Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything

Blue Diamond glory for Yulong

Despite still being a maiden and having only his second raceday start, the Michael, John, and Wayne Hawkes-trained Devil Night (Extreme Choice) secured a career-defining victory in a thrilling finish to the G1 Sportsbet Blue Diamond Stakes on Saturday.

Ridden by Michael Dee, Devil Night enjoyed his spot, sitting outside the leader, with the tempo not overly quick after jumping cleanly from barrier two. The classy colt then sustained his sprint down the Caulfield straight, overpowering his rivals to claim the $1.227 million first prize. Tentyris (Street Boss {USA}) launched a late surge but fell just 0.1l short, while fellow Yu Long Investments part-owned Tycoon Star (Written Tycoon) made up significant ground late to finish third.

It was a monumental win for the $1.4 million yearling purchase from the Kingstar Draft at the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, cementing his future on the Yulong Stud roster once his racing career concludes.

Devil Night is by the outstanding and statistically freakish sire Extreme Choice, becoming his fifth Group 1 winner. Remarkably, Extreme Choice has now produced winners of both premier two-year-old features—the G1 Golden Slipper (Stay Inside) and the G1 Blue Diamond Stakes—a G1 VRC Oaks winner (She's Extreme), a G1 Coolmore Classic winner (Espiona), as well as Knight’s Choice, who won the G1 Melbourne Cup over 3200 metres.

Trainer Wayne Hawkes expressed his excitement after the win:

“It’s pretty big, it’s pretty big. It’s been a few years since we got a Group 1, and you can only win with what you’ve got.”

“We’ve always gone for the Slipper—that’s why the old man won half a dozen of them, and hasn’t won half a dozen Blue Diamonds. The boys in Sydney set him for this race, and you can’t do much more. He ran out of his skin the other day at his first race start.”

He also referenced his father John Hawkes’ long-standing philosophy on 2-year-olds: “Dad always said, ‘You don’t ever judge a 2-year-old by its first start, always judge it on its second start.’ He’s a lovely colt, he’s beautifully bred, he nearly won his first start and got it done at his second. He’s a lovely, quiet, relaxed colt.”

Hawkes emphasised the importance of barrier draws in feature races:

“If you don’t draw good gates, well, that’s the difference. If we drew 16 today, we wouldn’t be winning—it’s as simple as that.”

On the significance of securing a Group 1 victory, Hawkes added:

“They certainly don’t give them away, that’s for sure. Speaking of them giving away, I turned to Vin Cox, and everyone knows Yulong has been paying a lot of money for horses, but the best part about this one is, Vin, you don’t have to buy this bugger—we got him!”

“The big boys ran one-two-three (Yulong/Godolphin/Yulong), and with the colts these days, what’s this bloke worth? He’s worth a lot of money. This bloke’s going to have a box—box number one, I reckon. He’ll be right next to Written Tycoon, I would have thought.”

Jockey Michael Dee was equally impressed with the colt’s performance:

“I thought there would be a little more pressure than that. I ended up outside the leader, basically by default. He was a little keen and travelled a bit strong, but he fought on well—luckily, he did. He gave a really good kick when I asked the question and really took off to get that winning edge. It was a credit to him. He was tough.”

Dee added: “We didn’t want it to be too much further. It would have been good if he could come back a little and relax, especially with cover—he’d be even better. But he was too good.”

Bivouac brilliance in the Silver Slipper

The new boys dominated the G2 Silver Slipper Stakes on Saturday, with the trifecta all sired by first season stallions. Bivouac secured his second Group winner, while Wootton Bassett (GB) added two new Group performers to his ever-expanding stud resume.

Beiwacht, a son of Bivouac, reigned supreme with a commanding 2.15l victory. After stalking the speed, he put the race to bed early in the home straight at Rosehill Gardens. He had signalled his talent with an impressive second place finish in the Listed Lonhro Plate at Randwick behind Bellazaine (Zousain), improving sharply from a luckless seventh on debut.

Gambler (Capitalist) led with ease at a solid pace, while Beiwacht was content to sit in second. When Beiwacht surged to the lead, West Of Swindon (Wootton Bassett {GB}) loomed as a danger but had to settle for second. Meanwhile, the boom colt Wodeton (Wootton Bassett {GB}) was restrained from his wide barrier, settling three wide at the back. He attempted to creep forward, but was forced to do a huge amount of work. To his credit, he never gave in, running a massive third in an eye-catching performance.

“He (Beiwacht) was out of the frame on debut, but we have chipped away and stuck to the plan, and we didn’t panic,” trainer James Cummings said. “It’s a great testament to our team that we have been able to continue to get this horse to go the right way.

“He has got a lot of natural pace, he’s got speed to burn. We just needed to calm him down and get him to do it right, and that’s what you get from a colt by Bivouac, that’s a fast horse out of a Street Cry mare who has already thrown a stakes winner.”

When asked if the G2 Todman Stakes would be next, Cummings said, “We will decide what’s best for the horse, and what’s best for him. He’s a really classy horse, and that’s a huge result for Bivouac.”

The last G1 Golden Slipper Stakes winner to claim the Silver Slipper on the way through was Farnan - whose son Nashville Jack ran a solid fourth behind Beiwacht on Saturday - in 2020. Beiwacht is now a $13 shot for the Slipper, with Wodeton holding firm at $3.60.

Lucy flies into black-type contention

So far this season, 2-year-old fillies by Hello Youmzain (Fr), carrying the Cambridge Stud colours of Brendan and Jo Lindsay, have been prominent—and that continued today as Lucy In The Sky (NZ) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}) became her sire’s third Australasian winner with an impressive victory in the $40,000 TAB Maiden 2YO at Ellerslie.

Fellow Hello Youmzain filly Remala (NZ) race was an equally impressive winner on the same course for the same connections on December 26, establishing herself as one of the early favourites for the R. Listed Karaka Million 2YO. Unfortunately, she suffered an injury and was subsequently spelled.

Now, Lucy In The Sky could be the one to put her hand up as a future black type contender—possibly as soon as two weeks from now in the Group 1 Sistema Stakes back at Ellerslie.

She showed sharp early speed, with jockey Warren Kennedy dictating the race effectively. She proved too slick for Missy Ziggy (NZ) (Brazen Beau), who finished 1.8l behind, while Lollapalooza (NZ) (El Roca) ran a solid third on debut. This form looks strong, considering Missy Ziggy had previously placed third in the Karaka Million 2YO.

“I thought she was a chance, but was a little surprised she was favourite,” said trainer Tony Pike. “She got all the favours and had it soft in front. She appeared to be travelling well and has done it nicely in the end.”

When asked about a potential start in the Sistema, Pike remained cautious: “It may come a bit early, but we’ll have a discussion going forward. She’s a real sweetie to do anything with.”

Jockey Warren Kennedy was similarly impressed. “She missed the kick slightly but is very tractable,” he said. “She won very well today—she has a lot of upside and had more in the tank.”

Lucy In The Sky has now firmed into $6 as the third favourite for the Sistema Stakes on March 8, with the current favourite, Return To Conquer (Snitzel), sitting at $2.20.

Gin Spirit goes 'Boom' at Morphettville

The affinity for the Morphettville track and South Australian surroundings proved true once again for the Hayes brothers-trained Gin Spirit (Spirit Of Boom).

On debut at Morphettville on January 25, she was dominant over 1050 metres, defeating La Reine (King’s Legacy) by a widening 1.45l. That day, she displayed an electric turn of foot, storming home from last at the top of the straight. She was then tested in Group company in the G2 Blue Diamond Prelude (fillies), where she ran a respectable sixth, finishing only 4l behind the talented stakeswinning fillies Palm Angel (Starspangledbanner) and My Gladiola (I Am Invincible).

Things didn’t go to plan early in the Listed Cinderella Stakes for Gin Spirit, as she was slightly slow out of the gates and settled well back on the rail. Recuperato (Farnan) set the pace, with equal favourite Steel Trap (King’s Legacy) enjoying a perfect run just behind the speed. Gin Spirit always looked to be travelling well, and once she found clear running, she powered to the lead, proving too strong and prevailing by 1.21l. Naifah (I Am Invincible) flashed home for second, while Steel Trap battled on gamely to secure valuable black-type in third.

A $210,000 Magic Millions purchase from Bell River Thoroughbreds for Lindsay Park Racing, Gin Spirit has now won two of her three starts, earning over $100,000 in prize money for her large syndicate of owners.

Wide trip and big weight is no problem for Sunrays

Sunrays (Hellbent) came into the $125,000 QTIS Jewel Prelude 2YO Handicap (fillies) in exceptional form, having won both of her starts at Doomben in impressive fashion. Her form looked even stronger earlier on Saturday afternoon when the talented colt Pretty Dubious (Dubious) scored a dominant victory in the boys' edition of the Jewel Prelude. Sunrays had previously gotten the better of Pretty Dubious at her last start.

It was never going to be easy for her—jumping from the widest gate, carrying 3.5 to 4kg more than the rest of the field, and enduring a tough, wide run throughout—but in the end, it didn’t matter. She was simply too good.

Pronto Percy (Better Than Ready) set a strong early tempo, while Sunrays settled wide around midfield before looming ominously on the turn. She surged to the lead and had to dig deep, holding off the gallant Vivika (Exceedance), while Impervious (Farnan) continued her sire’s strong form by running into third.

Trainer Kelly Schweida told Racenet, “I felt pretty sick watching Sunrays race wide, and I thought the filly's chances could be kaput.

“I thought we were in a spot of bother here with the big weight.”

Looking ahead, Schweida remains optimistic about Sunray’s future. “She will have a little bit of time off and hopefully get her ready for the (winter) carnival.”

Duric's intent and an abundance of gate speed gives the edge at Doomben

There was only one thing on jockey Vlad Duric’s mind as Pretty Dubious (Dubious) jumped from the gates in the $125,000 QTIS Jewel 2YO Prelude Handicap (colts & geldings) on Saturday—take the lead. And that’s exactly what he did. Even better for connections, he led all the way in an impressive display of sustained speed from the talented gelded son of Dubious.

Pretty Dubious looked comfortable in front, despite Toro Chase (Toronado {Ire}) applying early pressure on his outside. Meanwhile, race favourite Penrod (Better Than Ready) found himself in trouble, caught wide at the back with nowhere to go. But when Pretty Dubious kicked clear at the 300-metre mark, there was no catching him. He powered home strongly, showcasing his natural speed in dominant fashion.

On the back of this stylish victory, he is now expected to start as the favourite for the $500,000 QTIS Jewel on the Gold Coast on March 8.

Trainer Robert Heathcote was full of praise, telling Racenet, “I think Pretty Dubious is pretty smart. He was a cheap buy, and we have some other really nice yearlings we've purchased recently on our website.”

The Robert Heathcote-trained gelding is out of a four-time winning Henny Hughes (USA) mare, and hails from a strong family that includes Group 1 winners Captured By Love (Written Tycoon) and Hasahalo (NZ) (Savabeel). A bargain buy at just $32,000 from the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Pretty Dubious has now taken his record to one win and a placing from just two starts, amassing $120,400 in prizemoney."

Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything

Lloyd’s dominant day at Rosehill

Jockey Zac Lloyd dominated at Rosehill, winning the G2 Hobartville Stakes on Broadsiding (Too Darn Hot {GB}) and an incredible four other races on the ten race card. His other winners were Rush Attack (Brave Smash {Jpn}), 3-year-old gelding Exit Fee (NZ) (Ten Sovereigns {Ire}), Step Aside (NZ) (Redwood {GB}), and Time To Boogie (Sooboog).

“This is the first time I've ridden five winners - anywhere,” Lloyd said. “I've won four races on the one day a few times, but never five until today.”

“He's a great kid to work with,” praised Chris Waller. “He's a great horseman and he's continuing to get better and better.”

“It's good to see Zac rising to this level, because he's had a big day here and yet when the big race came around, he was still there to deliver,” James Cummings told RSN after Broadsiding's Hobartville victory.

Broadsiding thrills in Hobartville Stakes

The strong first up record for Godolphin's star 3-year-old colt Broadsiding continued in Saturday’s G2 Hobartville Stakes at Rosehill with a 0.9l win for jockey Zac Lloyd over Team Hawkes-trained Swiftfalcon (Exceedance), with Chris Waller-trained filly Aeliana (NZ) (Castelvecchio) in third.

“We're pretty excited about having him back and we've been confident all over the summer that he'd come back in good shape,” trainer James Cummings said.

“We thought it would be a matter of good luck for them beating him in a race like this, set weights, 1400 metres at Rosehill. But I'd love to see him derive good benefit from this and build up nicely for the Randwick Guineas in a fortnight.”

It was Lloyd's first time in the saddle on race-day on the colt, whose usual partner James McDonald is currently in Riyadh to partner Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {Ire}) in the G1 Saudi Cup.

"Zac has just delivered (today)," Cummings said. "The pressure goes on him when James McDonald is away, and Zac has done a great job here on Broadsiding, just like he did on Traffic Warden last year."

Last season’s Champion Juvenile, Broadsiding won the G1 Golden Rose when resuming in the spring at three, and was third in the G1 Cox Plate. Saturday’s win took his record to six wins from 12 starts with earnings over $3 million and all of his wins have been in Group company.

One of three stakes winners on the day for Too Darn Hot (GB), Broadsiding is the third and last foal of Speedway (Street Cry {Ire}), who won twice at a mile. She is a half-sister to G1 MRC Thousand Guineas winner Flit (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}).

The Hobartville Stakes is named after one of Australia’s oldest stud farms, Hobartville Stud in Richmond, which was granted to Edward Luttrell in 1804 and he named the land Hobartville in 1816. In 1877, it was purchased by Andrew Town and became a thoroughbred stud, later owned by Percy Reynolds who made it famous. It is still used as a thoroughbred property today.

Mr Brightside reminds everyone of his class with a second Futurity win

It was back to back wins in the G1 Futurity Stakes for 7-year-old gelding Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) on Saturday. Sitting just behind the leader for the whole trip for jockey Craig Williams, he shot to the lead with 50 metres to go, and clung on from Godolphin’s 4-year-old gelding Tom Kitten (Harry Angel {Ire}) who dove late after threading through traffic. In third with a stirring run was Group 1-winning sprinter I Wish I Win (NZ) (Savabeel). Only 0.3l covered the trifecta with Mr Brightside earning his ninth Group 1 victory.

Winner of this race last year, he also ran second in 2023, and today’s effort took his career record to 19 wins from 42 starts with earnings over $16.9 million.

“He is just so tough. To do what he did today cannot be underrated. He really dug deep and found that inch (to win),” co-trainer Will Hayes said, who also confirmed Mr Brightside will likely go to the G1 All Star Mile before a likely trip to Hong Kong.

A NZ$22,000 yearling sold by Phoenix Park to Phil Cataldo Bloodstock, he was on-sold at three for NZ$7,750 to Robert Manning. Shortly after that, he won his third start as a winter 3-year-old, and it’s all been upwards from there. The only Group 1 winner for Bullbars, Mr Brightside is one of five winners from as many to race for unraced mare Lilahjay (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}), whose latest foal is a 2024 colt by Satono Aladdin (Jpn).

Fan favourite Jimmysstar wins Oakleigh Plate in sensational style

Ever since Jimmysstar (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) put together five wins in succession as a late 3-year-old, he’s been a fan favourite, and on Saturday he captured his first Group 1 with a stunning late outside run in the G1 Oakleigh Plate. Jockey Ethan Brown timed the run to perfection and won by 1.25l from Charlotte Littlefield-trained 4-year-old mare She’s Bulletproof (Shooting To Win), with Robbie Griffiths-trained 5-year-old gelding Rey Magnerio (Magnus) flying late to finish third.

“He’s a very special horse. Well done to Ozzie Kheir and the team of owners. They’re great people,” trainer Ciaron Maher said.

“He’s got such a following, Jimmy. He’s always shown that sort of ability. Browny did say to me, ‘it’s about time (he won a Group 1)’ before the race.”

The 5-year-old gelding has won eight of his 15 starts and this win took his earnings over $1 million. He becomes the eighth Group 1 winner for Per Incanto (USA), who has 32 stakes winners in total.

A full brother to Group 3 winner Charms Star (NZ), Jimmysstar is the third foal of Listed winner Anniesstar (NZ) (Zed {NZ}) who is a full sister to G2 Awapuni Cup winner Jacksstar (NZ) and a half-sister to G1 New Zealand Two Thousand Guineas-placed Bourbonaire (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}). Anniesstar has an unnamed 2-year-old full brother to Jimmysstar and Charms Star.

In form El Vencedor makes it three in Otaki-Maori Classic

The decision to move the G1 Otaki-Maori WFA Classic north to Ellerslie paid off for New Zealand when Otaki’s own meeting was abandoned after the first. Stephen Marsh-trained 6-year-old gelding El Vencedor (NZ) (Shocking) is in the form of his life and made it three wins in succession, and two Group 1s, with a strong 3.3l win for jockey Wiremu Pinn.

Sent to the front at the bend by Pinn, he raced away to win easily from perennial bridesmaid Te Akau Racing’s 4-year-old mare Qali Al Farrasha (NZ) (Almanzor {Fr}) with Roger James and Robert Wellwood-trained 4-year-old mare Orchestral (NZ) (Savabeel) making up good ground in the straight to finish an eye-catching third.

“I said to Wiremu to ride him where he is happy, get him into a rhythm and ride him like the best horse,” Marsh said.

“I thought he rode him perfectly as he started to get him to travel coming to the top of the straight. He just keeps raising the bar and he is just a phenomenal horse. I’m happy for Wiremu as he has been doing a lot of work for us around the stable and this meant a lot to him and to us as well.

“It is the Bonecrusher in two weeks’ time and then get the passport ready for Hong Kong. We definitely want to get him to the Bonecrusher in tip-top condition. You just can’t dent him at the moment, so that’s why we came here before the Bonecrusher.

“He is becoming the people’s horse as the big EV, and we just love that. He is a stable favourite and it may have just been another day at the office for him.”

El Vencedor took his record to 11 wins from 40 starts with another 14 placings and earnings over NZ$1.4 million. The win was his third at Group 1 level after winning the G1 Bonecrusher NZ Stakes last year, and the G1 Herbie Dyke Stakes last start.

Bred and raced by Mark Freeman and David Price, he is one of five Group 1 winners for his sire, and is one of three stakes winners for his dam unraced Strictly Maternal (NZ) (O’Reilly {NZ}). Her other stakes winners are G2 Brisbane Cup winner Chocante (NZ) (Shocking) and G3 Lion Rock Trophy and Listed Hong Kong Derby winner Sky Darci (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}). Her final foal is unraced 3-year-old filly Milagro

Treasurethe Moment makes a bid for best filly in Australia

Winner of the G1 Victoria Oaks in the spring, Yulong Stud’s 3-year-old filly Treasurethe Moment (Alabama Express) resumed this autumn with an easy 1l win in the G2 Angus Armanasco Stakes over 1400 metres. Ridden by Damian Lane for trainer Matt Laurie, she now has five wins in succession and three group wins and has made herself a strong case for Filly Of The Year at this early stage. In second was Alex Rae-trained Jenni The Fox (Too Darn Hot {GB}) with Too Darn Lizzie (Too Darn Hot {GB}) 1.75l away in third.

“It was painless sort of viewing, wasn't it? They hadn't got to her at the turn and you knew she was going to have plenty in the kicker. So to do that as top weight, first up over 1400 after stretching her out to the Oaks trip, it's very exciting,” said Laurie who will take her to the Kewney Stakes next, then to Sydney for the G1 Vinery Stud Stakes and the G1 Australian Oaks.

“She hasn't fully filled out into her frame by any means. I think there's a lot more to come physically but she's developed into the perfect racehorse.”

Treasurethe Moment is the third and final foal for Draconic Treasure (USA) (Street Cry {Ire}), who was a winner in America over 1700 metres and has one other winner, 4-year-old mare Mihoko Takeo (Grunt {NZ}). This is the family of G1 Santa Anita Sprint Championship Stakes winner Rich Tapestry (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}), G1 Melbourne Cup winner Media Puzzle (USA) (Theatrical {Ire}), and triple Group 1 winner and sire Refuse To Bend (Ire).

Yulong Stud also won the G1 Blue Diamond with Devil Night (Extreme Choice) and the Listed Victoria Gold Cup with Deny Knowledge (Ire) (Pride Of Dubai).

Busuttin and Young’s Derby goal on track

A blanket finish in the G2 Avondale Guineas with four horses across the track and margins of a neck, a neck, a head and a head saw Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained 3-year-old gelding Thedoctoroflove (So You Think {NZ}) prevail by 0.2l from Stephen Marsh-trained colt Bourbon Proof (Justify {USA}), with Roger James and Robert Wellwood-trained Oceana Dream (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) in third, while fourth went to Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-trained Hakkinen (NZ) (Savabeel).

“Geez we can improve them, can’t we! And I hope Trent is listening to this as he is going to have to find another box for him, because he’s not staying with us,” said Cambridge trainer Shaune Ritchie representing Busuttin and Young. Thedoctoroflove is staying with Ritchie while in New Zealand.

“He was impressive today and these Aussie riders are good as he (Moor) got him into the one-one from looking like getting caught wide and he has attacked the line hard.

“They do know how to find the right horse, do Trent and Natalie. They had one that sat three wide a few years ago and ran second in the Derby. We gave him a little bit of work on Tuesday morning and it was lovely gallop. He is very laid-back. He is in superb order, his coat is great and he will improve from here, which is a warning for us all.”

A winner at Flemington from four starts in Australia, Thedoctoroflove was having his first run in NZ and in black type company, and becomes stakes winner number 60 for So You Think (NZ). Sold by Mill Park Stud to Busuttin Racing and Andrew Campbell at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale for $220,000, Thedoctoroflove’s half-brother by Saxon Warrior (Jpn) has been withdrawn by Mill Park from the Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale.

Thedoctoroflove is the first foal of Liberty Lover (Rebel Raider) who won twice over 2050 metres and is a half-sister to Group 2 winner and four-times Group 1 placed Dalasan, who stood his first season at stud in 2023. Listed Adelaide Guineas winner Party Princess (So You Think {NZ}) is another half-sister to Dalasan and Liberty Lover, while their dam Khandallah (Kitten’s Joy {USA}) placed in the Listed Tasmanian Oaks.

Shanwah heads to Derby for Maher

Coming into the 1800-metre G2 Autumn Classic at Caulfield, Ciaron Maher-trained 3-year-old gelding Shanwah (NZ) (Too Darn Hot {GB}) had won two in a row and made it three in the Classic with a 1.5l win for jockey Blake Shinn. He will continue on to the G2 Alistair Clark Stakes before a potential run in the G1 Australian Derby at Randwick.

“You see him during the race. He just wants to relax. He tucks the head in, he looks like you’d be able to train him for any distance really,” Maher said.

“Kevin (Payne) had to stump up a little bit of money at the yearling sales so I'm glad he is starting to the rewards now. He’s progressive so probably goes on now to a race like the Alistair Clark.”

Second place went to Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained Confetti Garden (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}) with Imperialist (NZ) (Churchill {Ire}) in third. After the line, Imperialist dropped rider Damian Lane, but he was uninjured.

Shanwah, an NZ$750,000 purchase from Trelawney Stud by Cameron Cooke Bloodstock at the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale, took his record to three wins from seven starts, and it was his first black type win. He becomes the 22nd stakes winner for his sire.

His yearling half-brother by Per Incanto (USA) is Lot 20 at the upcoming Inglis Easter Yearling Sale, and Shanwah is the second stakes winner for his dam Lady Sayyida (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}) after G2 Rose Of Kingston Stakes-winning filly Excelida (Exceed And Excel), who was third in the G1 Empire Rose Stakes and earned over $770,000. Lady Sayyida won three races and is a half-sister to G1 Cox Plate winner and successful sire Ocean Park (NZ), as well as to the dam of dual Group 1 winner and sire Grunt (NZ).

Zeditave Stakes delivers Caulfield double for Too Darn Hot

Only a race after Shanwah became a new stakes winner for Too Darn Hot (GB), the Darley sire showed why he’s too valuable to shuttle with another new stakes winner in the G3 Zeditave Stakes with Kia Ora Stud bred and owned 3-year-old colt Tropicus. Winner of his only start at two, Tropicus has only raced in Group company this season, and broke through for a win on Saturday after a good second placing in the G3 Manfred Stakes last start.

“Everyone bangs on about the wind, but we've had two horses lead into it and it is still the shortest way home. He began well and Mark (Zahra) got him into a good rhythm. I think that was the main thing, getting him to relax and getting into a rhythm with the blinkers on. He was a bit keen, a bit fresh first up,” said Sam Freedman.

The Anthony and Sam Freedman colt won by 1.5l for jockey Mark Zahra over Alex Rae-trained colt Lofty Arch (Snitzel), with Ciaron Maher-trained gelding Sargeant Major (NZ) (Proisir) in third. The win took Tropicus’ record to two wins from seven starts with earnings over $330,000.

“We stretched him out to the mile (in the spring) and he was keen in a slowly run Guineas. You're always learning and the spring is hard, because you've got to make a decision which way you go. We made the decision to go to the Golden Rose and the Guineas, but he'll stick to the six furlongs this time around.

“He's even sharper. He could potentially go 1100 metres. He was awesome – it was a great result. I’m not completely sure (on the next start). We'll chat with Luke (Wilkinson) and Shane (Wright) and the team at Kia Ora and work it out from here. There's a race like the Goodwood over there in Adelaide.”

Tropicus is the second winner and first stakes winner for four-time winner and G3 Summoned Stakes-placed Extensible (Exceed And Excel), whose 2-year-old filly and yearling colt are both by Wootton Bassett (GB). She has a Justify (USA) filly on the ground.

Extensible is a full sister to Listed Belle of the Turf Stakes winner Cathay Lady, and a half-sister to the unplaced dam of Listed ARC 3YO Salver winner Cutadeel (Dundeel {NZ}). They are out of unraced imported mare Kerimba (Ire) (Sinndar {Ire}), a half-sister to G3 Curragh Anglesey Stakes winner Keraka (USA) (Storm Bird {Can}).