Coolmore awaits consistent Revolutionary Miss before sale
Michael Dee kept things simple aboard favourite Revolutionary Miss (Russian Revolution) to seal a double on the day in the concluding race at Caulfield on Saturday. The 4-year-old mare won the G3 Mannerism S. (1400 metres) with a touch of class after taking a lead off Wrote To Arataki (NZ) (Wrote {Ire}), and will now be aimed at the G1 Coolmore Classic on 16 March before she is considered for sale.
A $195,000 purchase from the Sledmere Stud draft for Triple Crown Syndications back at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Revolutionary Miss has now won six races, and was backing up on Saturday from victory in last weekend’s G3 Frances Tressady S.
Revolutionary Miss cruises to victory in the G3 Mannerism S. at Caulfield | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
“She’s a mare in good form,” said co-trainer Peter Snowden. “She’s building up a tremendous record. It won’t be long before she goes to a sale and no doubt she’ll be worth a lot of money.
“She deserves a crack at a decent race now, and she’s earned her right to be there.”
Zougotcha back on track with Millie Fox victory
Nearly a year without a win, 2022 G1 Flight S. winner Zougotcha (Zoustar) returned to form in Saturday’s G2 Millie Fox S. at Rosehill, the same venue at which she won the G2 Phar Lap S. last March. An unfulfilled plan for the now-4-year-old mare to make The Everest went awry in the spring, but trainer Chris Waller believes her talents lie beyond sprint distances.
“We tried to make her into a sprinter because she has so much brilliance, she tells you that she is at home,” Waller admitted on Saturday.
“The Coolmore (Classic) along the way was always the plan and she might get a little bit more weight after today.
Zougotcha returned to form to win the G2 Millie Fox S. at Rosehill | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
“The Doncaster would seem realistic and we have the Queen of the Turf on the second day of The Championships as well.”
A $500,000 purchase by her trainer and Guy Mulcaster Bloodstock herself at the 2021 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, Zougotcha’s half-brother, by Written Tycoon, will be offered at this year’s version of the sale. Like Zougotcha, he will be consigned by Widden Stud, and is listed as Lot 24.
Freedmans Snap up Listed victory in SA raid
Four-year-old mare Snapped (Not A Single Doubt) bolstered her resume with Listed success in the City Of Marion S. at Morphettville on Saturday. A previous raid on South Australia by the Anthony and Sam Freedman trainee saw her win last year’s G3 Proud Miss S., and the daughter of Not A Single Doubt has now won over $220,000 for Jonathan Munz’s Pinecliff Racing.
Out of the Fastnet Rock mare Fracture, Snapped is a three-quarter sister to G1 Newmarket H. winner Wanted, and was a $220,000 purchase by Dean Hawthorne Bloodstock at the 2020 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.
So You Think notches SW #56
Coolmore’s So You Think (NZ) sired his 56th stakes winner at Matamata on Saturday when the Peter and Dawn Williams-trained mare Saint Alice fought bravely to regain the lead in the final strides of the Listed Kaimai S. (2000 metres) under Ashvin Goindasamy.
So You Think (NZ) | Standing at Coolmore
Now a 6-year-old mare, Saint Alice had earned black-type placings on several occasions, including when placing third in last season’s G2 Travis S.
Dunkel prevails in the Vale Verry Elleegant, Dundeel earns four-timer
The Patrick Payne-trained Dunkel (NZ) (Dundeel {NZ}) was a worthy winner of Saturday’s Vale Verry Elleegant race at Caulfield. Dunkel, a victor of the G1 South Australian Derby, was too tough in holding off the late charge of Mankayan (Ire) (Intello {Ger}) with 61.5kg on his back.
The MRC held the race in honour of the recently deceased Verry Elleegant (NZ) (Zed {NZ}), who’s extraordinary career included a victory in the 2020 G1 Caulfield Cup.
Dunkel was a NZ$40,000 purchase by Steven Ramsay from the draft of Pencarrow Stud at the 2021 New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale. Ohukia Lodge reoffered Dunkeel at the 2021 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale where he was picked up by KT Myers for NZ$100,000.
Capped by the victory of Celestial Legend in the G2 Hobartville S. at Rosehill, Arrowfield Stud’s Dundeel (NZ) sired four winners on Saturday, with Lincoln Falls part of a double at Otaki for Lissa Latta and 4-year-old mare I'm A Tiny Dancer successful at Goondiwindi.
Waller import off the mark in Parramatta Cup
Chris Waller captured his fifth Listed Parramatta Cup with up-and-coming stayer More Felons (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}) on Saturday. Originally imported as a Melbourne Cup contender last year, More Felons managed just 12th in November, and was having his first run since. He saw off Australian Bloodstock’s Almania (Ire) (Australia {GB}) by 0.3l.
It was a first stakes success for the 5-year-old gelding, handing Coolmore Stud’s shuttler Churchill (Ire) his 18th black-type victor. A winner over hurdles at the UK’s premier jumps track, Cheltenham, More Felons was placed in Group 3 company on the flat at York, and was having just his third start in Australia on Saturday.
Sydney/Melbourne decision awaits Imperatriz
Te Akau Racing has announced that their champion Imperatriz (I Am Invincible) will next take to the track on March 9. Whilst a decision will be made closer to the time, the star mare will be nominated for a pair of Group 1s between Sydney and Melbourne, the G1 Canterbury S. and G1 Newmarket H. respectively.
Returning this year to take the G1 Lightning S. last weekend, the 5-year-old mare’s ninth elite-level victory, she appears to have all before her in the sprinting division this autumn, having held off both Private Eye (Al Maher) and a flying Espiona (Extreme Choice) that day.
Godolphin gelding receives All-Star invitation
Now three weeks away, Godolphin may have two runners in the $4 million The All-Star Mile after 4-year-old gelding Pericles (Street Boss {USA}) ran into a game second place in Saturday’s G1 Futurity S. behind Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars), who is the current The All-Star Mile favourite.
Pericles | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
Racing Victoria has issued a number of offers which are still being considered, however Godolphin seems likely to be offered a wildcard for their seasoned G1 Australian Cup winner (and last year’s The All-Star Mile runner-up) Cascadian (GB) (New Approach {Ire}), who found plenty of trouble when trying to challenge up the rail in his return in last weekend’s G2 Apollo S.
Kearney celebrates at Morphettville
Young Ballarat trainer Patrick Kearney celebrated his biggest success to date at Morphettville on Saturday when his charge Yellowbrick Road (Ire) (Golden Horn {GB}) refused to be passed in the G3 Lord Reims S. (2600 metres).
He cost his trainer just $8500 at the 2023 Inglis Inglis Digital June Sale, a figure eclipsed by his first-place prize of $82,000 on Saturday. A maiden black-type success for the 5-year-old gelding, it was also a 22nd stakes winner for Golden Horn (GB).
Whip bans for Dee and Egan
Riding the first two home in the G2 Peter Young S. at Caulfield on Saturday, Michael Dee and Billy Egan each earned a suspension for excessive use of the whip. Dee, who won the race on board Campionessa (NZ) (Contributer {Ire}), broke the rules by using his whip seven times before the 100-metre mark (against a permitted five) and three times in consecutive strides. He faces a $5000 fine and a seven-meeting suspension which will run from Sunday, March 3, leaving him free to ride at the G1 Newmarket H. meeting on March 9.
Egan, meanwhile, will return on the following day after he was handed an eight-meeting suspension for using the whip eight times prior to the 100-metre mark aboard the runner-up Vow And Declare (Declaration Of War {USA}), and he was fined $1500.
Higgins makes most of opportunity
Victorian-based hoop Brian Higgins made the most of his hit-and-run Caulfield mission executing a perfect ride on the Phillip Stokes-trained Twin Perfection (Nicconi) in Race 2.
The victory provided Higgins with his first metropolitan winner of the year and was his sole ride on Caulfield’s program with the jockey heading to Yarra Valley to fulfill duties at the venue.
Brian Higgins returns to scale after winning Race 2 at Caulfield aboard Twin Perfection | Image courtesy of Racing Photos
Twin Perfection was a $75,000 purchase by Regal Bloodstock, Matt Cumani and Bluegrass Bloodstock from the draft of Yarraman Park Stud at the 2020 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.
He is the fifth foal from the Stravinsky (USA) mare Miss Twin Peaks, who foaled a full brother to Twin Perfection last spring before being served by Rich Enuff.
Belvedere Boys dominates at Rosehill
Matthew Dunn’s progressive galloper Belvedere Boys (Maurice {Jpn}) was impressive in winning Race 2 - a Class 3 Highway at Rosehill on Saturday. Ridden by Nash Rawiller, Belvedere Boys defeated Sharp Shock (Bull Point) to secure his third victory from six starts.
Belvedere Boys was passed in for $90,000 at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast National Yearling from the draft of Vinery Stud.
Japan coming in hot defence of Saudi Cup
Following the Thursday scratching of Meisho Hario (Jpn) (Pyro {USA}), Japan is left with a team of four as they look for back-to-back victories in the world's richest horse race, the US$20 million G1 Saudi Cup at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh.
After fielding five starters in the first three runnings of the 1800-metre contest (a pair of sixth-place efforts were the best they could do) no fewer than a half-dozen jetted in from the Land of the Rising Sun 12 months ago, and the results were more than anyone could have reasonably expected. Panthalassa (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) made all from gate one, as his compatriots filled third, fourth and fifth placings. This year, the Japanese charge will be led by Lemon Pop (Lemon Drop Kid), Japan's reigning champion dirt galloper.
Naval Power takes out Singspiel
Godolphin’s Naval Power (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}) showed no signs of rust when closing in style to win the G2 Singspiel S. at Meydan.
Trained by Charlie Appleby, the 4-year-old gelding was already one of his sire’s 133 stakes winners, and with this victory, Naval Power becomes Teoflio’s (Ire) 64th Group winner. One of four winners from five to race for his dam, Emirates Rewards (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), Naval Power is by far her best runner. Emirates Reward has fillies by Raven’s Pass (USA) and Ardad (Ire) to come in 2022 and 2023.
English Rose another stakes winner for Frankel
Godolphin and Frankel (GB) were represented by the first two home in the G2 Balanchine Presented by Longines at Meydan on Friday. Frankel’s daughter English Rose (GB) was able to defeat her paternal half-sister Sapphire Seas (GB) at the end of the 1800-metre turf affair.
English Rose is the 137th stakes winner for her Juddmonte-based sire. She is bred on the same Frankel/Dubawi (Ire) cross as dual Group 1 winners Mostahdaf (Ire), Adayar (Ire), Group 1 winner Dream Castle (GB) and the Classic winner Homeless Songs (Ire) to name just a few.
English Rose is a daughter of G1 Prix Saint-Alary heroine Sobetsu (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), who also ran third in the G1 Nassau S. Sobetsu's latest is a 2-year-old filly by Sea The Stars (Ire).
Gold glitters in Desert
Manama Gold (USA) (Star Guitar {USA}) remained perfect with a victory in the G3 UAE Oaks over the closing Mizzyaan (USA) (Justify {USA}) at Meydan on Friday for trainer Fawzi Nass.
The filly is the 15th stakes winner and second Group winner for her Louisiana-based sire, Manama Gold is the second stakes winner for her dam, Charged Cotton (USA) (Dehere {USA}). Star Guitar (USA) was previously represented by G2 Honorable Miss H. heroine Minit To Stardom (USA).
Kentucky Oaks winner back on track
Last year's Eclipse Champion 3-Year-Old Filly Pretty Mischievous (USA) (Into Mischief {USA}) recorded her first work since her championship campaign on Thursday morning at Palm Meadows in Florida. The three furlongs (600 metres) she covered in 37.65s was her first piece of fast work in nearly four months.
“She went nice, just an easy three-eighths and galloped out a half-mile,” said trainer Brendan Walsh. “It went well and we are glad to get her back on the work tab.
“We've done plenty of galloping (cantering) with her the last few weeks at Palm Meadows to get a good bottom on her. She looks like she's done very well with her little break and we look forward to the year ahead.”
A homebred for Godolphin’s US operation, Pretty Mischievous captured the G1 Kentucky Oaks, G1 Acorn S. and G1 Test S. en route to championship honours last year.
“We'll just see how things fare down here,” Walsh said of this year’s campaign. “We won't be in any rush with her. We'll let her tell us when she's ready.”
Mac Swiney on the move
Irish 2000 Guineas winner and Group 1-winning 2-year-old Mac Swiney (Ire) has relocated from the Irish National Stud to the National Hunt-focussed Anngrove Stud for the 2024 season.
Mac Swiney lit up the 2021 season for trainer/breeder Jim Bolger when beating his stablemate, the 2000 Guineas winner Poetic Flare (Ire), to land the Irish 2000 Guineas.
Mac Swiney (Ire) | Standing at Anngrove Stud
A three-time winner as a juvenile, he had ended his debut season with victory in the G1 Vertem Futurity having also landed the G2 Beresford S. Mac Swiney's dam Halle Na Saoire (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) is a full sister to the Group 2 winner Light Heavy (Ire).
Anngrove Stud's Alastair Pim commented, “We are delighted to stand Mac Swiney. It's rare that a small stud gets the chance to stand a Classic winner in his first year at stud. He was a high class 2-year-old who showed speed and versatility and is a Classic winning 3-year-old.”
Slow Down Andy retired
Last fall’s G1 Awesome Again S. winner Slow Down Andy (USA) (Nyquist {USA}) has reportedly sustained a sesamoid injury and has been retired from racing, according to a report in Daily Racing Form. The announcement was attributed to trainer Doug O'Neill, who also said the 5-year-old could possibly stand at stud this year.
A homebred for Paul and Zillah Reddam's Reddam Racing LLC, Slow Down Andy defeated Defunded (USA) (Dialed In {USA}) and Senor Buscador (USA) (Mineshaft {USA}) in the Awesome Again but was sidelined with some filling in his ankle a few days after the race and missed the G1 Breeders’ Cup Classic.
