By Bren O'Brien
Million-dollar colts Stronger (Not Single Doubt) and Dresden Green (Snitzel) could barely be separated on the track and in the end it needed the stewards to award Stronger the win in the No Nay Never Yearlings in 2019 Hcp at Randwick.
The two colts, one bred by Arrowfield (Stronger) and one raced by them (Dresden Green), went stride for stride over the final 100m, with Dresden Green getting the bob in on the line to secure a victory.
But his success was short-lived as Stronger, who races in James Harron Bloodstock colours for Peter and Paul Snowden, was awarded the race after a protest from apprentice Billy Owen over interference during the final stages.
It was the colt's second victory in four starts having won on debut at Kembla Grange back in November. Harron paid $1.05m for Stronger at last year's Easter Sale from Arrowfield's draft, and races him in partnership with Belinda Bateman, Steve Gillard, Love Racing and members of the Ingham family among others.
Stronger as a yearling
His dam Star Pupil (Starcraft) is a sister to stakes-winner Ain'tnofallenstar and a half-sister to Bachman (All American) and Stepitup (Hussonet {USA}) out of the black-type winning mare Ain't Seen Nothin' (Nothin Leica Dane). It's the family of Golden Slipper winner Polar Success.
Stronger's older half-sister Tiger Silk (All American) has won three of her six races in New Zealand and was stakes-placed last weekend, while he has a younger yearling full brother.
While it was a good result for Arrowfield in terms of breeding, it was a bit of heartbreak as well, as Dresden Green was relegated to second at his second start. The Snitzel colt cost his connections - which include Arrowfield - $1.2 million at that same Easter sale from Bhima Thoroughbreds.
It was the second start in a row that a Harron colt had beaten Dresden Green after he was defeated on debut by Aussie (Snitzel).
Jockey Josh Parr described Dresden Green as a 'bit of a twit' having cost himself dearly with his erratic manners.
"His mind is elsewhere and he has nice ability, we just need to coach him into using it correctly." - Jockey Josh Parr
Dresden Green as a yearling
"I tell you what, he's a little bit of a twit. His mind is elsewhere and he has nice ability, we just need to coach him into using it correctly," he said.
"I’d imagine he'd be a nice horse with racing and the application of blinkers."
"He's got nice ability and if we can get him on the right path, then he's definitely got a nice race in him." - Josh Parr
"He's a work in progress, but he's got nice ability and if we can get him on the right path, then he's definitely got a nice race in him."
Co-trainer Adrian Bott described Dresden Green as physically ready and a beautiful package, but he needed to learn his craft.
Bred by Glentree Thoroughbreds, he hails from one of the best families in the studbook, being out of Asscher (NZ) (Stravinsky {USA}), the half-sister to Group 1 winner Shower of Roses (Zabeel) out of Marquise (NZ) (Gold And Ivory {USA}), the sibling of Octagonal, Diamond Lover, and Kaapstad.
Later in the day, another promising son of Not a Single Doubt, Classique Legend made it two wins from as many races, winning by six lengths against the older horses in the TAB.com.au Hcp over 1250m.
Trained by Les Bridge, Classique Legend looks a 3-year-old of considerable ability.
Hong Kong based owner Boniface Ho's racing manager Carmel Size paid $400,000 for him at the 2017 Classic Sale and has indicated the gelding will remain in Australia for the time being.
I’ll probably run him in the Darby Munro next. I don’t want to overtax him too quick,” Bridge said.
“I’ll handle him right, like a good fighter and bring him up through the prelims. Never overtax a good fighter.”
