Cover image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
Friday’s trial action took place at Rosehill with 10 heats held over a Soft 6 track. Showing ability and hinting at a promising future was the Michael, Wayne, and John Hawkes-trained import Ironton (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}).
The lightly raced 3-year-old has competed twice in Australia, winning his maiden at Randwick-Kensington in January before running fifth in BM72 company. Ridden by James McDonald, Ironton travelled comfortably in the 900-metre trial, finishing alongside his stablemate Gigalong (Zoustar), while Incarcerated (Press Statement) held third. Finishing strongly through the line was Untouchable Legend (I Am Invincible), with Flying Rani (Flying Artie) further back in seventh.
Ironton (Ire) was a 200,000gns (AU$403,600) purchase by Stephen Hillen from the 2022 Tattersalls October Yearling Sale. He is out of the unraced Singspiel (Ire) mare Golden Song (GB) and is a half-brother to Italy’s Champion 3-Year-Old Miler Cima Emergency (Ire) (Canford Cliffs {Ire}), a winner of the G3 Premio Parioli. Additionally, Golden Song is a half-sister to Cocktail Queen (Ire) (Motivator {GB}), who won the G2 Grand Prix de Deauville and the G3 Prix Gontaut-Biron.
Final foal of star stuns at Rosehill
Regimental Colours (All Too Hard), the final foal from the star filly Regimental Gal (General Nediym), impressed onlookers in Heat 6 over 900 metres. Trained by Warwick Farm-based horseman Bjorn Baker, Regimental Colours won by 3.45l with Rachel King in the saddle, beating She Conquers All (Unite And Conquer) and Glassout (Headwater).
Bred by Cressfield, Regimental Colours has been retained by the operation after failing to meet the $200,000 reserve at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. Regimental Colours' dam, Regimental Gal, was crowned Australia’s Champion 3-Year-Old Filly, retiring with seven victories, including the G1 Lightning S., the G1 Australia S., the G2 Silver Shadow S., and the R. Listed Magic Millions 2YO Classic.
Additionally, the star daughter of General Nediym was placed in the G1 Newmarket H. and the G2 BTC Cup twice, a race that now carries Group 1 status. Regimental Colours is a half-sister to Lilliburlero (Redoute’s Choice), a winner of the G3 Triscay S. and a placegetter in the G2 Breeders Classic.
Regimental Gal was retired in September 2021 after producing 11 foals, nine of which raced and seven of which became winners.
Stardeel one to watch?
Arrowfield Stud’s Dundeel (NZ) has enjoyed another sensational season with his runners on the track. The son of High Chaparral (Ire) looks to have another promising performer in Bjorn Baker's Stardeel, who combined with Rachel King to secure another trial victory in Heat 7.
In the 900-metre heat, Stardeel posted wide, crossed over to lead the field, and kicked strongly to post an impressive victory in her first trial. Despite the 5.41l margin, there were several promising performances behind her. The Michael, Wayne, and John Hawkes-trained Lady Savannah (Snitzel) caught the eye, streaming into second after settling towards the rear of the field, while the Chris Waller-trained Rugby (Dundeel {NZ}) also finished strongly.
Stardeel is the first live foal from the Star Witness mare Alta Stella, a winner of three races from 1000 to 1050 metres. Among her best performances was a placing in the Listed Manihi Classic. Stardeel hails from a family that includes nine-time winner The Big Gee (Strategic) and triple Listed victor Winning Partner (Dawn Approach {Ire}).
Alta Stella’s Farnan filly was sold for $100,000 to Gollan Racing Stables and John Foote Bloodstock (FBAA) at the 2024 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale. Alta Stella was served by Newgate Farm’s exciting G1 Golden Rose winner, In The Congo.
Stardeel was a $160,000 purchase by Bjorn Baker Racing and Clarke Bloodstock (FBAA) when offered by Newgate Farm at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Simply Just Shines in Heat 8
The Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou-trained Simply Just (Headwater) was a comfortable winner of Heat 8 over 900 metres. Ridden by Zac Lloyd, Simply Just triumphed with a 2.94l victory over Sister Daae (Zoustar), who finished strongly, with Vanessi (Too Darn Hot {GB}) in third.
Also finding the line with promise was the Brad Widdup-trained Mlinzi (Impending), who secured fifth place. Simply Just was a bargain $35,000 purchase by Best Gate Racing from Vinery Stud's draft at the 2023 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.
The gelding is the fourth foal from the High Chaparral (Ire) mare Kachiko, who won over 1400 metres and is a half-sister to Rock Kingdom (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}), a six-time winner including the G1 Epsom H.
Sister Daae, who finished second, was a $300,000 purchase by Hermitage Thoroughbreds and Chris Waller Racing from Baramul Stud at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. The daughter of Zoustar is the fifth and final foal from the Group 3-placed Next The Universe (Mossman).
Next The Universe hails from a family that includes Wee Nessy (Snitzel), a four-time winner, including the G2 Sapphire S. and the Listed William Crockett S., and her Group 2-placed full brother Snapback.
