Stallion Watch
New winners
Bobby’s Kitten – Former Twin Hills Stud shuttler Bobby’s Kitten (Kitten’s Joy) sired his seventh individual winner when Mirage Mac (2 f ex Megachurch by Pulpit) made a successful debut to take out a seven furlong fillies’ novice contest on the Wolverhampton all-weather on Wednesday’s evening card. Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (Gr 1, 6.5f) winner Bobby’s Kitten shuttled to Twin Hill Stud for one season in 2017, covering 42 mares for a fee of $16,500 (inc GST). He now permanently resides at Lanwades Stud in England, where he stood for a fee of £8,000 in 2020.
Shalaa – Arrowfield Stud’s shuttler Shalaa (Invincible Spirit) scored a further three winners this week, taking his total to nine individual winners from his first northern hemisphere crop and four winners in the last eight days. Samrah (2 f ex Badee Ah by Motivator) is the latest of those after winning a 1600-metre maiden at La Test de Buch on Saturday, while Longlai (2 c ex Mojo Risin by Lope de Vega) won at Salisbury over a mile on Thursday to open his account. Last Tuesday King Shalaa remained unbeaten at Lyon with a second career victory over 1600 metres. Shalaa stands at Arrowfield for a fee of $33,000 (inc. GST) in 2020.
New Group 1 winners
Curlin – Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms’ leading light Curlin (Smart Strike) brought up his 11th individual Grade 1 winner on Saturday when Global Campaign (4 c ex Globe Trot by A P Indy), the half-brother to former Australian shuttle stallion Bolt d’Oro (Medaglia d’Oro), broke through at the highest level in the Woodward Handicap (Gr 1, 10f) at Saratoga. Sent off as the clear second favourite, the Stanley Hough-prepared Global Campaign lived up to the expectations his owners Sagamore Farm and WinStar Farm had long held for him, scoring by a length and three-quarters. Curlin stood for US$175,000 (approx A$240,000) in 2020.
Daredevil – Former WinStar Farm stallion Daredevil (More Than Ready) had his biggest day as a stallion on Friday when Shedaresthedevil (3 f ex Starship Warpspeed by Congrats) led home a one-two for the sire in the Kentucky Oaks (Gr 1, 9f) at Churchill Downs. The Kentucky Oaks, which was postponed from its traditional spot in May, saw Bob Baffert’s Gamine (Into Mischief) sent out as odds-on favourite. However, after leading, she could only finish third as the Brad Cox-trained Shedaresthedevil caused a 15-1 upset. Shedaresthedevil won by a length and a half over the Kenny McPeek-prepared Swiss Skydiver (Daredevil) with Gamine the same margin away as third. Daredevil was sold to the Jockey Club of Turkey last year, standing for 12,500 Turkish lira (approx A$2,300) at the Club’s Karacabey Pension Stud in 2020.
Dream Ahead – Dream Of Dreams (6 g ex Vasilia by Dansili) made a deserved Group 1 breakthrough when he quickened nicely late on to land the Sprint Cup Stakes (Gr 1, 6f) at Haydock on Saturday and in the process provide his sire Dream Ahead (Diktat) with a fourth individual elite level winner. The Sir Michael Stoute-trained six-year-old was following up his romp in Group 2 company over seven furlongs last time out, while Dream Of Dreams has also finished second in each of the last two runnings of the Diamond Jubilee Stakes (Gr 1, 6f) at Royal Ascot. He is the fifth foal out of the Dansili (Danehill) mare Vasilia, who herself is a half-sister to Group 1 winner Airwave (Air Express). Dream Ahead stood at Haras de Grandcamp for a fee of €12,000 (approx AUD$19,500) in 2020.
Majesticperfection – Former Airdrie Stud stallion Majesticperfection (Harlan’s Holiday) celebrated his second Grade 1 winner when Bell’s The One (4 f ex Street Mate by Street Cry) took out the Derby City Distaff (Gr 1, 7f) at Churchill Downs on Saturday by the smallest of margins, bringing up a first top-flight victory for trainer Neil Pessin. Ridden by Corey Lanerie, Bell’s The One came with a late flourish to deny last year’s Kentucky Oaks (Gr 1, 9f) winner Serengeti Empress (Alternation), who led at a hot speed from the outset; the official margin was a nose. Purchased for US$155,000 (approx A$213,000) at the Fasig-Tipton July Sales, Bell’s The One has now earned US$790,040 (approx A$1.09 million). Majesticperfection stood at Airdrie Stud in Kentucky for seven seasons before relocating to Haras Rapetti in Uruguay in mid-2018.
Not This Time – North America’s leading freshman sire Not This Time (Giant’s Causeway) brought up his first individual stakes winner in the best way possible, producing a Grade 1 winner straight out of the gates on Sunday. Princess Noor (2 f ex Sheza Smoke Show by Wilko) was impressive in winning the Del Mar Debutante (Gr 1, 7f) to cap a banner weekend for trainer Bob Baffert. Princess Noor was sold for just US$135,000 (approx A$185,600) at last year’s Keeneland September Yearling Sale, but she was pinhooked at this year’s Ocala Breeders’ Sales Spring Sale of Two-Year-Olds in Training in June. Her breeze-up was widely seen to be one of the best recorded in many a year and, consequently, Zedan Racing Stables’ racing manager Gary Young purchased her for US$1.35 million (approx A$1.86 million). Not This Time stood for US$12,500 (approx A$17,200) at Taylor Made Farms in 2020.
Nyquist – Kentucky Derby (Gr 1, 10f) winner Nyquist (Uncle Mo) registered his first Grade 1 winner – and his second stakes victor overall – when Vequist (2 f ex Vero Amore by Mineshaft) took out the Spinaway Stakes (Gr 1, 7f) at Saratoga on Sunday. The Robert ‘Butch’ Reid Jr-trained Vequist raced away for an easy nine and a half length win. Retained by her breeders Swilcan Stable after she was twice passed in at the sales, prominent owner, Spyglass Entertainment co-founder Gary Barber, bought a controlling share in Vequist after her debut with the filly racing in his eye-catching pink and black colours in the Spinaway. Nyquist (Uncle Mo), who has his first runners on the track this season, stood for US$40,000 (approx A$55,000) at Darley’s Jonabell Farm in Kentucky in 2020.
New stakes winners
Acclamation – Acclamation (Royal Applause) sired his 55th individual stakes winner when Testa (3 f ex Tecla by Whipper) edged out Fonthill Abbey (Dubawi) in a thrilling finish to Thursday’s Prix de la Cochere (Listed, 1600m) at Longchamp. Just a short head split the pair as they crossed the line, while Alzire (Shamardal) was a length and a quarter away in third. Testa is a daughter of the winning mare Tecla (Whipper), who is a half-sister to French Group 3 winners Albisola (Montjeu) and Johnny Barnes (Acclamation). She was bred by Airlie Stud and Sonia Rogers, and was bought by Meridian International for €185,000 at the Goffs November Foal Sale. Acclamation stood at Rathbarry Stud for a fee of €35,000 (approx AUD$57,000) in 2020.
Brody’s Cause
The Kentucky Derby undercard rarely features a two-year-old stakes race given its place early in the season, but the 2020 Kentucky Derby undercard also featured the start of the Road to the 2021 Kentucky Derby (Gr 1, 10f) as the Iroquois Stakes (Gr 3, 1m) awarded the first points that are used to select the field. Those 10 points went to Sittin On Go (2 c ex Set’n On Ready by More Than Ready), who gave freshman stallion Brody’s Cause (Giant’s Causeway) his first stakes winner. Sent out as one of the longest shots on the board, the Dale Romans-trained Sittin On Go never looked in much doubt, racing clear for a two and a half length success over Midnight Bourbon (Tiznow) with Super Stock (Dialed In) a length and three-quarters away in third. It was a fitting win, given Romans and owners Albaugh Family Stables also raced Brody’s Cause, a two-time Grade 1 winner. Brody’s Cause stood for $7,500 at Spendthrift Farm in 2020.
Dandy Man – Happy Romance (2 f ex Rugged Up by Marju) continued her upward trajectory as one of this year’s leading juvenile fillies after a third consecutive win and a first at stakes level in winning the Dick Poole Stakes (Gr 3, 6f) at Salisbury on Thursday. The Richard Hannon-trained daughter of Dandy Man (Mozart) ran on strongly to give her sire a 15th individual stakes winner, defeating Alcohol Free (No Nay Never) by three-quarters of a length with a further two lengths back to Scarlet Bear (Kodi Bear). Happy Romance, winner of the valuable Goffs UK Premier Yearling Stakes (6f) and Weatherbys Super Sprint Stakes (5f), is a fourth winner from four to race for Rugged Up (Marju), who is a half-sister to stakes winners Meiner Eternal (Tamayuz) and Warsaw (Danehill Dancer), while this is also the family of Prix Morny (Gr 1, 1200m) winner Silca’s Sister (Inchinor). Dandy Man, also the sire of this year’s Royal Ascot-winning two-year-old filly Dandalla, stood for €15,000 (approx AUD$25,000) at Ballyhane Stud in 2020.
Dark Angel – The progressive Top Rank (4 c ex Countess Ferrama by Authorized) posted win number five in just his sixth start when showing good battling qualities to make a winning debut in stakes company to take out the Superior Mile Stakes (Gr 3, 1m) at rain softened Haydock on Saturday. The James Tate-trained four-year-old bounced back from his surprise defeat at York last time as he found plenty late on for rider PJ McDonald to defeat My Oberon (Dubawi) by a length and a half, with the heavily supported favourite Khaloosy (Dubawi) the same margin away in third. Top Rank’s victory took his sire Dark Angel’s (Acclamation) tally of individual stakes winners to 65, and also put him in the reckoning for a tilt at next month’s Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Gr 1, 1m) at Ascot. The winner is the third foal out of the Authorized (Montjeu) mare Countess Ferrama, who herself is a half-sister to the Irish 2,000 Guineas (Gr 1, 1m) winner Indian Haven (Indian Ridge). Dark Angel stood at Yeomanstown Stud for a fee of €85,000 (approx AUD$138,000) in 2020.
Dutch Art – Cheveley Park Stud’s Dutch Art (Medicean) sired his 39th individual stakes winner when the lightly raced Starman (3 c ex Northern Star by Montjeu) landed the Garrowby Stakes (Listed, 6f) at York on Sunday. Having just his third start, the Ed Walker-trained three-year-old beat favourite Dakota Gold (Equiano) by a length and three-quarters, with Watan (Toronado) a further four and a half lengths adrift in third. The second foal out of the Montjeu (Sadler’s Wells) mare Northern Star, Starman is a half-brother to the Group-placed winner Sunday Star. Dutch Art stood for a private fee in 2020.
Declaration Of War – Declaration Of War (War Front) sired his 30th individual stakes winner when Fire At Will (2 c ex Flirt by Kitten’s Joy) broke his maiden tag with victory in Wednesday’s With Anticipation Stakes (Gr 3, 7f) at Saratoga. Wet weather meant the race was switched from the turf to the main track, but the switch of surface was no issue to Michael Maker-trained juvenile as he scored by half a length. Former Coolmore shuttler Declaration Of War now stands at JBBA Shizunai Stallion Station for a fee of ¥2,300,000 (approx AUD$30,000).
Frankel – Juddmonte’s star Frankel (Galileo) sired his 57th individual stakes winner when Kalahara (2 f ex Desertiste by Green Desert) made it two wins in four starts by bagging the Prix d’Arenberg (Gr 3, 1000m) at Longchamp on Thursday. The Christophe Ferland-trained juvenile beat US raider Wink (Midshipman) by a length, with Livachope (Goken) a further two lengths away in third. Frankel stood for a fee of £175,000 (approx AUD$320,000) at Banstead Manor Stud in Newmarket in 2020.
Ghostzapper – Ever-reliable sire Ghostzapper (Awesome Again) made it stakes winner number 78 on Saturday when Mystic Guide (3 c ex Music Note by A P Indy) took out the Jim Dandy Stakes (Gr 2, 9f) at Saratoga. Run on the same day as both the Kentucky Derby and the Pat Day Mile in this strangest of years, the Jim Dandy – usually a lead-up to the Travers Stakes (Gr 1, 10f) – instead served as a prep for the Preakness Stakes (Gr 1, 9f) in Baltimore next month. Just six runners went to post, with the Michael Stidham-trained and Godolphin-owned Mystic Guide second favourite behind Belmont Stakes (Gr 1, 9f) runner-up Dr Post (Quality Road). However, it was Mystic Guide who proved much the best, defeating Liveyourbeastlife (Ghostzapper) by three-quarters of a length in an exacta for the sire with Jesus’ Team (Tapiture) a further three-quarters of a length away in third. Ghostzapper stood at Adena Springs Kentucky for US$85,000 (approx A$117,000) this year.
Goken – Haras de Colleville resident Goken (Kendargent) sired his second individual stakes winner when Go Athletico (2 g ex Byburg by Sageburg) struck in the Prix La Rochette (Gr 3, 1400m) at Longchamp on Sunday. The Philippe Decouz-trained two-year-old was winning for the second time in four starts when beating Sealiway (Galiway) by a length. Favourite Naval Crown (Dubawi) was another neck away in third. Goken stood for a fee of €3,000 (approx AUD$4,900) in 2020 at Haras de Colleville in France.
Include – Airdrie Stud veteran Include (Broad Brush) brought up his 55th individual stakes winner on Friday when Sconsin (3 f ex Sconnie by Tiznow) comfortably took out the Eight Belles Stakes (Gr 2, 7f) at Churchill Downs on Friday. The Greg Foley-trained Sconsin, who began her career at Ellis Park last year, had won a Churchill Downs allowance in May and had been in the placings at her last two runs in black type races before taking out the Eight Belles on Friday. Last of the five fillies in the early stages of Friday’s contest, she pulled out four wide under James Graham and bloused past her rivals, defeating Four Graces (Majesticperfection) by two and a quarter lengths with outsider Never Forget (War Front) a length and three-quarters away in third. Now a 23-year-old, Include continues to produce stakes winners year after year. He stood for US$7,500 (approx A$10,300) in 2020.
Invincible Spirit – Invincible Spirit (Green Desert) registered his 20th Group or Grade 1 winner on Saturday when Digital Age (4 c ex Willow View by Lemon Drop Kid) took out the Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic (Gr 1, 9f) at Churchill Downs. Digital Age led home a 1-3-4 for top American turf trainer Chad Brown and was the longest shot of his on the board, too, being sent off at 8-1. Ridden quietly early by Javier Castellano, Digital Age wore down long-time leader Factor This (The Factor) to win by three-quarters of a length with two and a quarter lengths back to Rockemperor (Holy Roman Emperor) in third, a head in front of stablemate Sacred Life (Siyouni). It was Digital Age’s second stakes win on the Kentucky Derby undercard, having taken the American Turf Stakes (Gr 2, 8.5f) last year. Purchased for 325,000gns (approx A$622,850) at the 2017 Tattersalls October Yearling Sale, Digital Age has now won US$1,234,660 (approx A$1.7 million). Invincible Spirit stood for €100,000 (approx A$162,500) at the Irish National Stud this year.
Kendargent- Kendargent (Kendor) celebrated his 32nd individual stakes winner when Tokyo Gold (2 c ex Biancarosa by Dalakhani) came out on top in a tight finish to the Prix Haras de Bouquetot (Listed, 1600m) at Craon on Saturday. The Satoshi Kobayashi-trained juvenile beat favourite Ludo (Penny’s Picnic) by a short head, while Avrilomanoir (Penny’s Picnic) was another head away in third. Kendargent stood at Haras de Colleville for a fee of €15,000 (approx AUD$24,400) in 2020.
King Kamehameha – The late King Kamehameha (Kingmambo) made it 80 individual stakes winners on Sunday when the regally-bred Bravas (4 c ex Verxina by Deep Impact) took out the Niigata Kinen (Gr 3, 2000m). The Yasuo Tomomichi-trained Bravas, sent out as second favourite, came with a late burst to defeat the free-wheeling Jinambo (Deep Impact) by a head with a further neck back to Sanrei Pocket (Jungle Pocket) in third. Bravas is the first foal out of the two-time Victoria Mile (Gr 1, 1600m) winner Verxina (Deep Impact), who herself is a three-quarter sister to Japan Cup (Gr 1, 2400m) hero Cheval Grand (Heart’s Cry). King Kamehameha died in August last year at Shadai Stallion Station.
Kurofune – Pure white filly Sodashi (2 f ex Buchiko by King Kamehameha) gave Kurofune (French Deputy) his 35th stakes winner on Saturday when she took out the Sapporo Nisai Stakes (Gr 3, 1800m) at Sapporo. Sodashi is the first foal out of Japanese cult heroine Buchiko (King Kamehameha), who attracted attention for her unusual colour throughout her racing career – she was officially listed as white, but was splashed with brown across her body, while her mane was dark too. While Buchiko flirted with stakes company on the track, her first-born looks likely to develop a cult following of her own, both for her colour and her talent, especially after taking the Sapporo Nisai – a race that has produced winners like Jungle Pocket (Tony Bin), Admire Moon (End Sweep) and Logi Universe (Neo Universe). The Naosuke Sugai-trained Sodashi defeated Uberleben (Gold Ship) by a neck with Bathrat Leon (Kizuna) a length and three-quarters away in third. Kurofune served his last book of mares in 2018 at Shadai Stallion Station.
Le Havre – Le Havre (Noverre) sired his 39th individual stakes winner when Glycon (4 g ex Glorious Sight by Singspiel) came out on top in a tight finish to the La Coupe de Maisons-Laffitte (Gr 3, 2000m) at Longchamp on Sunday. The Jean-Claude Rouget-trained four-year-old was winning for the fourth time in five starts when beating Villa Rosa (Doctor Dino) and Les Vertus (Shakespearean) by a short neck and a head. Le Havre stood at Montfort et Preaux for a fee of €50,000 (approx AUD$81,300) in 2020.
Liam’s Map – Sophomore stallion Liam’s Map (Unbridled’s Song) made it five individual stakes winners on Saturday when Rushie (3 c ex Conquest Angel by Colonel John), a one-time Kentucky Derby (Gr 1, 10f) contender, instead won the Pat Day Mile (Gr 2, 8f) on the undercard. Michael McCarthy’s Rushie had finished third in the belated Santa Anita Derby (Gr 1, 9f), a race in which eventual Kentucky Derby winner Authentic (Into Mischief) was second – both finished behind Honor A.P. (Honor Code) – while he also finished third in the Blue Grass Stakes (Gr 2, 9f) at Keeneland at his most recent start. Instead of stepping up in trip, McCarthy decided to cut him back for the Pat Day Mile and it paid dividends as he defeated Sonneman (Curlin) by a length and three-quarters; Tap It To Win (Tapit) was a further half-length away in third. Rushie may now contest the Preakness Stakes (Gr 1, 9.5f), which will feature a number of Kentucky Derby runners. Liam’s Map stood for US$35,000 (approx A$48,000) at Lane’s End Farms in 2020.
Lope De Vega – Former shuttler Lope De Vega (Shamardal) sired his 73rd individual stakes winner when Angel Power (3 f ex Burning Rules by Aussie Rules) made a successful cross channel raid to take out the Prix de Lioncourt (Listed, 2100m) at Longchamp on Thursday. Trained in Newmarket by Roger Varian, the filly notched her third win in six starts when she beat Extreme Fast (Le Havre) by three-quarters of a length. Chorba (Olympic Glory) was another length and a quarter away in third. Angel Power’s dam Burning Rules (Aussie Rules) is an unraced half-sister to Blue De Vega (Lope De Vega), winner of the Killavullan Stakes (Gr 3, 7f) at two. Lope De Vega, who shuttled to Australia between 2011 and 2014, stood at Ballylinch Stud in Ireland for a fee of €100,000 (approx AUD$162,500) in 2020.
Mastercraftsman – Former Windsor Park shuttler Mastercraftsman (Danehill Dancer) sired his 72nd individual stakes winner when Paths Of Glory (6 g ex Pacific Rim by Singspiel) made a winning return to action to take out Friday’s Wyong Cup (Listed, 2100m). The European import has now won six of his 13 starts, two of those victories coming in Australia. A €60,000 purchase for the China Horse Club at the Goffs Ireland Orby Sale in 2016, Paths Of Glory won four times for Newmarket-based Hugo Palmer before heading to the southern hemisphere. The son of Group 2 winner Pacific Rim (Singspiel) is a half-brother to La Hara (Dansili), a dual winner in the US. Mastercraftsman stood at Coolmore in Ireland for a fee of €25,000 (approx AUD$40,750) in 2020.
Mikki Isle – Arrowfield Stud’s shuttle stallion Mikki Isle (Deep Impact) registered his first stakes winner on Sunday when Meikei Yell (2 f ex Shiroinger by Harbinger) took out the Kokura Nisai Stakes (Gr 3, 1200m) at Kokura in Japan. Sent out as second favourite on the yielding track, the Hidenori Take-trained Meikei Yell – ridden by the handler’s cousin Yutaka Take after winning a newcomers race at the course last month – proved too strong for odds-on favourite Mondreise (Daiwa Major), scoring by a length and a half with a further four lengths to Fodla (Lord Kanaloa) in third. Meikei Yell is likely to be aimed at the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies Stakes (Gr 1, 1600m) in December. It was also a first stakes winner as a broodmare sire for King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Gr 1, 1m 4f) hero Harbinger (Dansili), who continues to stand at Shadai Stallion Station in Hokkaido. Mikki Isle, who did not return to Arrowfield Stud this year due to Covid-19 flight restrictions, will have his first Australian two-year-olds this season.
New Approach – Former Darley shuttler New Approach (Galileo) sired his 55th individual stakes winner when the Godolphin-raced Ziegfeld (3 c ex Maid To Dream by Oasis Dream) took the step up in grade firmly in his stride to take out the Prix Millkom (Listed, 1600m) at Le Teste de Buch on Saturday. The Andre Fabre-trained three-year-old made it three wins in four starts when beating Charlesquint (Showcasing) by a length and a half, with Rodaballo (Lope De Vega) another half a length away in third. New Approach stood at Dalham Hall Stud in Newmarket for a fee of £30,000 (approx AUD$54,500) in 2020.
Pride Of Dubai – Another of Coolmore’s young sires enjoyed a successful week as Pride Of Dubai (Street Cry) sired his fourth individual stakes winner and second in Europe when Fancy Man (2 c ex Fancy by Galileo) posted a comfortable victory in Saturday’s Ascendant Stakes (Listed, 1m) at Haydock. The Richard Hannon-trained juvenile, who was winning for the second time in three starts, had little difficulty, winning by three and a quarter lengths. Pride Of Dubai, who is represented in Australia with Group 3 winner Bella Nipotina, stands at Coolmore for a fee of $38,500 (inc GST) in 2020.
Sepoy – Darley’s Sepoy (Elusive Quality) sired his 18th individual stakes winner and his fifth in Britain when Mighty Gurkha (2 c ex Royal Debt by Royal Applause) bagged the Sirenia Stakes (Gr 3, 6f) at Kempton on Saturday. The Archie Watson-trained juvenile was soon sent into the lead by Adam McNamara and the duo just did enough to cling on from Cloudbridge (Hard Spun) for a nose win. Favourite Mystery Smiles (Mehmas) was a length away in third. Now the winner of two of his five starts, Mighty Gurkha made amends for a disappointing effort when well beaten as a short-priced favourite in a Group 3 contest in France on his most recent outing. The winner is the first foal out of the unraced Royal Debt (Royal Applause) who is a sister to the Group-placed winner Dance And Dance, and also a half-sister to Hong Kong Listed winner Rewarding Hero (Exceed And Excel). Sepoy stands at Northwood Park for a fee of $7,700 in 2020.
Showcasing – Former Haunui Farm shuttler Showcasing brought up stakes winner number 43 on Saturday when Perth horse Showmanship (5 g ex Khales by Don Eduardo) scored his first stakes victory in the Bendigo Bank Stakes (Listed, 1200m) at Moonee Valley. The Grant and Alana Williams-trained, Bob Peters-owned Showmanship was having his second start in Melbourne having won at Caulfield first-up and took his record to seven wins from eight starts overall. Showcasing last shuttled to Haunui Farm in 2017; he stood at Whitsbury Manor Stud in the UK for £55,000 (approx A$100,000) this season.
Soldier Hollow – Soldier Hollow (In The Wings) sired his 45th individual stakes winner when Sommelier (4 c ex Simply Red by Dashing Blade) came out on top in Saturday’s Steher Cup (Listed, 2800m) at Baden-Baden. The Markus Klug-trained four-year-old scored from All For Rome (Holy Roman Emperor) and Calico (Soldier Hollow). Soldier Hollow stood at Gestut Auenquelle for a fee of €30,000 (approx AUD$48,800) in 2020.
Sweynesse – Novara Park Stud’s Sweynesse (Lonhro), last season’s champion first season sire in New Zealand, registered his second stakes winner on Saturday when Only Words (3 f ex Jungle Pago by Darci Brahma) took out the Wanganui Guineas (Listed, 1200m). The Clinton Isdale-trained Only Words settled midfield in a four-deep line on the heavy track and was one of the first to come under pressure, sent very wide on the course. However, she stayed on strongly to win by a half-neck. Sweynesse is standing at Novara Park Stud for NZ$6,000 this season.
Treasure Beach – Florida-based stallion Treasure Beach (Galileo) brought up his eighth individual stakes winner on Saturday when Raymundos Secret (4 f ex Paulette Caveat by Greatness) took out the John C Mabee Stakes (Gr 2, 9f) at Del Mar. The Phil d’Amato-trained Raymundos Secret, who was sent off as favourite in the eight-runner field, led at even splits under Flavien Prat, kicking clear upon straightening. Market rival Lady Prancealot (Sir Prancealot) proved the main danger, charging home late, but she failed to catch Raymundos Secret by a neck; Catch The Eye (Quality Road) was a length away in third. Treasure Beach stands at Pleasant Acres Stallions near Ocala, with the Irish Derby (Gr 1, 1m 4f) and Secretariat Stakes (Gr 1, 10f) winner commanding a fee of US$7,500 (approx A$10,300) in 2020.
Uncle Mo – Uncle Mo (Indian Charlie) filly Girl Daddy provided her sire with his 65th individual stakes winner and in the process guaranteed herself a berth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (Gr 1, 8.5f) with a victory in the Pocahontas Stakes (Gr 3, 1m) at Churchill Downs on Thursday. Trained by Dale Romans, Girl Daddy was winning for the second time in as many starts as she beat favourite Crazy Beautiful (Liam’s Map) by two lengths, with a gap of three and three-quarter lengths back to the third-placed Alexandria (Constitution). Bred in Kentucky by the China Horse Club, Girl Daddy is out of the stakes-winning mare Cara Marie (Unbridled’s Song). She was a $500,000 purchase at the 2019 Keeneland September Yearling Sale from the Bluewater Sales consignment. Uncle Mo stood at Coolmore’s Ashford Stud for a fee of US$125,000 (approx AUD$171,500) in 2020.
Vancouver – Golden Slipper Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m) winner Vancouver (Medaglia d’Oro) brought up his first Australian and US stakes winners this last week, for his third stakes winner overall. Night Raid (3 f ex Raid by Pins) took out the Atlantic Jewel Stakes (Listed, 1200m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday, while Madone (2 f ex Indian Love Call by Cherokee Run) took out the Del Mar Juvenile Fillies Turf (Listed, 1m) in America on Sunday. Night Raid, a $160,000 purchase by Sheamus Mills Bloodstock and Mick Price Racing at last year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, entered Saturday’s contest off a seven-length Tatura maiden win and was sent out as $3.50 favourite. Madone, who stumbled at the start at Del Mar but was patiently ridden by Flavien Prat, took victory by a half-length, remaining unbeaten from two starts. Vancouver, whose first stakes winner was South African Group 2 winner Mount Pleasant, is standing for $30,250 (inc GST) at Coolmore Australia this year.