The well-related Showtime proved the headline act at Caulfield on Saturday when he boosted his stallion profile with victory in the G2 Sir John Monash PB Lawrence S. In a strong edition of the weight-for-age feature, the handsome four-year-old gave every indication he can earn higher honours with his quality performance.
The son of Snitzel (Redoute’s Choice) also added an international flavour to proceedings as he is part-owned by Katsumi Yoshida of Japan’s Northern Farm. Taking pride of place there is the home-bred and international stallion sensation Deep Impact (JPN) (Sunday Silence {USA}).
“Showtime is a real Arrowfield product. By our champion sire Snitzel, he was bred in partnership with our great friend Katsumi Yoshida and is a full-brother to Sweet Idea from one of our best mares,” said Arrowfield principal John Messara, who has remained in the ownership.
“He’s been a good story from day one. A stunning foal, a $1.1 million yearling – he’s everything we look for in a stallion for our roster. That was a tough win that showed his very best attributes – his speed and his courage when in the thick of the fight.”
"He’s been a good story from day one. A stunning foal, a $1.1 million yearling – he’s everything we look for in a stallion for our roster." - John Messara, owner
Trained by Team Hawkes, Showtime was prominent throughout and he rounded off strongly in the run home to set up a possible crack at the G1 New Zealand Bloodstock Memsie Stakes on September 1. “He likes the 1400 metres here at Caulfield so we’re very happy,” Wayne Hawkes said.
“It wasn’t until the 600 or 700 metre mark that he relaxed so he did it at both ends today, that’s far and away his best run. The one thing my father said was that he’s got a 2-year-old pedigree, but he thought we wouldn’t see the best of him until he was four.”
Showtime, a $1.1million graduate of the Magic Millions yearling sale
Similarly to his full sister Sweet Idea, who peaked as a four-year-old, rider Dwayne Dunn said time had been Showtime’s best friend. “This time last year he lacked a bit of substance. When I put him under pressure today I liked the way he lifted. He’s gone to another level and hopefully he gets a Group 1 soon.”
"He’s gone to another level and hopefully he gets a Group 1 soon.” - Dwayne Dunn, jockey
The durable Hartnell (GB) (Authorized {IRE}) was gallant in defeat in his first appearance since finishing fourth in the G1 All Aged Stakes in the autumn. “I loved the way he kept fighting all the way to the line,” rider Craig Williams said. Widgee Turf (Turffontein) was a solid third ahead of Kings Will Dream (IRE) (Casamento {IRE}), whose late finished served to further cement his G1 Caulfield Cup favouritism.
Pedigree Notes
Showtime is out of Flidais (Timber Country {USA}), a daughter of the dual Group 1 winner Electronic (NZ) (First Norman {USA}), who has proved a broodmare gem for Arrowfield Stud. A winner and a Group placegetter, she has produced six winners but it is with Snitzel she has clicked so well, most notably producing Showtime’s sister and G1 Galaxy H., winner Sweet Idea. Another sister is Evening Slippers, who was sold at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale this year for $1.8 million.
