Smart 2YO seeking fame and fortune in Australia

4 min read

Written by Paul Vettise

Stephen Marsh knows and understands only too well why his time with Banquo (Written Tycoon) will be brief and so he’s determined to make the most of his limited opportunities.

The Cambridge trainer has a lofty opinion of the 2-year-old, who will make his debut in the Listed Vale Redoute’s Choice S. at Caulfield on Saturday.

The well-related Banquo came with a hefty price tag around his neck and with the current depressed nature of New Zealand racing, Marsh doesn’t blame the youngster’s owners for targeting Australia.

“He was always bought to go to Melbourne and will be going to Danny O’Brien after a couple of runs for me,” he said. “With the pathetic state our racing is in, I don’t have an argument with that.”

“He was always bought to go to Melbourne and will be going to Danny O’Brien after a couple of runs for me.” – Stephen Marsh.

Banquo was purchased by Masterton-based bloodstock agent Bruce Perry for $600,000 at last year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. He is raced by Dame Lowell Goddard, JML Bloodstock, Jamieson Park, Jomara Bloodstock, Little Avondale Stud and Waikato Stud.

Banquo as a yearling

The majority of the syndicate were also involved in Ardrossan (Redoute’s Choice), who was a multiple stakes winner from Marsh’s stable before injury forced his retirement. He will stand his first season at Waikato Stud later this year.

Bought out of Mill Park Stud’s draft, Banquo is a brother to the G1 Oakleigh Plate and G2 Thousand Guineas Prelude winner Booker. Their dam Noondie (Flying Spur) is a half-sister to the stakes winner Tranquility (Redoute’s Choice) and from the family of the multiple Group 1 winner Umrum (Umatilla {NZ}).

“He’s a beautiful colt and he’s always showed a lot of ability,” Marsh said. “It’s a big ask for him first-up, but he might as well have a couple of runs here and then spell. He’s got it all ahead of him and will be a much better 3-year-old.

“He’s a beautiful colt and he’s always showed a lot of ability.” - Stephen Marsh.

“He won his last trial nicely and we’ve always known he’s well above average.”

Banquo

Marsh will also be represented by Felaar (NZ) (Ekraar {USA}) at Caulfield and another reason why Banquo is also racing there.

“We’ve got Felaar here so it made sense to bring this colt over. The problem is the wide draw,” he said.

“Felaar has drawn one and I wish we could swap them around. We’ll see what happens on Saturday and maybe look for another race. There’s no dead-set plan at this stage.”

“Felaar has drawn one and I wish we could swap them around.” – Stephen Marsh.

“Felaar is raced by Marsh with Sir Peter Vela and Leo Molloy and has won four races, including the Listed Hawke’s Bay Cup and finished third in the G3 New Zealand Cup in the spring.

The 5-year-old was luckless in his Australian debut last weekend at Flemington where he beat one runner home after an interrupted run and will back up in the Grunt standing @ Yulong H.

“He’s due a change of luck. He got knocked down in the straight the first time and over-raced and was then nearly put over the rail,” Marsh said.

“We couldn’t fault him after the race. He ate up that night and was jumping out of his skin the next morning.

Felaar (outside)

“Mick Dee is flying at the moment and I’m delighted to have him on, he’s young and hungry.”

“Mick Dee is flying at the moment and I'm delighted to have him on, he’s young and hungry.” – Stephen Marsh.

Felaar will step out on Saturday and then progress on to the Listed Andrew Ramsden at Flemington on May 25 and success there would put him in the running for the G1 Melbourne Cup.

He is a son of Felt That (NZ) (Faltaat {USA}), who is a half-sister to the dam of the G2 Norman Robinson S. winner and G1 Spring Champion S. placegetter Cedar Manor (NZ) (Oregon {USA}). Further back in the pedigree is the dual Group 1 winner Riverdale (NZ) (Riverton {Fr}).

Marsh is enjoying his best-ever season at home and currently sits in third spot on the National Trainers’ Premiership with 84 winners.

“It’s been a record season for us, it’s been great,” he said.