bloodstock Cameron H., $160,000, 1500m
Race Summary
Ashman (Magnus) has proved a terrific recruit for Wyong trainer Kim Waugh and he earned a gold medal for bravery with a sterling front-running performance.
The 6-year-old raced boldly at the head of affairs and, after slipping clear 300 metres from home, he wasn’t to be denied and clung on tenaciously for the biggest win of his career, which started in Queensland with Matthew Dunn.
Sky Lad (Real Impact {Jpn}) closed gamely for second and an effort that augured well for the rest of his spring while Duais (Shamus Award) also drew serious attention to her spring prospects with a bold showing for third in her first appearance since claiming the G1 Queensland Oaks.
Pedigree Notes
A $27,500 Inglis Digital Sale purchase, Ashman is a brother to Mr Pago and half-brother to Ash Grey (Wanted), who both won 11 races.
Their dam is Ashamika (Fr) (Linamix {Fr}) and she is a sister to the G2 Prix de Malleret winner Ashalanda (Fr), dam of the stakes winner Ashlan (Fr) (Dansili {GB}), who also won in Hong Kong as Rickfield.
Ashman is a son of Widden Stud’s Magnus, who has now produced 24 stakes winners with his tally headed by the two-time Group 1 winners Streets Of Avalon and Malaguerra.
G3 Yarraman Park Tibbie S., $160,000, 1400m
Race Summary
Madam Legend (I Am Invincible) was quickly into stride from the outside gate and show terrific pace to cross the field for rider Jeff Penza.
The Les Bridge-trained mare travelled strongly to the turn and, after easing clear on straightening, had enough in reserve to post the first black-type victory of her career.
Mirra Vision (Lonhro) was second on the turn and she fought gamely in the run home to take the runner-up cheque. The favourite Great News (Uncle Mo {USA}) had every chance off a handy sit and boxed on gamely for third.
Pedigree Notes
Madam Legend was sold by breeder Canning Downs to Carmel Size Racing, on behalf of the Hong Kong-based Legend Racing, for $250,000 at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.
She is a daughter of the unraced Encosta De Lago mare Mithila and she is a half-sister to the G3 SAJC Breeders’ S. winner Murjana (Giant’s Causeway {USA}).
Their dam Twyla (Danehill {USA}) is a three-quarter sister to the multiple Group 1 winner and Champion Sire Redoute’s Choice. The G1 Railway S. winner Gathering (Tale Of The Cat {USA}) also features prominently in the pedigree.
Madam Legend is the 65th individual stakes winner for the Yarraman Park stalwart I Am Invincible, whose tally includes nine Group 1 winners headed by his sire son Brazen Beau.
