All eyes might have been pointing south at the moment, but the performance of Swift Judgement didn’t escape the gaze of thousands of TVN/Sky viewers when he took out the EBP RSL Handicap over 1550m at Canterbury last night.
The GOD’S OWN colt lived up to his big reputation by eking out his own brand of judgement to a small but classy field, a number of whom had previously won in the city.
Trainer Bart Cummings has always had a huge opinion of the colt who races in the same livery as his sire and is out of the Zabeel mare, Zadonna, a three quarter sister to multiple stakes winner Vernal and hailing from the family of Grosvenor, Mahaya, Shadea, Miss Keepsake and co.
Bred by John Truscott, Swift Judgement was sold by Yallambee Stud to Duncan Ramage for $105,000 at the 2009 Inglis Melbourne Yearling Sale.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
ANOTHER BEL DOUBLE
Following up on his Wednesday double, BEL ESPRIT was at it again yesterday (Friday) with another pair in the shape of Waltzes at Moonee Valley and Jimmy Shiraz who was red hot at Stawell.
Resuming from a five month break, Waltzes proved too strong for his rivals over the 955m at the Valley and has now put together five wins and a second from 10 outings for trainer Jarrod McLean.
Out of the Picnicker mare, Dance The Music – and bred by Len Rhodes and Warren Calendar – Waltzes was sold by Eliza Park to Slade Bloodstock for $80,000 at the 2007 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale.
Waltzes is out of a 4-time winning half sister to multiple Melbourne Group Two winner Magic Music, in turn the dam of Group Two winner Magically.
Meanwhile, Jimmy Shiraz broke through for a deserved win at Stawell, following Geelong seconds at his previous two outings.
Bred and raced by the Stapleton family, Jimmy Shiraz is trained by Darren Weir and is out of the Kenvain mare, Robyn’s Furniture, an 8-time winner and dam of 5-time winner Dancin School.
Jimmy Shiraz is also linebred to Vain through two daughters and nick that works particularly well with Bel Esprit.
Resuming from a five month break, Waltzes proved too strong for his rivals over the 955m at the Valley and has now put together five wins and a second from 10 outings for trainer Jarrod McLean.
Out of the Picnicker mare, Dance The Music – and bred by Len Rhodes and Warren Calendar – Waltzes was sold by Eliza Park to Slade Bloodstock for $80,000 at the 2007 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale.
Waltzes is out of a 4-time winning half sister to multiple Melbourne Group Two winner Magic Music, in turn the dam of Group Two winner Magically.
Meanwhile, Jimmy Shiraz broke through for a deserved win at Stawell, following Geelong seconds at his previous two outings.
Bred and raced by the Stapleton family, Jimmy Shiraz is trained by Darren Weir and is out of the Kenvain mare, Robyn’s Furniture, an 8-time winner and dam of 5-time winner Dancin School.
Jimmy Shiraz is also linebred to Vain through two daughters and nick that works particularly well with Bel Esprit.
Friday, October 29, 2010
ELIZA HIT & RUN
Eliza Park has literally made a hit and run trip to the Gold Coast for the 2010 Horses In Training sale with three 2YOs averaging close to $80,000 and selling the highest priced More Than Ready ($130,000).
The flashy King of Roses colt (from Grand Lodge mare Star Design) was snapped up by the astute Grant Morgan (On Track Thoroughbreds) for $40,000, while the Bel Esprit colt from Mookta mare Straight By was knocked down to Kiwi agent Paul Beamish for $67,500.
But the coup de grace was unquestionably the More Than Ready colt, from Joshua Dancer mare, Gathering Storm, who was purchased for $130,000 by South African buyer World Wide Bloodstock (interestingly, Gathering Storm was a stakes winner in South Africa).
It was also encouraging to see the first crop progeny of highly promising stallion, WRITTEN TYCOON, selling so well on the Coast – obviously due to the precociousness shown by a number of trial winners and the brilliant second of Masthead in the $250,000 Inglis race at Moonee Valley on Cox Plate day.
Overall, the three youngsters sold averaged $56,250 with the colt from Chapent (sold at the Adelaide Magic Millions Yearling Sale for $30,000), eventually going the way of Singapore’s Basil Marcus for $110,000.
Eliza Park is also selling 13 horses at the Inglis Australian Racehorse Sale on 14 November and for full pedigree details, photos and videos - both breeze up and parade - click here.
The flashy King of Roses colt (from Grand Lodge mare Star Design) was snapped up by the astute Grant Morgan (On Track Thoroughbreds) for $40,000, while the Bel Esprit colt from Mookta mare Straight By was knocked down to Kiwi agent Paul Beamish for $67,500.
But the coup de grace was unquestionably the More Than Ready colt, from Joshua Dancer mare, Gathering Storm, who was purchased for $130,000 by South African buyer World Wide Bloodstock (interestingly, Gathering Storm was a stakes winner in South Africa).
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| More Than Ready - Gathering Storm: sold to World Wide BS for $130,000 |
It was also encouraging to see the first crop progeny of highly promising stallion, WRITTEN TYCOON, selling so well on the Coast – obviously due to the precociousness shown by a number of trial winners and the brilliant second of Masthead in the $250,000 Inglis race at Moonee Valley on Cox Plate day.
Overall, the three youngsters sold averaged $56,250 with the colt from Chapent (sold at the Adelaide Magic Millions Yearling Sale for $30,000), eventually going the way of Singapore’s Basil Marcus for $110,000.
Eliza Park is also selling 13 horses at the Inglis Australian Racehorse Sale on 14 November and for full pedigree details, photos and videos - both breeze up and parade - click here.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
Education is when you read the fine print. Experience is what you get if you don’t.
- American folk singer Pete Seeger
- American folk singer Pete Seeger
Thursday, October 28, 2010
BLACK CAVIAR - BEST IN WORLD
Eliza Park stands sires of world’s two best sprinters!
Unbeaten boom 4YO mare Black Caviar (BEL ESPRIT) has been rated the world’s best sprinter by UK Racing Post following her 5.5-lengths annihilation of her rivals in last Saturday’s Gr2 Schweppes Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley in Melbourne.
Black Caviar was given a 129 rating by Racing Post, placing her just ahead of fellow Australian sprinter and boom WA 5YO gelding Hay List (STATUE OF LIBERTY) who is on 128 after his recent victories in the Gr2 Gilgai Stakes (1200m) at Flemington and Gr1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley.
They are followed in the ratings (based on races run between 1000-1200m this year) by 6-time Gr1-winning Australian-bred 7YO gelding and last season’s Hong Kong Horse-Of-The-Year Sacred Kingdom on 127 and Australian-bred 4YO sprinter Starspangledbanner on 125.
Black Caviar (a $210,000 yearling at the 2008 Inglis Premier Sale in Melbourne) now boasts 7 wins (also including the Gr2 Schillaci Stakes over 1000m at Caulfield on October 9 and January’s Gr2 Australia Stakes over 1200m at Moonee Valley, plus 2009’s Gr2 Danehill Stakes over 1200m at Flemington, Listed Arrow Training Services Plate over 1200m at Moonee Valley and Listed Blue Sapphire Stakes over 1200m at Caulfield) from 7 starts for $789,250 earnings. Racing Post commented on her latest victory: “The ease with which Black Caviar dispatched her rivals was unmistakable and the huge winning margin tells much of the story.”
Unbeaten boom 4YO mare Black Caviar (BEL ESPRIT) has been rated the world’s best sprinter by UK Racing Post following her 5.5-lengths annihilation of her rivals in last Saturday’s Gr2 Schweppes Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley in Melbourne.
Black Caviar was given a 129 rating by Racing Post, placing her just ahead of fellow Australian sprinter and boom WA 5YO gelding Hay List (STATUE OF LIBERTY) who is on 128 after his recent victories in the Gr2 Gilgai Stakes (1200m) at Flemington and Gr1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley.
They are followed in the ratings (based on races run between 1000-1200m this year) by 6-time Gr1-winning Australian-bred 7YO gelding and last season’s Hong Kong Horse-Of-The-Year Sacred Kingdom on 127 and Australian-bred 4YO sprinter Starspangledbanner on 125.
Black Caviar (a $210,000 yearling at the 2008 Inglis Premier Sale in Melbourne) now boasts 7 wins (also including the Gr2 Schillaci Stakes over 1000m at Caulfield on October 9 and January’s Gr2 Australia Stakes over 1200m at Moonee Valley, plus 2009’s Gr2 Danehill Stakes over 1200m at Flemington, Listed Arrow Training Services Plate over 1200m at Moonee Valley and Listed Blue Sapphire Stakes over 1200m at Caulfield) from 7 starts for $789,250 earnings. Racing Post commented on her latest victory: “The ease with which Black Caviar dispatched her rivals was unmistakable and the huge winning margin tells much of the story.”
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| Black Caviar |
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| Hay List Here’s the article from Racing Post on 25 October Moonee played host to a spectacular performance on Cox Plate day, but it was not from So You Think who won the headline event, as expected, in cosy style. No. The biggest performance of last week– and the sprinting year as a whole – came on the under card when Black Caviar destroyed a top class field to land the Group 2 Schweppes Stakes by an effortless five-and-a-half lengths. The four-year-old filly posted an RPR of 129+ for her jaw-dropping success, which puts her top of the sprint division for 2010 and sets up the sprint match-up of the season against former leader Hay List in next month’s Patinack Classic. Hay List had jumped to the head of the sprint standings after his victory in last month’s Manikato Stakes and he confirmed his lofty status by coasting home in easy style against a lesser field in the Gilgai Stakes last time, taking his career record to an impressive 12 from 14. Well now he has competition and, though she has not yet scored in the top grade herself, Black Caviar has an enviable record of her own, being unbeaten in seven starts. Her latest success was a fair step up on her previous form – although she does have a win over Newmarket Handicap winner Wanted to her name from last season. Saturday’s card was strong for the grade, with dual-Group 1 winners Melito and Hot Danish in contention, along with True Persuasion (also by Bel Esprit) and Eagle Falls, who boast recent placed form behind Hay List. On collateral form lines through those two the filly is way ahead of Hay List, although direct lines may be untrustworthy as both the Manikato and the Schweppes were small field affairs run round a turning track and neither pace was break-neck. But the ease with which Black Caviar dispatched her rivals was unmistakable and the huge winning margin tells much of the story. In the rest of the world there has been little to shout about in the sprinting ranks, other than the nice comeback from Sacred Kingdom in a Group 3 handicap at Sha Tin last month, and the sprint title looks set to be decided at Flemington in two weeks time when Hay List and Black Caviar put their fine records on the line. Whoever wins, the Ascot management would do well to get either of them to turn up to the Royal meeting next year, as these two will be the hot tickets in the 2011 sprint division. Even by Australian standards they look special. |
BENDIGO BULLET
Alastair McFarlane’s lightly raced homebred, Esprit de Bullet, has had some frustrating injury problems throughout his career, but when’s he good, he’s very, very good.
Esprit de Bullet (BEL ESPRIT) appears to be back to his very best after a devastating performance at the Bendigo Cup meeting yesterday, taking out the TAB Big6 0 - 78 Handicap over 1000m by 3.5 lengths.
Coming from near the tail of the field turning for home, Esprit de Bullet went like a – well, bullet – to register his fourth win from eight starts.
A winner on debut at Cheltenham (on Boxing Day 2008), Bendigo has clearly been a happy hunting ground for Esprit de Bullet who now has three victories at the track.
Trained at Ballarat by Mark Lewis, Esprit de Bullet is out of the Bite the Bullet mare, Beat the Bullet, dam of seven winners (from seven to race) including the stakes winning pair Hollow Bullet (VRC Oaks-G1, STC Storm Queen S-G1) and Red Hot Mama.
Beat The Bullet has an unraced 2YO by God’s Own.
Bel Esprit double - Snippets 7 from 7
The victory of Esprit de Bullet brought up a double for Bel Esprit who, earlier in the day was represented by Beleconi: a near four length winner over 1500m at Gawler.
It was the first win for the Phillip Stokes trained 4YO who has only had the four outings to date and followed up a good second at Morphettville on 4 October with the Gawler victory.
Bred by Diana Anceschi, Beleconi is out of the Snippets mare Bocconi, closely related to Sydney Cup winner and sire, Marooned.
Diana has also bred a yearling full brother to Beleconi and it’s worth noting that Bel Esprit has now produced seven winners from Snippets mares … from seven to race!
Esprit de Bullet (BEL ESPRIT) appears to be back to his very best after a devastating performance at the Bendigo Cup meeting yesterday, taking out the TAB Big6 0 - 78 Handicap over 1000m by 3.5 lengths.
Coming from near the tail of the field turning for home, Esprit de Bullet went like a – well, bullet – to register his fourth win from eight starts.
A winner on debut at Cheltenham (on Boxing Day 2008), Bendigo has clearly been a happy hunting ground for Esprit de Bullet who now has three victories at the track.
Trained at Ballarat by Mark Lewis, Esprit de Bullet is out of the Bite the Bullet mare, Beat the Bullet, dam of seven winners (from seven to race) including the stakes winning pair Hollow Bullet (VRC Oaks-G1, STC Storm Queen S-G1) and Red Hot Mama.
Beat The Bullet has an unraced 2YO by God’s Own.
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| Esprit de Bullet scores at Bendigo. Photo courtesy of SLICKPIX |
Bel Esprit double - Snippets 7 from 7
The victory of Esprit de Bullet brought up a double for Bel Esprit who, earlier in the day was represented by Beleconi: a near four length winner over 1500m at Gawler.
It was the first win for the Phillip Stokes trained 4YO who has only had the four outings to date and followed up a good second at Morphettville on 4 October with the Gawler victory.
Bred by Diana Anceschi, Beleconi is out of the Snippets mare Bocconi, closely related to Sydney Cup winner and sire, Marooned.
Diana has also bred a yearling full brother to Beleconi and it’s worth noting that Bel Esprit has now produced seven winners from Snippets mares … from seven to race!
TAMPIKO OWNERS ESPRIT
Champion Victorian trainer, Peter Moody, has a very close affinity with Champion Victorian sire, BEL ESPRIT.
As the trainer of unbeaten mare, Black Caviar, Peter is well aware of Bel Esprit’s prowess in the breeding barn, but he’s also managed to snare his owners (including successful New Zealand breeder Don McLaren) a service nomination to the sire following the win of Tampiko in yesterday’s Bel Esprit @ Eliza Park Fillies & Mares Handicap over 1400m at Bendigo.
The 5YO mare raced just off the pace for most of the event before running home strongly to capture her fifth career victory from 17 outings.
As the trainer of unbeaten mare, Black Caviar, Peter is well aware of Bel Esprit’s prowess in the breeding barn, but he’s also managed to snare his owners (including successful New Zealand breeder Don McLaren) a service nomination to the sire following the win of Tampiko in yesterday’s Bel Esprit @ Eliza Park Fillies & Mares Handicap over 1400m at Bendigo.
The 5YO mare raced just off the pace for most of the event before running home strongly to capture her fifth career victory from 17 outings.
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| Eliza Park's Tracey Doolan presents the Bel Esprit @ Eliza Park trophy |
WRITTEN TYCOON MASTHEAD
First crop Eliza Park resident WRITTEN TYCOON has fallen just short of siring the winner of the $250,000 Inglis Banner for 2yo's at Moonee Valley on Cox Plate Day.
The Lee Freedman trained colt was desperately unlucky as he blew the start and then was held up for a run before Danny Nikolic finally saw daylight albeit too late to catch the eventual winner.
Masthead showed he was ready to run a big race after winning a Cranbourne barrier trial and following his debut run looks set for a big future as does his sire, which will no doubt be right up there in calculations for the title of Champion First Season Sire.
- TBV News 28 October
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| Written Tycoon |
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
HEADS UP
An archaeological team, digging in Washington DC, has uncovered 10,000 year old bones and fossil remains of what is believed to be the first politician.
Maybe he was dodging a shoe!
Maybe he was dodging a shoe!
Monday, October 25, 2010
GOD HELPS HERSELF TO $100K WIN
Well, two weeks ago we had God Help Us and now, we’re blessed with God Help Her, a very smart filly who captured yesterday’s $100,000 Inglis Trophy at Sale: one of provincial Victoria’s richest races for 3YOs.
Bred by Ealing Park Pty Ltd, G Gleeson, M Bucknell and C Dodd, God Help Her is by GOD’S OWN out of the Volksraad mare Volkiss, giving her a 4 x 4 cross to Danzig.
The third horse to race and second winner by the stakes placed Volkiss, the God Help Her is trained (and part owned) by Sharyn Trolove, who had to compete against the likes of Patinack’s John Thompson, Clarry Conners, Michael Moroney, Mick Price and Colin Alderson to grab the major prize.
This was God Help Her’s second start after running third on debut at Bairnsdale (beaten 1.5 lengths) when tightened for room at the start.
Jockey Luke Nolan was very impressed with the filly’s performance: “She really attacked the line and there’ll be plenty more wins in store for her that’s for sure,” Nolen said.
Obviously a big future for this gal!
Bred by Ealing Park Pty Ltd, G Gleeson, M Bucknell and C Dodd, God Help Her is by GOD’S OWN out of the Volksraad mare Volkiss, giving her a 4 x 4 cross to Danzig.
The third horse to race and second winner by the stakes placed Volkiss, the God Help Her is trained (and part owned) by Sharyn Trolove, who had to compete against the likes of Patinack’s John Thompson, Clarry Conners, Michael Moroney, Mick Price and Colin Alderson to grab the major prize.
This was God Help Her’s second start after running third on debut at Bairnsdale (beaten 1.5 lengths) when tightened for room at the start.
Jockey Luke Nolan was very impressed with the filly’s performance: “She really attacked the line and there’ll be plenty more wins in store for her that’s for sure,” Nolen said.
Obviously a big future for this gal!
BUT THAT’S NOT ALL …
GOD’S OWN didn’t have to wait long to post a double on what was clearly a super Sunday for the Redoute’s Choice stallion.
Despite only attracting the support of a few ‘Desperate Housewives’, Magnolia Lane was never going to lose her assignment over 1350m at Wyong and raced away to score by three lengths. Sent out a $7 pick, the filly cruised just off the pace to the turn before going whamo.
Ironically, while Clarry Conners failed to snare the prize at Sale, his son Marc is the proud trainer of Magnolia Lane who was having her third start at Wyong after running third at Hawkesbury earlier this month.
Out of the Umatilla mare Stikumonice and linebred to Champion mare Dancing Show through two daughters, this is also the family of the brilliant and highly influential sire Twig Moss.
Bred by God’s Own shareholder Tony Blackman, Magnolia Lane also has an unraced 2YO full brother, Chilled Ambrosia.
Despite only attracting the support of a few ‘Desperate Housewives’, Magnolia Lane was never going to lose her assignment over 1350m at Wyong and raced away to score by three lengths. Sent out a $7 pick, the filly cruised just off the pace to the turn before going whamo.
Ironically, while Clarry Conners failed to snare the prize at Sale, his son Marc is the proud trainer of Magnolia Lane who was having her third start at Wyong after running third at Hawkesbury earlier this month.
Out of the Umatilla mare Stikumonice and linebred to Champion mare Dancing Show through two daughters, this is also the family of the brilliant and highly influential sire Twig Moss.
Bred by God’s Own shareholder Tony Blackman, Magnolia Lane also has an unraced 2YO full brother, Chilled Ambrosia.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
ELIZA PARK THE WINNER
Sensational sprinter Black Caviar passed her biggest test to date with flying colours by toying with multiple Group 1 winner Hot Danish in Saturday's Group II Schweppes Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley.
Ridden by Luke Nolen for leading trainer Peter Moody, the powerfully built mare kept her record at a perfect seven for seven when barely breaking a sweat to dispose of Hot Danish (Nothin' Leica Dane) by 5.5 lengths with track specialist True Persuasion (Bel Esprit) three-quarters of a length back in third.
“I am the only man who wasn’t disappointed Hay List wasn’t here,” Moody joked. “You run out of things to say don’t you? She just seems to do it effortlessly.
“The scary thing is she’s never been pressured. Does she find under pressure? Hopefully we never have to find out. It’s just scintillating what she does.”
Hay List missed the race due to an elevated temperature however the two are due to meet up in the Group 1 Patinack Farm Classic (1200m) in a fortnight’s time.
Whatever the outcome of that clash the big winner will be Eliza Park Stud, which stands Black Caviar's sire Bel Esprit and Hay List's sire Statue Of Liberty (USA).
Black Caviar is the first foal of the Desert Sun mare Helsinge, a half-sister to Group One winner Magnus who stands alongside Bel Esprit at Eliza Park Stud and Group Two winner Wilander.
- Mark Smith, Breednet - 24 October 2010
Ridden by Luke Nolen for leading trainer Peter Moody, the powerfully built mare kept her record at a perfect seven for seven when barely breaking a sweat to dispose of Hot Danish (Nothin' Leica Dane) by 5.5 lengths with track specialist True Persuasion (Bel Esprit) three-quarters of a length back in third.
“I am the only man who wasn’t disappointed Hay List wasn’t here,” Moody joked. “You run out of things to say don’t you? She just seems to do it effortlessly.
“The scary thing is she’s never been pressured. Does she find under pressure? Hopefully we never have to find out. It’s just scintillating what she does.”
Hay List missed the race due to an elevated temperature however the two are due to meet up in the Group 1 Patinack Farm Classic (1200m) in a fortnight’s time.
Whatever the outcome of that clash the big winner will be Eliza Park Stud, which stands Black Caviar's sire Bel Esprit and Hay List's sire Statue Of Liberty (USA).
Black Caviar is the first foal of the Desert Sun mare Helsinge, a half-sister to Group One winner Magnus who stands alongside Bel Esprit at Eliza Park Stud and Group Two winner Wilander.
- Mark Smith, Breednet - 24 October 2010
2YOS SHINE TOO
Moonee Valley wasn’t only a happy hunting ground yesterday for BEL ESPRIT who grabbed a 1, 3 in the Group Two Schweppes with the brilliant, unbeaten mare, Black Caviar and the highly promising entire True Persuasion.
While much of the focus – naturally enough – centred on Black Caviar, True Persuasion also put in a cracking run to grab third – his second Group placing on the trot after finishing second to Hay List in Group One Manikato Stakes in September.
Running second and third behind Hay List and Black Caviar looks good on any resume and trainer Mick Price is confident True Persuasion can crack it at Group One level and may well travel to New Zealand for its summer carnival.
Congratulations to breeder/owner Marianne Smart who has put a helluva lot into this game and is thoroughly deserved of whatever comes her way.
But while BEL ESPRIT took the kudos for the Schweppes, the spotlight also fell on two other Eliza Park stallions – WRITTEN TYCOON and GOD’S OWN – earlier in the day.
Written Tycoon’s Masthead and God’s Own’s Manor Lady – both first starters – fought on gamely in the $250,000 Microflite Helicopters Inglis Banner over 1000m at the Valley, finishing second and third respectively.
Masthead won his trial at Cranbourne for Lee Freedman last month, but had absolutely no luck in running yesterday, turning sideways on jumping and smothered up between horses for a good part of the journey. Once clear, he showed plenty to indicate a win is not far in the offing.
Masthead is out of the Redoute’s Choice mare Balsamico and was bred by Vintage Bloodstock in South Australia.
Manor Lady also held on well after sharing the lead turning for home. Trained at Cranbourne by Robbie Griffiths, she won her only barrier trial convincingly and with yesterday’s run under her belt, is another who should be visiting the winners’ circle soon.
Out of the Grand Lodge mare, M’Lady’s Manor, Manor Lady was bred by Adam Palmer.
God’s Own stands at Eliza Park in conjunction with Yallambee Stud.
While much of the focus – naturally enough – centred on Black Caviar, True Persuasion also put in a cracking run to grab third – his second Group placing on the trot after finishing second to Hay List in Group One Manikato Stakes in September.
Running second and third behind Hay List and Black Caviar looks good on any resume and trainer Mick Price is confident True Persuasion can crack it at Group One level and may well travel to New Zealand for its summer carnival.
Congratulations to breeder/owner Marianne Smart who has put a helluva lot into this game and is thoroughly deserved of whatever comes her way.
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| Marianne Smart (left) with Eliza Park's Tracey Doolan |
Written Tycoon’s Masthead and God’s Own’s Manor Lady – both first starters – fought on gamely in the $250,000 Microflite Helicopters Inglis Banner over 1000m at the Valley, finishing second and third respectively.
Masthead won his trial at Cranbourne for Lee Freedman last month, but had absolutely no luck in running yesterday, turning sideways on jumping and smothered up between horses for a good part of the journey. Once clear, he showed plenty to indicate a win is not far in the offing.
Masthead is out of the Redoute’s Choice mare Balsamico and was bred by Vintage Bloodstock in South Australia.
Manor Lady also held on well after sharing the lead turning for home. Trained at Cranbourne by Robbie Griffiths, she won her only barrier trial convincingly and with yesterday’s run under her belt, is another who should be visiting the winners’ circle soon.
Out of the Grand Lodge mare, M’Lady’s Manor, Manor Lady was bred by Adam Palmer.
God’s Own stands at Eliza Park in conjunction with Yallambee Stud.
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| Masthead (Written Tycoon) as a yearling. |
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| Manor Lady (God's Own) as a yearling. |
DOMINANT CAVIAR
And this one from ANZ Bloodstock News ...
Black Caviar (BEL ESPRIT) firmly threw down the gauntlet to Hay
List (STATUE OF LIBERTY) for spring sprint honours with a dominant
performance in the $300,000 Schweppes Stakes (Gr 2, 1200m). A little
slowly away, Black Caviar was soon sitting just off the lead held by
True Persuasion (Bel Eprit) but the race as a contest was virtually
over after halfway.
Black Caviar was coasting outside True Persuasion as they
approached the turn for home and once Luke Nolen released the
handbrake on Black Caviar the unbeaten mare bounded clear to
win easily, prompting winning trainer Peter Moody to quip, “ She’s
pretty special isn’t she!”
Hot Danish (Nothin Lecia Dane) ran on in the straight to take
second with True Persuasion staying on gamely for third.
“I’m the only man here that wasn’t disappointed Hay List wasn’t
here,” a smiling Moody said later. “You run out of things to say,
don’t you? She just seems to do it so effortlessly.
“I said to Luke just sit on her for as long as you can, you’ve got the
best turn off foot. Ride her as the best horse, whatever happens
or unfolds then you’re around the race.
“The scary thing is she’s never been pressured. Does she find
under pressure? Hopefully we never have to find out. It’s just
scintillating what she does.
“Luke said he’s got this theory, the faster she goes the better she
feels. I said to him when I legged him up, ‘just keep getting scared
something’s going to fly off’.
“She doesn’t know her own strength or her own brilliance and
that’s brought about her downfall a few times. Touch wood, we’re
two runs into a prep, this is the longest prep we’ve had so far,
it would be lovely to get to Flemington in a couple of weeks and
make it a three-run prep,” he said.
As far as the much anticipated clash with Hay List, most likely
in the Patinack Classic (Gr 1, 1200m) at Flemington, Moody is
realistic. “He’s an outstanding horse, but what do you do? We’re
undefeated and we’ve got to keep going forward. The more you
win the closer you are to defeat.”
Winning jockey Luke Nolen continues to be amazed by Black
Caviar. “It’s a great thrill you know. She’s kept in one piece so far
this campaign and she’s sort of been a patch-up job throughout
her career because she’s so big and powerful,” said Nolan. “It is
a little bit scary. I don’t think we’ve found the bottom of her yet.
Black Caviar has had some issues with starting her races earlier
in her career and there has been a lot of work done at home to
rectify her tardiness and impetuosity. “I’m pleased with the way
she’s leaving the gates. She’s not flying the machine like she did
in the Danehill and spent the next two strides on her nose; she’s
leaving the gates nice and clean,” Nolen explained.
“I’ve got to give full credit to Glenn Darrington, he’s done well
to work with her at the jumpouts at Caulfield at home and he’s
always at the races when she runs. He looks after her and he’s
probably as much to credit for that, just getting her to leave (the
barriers). It doesn’t have to be quick, but just leave with him and
then she musters. She feels real good when she gets top gear!”
Black Caviar (4 m Bel Esprit – Helsinge, by Desert Sun) has now
won all seven of her starts and earned $789,250. She sold for
$210,000 as a yearling at the Melbourne Premier Sale.
Black Caviar (BEL ESPRIT) firmly threw down the gauntlet to Hay
List (STATUE OF LIBERTY) for spring sprint honours with a dominant
performance in the $300,000 Schweppes Stakes (Gr 2, 1200m). A little
slowly away, Black Caviar was soon sitting just off the lead held by
True Persuasion (Bel Eprit) but the race as a contest was virtually
over after halfway.
Black Caviar was coasting outside True Persuasion as they
approached the turn for home and once Luke Nolen released the
handbrake on Black Caviar the unbeaten mare bounded clear to
win easily, prompting winning trainer Peter Moody to quip, “ She’s
pretty special isn’t she!”
Hot Danish (Nothin Lecia Dane) ran on in the straight to take
second with True Persuasion staying on gamely for third.
“I’m the only man here that wasn’t disappointed Hay List wasn’t
here,” a smiling Moody said later. “You run out of things to say,
don’t you? She just seems to do it so effortlessly.
“I said to Luke just sit on her for as long as you can, you’ve got the
best turn off foot. Ride her as the best horse, whatever happens
or unfolds then you’re around the race.
“The scary thing is she’s never been pressured. Does she find
under pressure? Hopefully we never have to find out. It’s just
scintillating what she does.
“Luke said he’s got this theory, the faster she goes the better she
feels. I said to him when I legged him up, ‘just keep getting scared
something’s going to fly off’.
“She doesn’t know her own strength or her own brilliance and
that’s brought about her downfall a few times. Touch wood, we’re
two runs into a prep, this is the longest prep we’ve had so far,
it would be lovely to get to Flemington in a couple of weeks and
make it a three-run prep,” he said.
As far as the much anticipated clash with Hay List, most likely
in the Patinack Classic (Gr 1, 1200m) at Flemington, Moody is
realistic. “He’s an outstanding horse, but what do you do? We’re
undefeated and we’ve got to keep going forward. The more you
win the closer you are to defeat.”
Winning jockey Luke Nolen continues to be amazed by Black
Caviar. “It’s a great thrill you know. She’s kept in one piece so far
this campaign and she’s sort of been a patch-up job throughout
her career because she’s so big and powerful,” said Nolan. “It is
a little bit scary. I don’t think we’ve found the bottom of her yet.
Black Caviar has had some issues with starting her races earlier
in her career and there has been a lot of work done at home to
rectify her tardiness and impetuosity. “I’m pleased with the way
she’s leaving the gates. She’s not flying the machine like she did
in the Danehill and spent the next two strides on her nose; she’s
leaving the gates nice and clean,” Nolen explained.
“I’ve got to give full credit to Glenn Darrington, he’s done well
to work with her at the jumpouts at Caulfield at home and he’s
always at the races when she runs. He looks after her and he’s
probably as much to credit for that, just getting her to leave (the
barriers). It doesn’t have to be quick, but just leave with him and
then she musters. She feels real good when she gets top gear!”
Black Caviar (4 m Bel Esprit – Helsinge, by Desert Sun) has now
won all seven of her starts and earned $789,250. She sold for
$210,000 as a yearling at the Melbourne Premier Sale.
VICTORY FOR JAN & BERNIE
Top win at Rosehill yesterday by the John Thompson trained Schipper who recorded her third win (and two placings) from only 11 starts when she scooted away over the 1200m.
Sold by Eliza Park to Patinack Farm at the 2008 Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale for $190,000, Schipper is out of the prolific Salieri mare Victory River.
Owned by long time Eliza clients – Jan and Bernie Rodriquez (Townsings Lane Farm) – Victory River is also the dam of Group One winner Reactive and the Caulfield stakes winner Fleischer.
Sold by Eliza Park to Patinack Farm at the 2008 Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale for $190,000, Schipper is out of the prolific Salieri mare Victory River.
Owned by long time Eliza clients – Jan and Bernie Rodriquez (Townsings Lane Farm) – Victory River is also the dam of Group One winner Reactive and the Caulfield stakes winner Fleischer.
MUNZ’S INTEREST REKINDLED
Congratulations to SHARKBITE’s owner/breeder, Jonathan Munz, who struck with another homebred yesterday when Rekindled Interest, rekindled plenty of interest in next Saturday’s Victoria Derby-G1.
ANZ Bloodstock News takes up the story:
Johnathan Munz has invested millions into racing and he looks
to have a smart horse on his hands after Rekindled Interest
(Redoute’s Choice) stamped himself a genuine Victoria Derby
(Gr 1, 2500m) contender next week with a well deserved win in
the $200,000 Moonee Valley Vase (Gr 2, 2040).
The Jim Conlan trainee has been luckless in most of his races this preparation but he clearly appreciated the step up to 2000m and he came with a sweeping run from the 600m to first reach the lead turning in and then quickening up again to go clear, eventually defeating longtime leader and a very game Lion Tamer (Storming Home) by two and a half lengths.
Conlon confirmed afterwards that Rekindled Interest will back up
at Flemington next week. “It’s a week away and hopefully he does
well this week. So long as he does this week we’ll be there.”
“Today I said to Dwayne, just be positive, (put him) where he’s
comfortable and I’m sure he’ll hit the line. He’s got a very stout
pedigree on the mare’s side.”
“He’s got a decent heart and a good set of lungs. The last week
he seems to have really just blossomed,” Conlan continued.
“He’s had a really wonderful week this week, had a nice gallop on
Tuesday at Mornington and from there you really saw the horse
starting to hold his condition.”
Referring to Rekindled Interest’s career to date, Conlan said, “It’s
been quite frustrating, we’ve had bad barriers, (been) knocked
over at the start, he just hasn’t had the luck that he’s needed.”
Winning jockey Dwayne Dunn explained later that, although this
was the first time he had ridden Rekindled Interest, he had been
watching the gelding from afar.
“I actually saw him a long time ago at the two-year-old jumpouts at
Balnarring. He beat us and beat us quite convincingly on one we
thought went OK and I’ve always kept an eye on him and always
strived to be associated with him whenever I could and I haven’t
been able to get onto him until today which is probably the right
time.”
“I think I’m punching around as well as anyone at the moment
and just found the right spot on him today and just got a beautiful
run in transit.”
“Obviously the horse hasn’t had that much luck the way they’ve
just been teaching him to try and stay and just find the line.
Unfortunately last start he missed the start and just got squeeze
out of it and it probably took away from what he could do.”
Rekindled Interest is the 67th stakeswinner for Redoute’s Choice
and has now won two of his six starts for earnings of $197,200.
ANZ Bloodstock News takes up the story:
Johnathan Munz has invested millions into racing and he looks
to have a smart horse on his hands after Rekindled Interest
(Redoute’s Choice) stamped himself a genuine Victoria Derby
(Gr 1, 2500m) contender next week with a well deserved win in
the $200,000 Moonee Valley Vase (Gr 2, 2040).
The Jim Conlan trainee has been luckless in most of his races this preparation but he clearly appreciated the step up to 2000m and he came with a sweeping run from the 600m to first reach the lead turning in and then quickening up again to go clear, eventually defeating longtime leader and a very game Lion Tamer (Storming Home) by two and a half lengths.
Conlon confirmed afterwards that Rekindled Interest will back up
at Flemington next week. “It’s a week away and hopefully he does
well this week. So long as he does this week we’ll be there.”
“Today I said to Dwayne, just be positive, (put him) where he’s
comfortable and I’m sure he’ll hit the line. He’s got a very stout
pedigree on the mare’s side.”
“He’s got a decent heart and a good set of lungs. The last week
he seems to have really just blossomed,” Conlan continued.
“He’s had a really wonderful week this week, had a nice gallop on
Tuesday at Mornington and from there you really saw the horse
starting to hold his condition.”
Referring to Rekindled Interest’s career to date, Conlan said, “It’s
been quite frustrating, we’ve had bad barriers, (been) knocked
over at the start, he just hasn’t had the luck that he’s needed.”
Winning jockey Dwayne Dunn explained later that, although this
was the first time he had ridden Rekindled Interest, he had been
watching the gelding from afar.
“I actually saw him a long time ago at the two-year-old jumpouts at
Balnarring. He beat us and beat us quite convincingly on one we
thought went OK and I’ve always kept an eye on him and always
strived to be associated with him whenever I could and I haven’t
been able to get onto him until today which is probably the right
time.”
“I think I’m punching around as well as anyone at the moment
and just found the right spot on him today and just got a beautiful
run in transit.”
“Obviously the horse hasn’t had that much luck the way they’ve
just been teaching him to try and stay and just find the line.
Unfortunately last start he missed the start and just got squeeze
out of it and it probably took away from what he could do.”
Rekindled Interest is the 67th stakeswinner for Redoute’s Choice
and has now won two of his six starts for earnings of $197,200.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
BEL v BEL
Saturday’s Group Two Schweppes Stakes was shaping – for some time – as the match race of 2010 (possibly the past decade) with the anticipated clash of STATUE OF LIBERTY’s flyer, Hay List and unbeaten BEL ESPRIT mare, Black Caviar.
Firstly, it appeared Black Caviar wouldn’t front the starter due to missing some vital trackwork, then following a sparkling hit out on Tuesday, trainer Peter Moody accepted for his star performer.
However, Hay List was then outed with an elevated temperature and is now likely to keep his powder dry until the Salinger Stakes-G1 on Derby Day.
Under normal circumstances, the scratching would deflate any hype balloon, but the addition of another Bel Esprit in the small field should get the adrenalin flowing.
Marianne Smart’s flashy homebred, True Persuasion, should not be discounted in any fashion and is rated a huge chance by his trainer Mick Price.
Indeed, Mick was confident of turning the tables on Hay List whom True Persuasion ran second to in the Group One Manikato Stakes on 24 September: over the same distance as the Schweppes.
Bel Esprit’s 2006 foal crop really carries some oomph as Black Caviar and True Persuasion aside, other 4YOs include stakes winner Peach Tree, black typer Tollesprit, 5-time winner Belletrist, Cosmic Vision, Chatrang, Esprit Son and co.
Firstly, it appeared Black Caviar wouldn’t front the starter due to missing some vital trackwork, then following a sparkling hit out on Tuesday, trainer Peter Moody accepted for his star performer.
However, Hay List was then outed with an elevated temperature and is now likely to keep his powder dry until the Salinger Stakes-G1 on Derby Day.
Under normal circumstances, the scratching would deflate any hype balloon, but the addition of another Bel Esprit in the small field should get the adrenalin flowing.
Marianne Smart’s flashy homebred, True Persuasion, should not be discounted in any fashion and is rated a huge chance by his trainer Mick Price.
Indeed, Mick was confident of turning the tables on Hay List whom True Persuasion ran second to in the Group One Manikato Stakes on 24 September: over the same distance as the Schweppes.
Bel Esprit’s 2006 foal crop really carries some oomph as Black Caviar and True Persuasion aside, other 4YOs include stakes winner Peach Tree, black typer Tollesprit, 5-time winner Belletrist, Cosmic Vision, Chatrang, Esprit Son and co.
 |
| SHOWDOWN! Black Caviar (above) and True Persuasion (below) |
TO THE MANOR BORN
Moonee Valley has again attracted class fields for its Cox Plate meeting and the day kicks off with the Microflite Helicopter Inglis Banner over 1000m for 2YOs.One of the entries who is stepping out on race day for the first time is GOD’S OWN filly, Manor Lady who won a barrier trail – in very convincing fashion – at Cranbourne on 12 October.
Trained by Robbie Griffiths (who also puts the polish on God’s Own’s recent debut winner Lady Pania), Manor Lady is out of the Grand Lodge mare M’Lady’s Manor and was bred by Adam Palmer. Eliza Park sold the filly to Robbie Griffiths at this year’s Melbourne Premier for $55,000.
Still on God’s Own, Yallambee Stud’s Peter Woodard reports that the son of Redoute’s Choice has sired a half sister to 2009 Epsom Handicap-G1 winner Rock Kingdom at the end of September.
Out of the St Covet mare Happy Empress (bred by the delightful Kerry A’Vard), the God’s Own filly was in turn bred by David Kobritz, who not only races Rock Kingdom, but has also raced a Golden Slipper winner (Danzero) and Melbourne Cup winner (Subzero).
“Full marks to Christie Woodard for getting Happy Empress pregnant to God’s Own as the mare has not produced a foal since 2006,” Peter points out. “We’ve had a pretty good association with this mare as we also sold Rock Kingdom.”
Eliza Park stands God’s Own in conjunction with Yallambee Stud.
Trained by Robbie Griffiths (who also puts the polish on God’s Own’s recent debut winner Lady Pania), Manor Lady is out of the Grand Lodge mare M’Lady’s Manor and was bred by Adam Palmer. Eliza Park sold the filly to Robbie Griffiths at this year’s Melbourne Premier for $55,000.
Still on God’s Own, Yallambee Stud’s Peter Woodard reports that the son of Redoute’s Choice has sired a half sister to 2009 Epsom Handicap-G1 winner Rock Kingdom at the end of September.
Out of the St Covet mare Happy Empress (bred by the delightful Kerry A’Vard), the God’s Own filly was in turn bred by David Kobritz, who not only races Rock Kingdom, but has also raced a Golden Slipper winner (Danzero) and Melbourne Cup winner (Subzero).
“Full marks to Christie Woodard for getting Happy Empress pregnant to God’s Own as the mare has not produced a foal since 2006,” Peter points out. “We’ve had a pretty good association with this mare as we also sold Rock Kingdom.”
Eliza Park stands God’s Own in conjunction with Yallambee Stud.
 |
| Manor Lady as a yearling at Eliza Park's Smithfield Farm |
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
NEW APPLE PRODUCT
Apple announced today that it has developed a breast implant that can store
and play music.
The iBoob will cost from $499 to $699, depending on cup and speaker size.
This is considered a major social breakthrough, because women are always
complaining about men staring at their breasts and not listening to them.
and play music.
The iBoob will cost from $499 to $699, depending on cup and speaker size.
This is considered a major social breakthrough, because women are always
complaining about men staring at their breasts and not listening to them.
LATEST IN TECHNOLOGY!
It all started with an iPhone ...
March was when my son celebrated his 15th birthday, and I got him an iPhone. He just loved it. Who wouldn't?
I celebrated my birthday in July, and my wife made me very happy when she bought me an iPad.
Thanks to Justine for sending it through.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
FLYING HIGH
Now before we get any howls of sexism, this was sent through by a female member of staff!
And if you'd like to compare Virgin with other airlines, click HERE for a number of other 'enticements'. And yes, Eliza Park will choose to fly Avianova the minute they start selling yearlings in Moscow.
And if you'd like to compare Virgin with other airlines, click HERE for a number of other 'enticements'. And yes, Eliza Park will choose to fly Avianova the minute they start selling yearlings in Moscow.
SUCH IS LIFE ...
Corinna Slade ... you have a devilish sense of humour!
- More often than not, when someone is telling me a story all I can think about is that I can’t wait for them to finish so that I can tell my own story that’s not only better, but also more directly involves me.
- Have you ever been walking down the street and realized that you’re going in the complete opposite direction of where you are supposed to be going? But instead of just turning a 180 and walking back in the direction from which you came, you have to first do something like check your watch or phone or make a grand arm gesture and mutter to yourself to ensure that no one in the surrounding area thinks you’re crazy by randomly switching directions on the sidewalk.
- The letters T and G are very close to each other on a keyboard. This recently became all too apparent to me and consequently I will never be ending a work email with the phrase “Regards” again.
- Is it just me, or are 80% of the people in the “people you may know” feature on Facebook people that I do know, but I deliberately choose not to be friends with?
- Do you remember when you were a kid; playing Nintendo and it wouldn’t work? You take the cartridge out, blow in it and that would magically fix the problem. Every kid in the world did that, but how did we all know how to fix the problem? There was no internet or message boards or faq’s. We just figured it out. Today’s kids are soft.
- There is a great need for a sarcasm font.
- Sometimes, I’ll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what was going on when I first saw it.
- How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?
- I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take two trips to bring my groceries in.
- The only time I look forward to a red light is when I’m trying to finish a text.
- Lol has gone from meaning, “laugh out loud” to “I have nothing else to say”
- I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.
- Whenever someone says “I’m not book smart, but I’m street smart”, all I hear is “I’m not real smart, but I’m imaginary smart”.
- How many times is it appropriate to say “What?” before you just nod and smile because you still didn’t hear what they said?
- What would happen if I hired two private investigators to follow each other?
- I find it hard to believe there are actually people who get in the shower first and THEN turn on the water.
- Bad decisions make good stories.
- Why is it that during an ice-breaker, when the whole room has to go around and say their name and where they are from, I get so incredibly nervous? Like I know my name, I know where I’m from, this shouldn’t be a problem ...
- You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you’ve made up your mind that you just aren’t doing anything productive for the rest of the day.
- There’s no worse feeling than that millisecond you’re sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.
- I’m always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.
- “Do not machine wash or tumble dry” means I will never wash this ever.
- I hate being the one with the remote in a room full of people watching TV. There’s so much pressure. ‘I love this show, but will they judge me if I keep it on? I bet everyone is wishing we weren’t watching this. It's only a matter of time before they all get up and leave the room. Will we still be friends after this?’
- I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Dammit!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voicemail. What’d you do after I didn’t answer? Drop the phone and run away?
- I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.
- I like all of the music in my iTunes, except when it’s on shuffle, then I like about one in every 15 songs in my iTunes.
- As a driver I hate pedestrians, and as a pedestrian I hate drivers, but no matter what the mode of transportation, I always hate cyclists.
- Sometimes I’ll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.
- I keep some people’s phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.
- The other night I ordered takeaway, and when I looked in the bag, saw they had included four sets of plastic silverware. In other words, someone at the restaurant packed my order, took a second to think about it, and then estimated that there must be at least four people eating to require such a large amount of food. Too bad I was eating by myself. There’s nothing like being made to feel like a fat bastard before dinner.
- Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I’d bet my ass everyone can find and push the Snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time every time...
- I wonder if cops ever get upset at the fact that everyone they drive behind obeys the speed limit.
- I think the freezer deserves a light as well.
ADDING TO THE LIST
His brother of course is the STATUE OF LIBERTY flying machine, Hay List, who – two weeks to the day after this foal was born – took out the Group Three McEwen Stakes, on his way to further victories in the Group One Manikato Stakes and Group Two Gilgai Stakes.
His pending showdown with unbeaten Black Caviar (BEL ESPRIT) is now the talk of the carnival.
Ironically, Hay List’s little brother will be weaned and raised at Eliza Park Nagambie – the North East Victoria showpiece that previously flew under the banner of Paringa Park.
It was there that Hay List was actually foaled so it will be interesting to see if little Statue follows in his hoofsteps.
Sing Hallelujah brother!
Monday, October 18, 2010
JOKE OF THE DAY
Much and all as we’d like claim it as one of our own, this comes to us via bloodstock agent Corinna Slade:
FOR SALE
Dead Canary
Not going cheap!
Not going cheap!
SECRETARIAT - THE MOVIE
For anyone under the age of 37, Secretariat is just a name in the record books, but the 1973 US Triple Crown winner was a truly remarkable racehorse.
Due to its demanding schedule and intense competition – three races in three states in four weeks, from a mile and a quarter (2000m) to a mile and a half (2400m) – no horse has won the three peat since 1978 and none so impressively as Secretariat.
In taking out the Belmont, the official margin was some 31 lengths!
Well, now they’ve made a movie about him – and the mountain his owner had to climb – and it will be released in Australia on 3 February next year.
Here’s a teaser …
And you also might want to check out another tribute to the champ.
Due to its demanding schedule and intense competition – three races in three states in four weeks, from a mile and a quarter (2000m) to a mile and a half (2400m) – no horse has won the three peat since 1978 and none so impressively as Secretariat.
In taking out the Belmont, the official margin was some 31 lengths!
Well, now they’ve made a movie about him – and the mountain his owner had to climb – and it will be released in Australia on 3 February next year.
Here’s a teaser …
And you also might want to check out another tribute to the champ.
CZECHOSLOVAKIA’S CUP
The first Tuesday in November is very popular in Australia for reasons to obvious to state, but the second Sunday in October is also sacrosanct for those living this side of downtown Prague.
For the second Sunday of October is when they run the famous and rather gruelling Velká pardubická steeplechase in Pardubice and have done so for nearly as long as the Melbourne Cup, kicking off in 1874.
(The race was cancelled a few times – most recently in 1968 and from 1938 to 1945 due to the fact the country had been invaded by Germans – and in 1909 there was no winner … maybe they all fell, or just got tired?)
The length of the Velká pardubická is 6900m, has 31 jumps and takes around 9-10 minutes to complete (the race record is 8 minutes, 58.99 seconds which was set two years ago). The slowest time was over 13 minutes.
And while you wouldn’t exactly be sending around a 2YO in a race like that anyway, to compete in the Velká pardubická your horse must be at least a 6YO.
The race has been taken out the last two years by Timuen which, while considered quite a feat in Melbourne Cup terms, is nevertheless a regular occurrence in the Velká pardubická with many multiple winners.
Foremost among them though is ŽeleznÃk who won four out of five years during the 80s and was ridden by jockey/trainer Josef Váňa.
Something of a legend in his homeland, Josef Váňa was on board Timuen again this year, taking out his seventh Velká pardubická at the ripe age of 57.
According to Josef he’s “broken every bone in his body” and was at one time ‘clinically dead’ after falling in Germany, only to hop back on two months later.
One wonders if he is regarded in his country as a bounced Czech?
For the second Sunday of October is when they run the famous and rather gruelling Velká pardubická steeplechase in Pardubice and have done so for nearly as long as the Melbourne Cup, kicking off in 1874.
(The race was cancelled a few times – most recently in 1968 and from 1938 to 1945 due to the fact the country had been invaded by Germans – and in 1909 there was no winner … maybe they all fell, or just got tired?)
The length of the Velká pardubická is 6900m, has 31 jumps and takes around 9-10 minutes to complete (the race record is 8 minutes, 58.99 seconds which was set two years ago). The slowest time was over 13 minutes.
And while you wouldn’t exactly be sending around a 2YO in a race like that anyway, to compete in the Velká pardubická your horse must be at least a 6YO.
The race has been taken out the last two years by Timuen which, while considered quite a feat in Melbourne Cup terms, is nevertheless a regular occurrence in the Velká pardubická with many multiple winners.
Foremost among them though is ŽeleznÃk who won four out of five years during the 80s and was ridden by jockey/trainer Josef Váňa.
Something of a legend in his homeland, Josef Váňa was on board Timuen again this year, taking out his seventh Velká pardubická at the ripe age of 57.
According to Josef he’s “broken every bone in his body” and was at one time ‘clinically dead’ after falling in Germany, only to hop back on two months later.
One wonders if he is regarded in his country as a bounced Czech?
Sunday, October 17, 2010
HORSES IN TRAINING ONLINE
Eliza Park has a proud record of presenting quality types at auction and its consignments for the 2010 Magic Millions Horses in Training Sale at the Gold Coast next week (27-28 October) and Inglis Australian Racehorse Sale in Melbourne (14 November) certainly fit the bill.
There are four heading north for the Magic Millions, while a further 13 likely types will continue their leadup at Eliza before heading down the road to Oaklands Junction.
Eliza Park General Manager Racing, Sue Ellis, is pleased with the progress of the 17 and is delighted with the diversity of each draft, pointing out that each horse has been allowed to develop at his or her own pace and not put under any pressure. Consequently, Eliza will field forward ‘ready to run’ types and the maturing 3YO.
Among the entries are sons and daughters of 3-time Champion Victorian Sire, Bel Esprit, Anabaa (sire of 2010 Caulfield Guineas winner Anacheeva), Champion 2YO Sire, More Than Ready, the evergreen Desert Sun, the highly promising Written Tycoon, God’s Own (who struck with a recent treble), plus exciting young sires Danerich, Holy Roman Emperor, King of Roses, Barely a Moment, Bel Danoro, Ad Valorem, Kempinsky and Green Perfume.
To view photos, videos (breeze up and parading) and pedigree information, click here, or for further information, phone Sue Ellis on 0407 517 324.
There are four heading north for the Magic Millions, while a further 13 likely types will continue their leadup at Eliza before heading down the road to Oaklands Junction.
Eliza Park General Manager Racing, Sue Ellis, is pleased with the progress of the 17 and is delighted with the diversity of each draft, pointing out that each horse has been allowed to develop at his or her own pace and not put under any pressure. Consequently, Eliza will field forward ‘ready to run’ types and the maturing 3YO.
Among the entries are sons and daughters of 3-time Champion Victorian Sire, Bel Esprit, Anabaa (sire of 2010 Caulfield Guineas winner Anacheeva), Champion 2YO Sire, More Than Ready, the evergreen Desert Sun, the highly promising Written Tycoon, God’s Own (who struck with a recent treble), plus exciting young sires Danerich, Holy Roman Emperor, King of Roses, Barely a Moment, Bel Danoro, Ad Valorem, Kempinsky and Green Perfume.
To view photos, videos (breeze up and parading) and pedigree information, click here, or for further information, phone Sue Ellis on 0407 517 324.
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| The Bel Esprit filly from Geil |
HAY LIST v BLACK CAVIAR
It’s probably the hottest topic in racing – WHEN and WHICH.
Speculation is rife as to when Hay List (above) and Black Caviar (below) will actually have their showdown: the Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley on Saturday (23 October) or the Patinack Farm Classic at Flemington on Emirates Stakes Day (6 November).
Maybe neither! There is some talk that they might even meet on a totally different battlefield – perhaps in another state?
Regardless of venue, the impending clash is the talk of talkback and racing forums and is arguably the most anticipated confrontation since Sunline and Northerly.
Conjecture is that if they meet in the Moir, Hay List will have Black Caviar’s measure in terms of race fitness, given that he’s had three starts (for three wins) this time in, while she’s only had the one run back since January.
However, both are amazing athletes – marquee horses of the highest order – and conjecture is simply that … plain conjecture.
One thing is for sure, race clubs should be clamouring to entice the connections of both to meet at their meet as the publicity prior, during and following will be immense.
As for Eliza Park, it doesn’t matter who wins, because there won’t be a loser. Both are outstanding racehorses and both are by stallions – BEL ESPRIT and STATUE OF LIBERTY – which stand at Eliza Park!
A TASTE OF CAVIAR
The return of Black Caviar at Caulfield on 9 October generated a lot of publicity for both the unbeaten mare and her Champion Sire, BEL ESPRIT. Winning Post’s Joel Marshall certainly appears to be fan.The dazzling return of unbeaten sprinter Black Caviar at Caulfield last Saturday came as a timely reminder to breeders of the quality that her sire, Bel Esprit, is capable of producing.
Six starts for six wins is how Black Caviar’s record reads, and Group 1 glory seems a formality for the four-year-old following her fifth black-type victory in last Saturday’s Group 2 Schillaci Stakes (1000m).
Her win was the icing on the cake for her sire, the Eliza Park-based Bel Esprit, who enjoyed a treble around the country last Saturday afternoon, to go with a couple of very pleasing results at Bendigo the day prior.
His Saturday began well when debutante Bel Franc scored an impressive victory over 1000m at Morphettville in the Fulham Park Plate, first juvenile race of the SA season.
A $25,000 yearling buy for clients of the Lloyd Kennewell stable, Bel Franc recouped her purchase price with Saturday’s win.
Only minutes later, Victorian three-year-old Ripa Artois broke through for his maiden win at Pakenham over 1000m.
The home-bred son of Zabeel mare Zartois finished strongly at his first run since his debut over 1200m back in June, which yielded a second.
Those wins paved the way for the main course, and how delicious it was when Black Caviar strode away from her rivals to score what appeared to be an effortless feature win.
The win has set up a probable, but not certain, clash with super sprinter Hay List, either at Moonee Valley in the Moir or at Flemington in the Patinack, or maybe even both.
As mentioned, that sparkling Saturday followed top runs by a pair of Bel Esprit’s progeny at Bendigo 24 hours earlier.
Debutante Wabash River — solidly supported on the back of an impressive trial performance — hit the line hard to finish runner-up over 1000m.
Then four-year-old gelding Chatrang relished a step up in distance to score his maiden win over 1300m, having been placed at his fi rst two starts over 1100m.
Those results came just a couple of weeks after Bel Esprit’s very honest four-year-old True Persuasion became his sire’s third Group 1 performer when he finished second to the previously mentioned Hay List in the Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley.
The result was a boon for the entire’s value, and it added to an already impressive record that now stands at four wins and seven placings from 13 starts, for more than $395,000 in prizemoney.
Bel Esprit’s previous Group 1 results included Bel Mer’s win in the Robert Sangster Stakes in Adelaide, and Beltrois’s fourth in The Goodwood, also in Adelaide.
Gabbidon, Vivacious Spirit, Peach Tree, Tollesprit, Silver Bullion, Cascabel and Belletrist have also done well for Bel Esprit in recent seasons.
Then there are up-and-coming talents such as the Colin Little-trained Work the Room, Peter Morgan’s promising sort Seriously Good, Gold Coast colt Audacious Spirit, who was placed twice at stakes level as a two-year- old, and smart maiden winners Crystal Castles and Spirited Hero.
Add to that list a filly by the name of Mystical Bel. Although she’s only had two starts and won a maiden, she is worth jotting down as one to follow.
The Craig Stott-trained filly, a half sister to multiple city-placed winner of five Mystical Grey, was impressive in winning at Geelong back in August.
What stands out most about that performance is the subsequent form of those behind her, who included Zabbaya (Sandown midweek winner), Kittens (winner of the listed Hill Smith Stakes), Attributes (maiden winner at Ballarat) and Duellifi co (maiden winner at Hamilton).
Bel Esprit (by Royal Academy) was a gun on the racetrack, with wins in the Blue Diamond Stakes and Doomben 10,000 at Group 1 level, and has been strongly backed by breeders.
The platform he has set looks a likely springboard to future success.
Two massive crops — a current two-year-old group that consists of 198 horses and this spring’s foals from a total of 251 mares covered last season — ensure the stallion will have an abundance of opportunities over the next few years.
The next Black Caviar may be just around the corner.
- Winning Post, 16 October
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
CAVIAR RISES TO THE TOP
Amidst the hoopla and fanfare surrounding the performances last Saturday of So You Think, Anacheeva and More Joyous, the return to action by Black Caviar was overshadowed somewhat.
The four-year-old daughter of BEL ESPRIT has had her training issues but she showed on Saturday that, if there is a horse to threaten Hay List at all over the Spring Carnival, she is it.
Making her first start since January 22, Black Caviar was always in control of the Schillaci Stakes (Gr 2). On a track officially rated a Good (3), Black Caviar held the inside rail and drove through to be just off the early pace set by Tully Dreamer before smoothly changing up through the gears to come away over the last half of the 1000m sprint.
Black Caviar came home her last 600m in 32.75 and then coasted home a final 400m in 22.04 and a final 200m in 11.43 to stop the clock at 56.67 overall.
- Darryl Sherer (ANZ Bloodstock News, 13 October)
The four-year-old daughter of BEL ESPRIT has had her training issues but she showed on Saturday that, if there is a horse to threaten Hay List at all over the Spring Carnival, she is it.
Making her first start since January 22, Black Caviar was always in control of the Schillaci Stakes (Gr 2). On a track officially rated a Good (3), Black Caviar held the inside rail and drove through to be just off the early pace set by Tully Dreamer before smoothly changing up through the gears to come away over the last half of the 1000m sprint.
Black Caviar came home her last 600m in 32.75 and then coasted home a final 400m in 22.04 and a final 200m in 11.43 to stop the clock at 56.67 overall.
- Darryl Sherer (ANZ Bloodstock News, 13 October)
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
PETER MOODY - FAMILY MAN
Peter Moody was over the moon with the first up performance of star mare, Black Caviar in the Schillaci Stakes-G2 at Caulfield on Saturday as the BEL ESPRIT flyer stretched her unbeaten run to six wins (five at stakes level).But Moody is certainly no stranger to sprinting glory and indeed, has tasted success at racing’s elite level by training a close relation to Black Caviar in MAGNUS.
The superior sprinting entire of a generation which included Takeover Target, Weekend Hussler, Miss Andretti, Apache Cat and Gold Edition, Magnus won the Group One The Galaxy and the Age Classic (now Group One) and figured in the first four in 10 Group One events (in Australia, England and Singapore).
Magnus hails from the multiple Group winning blue hen mare, Scandinavia (by Snippets), who has also produced Group Two winner Wilander and Helsinge … the dam of Black Caviar.
Standing at Victoria’s Eliza Park at a fee of $22,000, Magnus has covered two first class books of mares (and is in the midst of a third) with the first of his yearlings appearing at major Australasian yearling sales in 2011.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
THE SHOWDOWN
Yesterday at Caulfield, Black Caviar stretched her record to six wins from as many starts and, boys and girls, wasn’t she impressive.
Trainer Peter Moody expressed some caution pre-race and, given the quality of the field in the Group Two $200,000 Schillaci Stakes – eg. Statue of Liberty’s multiple Group winner Mic Mac, Group Two winner First Command, recent stakes winner Winter King, General Truce (Group Two placed at his last outing) and Group One winning 2YO Star Witness – Black Caviar had her work cut out for her.
However, the sheer dominance of her victory has now set up one of the greatest sprinting duels in living memory.
After all, Hay List has been nothing short of phenomenal this spring with command performances in both the Group One Manikato and the Group Two Gilgai Stakes last Sunday, taking his tally to 12 wins and a second from 14 outings.
Although jockey Luke Nolen said post-Schillaci that he’d prefer Black Caviar to have another run under her girth before clashing with Hay List, it’s likely the two shall meet on the Moonee Valley battlefield come Cox Plate day in the Group Two Moir Stakes.
Best of all, the sires of Black Caviar (BEL ESPRIT) and Hay List (STATUE OF LIBERTY) both stand at Eliza Park and, while Statue of Liberty’s book is more crowded than New York harbour on a sunny day, there are still some noms available to Bel Esprit … but not for long!
Hoofnote: Schillaci was the champion sprinter of his day winning Melbourne’s sprinting triple crown – Lightning (twice), Oakleigh Plate and Newmarket – along with two Futuritys and a Galaxy … 14 stakes races all up between 1991 and 1995.
He also won the Moir but it’s highly unlikely that any of his races held promise of the ‘match race’ they’re predicting for Black Caviar and Hay List.
BLACK ... AND PROUD
Breednet’s Tara Madgwick was also clearly impressed with Black Caviar’s victory in the Schillaci:
Black Caviar took up where she left off 10 months ago, keeping her record at a perfect six for six when leading every step of the way in Saturday’s Group 2 Schillaci Stakes (1000m) at Caulfield and setting up a highly anticipated showdown with current sprint king Hay List in the Group 2 Schweppes Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley in a fortnight.
Luke Nolen took the hulking mare to the front shortly after the start and had the field off the bit around the home turn. She was throttled down by Nolen in the closing stages to defeat the game Sydneysider Winter King 1.25 lengths with the ever-consistent General Truce (Brief Truce), 2.25 lengths back in third.
Trainer Peter Moody sadi it was relief just to get the 4YO mare back to the track.
Black Caviar is the first foal of the Desert Sun mare Helsinge, a half-sister to Group One winner Magnus and Group Two winner Wilander.
Helsinge has a yearling colt by Casino Prince and was covered by Redoute's Choice last year.
Black Caviar is one of ten stakes-winners for Eliza Park's hugely popular Bel Esprit (below).
Black Caviar took up where she left off 10 months ago, keeping her record at a perfect six for six when leading every step of the way in Saturday’s Group 2 Schillaci Stakes (1000m) at Caulfield and setting up a highly anticipated showdown with current sprint king Hay List in the Group 2 Schweppes Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley in a fortnight.
Luke Nolen took the hulking mare to the front shortly after the start and had the field off the bit around the home turn. She was throttled down by Nolen in the closing stages to defeat the game Sydneysider Winter King 1.25 lengths with the ever-consistent General Truce (Brief Truce), 2.25 lengths back in third.
Trainer Peter Moody sadi it was relief just to get the 4YO mare back to the track.
“She always had that soft muscle issue in her chest as a young horse and obviously she pulled a little bone away when she had a mild strain on her suspensory,” Moody said.
“She’s been going super at home but it is always sort of heart-in-mouth stuff.
“It is just lovely to see her back but the biggest thrill I will get is in the morning when she walks out of the box in one piece.”
Five of the six wins by Black Caviar have been in stakes races while her earnings total $604,250.Black Caviar is the first foal of the Desert Sun mare Helsinge, a half-sister to Group One winner Magnus and Group Two winner Wilander.
Helsinge has a yearling colt by Casino Prince and was covered by Redoute's Choice last year.
Black Caviar is one of ten stakes-winners for Eliza Park's hugely popular Bel Esprit (below).
BEL ESPRIT ON A ROLL
Although, understandably, much of the focus centred on Black Caviar’s victory in the Schillaci at Caulfield, it’s worth noting that her sire BEL ESPRIT registered a treble yesterday with 2YO debutant Bel Franc (Morphettville) and Ripa Artois (Pakenham) also registered victories for Victoria’s Champion Sire.
Indeed, during the past week Bel Esprit has produced six winners (four in the past two days), six seconds and three thirds.
Belfast Boy (from the Bureaucracy mare Fast Dolly) got the ball rolling with a solid win at Morphettville last Saturday – his second in town and third overall from just eight outings.
Bred by TROA Chairman Andrew Lafontaine and Peter McVean, Belfast Boy hails from the family of UK Champ Brigadier Gerard and the 3YO clearly has a big future.
Bon Marche (from Bubble Gum Fellow mare Sunday Bliss) maintained the momentum on Monday when he grabbed his third win at Geelong (also a winner at Moonee Valley).
Bred and part owned by Paul Leeds, Bon Marche hails from a solid black type family.
Bendigo winner, Chatrang, heralded a memorable weekend and is clearly improving with each run: running third on debut, a second last start and now a winner.
Red Star Thoroughbreds, which bred Chatrang from its Exploding Prospect mare Regal Prospect, has retained part ownership of the lightly raced 4YO which is trained at Cranbourne by Robbie Griffiths.
Michael Phillips has taken it one step further with the promising Ripa Artois having bred, part-owning and training the 3YO sprinter.
Having just his second start (after finishing second at Sale on debut), Ripa Artois scored well over 1000m at Pakenham and he too appears to have a decent future ahead of him.
Out of the Zabeel mare Zartois, Ripa Artois’ third dam is the Japan Cup winner Horlicks, dam of Melbourne Cup winner Brew.
Rounding out Saturday’s triumvirate is the exciting prospect Bel Franc who won the previously Listed Fulham Park Plate at Morphettville and is trained on the track by Lloyd Kennewell and part-owned by breeder Oliver Renfrew.
Bel Franc is from the Grosvenor mare, Lady Franc, a half sister to Group One winner Western Red and was sold at this year’s Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale by Eliza Park.
While they may have de-listed the Fulham, the convincing nature of Bel Franc’s victory would indicate he will add to Bel Esprit’s rapidly burgeoning tally of 10 stakes winners!
Indeed, during the past week Bel Esprit has produced six winners (four in the past two days), six seconds and three thirds.
Belfast Boy (from the Bureaucracy mare Fast Dolly) got the ball rolling with a solid win at Morphettville last Saturday – his second in town and third overall from just eight outings.
Bred by TROA Chairman Andrew Lafontaine and Peter McVean, Belfast Boy hails from the family of UK Champ Brigadier Gerard and the 3YO clearly has a big future.
Bon Marche (from Bubble Gum Fellow mare Sunday Bliss) maintained the momentum on Monday when he grabbed his third win at Geelong (also a winner at Moonee Valley).
Bred and part owned by Paul Leeds, Bon Marche hails from a solid black type family.
Bendigo winner, Chatrang, heralded a memorable weekend and is clearly improving with each run: running third on debut, a second last start and now a winner.
Red Star Thoroughbreds, which bred Chatrang from its Exploding Prospect mare Regal Prospect, has retained part ownership of the lightly raced 4YO which is trained at Cranbourne by Robbie Griffiths.
Michael Phillips has taken it one step further with the promising Ripa Artois having bred, part-owning and training the 3YO sprinter.
Having just his second start (after finishing second at Sale on debut), Ripa Artois scored well over 1000m at Pakenham and he too appears to have a decent future ahead of him.
Out of the Zabeel mare Zartois, Ripa Artois’ third dam is the Japan Cup winner Horlicks, dam of Melbourne Cup winner Brew.
Rounding out Saturday’s triumvirate is the exciting prospect Bel Franc who won the previously Listed Fulham Park Plate at Morphettville and is trained on the track by Lloyd Kennewell and part-owned by breeder Oliver Renfrew.
Bel Franc is from the Grosvenor mare, Lady Franc, a half sister to Group One winner Western Red and was sold at this year’s Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale by Eliza Park.
While they may have de-listed the Fulham, the convincing nature of Bel Franc’s victory would indicate he will add to Bel Esprit’s rapidly burgeoning tally of 10 stakes winners!
JUDGING GOD’S OWN
Eye-catching performance by Swift Judgement in the Winning Post Restaurant Handicap (1400m) at Rosehill yesterday.
Trained by Bart Cummings – who also put the polish on Swift Judgement’s sire, GOD’S OWN (winner of the Caulfield Guineas (5 years ago to the day on Friday) – the colt has now raced on three occasions for two city seconds.
The second came hot on the heels of God’s Own double at Bendigo on Friday with God Help Us and Lady Pania, plus the victory of Godwilling at Wyong on 1 October.
Here’s what the trainers had to say about their God’s Own winners:
“He (Godwilling) did it on raw ability: he’s going for a spell now but I reckon there’s a lot of improvement in this horse.”
- KRIS LEES
“He (God Help Us) is a lovely horse ... very imposing type. He’ll get better as he goes further and I’m aiming him for a stakes race on the last day of the carnival.”
- SHANE NICHOLS
“She (Lady Pania) has been ‘Usain Bolt’ fast since day one. Ironically, I became sold on the God’s Owns when I first saw God Help Us as a yearling. We’ll be heading to town next start with Lady Pania.”
- ROBBIE GRIFFITHS
There are some nominations remaining in God’s Own and for further information phone David Somers 0428 440 330, Mark Lindsay 0416 334 338 or Phil Marshall 0407 853 782 or click here to place a tender.
God’s Own stands at Eliza Park in conjunction with Yallambee Stud.
Robbie Griffiths reckons his filly Lady Pania is ‘Usain Bolt’ fast
Trained by Bart Cummings – who also put the polish on Swift Judgement’s sire, GOD’S OWN (winner of the Caulfield Guineas (5 years ago to the day on Friday) – the colt has now raced on three occasions for two city seconds.
The second came hot on the heels of God’s Own double at Bendigo on Friday with God Help Us and Lady Pania, plus the victory of Godwilling at Wyong on 1 October.
Here’s what the trainers had to say about their God’s Own winners:
“He (Godwilling) did it on raw ability: he’s going for a spell now but I reckon there’s a lot of improvement in this horse.”- KRIS LEES
“He (God Help Us) is a lovely horse ... very imposing type. He’ll get better as he goes further and I’m aiming him for a stakes race on the last day of the carnival.”- SHANE NICHOLS
“She (Lady Pania) has been ‘Usain Bolt’ fast since day one. Ironically, I became sold on the God’s Owns when I first saw God Help Us as a yearling. We’ll be heading to town next start with Lady Pania.”
- ROBBIE GRIFFITHS
There are some nominations remaining in God’s Own and for further information phone David Somers 0428 440 330, Mark Lindsay 0416 334 338 or Phil Marshall 0407 853 782 or click here to place a tender.
God’s Own stands at Eliza Park in conjunction with Yallambee Stud.
Robbie Griffiths reckons his filly Lady Pania is ‘Usain Bolt’ fast
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Friday, October 8, 2010
GOD’S OWN THUNDER
Double on Guineas eve
GOD’S OWN conducted a lightning strike at Bendigo today (8 October) with a running double via his only two runners: God Help Us and Lady Pania.
Noticeably, both were stepping out for the first time but gave clear indication that neither will be strangers to the winners’ circle as their respective career’s progress.
God Help Us got the ball rolling with a thrilling last stride score after coming from the tail of the field.
Bred by Kevin Wacey and trained by Shane Nichols, God Help Us has the distinction of actually being the first God’s Own named.
We don’t know how much the bloke above helped, but Craig Newitt certainly did his bit and it won’t be a surprise to see God Help Us make an impression throughout the spring carnival.
Out of the Stravinsky mare By Any Means, God Help Us hails from a solid black type family.
So too is the Robbie Griffiths trained Lady Pania, a relation of Group One winner Dupain and Champion filly Tristanagh.
Out of the Rory’s Jester mare Tannadice Park and bred by Rick Smith, Lady Pania could not have been more impressive in her win over 1000m, racing away to win by almost two lengths.
The God’s Own double comes with ominous timing giving that the Redoute’s Choice stallion won the Caulfield Guineas in miraculous fashion five years ago today!
It’s actually been a big week for God’s Own with another of his first croppers in Godwilling taking out a 1200m event at Wyong last Friday (1 October).
And just like God Help Us and Lady Pania, Godwilling was having his first outing and, just like the God Help Us and Lady Pania, Godwilling was very impressive … VERY impressive.
Trained by Kris Lees at Newcastle, Godwilling led for most of the journey and scooted away to a comfortable two panel win (having taken out a trial at his home track by seven lengths at the end of August).
Out of the Group winning 2YO Millrich (by Rubiton) and a three quarter brother to multiple Group winner and sire, Danerich, Godwilling was bred and sold by Eliza Park for $65,000 at last year’s Australian Easter Yearling Sale.
Interesting the 3YO is part-owned by the parents of Hugh Bowman who clearly won’t be hopping off any time soon!
God’s Own stands at Eliza Park in conjunction with Yallambee Stud
GOD’S OWN conducted a lightning strike at Bendigo today (8 October) with a running double via his only two runners: God Help Us and Lady Pania.
Noticeably, both were stepping out for the first time but gave clear indication that neither will be strangers to the winners’ circle as their respective career’s progress.
God Help Us got the ball rolling with a thrilling last stride score after coming from the tail of the field.
Bred by Kevin Wacey and trained by Shane Nichols, God Help Us has the distinction of actually being the first God’s Own named.
We don’t know how much the bloke above helped, but Craig Newitt certainly did his bit and it won’t be a surprise to see God Help Us make an impression throughout the spring carnival.
Out of the Stravinsky mare By Any Means, God Help Us hails from a solid black type family.
So too is the Robbie Griffiths trained Lady Pania, a relation of Group One winner Dupain and Champion filly Tristanagh.
Out of the Rory’s Jester mare Tannadice Park and bred by Rick Smith, Lady Pania could not have been more impressive in her win over 1000m, racing away to win by almost two lengths.
The God’s Own double comes with ominous timing giving that the Redoute’s Choice stallion won the Caulfield Guineas in miraculous fashion five years ago today!
It’s actually been a big week for God’s Own with another of his first croppers in Godwilling taking out a 1200m event at Wyong last Friday (1 October).
And just like God Help Us and Lady Pania, Godwilling was having his first outing and, just like the God Help Us and Lady Pania, Godwilling was very impressive … VERY impressive.
Trained by Kris Lees at Newcastle, Godwilling led for most of the journey and scooted away to a comfortable two panel win (having taken out a trial at his home track by seven lengths at the end of August).
Out of the Group winning 2YO Millrich (by Rubiton) and a three quarter brother to multiple Group winner and sire, Danerich, Godwilling was bred and sold by Eliza Park for $65,000 at last year’s Australian Easter Yearling Sale.
Interesting the 3YO is part-owned by the parents of Hugh Bowman who clearly won’t be hopping off any time soon!
God’s Own stands at Eliza Park in conjunction with Yallambee Stud
Thursday, October 7, 2010
HAY LIST – A STAR IN ANY LANGUAGE
We all thought the win of Hay List (STATUE OF LIBERTY) in last Sunday’s Gilgai Stakes-G2 was very impressive … you, me and Blind Freddie for that matter, but it appears that Chinese racecallers were also taken with the performance.
Check out the following youtube video: the race call kicks off around 30 seconds in and it’s a pearler.
Not sure what the actual summation was, but we’re tipping the plaudits for Hay List were considerable. Eeeeee.
Check out the following youtube video: the race call kicks off around 30 seconds in and it’s a pearler.
Not sure what the actual summation was, but we’re tipping the plaudits for Hay List were considerable. Eeeeee.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
OUR NEXT SPRINTING HERO
Hulking sprinter Hay List added another chapter to his fairytale rise to superstar status with a ground shaking win in the Group Two VRC Gilgai Stakes up the straight at Flemington on Sunday.
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Despite the appearance of not getting out of second gear, Hay List stopped the clock at a sizzling 1:08.20 for the 1200 metres on a dead track that was far from conducive to producing record times.
The five-year-old’s trainer John McNair asked RVL vets to examine the horse on arrival at Flemington before Hay List took his place in the $250,000 race.
McNair told stewards Hay List landed a double-barrel kick on a car while at a beach near Geelong, which the trainer said added to his nerved before the gelding’s Flemington straight track debut.
“I’ve never worried like this about other horses,” McNair said. “I have never been a nervous person but with this horse, it’s just constant.
“He took fright at something and he lashed out and kicked a car. He’s done a fair bit of damage to the car but fortunately none to himself. With this horse you just worry all the time.”
Hay List quickly showed he had taken no harm from the incident, showing his customary acceleration to race on the speed before casually lengthening the gap between himself and his rivals until jockey Glyn Schofield eased the sprinter right down 25 metres from the line.
“The only problem is, the ride doesn’t go long enough,” Hay List’s jockey Glyn Schofield said. “You just want to enjoy it as long as you can.
“He’s phenomenal. It never felt like I was out of third gear or fourth gear at any stage of the race but once I asked him to kick he found a bit extra to get away from Catapulted and it was race over.”
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A homebred for the Davenport family, Hay List has won 12 of 14 starts earning $956,125 and is one of 11 stakes-winners worldwide for his sire STATUE OF LIBERTY (USA), who stands at Eliza Park this spring.
Hay List is the first stakes-winner for his dam Sing Hallelujah, a metropolitan winning daughter of Is It True (USA), whose immediate family is barren of Black Type, although if you go back far enough to the fifth dam you do come to a very smart producer in Crimson Spray, whose descendants include the likes of Group One winners Paint, Akhenaton and Mr Bureaucrat.
Sing Hallelujah was covered again by Statue of Liberty last spring and delivered a full brother to Hay List on August 28.
A son of champion sire Storm Cat, Statue of Liberty (pictured) was originally brought to Australia by Blue Gum Farm for three seasons 2004, 2005, 2006 before missing in 2007 when EI struck.
He returned to Victoria in 2009 following an absence of two years, interest in him rekindled through the deeds of brilliant galloper Mic Mac and smart fillies Dan Baroness, Elysees and Broadway Harmony.
He covered 156 mares last spring at a fee of $17,600 and is at the same fee this year.
- Breednet
The five-year-old’s trainer John McNair asked RVL vets to examine the horse on arrival at Flemington before Hay List took his place in the $250,000 race.
McNair told stewards Hay List landed a double-barrel kick on a car while at a beach near Geelong, which the trainer said added to his nerved before the gelding’s Flemington straight track debut.
“I’ve never worried like this about other horses,” McNair said. “I have never been a nervous person but with this horse, it’s just constant.
“He took fright at something and he lashed out and kicked a car. He’s done a fair bit of damage to the car but fortunately none to himself. With this horse you just worry all the time.”
Hay List quickly showed he had taken no harm from the incident, showing his customary acceleration to race on the speed before casually lengthening the gap between himself and his rivals until jockey Glyn Schofield eased the sprinter right down 25 metres from the line.
“The only problem is, the ride doesn’t go long enough,” Hay List’s jockey Glyn Schofield said. “You just want to enjoy it as long as you can.
“He’s phenomenal. It never felt like I was out of third gear or fourth gear at any stage of the race but once I asked him to kick he found a bit extra to get away from Catapulted and it was race over.”
Hay List is the first stakes-winner for his dam Sing Hallelujah, a metropolitan winning daughter of Is It True (USA), whose immediate family is barren of Black Type, although if you go back far enough to the fifth dam you do come to a very smart producer in Crimson Spray, whose descendants include the likes of Group One winners Paint, Akhenaton and Mr Bureaucrat.
Sing Hallelujah was covered again by Statue of Liberty last spring and delivered a full brother to Hay List on August 28.
A son of champion sire Storm Cat, Statue of Liberty (pictured) was originally brought to Australia by Blue Gum Farm for three seasons 2004, 2005, 2006 before missing in 2007 when EI struck.
He returned to Victoria in 2009 following an absence of two years, interest in him rekindled through the deeds of brilliant galloper Mic Mac and smart fillies Dan Baroness, Elysees and Broadway Harmony.
He covered 156 mares last spring at a fee of $17,600 and is at the same fee this year.
- Breednet
Monday, October 4, 2010
NO PROBLEMS FOR HAY LIST
Hay List (STATUE OF LIBERTY) continued his ascent to the top of the sprinting ranks with a bloodless win in the $250,000 Gilgai Stakes (Gr 2, 1200m). Trainer John McNair had made no secret that he was using the race as a way for Hay List to get some experience of the Flemington straight ahead of the Patinack Farm Classic (Gr 1, 1200m) on Stakes day. What was more of a secret until the hours before the race was that Hay List’s participation had been in some doubt owing to the son of Statue Of Liberty (USA) lashing out and kicking a car yesterday.
The five-year-old was vetted prior to racing today and passed fit by Racing Victoria stewards.
Trainer John McNair did the right thing by informing stewards of the incident and it certainly did not deter punters big and small from hammering Hay List into a $1.55 favourite on course.
Once the barriers opened, trainer and punters had no cause for concern with Glyn Schofield enjoying an armchair ride on the big gelding, always travelling strongly and then simply coming away from his rivals, headed by the gallant Catapulted (Catbird) and a closing Chasm (Umatilla) to win comfortably by a length and a quarter in the time of 1:08.20 for the 1200 metres.
The Gosford trainer admitted afterwards that Hay List is making him very nervous. The incident at Geelong beach yesterday did not exactly help settle McNair’s nerves either, but the prodigious talent is something new to the trainer. “I’ve never worried like this about my other horses,” McNair said. “I’ve never been a nervous person, but with this horse it’s just constant.
“He took fright at something yesterday and lashed out and kicked a car. He’s done a fair bit of damage to the car, but fortunately none to himself. Smart horses, intelligent horses, they respond and overcome everything.
“There’s still improvement there. I’m not going to get too far ahead just yet, but I can tell you that I’m very happy with how things are at the present time.”
Jockey Glyn Schofield was in awe of the gelding’s performance and said his only disappointment is that the time the race takes. “The only problem is the ride doesn’t go long enough. It’s over in a flash. You’ve got to enjoy it for as long as you can.
“But gee he’s impressive. He’s phenomenal. It never felt like I was out of third gear or fourth gear at any stage of the race. He was just coasting. Once I asked for a little extra to get away from Catapulted and it was race over.
“He’s a natural athlete and a true racehorse. It will be nice to see if someone can put pressure on him so he has to stretch because I think there’s plenty left.”
Waiting to go out for the trophy presentation, Schofield asked what the race time was. When told it was 1:08 and change he smiled and said, “Not bad considering the handbrake was on.”
Mc Nair indicated Hay List will run next run in the Schweppes Stakes (Gr 2, 1200m) at Moonee Valley on Cox Plate day and then go on to the Patinack Farm Classic (Gr 1, 1200m) at Flemington on the last day of the Flemington Spring Carnival.
The five-year-old has now won 12 of his 14 starts and earnings of $956,125.
- ANZ Bloodstock News
The five-year-old was vetted prior to racing today and passed fit by Racing Victoria stewards.
Trainer John McNair did the right thing by informing stewards of the incident and it certainly did not deter punters big and small from hammering Hay List into a $1.55 favourite on course.
Once the barriers opened, trainer and punters had no cause for concern with Glyn Schofield enjoying an armchair ride on the big gelding, always travelling strongly and then simply coming away from his rivals, headed by the gallant Catapulted (Catbird) and a closing Chasm (Umatilla) to win comfortably by a length and a quarter in the time of 1:08.20 for the 1200 metres.
The Gosford trainer admitted afterwards that Hay List is making him very nervous. The incident at Geelong beach yesterday did not exactly help settle McNair’s nerves either, but the prodigious talent is something new to the trainer. “I’ve never worried like this about my other horses,” McNair said. “I’ve never been a nervous person, but with this horse it’s just constant.
“He took fright at something yesterday and lashed out and kicked a car. He’s done a fair bit of damage to the car, but fortunately none to himself. Smart horses, intelligent horses, they respond and overcome everything.
“There’s still improvement there. I’m not going to get too far ahead just yet, but I can tell you that I’m very happy with how things are at the present time.”
Jockey Glyn Schofield was in awe of the gelding’s performance and said his only disappointment is that the time the race takes. “The only problem is the ride doesn’t go long enough. It’s over in a flash. You’ve got to enjoy it for as long as you can.
“But gee he’s impressive. He’s phenomenal. It never felt like I was out of third gear or fourth gear at any stage of the race. He was just coasting. Once I asked for a little extra to get away from Catapulted and it was race over.
“He’s a natural athlete and a true racehorse. It will be nice to see if someone can put pressure on him so he has to stretch because I think there’s plenty left.”
Waiting to go out for the trophy presentation, Schofield asked what the race time was. When told it was 1:08 and change he smiled and said, “Not bad considering the handbrake was on.”
Mc Nair indicated Hay List will run next run in the Schweppes Stakes (Gr 2, 1200m) at Moonee Valley on Cox Plate day and then go on to the Patinack Farm Classic (Gr 1, 1200m) at Flemington on the last day of the Flemington Spring Carnival.
The five-year-old has now won 12 of his 14 starts and earnings of $956,125.
- ANZ Bloodstock News
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