Listed Gosford Gold Cup, Gosford
Race Summary:
Experienced campaigner Sir Plush (Pins) proved the tougher stayer in edging out Satono Rasen (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) in a thrilling finish to the Listed Gosford Quarries Gosford Gold Cup.
The Bjorn Baker trained 6-year-old, having his 36th start, came from just off the pace to nail the Chris Waller prepared Satono Rasen right on the line and secure his first stakes success. Early leader Fabrizio (High Chaparral {Ire}) held on to run third.
It is Sir Plush's eighth win in a 36-start career and marks further success for his trainer who won two races on Magic Millions Day at the Gold Coast last Saturday.
Pedigree Notes:
Sir Plush was bred in New Zealand and is the third foal of imported mare Luxurious Lady (USA) (Theatrical {USA}), whose first two foals were both winners.
There is plenty of American black type in the pedigree, including Smackover Creek, as well as the likes of Musidora and Australian Group 1 winners Flying Spur, Pear Tart and Encosta De Lago.
He becomes Pins' 75th stakes winner in Australia.
Listed Takeover Target H., Gosford
Race Summary:
Consistent Kris Lees sprinter Tactical Advantage (Bel Esprit) secured deserved stakes-success with a strong finish to claim the De Bortoli Wines Takeover Target S. at Gosford.
Sitting back off a fast pace, Brenton Avdulla brought Tactical Advantage with a powerful late burst to edge out Easy Eddie (Super Easy {NZ}, who looked home after surging past the early leader Deploy (Fastnet Rock). Isuarian (Exceed and Excel) finished third.
Tactical Advantage has now won nine of his 21 starts, and over $500,000 in prizemoney for his owners at Australian Bloodstock.
Pedigree Notes:
Tactical Advantage was bred by Gooree Park out of stakes-placed mare Above Perfection (Encosta De Lago), who is a three-quarter sister to another stakes-placed horse in Mr Bogart (Northern Meteor).
Their dam was the multiple Listed winner Actress (Snippets), who is closely related to multiple Group winner Desert War as well as Laser Hawk and Romantic Touch.
Tactical Advantage becomes the 24th stakes winner for Sun Stud's Bel Esprit.
