Master Ash (AUS) 2 c Sebring – Hanky Panky by Anabaa
Master Ash (Sebring) maintained his upward trajectory when almost a length clear of his rivals when winning the TAB Maiden Handicap (1250m) at Canterbury on Wednesday, having finished second on debut in a Kembla Grange juvenile maiden (1000m) on June 16.
Trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott and racing in the distinctive colours of Teeley Assets, the two-year-old colt was smartly away under Tim Clark from his difficult barrier (11) and crossed to the lead after working in the early stages. He then settled well, dashed clear on straightening, and then held on to win well in a time of 1:15.85.
Bred by Asco International, Master Ash is one of seven winners from as many runners out of the Group 2-placed sprinter Hanky Panky (Anabaa), who has also produced dual Listed-winning sprinter Come Hither (Redoute’s Choice), the dam of Blue Diamond Preview (C&G) (Listed, 1000m) winner Cohesion (Lonhro), and Listed-winning juvenile sprinter Fun In Flight (Fusaichi Pegasus).
Hanky Panky is one of three black-type performers out of the stakes-placed Singles Bar (Rory’s Jester), who is also the dam of Arrowfield Stud stalwart Not A Single Doubt (Redoute’s Choice) and smart handicapper Natural Is My Name (Naturalism), dam of champion two-year-old Zizou (Fusaichi Pegasus), who was a close second to Forensics (Flying Spur) in the 2007 Golden Slipper Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m).
Master Ash was a $170,000 purchase for his co-trainers at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Hanky Panky was not served in 2016, before slipping to Vancouver (Medaglia D’Oro) the following season and has most recently been covered again by Sebring (More Than Ready), who will stand at Widden Stud in 2018 for a fee of $66,000 (inc GST).
Master Ash is the second consecutive Maiden Of The Week – after Zoustyle (Zoustar) – out of a daughter of influential broodmare sire Anabaa (Danzig), whose other daughters have been responsible for the likes of Treve (Motivator), the highest rated filly or mare in Europe between 2013 and 2015; Hartnell (Authorized), winner of the CF Orr Stakes (Gr 1, 1400m) at Caulfield in February; and prolific Group 1 winners Buffering (Mossman) and Dissident.