Saturday summary: Aft Cabin dominates Eskimo Prince as Santos secures first stakes winner

Written by

Oz Wedmore

14 min read

Godolphin enjoyed a brilliant afternoon on Saturday as the victory of their 2-year-old colt Zulfiqar (Exceed And Excel) in the G3 Chairman’s S. at Sandown was followed up by Aft Cabin (Astern) announcing himself as a serious prospect in the G3 Eskimo Prince S. at Randwick, whilst across the Tasman Aquis Farm's first-season sire Santos gained his first stakes winner courtesy of Ulanova (NZ) in the G3 Taranaki 2YO Classic at New Plymouth.

Cover image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

Race-day recap

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Godolphin served up yet another Group 1 contendor for their powerhouse operation as Aft Cabin (Astern) scored a faultless victory in the G3 Eskimo Prince S. at Royal Randwick.

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Aquis Farm’s first-season sire Santos was delivered a sensational first stakes winner on Saturday when the G3 Taranaki 2YO Classic was taken out in style by the Stephen Marsh-trained filly Ulanova (NZ) at New Plymouth.

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Michael Freedman's 2-year-old filly Madeira Sunrise (I Am Invincible) ran out a tough, 0.49l victory over the favoured Sicilian (I Am Invincible) in the Listed Lonhro Plate at Randwick.

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Godolphin’s Zulfiqar (Exceed And Excel) couldn’t be matched in the G3 Chairman’s S. (1000 metres) at Sandown with an impressive, front-running performance.

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South Australian trainer Chris Bieg now has a contender for the G1 Blue Diamond S. after his filly Dubenenko (Russian Revolution) led home her stablemate Harleen (Written Tycoon) to break her maiden at Morphettville Parks.

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A well-judged Jamie Kah ride from the front saw her extend her winning partnership with 4-year-old mare Wrote To Arataki (NZ) (Wrote {Ire}) in the G3 Geoffrey Bellmaine S. (1300 metres) at Sandown.

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Te Akau Racing were handed a stakes double within 15 minutes on Saturday as Family Ties (NZ) (Contributer {Ire}) scored in the Listed Oaks Prelude at New Plymouth, followed up by the G3 White Robe Lodge victory of Perfect Scenario (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}) at Wingatui.

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Group 1 targets are back on the cards for Specialty (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}) who kept finding in the Listed Dunedin Guineas at Otago.

Aft Cabin leaves them all at sea

A simple yet dominant performance in the G3 Eskimo Prince S. (1200 metres) at Royal Randwick served up yet another Group 1 contender for the powerhouse Godolphin operation. The 3.5l victory of Aft Cabin (Astern) in the G3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude last September put him in the frame as a leading spring hope, but a bleed suffered during trackwork ended that campaign.

However, his return to racing on Saturday was scintillating. With James McDonald grabbing a perfect position one off the rail just behind the leaders, he produced Aft Cabin with 300 metres to run, and the 3-year-old colt burst clear of the field with minimum fuss, eased across the line to finish 1.73l ahead of Zou Tiger (Zoustar), with Michael Freedman’s improving Communist (Russian Revolution) 0.72l away in third.

With Zou Tiger third in the G1 Golden Rose S. on September 24, trainer James Cummings was confident that the form stacked up in favour of his horse.

James Cummings and Caroline Searcy | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

“I think we’re dealing with a very talented horse,” said Cummings. “He’s had a really uncomplicated preliminary in the build-up to this.

“He had so much promise in the spring and his spring was cut short, but we’ve got a very good team who rallied around him and gave him the time that he needed, let nature take its course and he’s had a good spell.

“Provided that he continues to return to scale after performances like that and looks in perfect health, I feel like he’s in for a wonderful campaign - we can sit down and enjoy nominating him for all the good races on Tuesday.

“Provided that he (Aft Cabin) continues to return to scale after performances like that and looks in perfect health, I feel like he’s in for a wonderful campaign...” - James Cummings

With Cummings proposing the G2 Hobartville S. (1400 metres) as the ideal lead-up race for the G1 Randwick Guineas on March 4, James McDonald was full of praise following Saturday’s performance.

“He oozes so much quality, he floats across the ground, (has an) unbelievable turn of foot and he can only improve off today’s outing,” the Champion Jockey said.

“He’ll come to hand, I think he’ll only get better as he gets deep into the prep, his coat’s still a bit mustery, (but) I’ll leave that to the expert, he’ll get him right on the day.”

James McDonald returns to scale aboard Aft Cabin after winning the G3 Eskimo Prince S. at Randwick | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

Santos secures first stakes winner

Aquis Farm’s first-season sire Santos was delivered a sensational first stakes winner on Saturday when the G3 Taranaki 2YO Classic was taken out in style by the Stephen Marsh-trained filly Ulanova (NZ) at New Plymouth.

In the Gandharvi colours of part-owner Kuldeep Singh, who was watching on from Royal Randwick, Craig Grylls took the front early on the 2-year-old filly, just as he did in the R. Listed Karaka Million 2YO two weeks ago.

Ulanova (NZ) blitzes her rivals to hand her sire, Santos, a first stakes success in the G3 Taranaki 2YO Classic at New Plymouth | Image courtesy of Race Images – Peter Rubery

Collared into fourth that day, it was a different story on Saturday as she blitzed the field in a runaway, 6.8l win. In second was Lantern Way (NZ) (Satono Aladdin {Jpn}), whilst 0.5l further back in third was Te Akau’s She Turns Heads (Headwater).

“We jumped, found the lead and got it reasonably soft,” Grylls said after the win. “Talking to Stephen before the race I said I would try and cuddle her up for as long as possible and she has kicked away, where it was pretty easy in the end.

“She was strong right through the line and I think she is a pretty fair animal who we will see a lot more of.”

“She (Ulanova) was strong right through the line and I think she is a pretty fair animal who we will see a lot more of.” - Craig Grylls

Stable foreman for Stephen Marsh, Rhys Mildon was confident in the filly’s chances after the track was upgraded to a Soft 5.

“It was really good to see her run the 1200 meters right out and that gives us hope for the future,” he said.

“She got a little hot today so it will be up to Stephen to decide where she goes next after we see how she comes through this.”

Having broken her maiden on debut last October, Ulanova was recording her second victory from four starts. She was a NZ$150,000 purchase for Mick Wallace at the 2022 New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale, who races her as part of his Telluride Agency alongside his brother David and Boston-based Singh.

Santos | Standing at Aquis Farm

She’s out of the stakes-placed Elusive Quality (USA) mare The Fairy’s Kiss, a half-sister to the precocious multiple Group 2 winner and Group 1-placed Dame Giselle (I Am Invincible). Ulanova remains Santos’ only winner from 10 runners so far, with four of those having run into placings.

Madeira sweetens Freedman’s awkward start

The late scratching of Mexico (Capitalist) after some misbehaviour in the barriers left the Listed Lonhro Plate field at a reduced field of five runners for the first race at Royal Randwick on Saturday afternoon.

It also halved trainer Michael Freedman’s representation in the race, but proved no barrier to success as his filly Madeira Sunrise (I Am Invincible) ran out a tough, 0.49l victory over the favoured Sicilian (who tailed a one-two for Yarraman Park's I Am Invincible), whilst there was a further 0.89l back to first starter Portorosa (Not A Single Doubt) in third.

Madeira Sunrise fights off her rivals to win the Listed Lonhro Plate at Randwick | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

After Mexico’s antics, the eventual fourth-place finisher Miss Belgium (Capitalist) also played up in the barriers, setting off Madeira Sunrise who was then removed and reloaded.

This perhaps contributed to her being a little keen mid-race as the pace slackened, and left her trainer to conclude that there was plenty to look forward to as she matures with racing. However, he refused to get ahead of himself, asserting that a 1200-metre test was a key first step if a G1 Golden Slipper tilt could be considered.

“She’s quite progressive,” Freedman said post-race. “She was in a bit of a mood today as well, so I think there’s a bit of improvement to come. I think if she comes through today, we can look at one or two of the good fillies’ races coming up - whether it’s the (G2) Reisling (S.) or (G2) Sweet Embrace (S.).”

“I think there’s a bit of improvement to come. I think if she (Madeira Sunrise) comes through today, we can look at one or two of the good fillies’ races coming up - whether it’s the (G2) Reisling (S.) or (G2) Sweet Embrace (S.).” - Michael Freedman

Winning jockey James McDonald echoed the trainer’s thoughts, saying: “She’s a pretty green filly still, she’s probably got plenty of upside. She just wanted to overdo it a fraction when the speed was backing out of the race, but I kept it pretty simple… She always felt like she was surging and holding the (other) horse (Sicilian) at bay.”

A $200,000 purchase by Mitchell Bloodstock (FBAA) at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Madeira Sunrise is the first named foal from the Savabeel mare Indrabeel (NZ), a sister to Listed winner and G1 Australian Guineas-placed You’re So Good.

She becomes a 90th stakes winner for her Yarraman Park-based sire, and a fourth at such level for his juveniles this season. The Champion Sire also enjoyed a further three winners on Saturday as 3-year-old filly Habeebati broke her maiden at Aquis Park Gold Coast Poly for Lee Freedman, whilst 4-year-old geldings Qeyaady and Turgenev were successful at Morphettville Parks and Gilgandra respectively.

I Am Invincible | Standing at Yarraman Park Stud

Zulfiqar zips away with the Chairman’s Stakes

First-up from a break, Godolphin’s Zulfiqar (Exceed And Excel) couldn’t be matched on Saturday, taking the G3 Chairman’s S. (1000 metres) at Sandown-Hillside with an impressive, front-running performance.

The most experienced horse in the field, he was joined by Ciaron Maher and David Eustace’s smart Flemington maiden winner Veecee (Capitalist) at the 200-metre marker but after being stoked up by Ben Melham he sprung clear to win by 1.25l, with Ben and JD Hayes’ Tacito (Showtime) 1.75l further back in third.

Zulfiqar leads from the front to win the G3 Chairman's S. at Sandown-Hillside | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything

A winner of the Listed Maribyrnong Trial back on October 1, Zulfiqar hadn’t been seen since running fifth in the G3 Maribyrnong Plate exactly a month later, and winning jockey Ben Melham was in ‘no doubt’ that he can now progress towards the G1 Blue Diamond S. over 1200 metres, for which he sits now as a general $15 chance.

“He’s a very sensible horse and he was strong through the line,” Melham said.

“He’s definitely come back stronger after the little break. He was able to control the race, get to the right part of the track and win really well, I thought.”

“He’s (Zulfiqar) definitely come back stronger after the little break. He was able to control the race, get to the right part of the track and win really well, I thought.” - Ben Melham

Out of the Elusive Quality (USA) mare Sayf Shamal (USA), Zulfiqar is beautifully bred, being from the family of Alizee (Sepoy) and Astern via the blue hen Darley mare - also Zulfiqar’s three-quarter sister - Essaouira.

Dubenenko deals Bieg Diamond hope

South Australia trainer Chris Bieg sent out the first two home in a four-runner field for the opener at Morphettville Parks on Saturday, a 1000-metre juvenile handicap.

With his highly promising filly Dubenenko (Russian Revolution) leading them home, Bieg now has a contender for the G1 Blue Diamond S., after she finished ahead of her stablemate, the Written Tycoon filly Harleen. With those two separated by 1.4l, it was a further 2.7l back to the Tony and Calvin McEvoy-trained debutant Kristobel (Overshare).

“She was very good, probably a little bit fresh today on the back of only having just one jump-out on Tuesday, she’s got plenty of improvement,” Bieg said.

“Once we get into a bigger field with more tempo, it’ll suit her to be ridden midfield with some cover.

“She’ll now accept for the Blue Diamond, which is three weeks today. She’ll aim to have an exhibition gallop or something a bit more serious in a fortnight’s time before heading across to Melbourne.”

“She’ll (Dubenenko) now accept for the (G1) Blue Diamond... She’ll aim to have an exhibition gallop or something a bit more serious in a fortnight’s time before heading across to Melbourne.” - Chris Bieg

Unsuccessful in three starts until Saturday, Dubenenko was previously third in the Magic Millions Ballarat 2YO Classic, a performance which left her a $301 chance in the Blue Diamond market, which was shortened to $67 after her latest performance.

Newgate Farm’s Russian Revolution was Champion First Season Sire last season, and has had an excellent run with his juveniles of late, headlined by G3 Canonbury S. winner Red Resistance and Listed Blue Diamond Preview (colts and geldings) winner The Instructor.

Kah keeps Wrote on the improve

A well-judged Jamie Kah-ride from the front saw her extend her winning partnership with Wrote To Arataki (NZ) (Wrote {Ire}) in the G3 Geoffrey Bellmaine S. (1300 metres) at Sandown-Hillside. The 4-year-old mare has been on a steep upward curve of late, and the pair first linked up to win a BM70 at Flemington on New Year’s Day.

Wrote To Arataki (NZ) leads throughout to win the G3 Bellmains S. at Sandown-Hillside | Image courtesy of Racing Photos

Trainer Matthew Williams was delighted with his mare’s progression and is now considering races such as the G3 Mannerism S. (1400 metres) on February 25.

“It’s a fair transition she’s made,” he said. “You just get horses like that sometimes that can take those steps, and she’s got a bit of confidence out of winning, she’s relaxing better on raceday… She’s always had ability; we probably didn’t think we’d be winning a Group 3 mares race six months ago but we’re rapt today.”

Winning jockey Jamie Kah was full of admiration for her mount, adding: “I love this little girl’s heart, she’s so tough. She had a bit of time between runs so she was quite well and fresh today, and probably overdid it a touch in front… but she was never going to let that horse get past her.”

“I love this little girl’s (Wrote To Arataki's) heart, she’s so tough... she was quite well and fresh today, and probably overdid it a touch in front… but she was never going to let that horse get past her.” - Jamie Kah

Based at Highview Stud in New Zealand, Wrote’s (Ire) tally of stakes winners was doubled on Saturday, as Wrote To Arataki joins G3 Hawke's Bay Gold Trail S. winner Best Seller (NZ) as his leading progeny.

Te Akau's quickfire stakes double

Te Akau Racing were handed a stakes double within 15 minutes on Saturday as Family Ties (NZ) (Contributer {Ire}) scored in the Listed Oaks Prelude at New Plymouth, followed up by the G3 White Robe Lodge S. victory of Perfect Scenario (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}) at Wingatui.

With both trained by Mark Walker, the double began with 3-year-old filly Family Ties shooting up the inside at New Plymouth under Opie Bosson to claim the Oaks Prelude, landing herself the assignment of the G1 New Zealand Oaks (2400 metres) at Trentham next month.

Family Ties (NZ) shoots up the inside to win the Listed Oaks Prelude at New Plymouth | Image courtesy of Race Images – Peter Rubery

Te Akau Racing Manager Reece Trumper was at New Plymouth and spoke highly of the filly’s staying potential.

“We think she is a filly that goes better with some cut in the track, and she has struck a perfect deck for her today,” he said.

“We’ll see how she gets through this, but she is nominated for the (G1 New Zealand) Oaks and with her pedigree we know she is going to get that trip.”

“We’ll see how she (Family Ties) gets through this, but she is nominated for the (G1 New Zealand) Oaks and with her pedigree we know she is going to get that trip.” - Reece Trumper

Family Ties was a NZ$60,000 purchase by Te Akau principle David Ellis at the 2021 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale, and marked a fifth stakes winner for her Mapperley Stud-based sire Contributer (Ire).

Te Akau’s stakes double was completed at Wingatui with something of a surprise result as it was stablemate Prise De Fer (NZ) (Savabeel) who was preferred as the even-money favourite. However, 5-year-old gelding Perfect Scenario was a 3.3l winner in the end, defeating Live Drama (NZ) (Ghibellines) into second, with Rock Sensation (NZ) (Rock ‘N’ Pop) back in third.

The stable may now look to the G1 Otaki-Maori Classic next month for the son of Iffraaj (GB).

Perfect Scenario (NZ) cruises to the line to win the G3 White Robe Lodge S. at Wingatui | Image courtesy of Tayler Strong

Aft Cabin

James Cummings

James McDonald

Santos

Astern

Sunrise follows cloudy start for Freedman

Written by

Oz Wedmore

6 min read

Following the victory of Madeira Sunrise (I Am Invincible) in the Listed Lonhro Plate at Royal Randwick, we caught up with both her trainer, Michael Freedman, and Bill Mitchell of Mitchell Bloodstock (FBAA), who purchased the filly - an unusual buy for his Hong Kong-based client.

Cover image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

Michael Freedman sent two horses to post for the Lonhro Plate on Saturday, but his chances were reduced when a barrier incident resulted in the last-minute withdrawal of Mexico (Capitalist) from the race.

After getting a fright from a neighbour, Mexico reared up and got his leg stuck over, meaning he was refused participation by the stewards. Whilst he appears to be none the worse, and will likely trial on Monday to fulfill a now-requisite barrier certification, Freedman admitted it was a blow.

The son of Capitalist had shown up well in this preparation, winning two January trials which included finishing ahead of Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott’s recent impressive maiden winner Bases Loaded (Deep Field).

Mexico was a late withdrawal from the Listed Lonhro Plate at Randwick due to a barrier incident | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

As Freedman contemplated, it’s the ‘highs and lows of racing’, as within a few minutes of that incident - during which Madeira Sunrise herself was removed from the barriers and reloaded - he was landed with a smart, Listed-winning debutante.

But even once the gates opened things weren’t as simple as they could have been, as Madeira Sunrise was keen mid-race, and had to tough out the win against the more experienced Sicilian - another daughter of I Am Invincible.

As one of Sydney’s leading trainers, renowned for his handling of juveniles, Freedman was taken with the attitude shown by his filly, and said it was a typical determined performance from a daughter of Yarraman Park’s stalwart.

“They’re often so tough, particularly his fillies,” Freedman told TDN AusNZ. “From what I’ve had to do with them, they’re very tough, durable types that cop however you train them at a young age. They’re the perfect 2-year-old types, I think.

“From what I’ve had to do with them (I Am Invincible's progeny), they’re very tough, durable types that cop however you train them at a young age. They’re the perfect 2-year-old types, I think.” - Michael Freedman

“They’re a bit similar to the Danehill fillies from back in the day.”

A similar mould

An obvious comparison sprung to mind for Freedman, who last season trained another I Am Invincible filly, Queen Of The Ball, to success in the G3 Widden S. and the G3 Black Opal S.

Madeira Sunrise after her win in the Listed Lonhro Plate at Randwick | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

“A bit like Queen Of The Ball last year, who was a bit smaller and compact, those smaller version of the Vinnies do tend to get up and going a bit earlier - maybe not pre-Christmas, but as Autumn types for sure,” Freedman said, though he was keen not to get ahead himself.

“I think we’ll just see how she pulls up after today’s run. We’ll probably pick out one of those good fillies’ races over 1200 metres in the next two or three weeks, whether it’s a (G2) Sweet Embrace (S.) or a (G2) Reisling (S.), one of those types of races, and then go from there.

“I’m a great believer that if they belong in the Slipper they’ll find a way to get in there.”

“I’m a great believer that if they belong in the Slipper they’ll find a way to get in there.” - Michael Freedman

One daughter of I Am Invincible who did make an impact pre-Christmas this season just so happens to also be in Freedman’s stable. The smart maiden winner Blanc De Blanc followed up her Newcastle debut victory with a third-place finish in the R. Listed Inglis Nursery back in December, and although she’s back in training now, Freedman refused to draw comparisons.

“I hate trying to compare them,” he said. “At this stage Madeira Sunrise is certainly on an upward plane, but so are the others. She’s certainly in the mix in terms of 2-year-old races in the autumn, but whether she’s a Slipper filly remains to be seen.

“She’s up there with the better ones at the moment.”

James Mitchell and Michael Freedman | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

An unusual order

After Bill Mitchell - a self-admitted harsh judge - wrote “Sweet filly” across her pedigree page and rated her as an above-average type, the only conclusion he could draw when bidding stopped at $200,000 was that he’d found a bargain.

“I thought it was,” he told TDN AusNZ. “That happens at sales - if you’ve done your homework and you’re ready to pounce, well then when you think one’s good value then you can buy it.”

When Mitchell identified Madeira Sunrise as a yearling at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, he’d been given an unusual order to buy a filly for his normally male-focussed Hong Kong Client Kenneth Chung.

Madeira Sunrise as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

“They’ve had a great run in Hong Kong… they’ve had Australian winners too, but it’s only about once every five years that we buy a filly,” Mitchell revealed.

“So, it was nice to get it right, and to buy a good value filly. With no specific instructions, you can just say: 'I know that’s got low x-ray risk, I know that’s a really nice filly from a good farm and I think it’s well undervalued'.”

Bred by Steve Allam, Madeira Sunrise was prepared and sold by Yarraman Park at Magic Millions last year, and with Mitchell's brothers Harry and Arthur running things there, he was given an insight into her quality early on.

“She appeared to be a lovely filly, and as a first foal from a mare that had ability, even if she was more middle-distance. It’s a good Australian family, this one.”

“She (Madeira Sunrise) appeared to be a lovely filly, and as a first foal from a mare that had ability, even if she was more middle-distance. It’s a good Australian family, this one.” - Bill Mitchell

Out of the Savabeel mare Indrabeel (NZ), Madeira Sunrise is related via her second dam to Arrowfield Stud’s Pariah, plus this season’s G3 Sydney S. winner Rocketing By (So You Think {NZ}) and a host of other stakes winners.

Patient owners

With her dam’s wins stretching up to 2000 metres, Mitchell said despite a clean set of x-rays and being an August foal, there was never any push to have Madeira Sunrise running before she was ready. Instead, he paid credit to his client, whose Australian racing interest he manages, for a patient approach.

“Only a month ago we got an email saying: ‘There’s no rush with this filly.’ They want to make sure she’s racing until she’s hopefully five or six,” Mitchell said.

Bill Mitchell | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy

“She just hasn’t really had any issues, she’s just come along and done everything we’ve asked of her each prep. We didn’t try to race her in the spring, but we thought a 1000-metre race at Randwick can’t hurt her after she trialled so well.

“Then we were lucky enough to get J-Mac (James McDonald) to ride her, so all-in-all it was a great result.”

Madeira Sunrise

Bill Mitchell

Michael Freedman

I Am Invincible

Black type results: Sandown-Hillside and Randwick

5 min read

Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything

Sandown-Hillside: G3 Chairman's S., $200,000, 1000m

Scratched from the Listed Lonhro Plate at Randwick to contest this Group 3 instead, Zulfiqar (Exceed And Excel) showed both pace and heart recording his second win from three starts.

Both of his wins have come at stakes level, the Godolphin homebred winning the Listed Maribyrnong Trial S. at his debut last October.

One of his wonderful Darley-based sire's 205 stakes winners, he is the first foal for the imported winner Sayf Shamal (USA) (Elusive Quality {USA}) whose first three dams are all stakes winners - Alizes (NZ) (Rory's Jester), La Baraka (Euclase) and Triscay (Marscay).

Last spring paying a return visit to Exceed And Excel, Sayf Shamal foaled a Lonhro filly in late October and her previous foal is a full brother to Zulfiqar.

It is a prolific family from which this promising youngster hails, his relations including the triple Group 1 winner Alizee (Sepoy), the G1 Golden Rose winner Astern, the Listed Galilee Series Final winner Mamounia (Medaglia D'Oro {USA}) and the Listed National Sprint winner Cuba (All Too Hard).

He is one of the 11 stakes winners (and 50 winners from 58 runners) for Exceed And Excel out of Elusive Quality (USA) mares - a cross that provides for duplications of the influential mares Natalma (USA) (Native Dancer {USA}), Flower Bowl (USA) (Alibhai {GB}) and Frizette (USA) (Hamburg {USA})... and there is more of the latter's influence in Sayf Shmal's dam sire Rory's Jester.

G3 Bellmaine S., $200,000, 1300m

Lightly raced and promising, Wrote To Arataki (NZ) (Wrote {Ire}) was tough to the line stepping up in class and racing at stakes-level for the first time.

Recording the fourth win of her 10-start career, she was bred by N M Bishop by Highview's G1 Breeders Cup Juvenile winner, a son of High Chaparral (Ire).

She is the first of only two foals for the now retired Galloping Gerte (NZ) (Align), a metropolitan winner whose second foal is the yet to race 3-year-old Ring Jesse (NZ), also by Wrote (Ire).

There is no other black type within three generations of Wrote To Arataki's pedigree but there are diamonds further back - her sixth dam being the great Eight Carat's (GB) (Pieces Of Eight {Ire}) G1 Railway H. winner Diamond Lover (Sticks And Stones).

Boasting three strains of the wonderful mare Special (USA) (Forli {Arg}) - Wrote's fourth dam - Wrote To Arataki is Diamond Lover's 24th stakes-winning descendant and Eight Carat's 67th.

Randwick: G3 Eskimo Prince S., $200,000, 1200m

Part of a big day for jockey James McDonald (his fourth winner), Aft Cabin (Astern) proved a class above his rivals - impressive at his first run since winning the G3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude in September.

Missing the G1 Caulfield Guineas after a bleeding attack during trackwork forced him to the paddock, Aft Cabin has won three of his five starts and is yet to finish out of the quinella.

One of the six stakes winners for his G1 Golden Rose-winning, Darley-based sire, Aft Cabin is the sixth foal and third stakes winner for the dual city winner Shelters (Lonhro) who has also produced the G3 PJ Bell S. winner Multaja (by Astern's sire Medaglia D'Oro {USA}) and the Listed Lonhro Plate winner Veranillo (also by Medaglia D'Oro {USA}).

Returning to Astern last spring after foaling a Brazen Beau colt, Shelters also has a Harry Angel (Ire) yearling colt. She is out of the three-time Group 2-placed multiple city winner Hut (Danehill {USA}) whose son Benfica (Lonhro) won the G1 TJ Smith S.

A descendant of the influential Democratie (Fr) (Epinard {Fr}) whose other descendants include the successful stallions Red Ransom (USA) and Showdown (GB), Aft Cabin is bred on a 4 X 3 male/female Danehill (USA) cross whilst also boasting duplications of the outstanding mares Natalma (USA) (Native Dancer {USA}), Special (USA) (Forli {Arg}) and Lalun (USA) (Djeddah {Fr}).

Listed Lonhro Plate, $160,000, 1000m

A good finish for Yarraman Park's reigning Australian Champion Sire I Am Invincible, providing the quinella - Madeira Sunrise and Sicilian - to this juvenile feature.

Making an impressive debut off the back of good trial form, Madeira Sunrise was bred by the Allam Racing Syndicate and sold through the Yarraman draft to Mitchell Bloodstock (FBAA) for $200,000 at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

The 90th stakes winner for her sire, she is the first foal produced by the stakes-placed, three-time winner Indrabeel (NZ) (Savabeel), full sister to the Listed Alexandra S. winner You're So Good (NZ).

Served last spring by Toronado (Ire) having missed the previous season, Indrabeel also has a yearling filly by Deep Field - due to go through the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale as Lot 177 for Yarraman Park.

Indrabeel's winning dam Lightning Spur (Flying Spur) is out of the Listed Debutante S. winner Cloister (Marauding {NZ}) who also produced the dual Group 1 winner Melito (Redoute's Choice) as well as the dams of the stakes winners Rocketing By (So You Think {NZ}) and Pariah.

A descendant of one of the great Australian matriarchs in Summoned (Crowned Prince {USA}), Madeira Sunrise picks up on one of the major strengths of I Am Invincible's pedigree - he being a descendant of Summond's acclaimed ancestress Chelandry (GB) (Goldfinch {GB}).

Randwick

Sandown-Hillside

Black type results

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STUD MANAGER

Tyreel Stud is a boutique thoroughbred breeding farm located in the Hawkesbury Valley district of Sydney and a position has become available for a hands-on Stud Manager to join our team. This position would ideally suit someone with experience in a similar role who possesses good communication and organisational skills, is motivated, pays attention to detail, is a team player and has the ability to remain confidential. There are approximately 35 broodmares on the farm.

The role will include:

• Total management of all foals, weanlings, broodmares

• Co-ordination of farriers and vets

• Management of all staff

• Assistance with selecting new stock

• Client updates

An attractive remuneration package including above award salary package and accommodation (three bedroom, newly renovated home) including all services paid for and company vehicle included.

To apply and/or for more information please call Linda Monds on +64 427 948 244 or email your interest or to send your resume to linda@tyreel.com.

Black type results: New Plymouth and Wingatui

6 min read

Cover image courtesy of Race Images – Peter Rubery

New Plymouth: G3 Taranaki Cup, NZ$100,000, 1800m

Too good at big odds, making the pace and finding more when challenged, Colorado Star (NZ) (Alamosa {NZ}) has been a consistent performer - one who has broken through for his first black type success at the age of seven.

The 21s stakes winner for his four-time Group 1-winning sire, a son of O'Reilly (NZ), Colorado Star was bred by W J Gleeson. He is one of the six winners (from seven to race) for the stakes-placed, five-time winner Elegant Emerald (Unbridled's Song {USA}) who died in 2018.

A half-sister to the G1 New Zealand Oaks runner-up Blanket Bay (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}), Elegant Emerald also produced the G3 Winter Cup winner Ritani (NZ) (Makfi {GB}). Colorado Star is her second last foal, her last being the two-time winning 5-year-old Heidi Belle (NZ) (Vespa {NZ}).

Bred on a 5 X 4 cross of the great Mill Reef (USA) with duplications of the G1 Kentucky Oaks heroine Lalun (USA) (Djeddah {Fr}), Colorado Star is a descendant of the influential G1 English 1000 Guineas winner Picture Play (GB) (Donatello II {Fr}).

G3 Taranaki 2YO Classic, NZ$85,000, 1200m

Never in any danger of defeat, Ulanova (NZ) (Santos) really looked the goods racing away to a very easy win at her fourth start.

Successful at her Te Repa debut last spring, she was on the heels of the placegetters in stakes company at her first two runs this time in - deserving of this black type breakthrough.

Bred by Ancroft Stud and sold to Mick Wallace for NZ$150,000 through the Kilgravin Lodge draft at the 2020 Karaka Premier Yearling Sale, Ulanova is the first stakes winner from the first 10 runners for Aquis Farm's first-season stallion Santos, a G2 Skyline S.-winning son of I Am Invincible (who earlier in the day sired the Listed Lonhro Plate winner Madeira Sunrise).

A descendant of the famed matriarch Simon's Shoes (GB) (Simon Square {GB}), Ulanova is bred on a 3 X 6 cross of the speed influence Vain.

She is one of the six winners (from as many to race) for the classy broodmare The Fairy's Kiss (Elusive Quality {USA} - also damsire earlier in the day of the G3 Chairman's S. winner Zulfiaqar by Exceed And Excel).

Due in 2022 to the in-form Proisir (no Stud Book return recorded online as yet), The Fairy's Kiss has also produced the Listed Merson Cooper S. winner Steal My Kisses (a three-quarter sister to Ulanova by I Am Invincible) and the stakes placegetters Butter Blonde (Choisir) and Unselfish Trust (Wanted).

The Group 3-placed The Fairy's Kiss is a daughter of the four-time Group winner Ballet Society (NZ) (Stravinsky {USA}). Also dam of the four-time Group 2 winner Dame Giselle (also by I Am Invincible), she is a half-sister to the multiple Group 1 winner Cent Home (NZ) (Lord Ballina).

Listed Oaks Prelude, NZ$65,000, 1800m

Getting clear late after driving up along the rails, Family Ties (NZ) (Contributer {Ire}) was in the winner's circle for the second time from six starts.

Bred by Simms Davison, M Paterson and B Spencer, she was purchased by David Ellis for NZ$60,000 from the Mapperley Stud draft at the 2021 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale.

The fifth stakes winner for her Mapperley Stud-based, dual Group 1-winning sire, she is the second foal for the metropolitan winner Glamazon (NZ) (Pins).

Her first foal - also by Contributer (Ire) - is a winner in Macau and she has fillies coming through by Contributer and Turn Me Loose (NZ), due to have foaled last spring to Tivaci.

Glamazon is one of the four winners produced by the Listed Rotorua S. winner Glitzy (NZ) (O'Reilly {NZ}), also dam of the Group 3-placed Glintz (NZ) (Pins).

This is also the family of the stakes winners Savapinski (NZ) (Savabeel), Irish Flirt (NZ) (Mc Ginty {NZ}), O'Flirty (NZ) (O'Reilly {NZ}) and McFlirt (NZ).

Wingatui: G3 White Robe Lodge S., NZ$100,000, 1600m

Winning the 50th running of this race in easy fashion, Perfect Scenario (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}) broke through for his first stakes-level victory - and his sixth overall from 24 starts.

Bred by G E Graydon and E C Pollard and purchased by David Ellis for NZ$165,000 from the Woburn Farm draft at the 2019 New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Premier Yearling Sale, Perfect Scenario is the 91st stakes winner for his Dalham Hall Stud, Newmarket-based sire who shuttled to New Zealand on 12 occasions.

He is the second stakes winner for the G3 Stoney Ridge S. winner Rosetti Bay (NZ) (Pins - also damsire earlier in the day of the Listed Oaks Prelude winner Family Ties {NZ} by Contributer {Ire}) who is no longer at stud.

She is also dam of the Listed Tauranga Classic winner Queens Rose (NZ) (O'Reilly {NZ}) and the two-time winner Diamond Rose (NZ) (Danroad) whose daughter Rose 'N' Power (NZ) (Power {GB}) won the Listed Levin S.

Listed Dunedin Guineas, NZ$80,000, 1500m

The addition of blinkers saw Specialty (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}) charge to the line, impressive recording his second win at stakes-level.

Also, winner last spring of the G3 Barnswood Farm S., the Clearview Park homebred is one of 35 stakes winners for his late Windsor Park Stud-based, multiple Group 1-winning sire, a son of Galileo (Ire).

Specialty is the first and to date only foal for the winner Rio Tennille (NZ) (Captain Rio {GB}) who was not served in 2022. A half-sister to the 10-time winner Five Kings (NZ) (Shinko King {Ire}), she hails from a strong Group 1 family - one which has produced the New Zealand Horse of the Year Tit For Taat (NZ) (Faltaat {USA}), Sierra Sue (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) and Fashion Plate (USA) (Old Fashioned {USA}).

Specialty boasts an interesting pedigree with his sire bred on a Miswaki (USA)/Nureyev (USA) cross whilst his dam is bred on the opposite - plus he is a member of the Sadler's Wells (USA) sireline, that horse being a three-quarter brother to Nureyev.

Listed Dunedin Gold Cup, NZ$80,000, 2400m

With 200 metres to go there were five horses across the track and it was Honesty (NZ) (Postponed {USA}) who was able to assert her authority over the final stages.

In doing so the Gerry Harvey-bred mare recorded her sixth win from 48 starts - and at the age of eight - her first at stakes level.

The 91st stakes winner for her sire, she is one of two winners for the unplaced Requiem Moss (Mossman) whose two-time winning dam True Confession (Naturalism {NZ}) is a half-sister to the triple Group 1 winner Shamekha (Secret Savings {USA}) - dam of the dual Group 2 winner Shumookh (Dream Ahead {USA}).

This is also the family of the successful stallion Brave Warrior who did such a good job with only two small crops.

New Plymouth

Wingatui

Black type results

Black type fields: Launceston

1 min read

Listed Gold Sovereign S., $150,000, 1200m

Black type fields

Launceston

Daily News Wrap

Hellbent filly goes three-from-three

The Jason Warren-trained Hellbent filly Benedetta improved her record to three straight wins from just four starts at Sandown on Saturday when she justified odds of $2 to score in a 3-year-old fillies’ BM78 (1300 metres) by 1l over Peter and Paul Snowden’s Discerning (Street Boss {USA}), with a 2.75l gap back to Belmia (Bel Esprit) in third.

Out of the three-time winner Whatalovelyday (Domesday), Benedetta was a $75,000 purchase for Eales Racing Syndications at the 2021 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, and was one of two winners for Yarraman Park’s second-season sire Hellbent on Saturday, after Clayton Douglas’ 3-year-old gelding Hell Be Coming broke his maiden at the third attempt at Kyneton.

Six-timer for Capitalist

Newgate Farm’s Capitalist recorded a six-timer of 4-year-olds on Saturday afternoon. A double at Eagle Farm was notched by the Tony Gollan-trained pair of King Kapa, a gelding winning his fourth-straight race, and Comrade Rosa - both of whom won in handicap company.

At New Plymouth, Chrissy Bambry’s mare La Capita broke her maiden, as did Paul Wallace's gelding Capitan De Seda at Toowoomba, whilst Danny O’Brien’s gelding Lafargue was successful at Morphettville Parks and John McArdle’s mare Tycoon Humma found victory at Sandown.

Dream metro start for Dun

It was a thrilling finish to the opener at Eagle Farm, a 2-year-old handicap over 1000 metres, as Bedaub (Easy Rocking) attempted to run his rivals ragged from the front. Still 3l ahead of his rivals at the 100-metre marker, he was caught on the line by Glass Of Rose (Shooting To Win).

With the pair 2l clear of the third-placed horse, Mishani Ambitious (Rothesay), the victory provided a fairytale first metropolitan winner for the filly’s trainer Jeff Dun, whose partner Rikki Jamieson was in the saddle.

“It’s really rewarding with this filly,” Dun said after the race. “She’s just really smart and she’s always been that way…It’s really rewarding, especially for the owners that have all supported me with this horse, I just can’t thank them enough for their support, backing a little, young trainer like me.

“It’s a real team effort; I get to know them really well on the ground and she (Jamieson) gets to know them on their backs.”

A $32,500 purchase by Matilda Koch at the 2022 Magic Millions National Yearling Sale, Glass Of Rose made her first start in an 800-metre Ipswich maiden on January 18, where she was a running-on fourth, just behind Mishani Ambitious. She is out of the Testa Rossa mare Sky Rubi, a dual-winner, and from the extended family of dual-Group 1 winner Purple (Commands).

Specialty back in business

Surging to the lead with 250 metres to run, Specialty (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}) kept finding in the Listed Dunedin Guineas at Otago, recording a 1.5l margin over Romancing The Moon (NZ) (El Roca), with a 3.75l gap back to Charbano (NZ) (Vespa {NZ}) in third.

Trained in Timaru by Bruce Tapper and Varma Ramhit, Specialty runs for owner/breeders Clearview Park, operated by Tapper’s son Aaron, and first found black-type success in the G3 Barneswood Farm S. on October 15 last year, earning him a start in the G1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas. He finished a gallant fifth in that race, but had struggled for form somewhat in two starts since.

With the blinkers applied for Saturday’s effort, his resurgence in form may now see him aimed back at top-level targets.

“He’ll go to Invercargill first for the (Listed) Southland Guineas (1600 metres) and then on to Wellington,” co-trainer Bruce Tapper said, referring to the G1 Levin Classic as his Wellington target.

“The blinkers helped him as well and so did the firm track, he needs good going.”

Specialty is the only foal out of Rio Tennille (NZ) (Captain Rio {GB}) and is related via her fourth dam to Sierra Sue (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}).

Colorado takes Taranaki Cup

The G3 Taranaki Cup at New Plymouth went the way of Colorado Star (NZ) (Alamosa {NZ}) on Saturday - a surprise winner at $32 for trainer Mike Breslin. The 7-year-old gelding gained his first stakes win in 28 starts, which include five further victories, and he becomes the 21st stakes winner for his sire, the Wellfield-based Alamosa (NZ).

Having not tasted victory with the gelding since September 2021, Breslin was delighted to see him return to form.

Colorado Star (NZ) gets a first stakes vitory in the G3 Taranaki Gold Cup at New Plymouth | Image courtesy of Race Images - Peter Rubery

“At home he has been as well as he has ever been, his work has been good and I just felt he hadn’t been putting in on raceday,” he said.

“I purposely put Ryan (Elliot) on as he is quite a strong rider and I said, ‘Go forward and make sure he is awake’.

“I got quite confident about the 800-metre as he was still hard up against the bridle, so he was more like the old Colorado Star.”

Honesty prevails

The Listed Dunedin Gold Cup (2400 metres) at Wingatui on Saturday was won by the Leda Beck-trained 8-year-old mare Honesty (NZ) (Postponed {USA}), who was recording her first stakes win, and the 35th for her late sire Postponed (USA).

Living up to her name, Honesty held off the persistent challenge of Riviera Rock (NZ) (Road To Rock) to score by 0.4l, with Leave It To Me (NZ) (Makfi {GB}) 1.5l away in third.

Soulcombe stays favourite despite loss

Installed as favourite for the 2023 G1 Melbourne Cup after just his first run in Australia - when winning the G3 Queen’s Cup on November 5 - Soulcombe (GB) (Frankel {GB}) tasted his first defeat on Australian soil when he returned on Saturday in the Drinkwise Mile at Randwick.

Soulcombe (GB) | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy

Trained by Chris Waller, the 4-year-old gelding failed to make an impression turning in, and settled for sixth place, with the race won by the Lyle Chandler-trained Banju (Benfica). Despite the loss, the son of Frankel (GB) remains at the head of the Melbourne Cup betting.

Artorious and Astrologist receive Dubai nominations

Trainers Anthony and Sam Freedman have nominated Artorious (Flying Artie) for the G1 Al Quoz Sprint in Dubai, which will be held at Meydan on March 25, which has also attracted an entry from the Leon and Troy Corstens-trained The Astrologist (Zoustar).

Over 1600 entries, including 892 individual horses hailing from 21 different countries, have been received for the 2023 Dubai World Cup meeting, which will offer total prizemoney of US$30.5 million (AU$44.06 million) across nine races.

Truck-hiding jockey banned for 22 months

NSW jockey Troy See has been banned for 22 months after an incident at Murwillumbah on January 21 when he was found in possession of a mobile phone in the jockeys’ room and hid under a truck after refusing to hand it over to stewards.

As the stewards' report explains:

“He (See) was advised by stewards that the phone would be retained for examination. The phone was returned to him to write down the contact details he would require while the phone was being examined.

“After writing down the contact details he left the steward's room with the phone in his possession. Stipendiary steward Ms Tara Vanderstok requested that he return to the inquiry room.

“He refused to do so and continued to walk away from Ms Vanderstok with the phone in his possession. Ms Vanderstock directed that he returned the phone to her, which he refused.”

Breeding rights to be offered at Goffs Online

Breeding rights in young stallions Profitable (Ire) and Cloth Of Stars (Ire) will go under the hammer at Goffs Online during their February Sale from 11am to 1pm (local) on Friday, February 10.

Standing at Darley’s Kildangan Stud in Ireland for €9000 (AU$14,000), Profitable, winner of the G1 King's Stand S. at Royal Ascot, is the only stallion with multiple sprinting Group winners from his 3-year-old crop. After siring the G2 Queen Mary S. winner in his freshman year, he covered 116 mares last season. With a stud fee of €7000 (AU$10,900) at Haras du Logis in France, European Champion Older Horse Cloth Of Stars won the G1 Prix Ganay and was placed twice in the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

Blue Point 2-1 favourite for British and Irish first-season honours

Blue Point (Ire) has been installed as the 2-1 favourite to be crowned leading first-season sire in Britain and Ireland by Paddy Power.

Ballyhane Stud's Soldier's Call (GB) has been inserted at 5-2 next best in the betting while Coolmore's Ten Sovereigns (Ire) has been quoted at odds of 3-1. Tally-Ho Stud, responsible for two of the past three champion first-season sires Mehmas (Ire) and Cotai Glory (GB), are represented by 4-1 chance Inns Of Court (Ire). It's 10-1 the field.

Blue Point (Ire) | Standing at Darley

Blue Point stands at Darley’s Kildangan Stud in Ireland for €35,000 (AU$54,700) having started off on a fee of €45,000 (AU$70,400) in 2020. Shuttling to Darley’s Kelvinside base beginning in 2020, his first Southern Hemisphere yearlings were a hit at Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale in January, selling for up to $900,000.

Jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. wins seven straight at Gulfstream

On the east coast of the United States on Friday, leading rider Irad Ortiz, Jr. equaled the record for most wins by a jockey on a card at Gulfstream Park after riding the winners of seven consecutive races on a nine-race program.

Ortiz shares the Gulfstream record with four other jockeys: Hall of Famer Jerry Bailey (3/11/96), Tyler Gaffalione (7/4/17), Luis Saez (1/24/18; 3/29/18) and Paco Lopez (3/21/20).

Ortiz became the only jockey in Gulfstream history to win seven races in a row.

Daily News Wrap

Looking Ahead - February 5

4 min read

Looking Ahead puts the spotlight on runners of interest across Australia and New Zealand. Whether they are a particularly well-bred or high-priced runner having their first or second start, a promising galloper returning to the track or a horse which has trialled particularly well, we’ll aim to give you something to follow.

On Sunday we look to Goulburn for all three selections, each of whom are making their debuts. They include a pair of 3-year-old Pierro fillies from leading stables, and an interesting import for Bjorn Baker.

Goulburn, Race 3, 3pm (AEDT), Goulburn Produce fillies’ and mares’ BM58 H., $27,000, 1400m

Queen Of Bordeaux, 3-year-old filly (Pierro x Guangdong {Fastnet Rock})

Making her debut for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott on Sunday, Queen Of Bordeaux took in two trials in January, finishing a running-on third in the latest of those at Randwick on January 23.

Whilst the winner of that trial has yet to return to the track, the second-place finisher, Byron Belle (Snitzel), ran to a 0.38l victory on her subsequent start in a Canterbury maiden last Wednesday.

A $210,000 purchase for her trainers and Kestrel Thoroughbreds at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Queen Of Bordeaux was bred by Gerry Harvey and is out of the Fastnet Rock mare Guangdong, who is a half-sister to the dam of one of the stable’s superstars in Alligator Blood (All Too Hard).

Pierro | Standing at Coolmore

Guangdong is also a three-quarter sister to the Group 1-placed Eclair Fastpass (Fastnet Rock), and a half-sister to the Listed winner Cantonese (Redoute’s Choice). Queen Of Bordeaux has an excellent extended family too, as her third dam is the South African multiple champion Tracy's Element (Last Tycoon {Ire}), dam of multiple-Group 1 winner Typhoon Tracy (Red Ransom {USA}).

Carrying 56.5kgs, Queen Of Bordeaux will jump from barrier five with Winona Costin on board on Sunday.

Goulburn, Race 5, 4.16pm (AEDT), Swiftwood Tiles and Bathrooms Mdn Plate, $27,000, 1200m

Kokoshnik, 3-year-old filly (Pierro x Tiare {Flying Spur})

Bred by Lightning Thoroughbreds, the Pierro filly Kokoshnik also makes her debut for Richard and Will Freedman on Sunday. She is out of the winning Flying Spur mare Tiare, a half-sister to multiple-stakes winner Keen Array (Bel Esprit), whose victories include the G2 Gilgai S. and Listed Blue Sapphire S.

Tiare has produced two runners so far both of whom are winners, including Kokoshnik’s brother Private Cheetah (Pierro). Under her third dam, Kokoshnik is also related to G1 Hong Kong Sprint winner Sky Field (Deep Field).

Kokoshnik as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis

Kokoshnik was a $140,000 purchase at the 2021 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale for Dynamic Syndications and Dean Watt Bloodstock. She will have to overcome barrier 10 on Sunday but has the services of the in-form Tyler Schiller.

Goulburn, Race 7, 5.40pm (AEDT), Weddings at Goulburn Race Club Mdn H., $27,000, 1400m

Adesso (Ire), 3-year-old colt (Australia {GB} x For Now {Ire} {Lawman {Fr}})

Imported as an unraced youngster by Bjorn Baker, 3-year-old Adesso (Ire) makes his first start on Sunday. He was purchased by Baker alongside Avenue Bloodstock and Clarke Bloodstock (FBAA) at Book 1 of the 2021 Tattersalls October Yearling Sale.

There they paid 105,000gns (AU$191,840) - not a bad price for a colt which hails from one of the best extended families in Europe. He is out of the unraced Lawman (Fr) mare For Now (Ire), a half-sister to three stakes winners.

However, it’s under the colt’s second dam that the pedigree really heats up. She is the winning Nashwan (USA) mare Aricia (Ire), who is a half-sister to the stallion Verglas (Ire) and Cassandra Go (Ire) (Indian Ridge {Ire}), the dam of multiple-Group 1 winner Halfway To Heaven (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}).

Adesso (Ire) as a yearling | Image courtesy of Tattersalls

Halfway To Heaven is in turn the dam of the brilliant Magical (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and her sister (also a multiple champion) Rhododendron (Ire), the dam of one of Aidan O’Brien’s most exciting juveniles from last season, Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}).

Running in the stable colours, Adesso was fifth in his most recent trial at Hawkesbury on January 24, and the 1400-metre distance looks to suit him for a first assignment. He will jump from barrier one under Mitchell Bell on Sunday.

Looking Back

After Extremely Wicked (Zoustar) was scratched from the G3 Chairman's S. at Sandown, Saturday's selections were reduced to one - Portorosa (Not A Single Doubt) - who ran a nice race to finish third on debut in the Listed Lonhro Plate at Royal Randwick.

Looking Ahead

Looking Back

Debutants

1 min read

First-time starters lining up on Sunday, February 5

2YO & 3YO Winners by Sire

First Season Sire Runners & Results

1 min read

First Season Sires’ Results

Results: Saturday, February 4

First Season Sires’ Runners

Runners: Sunday, February 5

First Season Sire Results

First Season Sire Runners

Second Season Sire Runners & Results

Second Season Sires’ Results

Results: Saturday, February 4

Second Season Sires’ Runners

Runners: Sunday, February 5

Second Season Sire Results

Second Season Sire Runners

NSW Race Results