Cover image courtesy of Racing Photos
Caulfield: G1 Caulfield Guineas, $3,000,000, 1600m
Relishing the step up to the mile, Golden Mile (Astern) was so game to the line winning this Classic at just his fifth start and what a nice record he is building - three wins, a second and a close up G1 Golden Rose fourth.
A Godolphin homebred (what a day they had - again!), he is the fifth stakes winner for his Darley-based, Golden Rose-winning sire. He is the third foal and third winner for the dual Listed-winning juvenile Calaverite (Lonhro), also dam of the Moonee Valley winner Telluride (Medaglia D'Oro {USA}).
Some nice Caulfield Guineas history there with his dam sire recording such a memorable win in the same race back in 2001.
Served last spring by Street Boss (USA) having produced a Street Boss colt, Calaverite is a daughter of the G2 Karrakatta Plate winner Gold Rocks (Oratorio), also dam of the Group 2 winners Gold Fever (NZ) (Savabeel) and Gold Rush (NZ) (So You Think {NZ}).
Calaverite's most recent named foal is Stanislaus, a yet to race 2-year-old son of Exceed And Excel who has had a couple of trials (fourth and second) in recent weeks.
Golden Mile is a member of the Sadler's Wells (USA) sireline whilst his dam is bred on a 4 X 4 cross of that great stallion's high-achieving three-quarter brother Nureyev (USA) - giving him a 6 X 7 X 6 cross of the wonderful mare Special (USA) (Forli {Arg}).
G1 Might And Power, $1,000,000, 2000m
Returning to the scene of his G1 Caulfield Guineas victory, Anamoe (Street Boss {USA}) recorded another memorable victory on this great weekend - in doing so claiming the scalps of Australia's best horses.
It will be an exciting couple of weeks as he prepares for a crack at the race, he went controversially close in last year (protesting unsuccessfully) - the G1 W.S Cox Plate - and he would certainly be a worthy winner.
The six times Group 1-winning Godolphin homebred who has now amassed over $6.4 million in stakes and is one of the 61 stakes winners sired by his Darley NSW-based sire who has been going from strength to strength in recent years: his service fee rising from $11,000 in 2015 to $77,000 (inc GST) this year.
Anamoe is out of the G1 Australasian Oaks winner Anamato (Redoute's Choice) who was campaigned overseas by the David Hayes stable - finishing third in the G1 Hollywood Park American Oaks.
Not currently in foal having missed in a return visit to Street Boss (USA) last spring, Anamato has also produced the Irish Listed winner Anamba (GB) (Shamardal {USA}) and the city winner Amitto (Lonhro).
And one of her unraced daughters has produced the G2 UAE Derby-placed Island Falcon (Ire) (Iffraaj {GB}).
Anamato is out of the stakes-placed Voltage (Whiskey Road {USA}) - dam of the G1 Oakleigh Plate winner Drum (Marauding {NZ}) and grandam of the multiple Group 1 winner Grand Armee (Hennessy {USA}).
Anamato’s most recent foal is a filly by Blue Point (Ire) whilst her 3-year-old Dartboard (Shooting To Win) has had two starts, finishing second at Geelong at debut.
A highlight of Anamoe’s pedigree are strains of the close relations Machiavellian (USA), Halo (USA), Northern Dancer (Can) and Danehill (USA) - providing for crosses of the great mother and daughter Almahmoud (USA) (Mahmoud {Fr}) and Natalma (USA) (Native Dancer {USA}).
G1 Toorak H., $1,000,000, 1600m
It's a good effort to sustain a successful winter campaign through to spring carnival time and that is what the tough and talented Tuvalu (Kermadec {NZ}) has done - kicking off his current preparation with a handicap win at Warrnambool in early May.
He did have a freshen after his Listed Winter Championship victory at Flemington in July and has certainly made the transition from up-and-comer to very good horse!
The winner of eight of his 13 starts, he was bred by Merricks Station and purchased from their 2019 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale draft for $200,000 by Boomer Bloodstock/Lindsey Smith.
He is his Darley Victoria-based sire's third Group 1 winner amongst his five stakes winners and like another of those - the terrific mare Montefilia - he has the legendary Mill Reef (USA) in his dam line; that horse's dam Milan Mill (USA) (Princequillo {Ire}) being the fourth dam of Kermadec's (NZ) dam sire Fuji Kiseki (Jpn).
Tuvalu is the first foal for the placed Hangin’ Tough (Exceed And Excel) whose dam is the stakes-placed import Ancelin (Ire) (Sadler’s Wells {{USA}). Her second foal has not been placed whilst her third Shut It Down (Lonhro) was not disgraced at his Sale debut just last week.
Served last spring by Capitalist after foaling an Impending colt, Hangin’ Tough hails from a classy family, one well represented at the elite-level by the likes of Adayar (Ire), National Defense (GB), Ave (GB) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}), Helmet and Epaulette.
G2 Schillaci S., $300,000, 1100m
It was a bright-blue finish with an exciting quinella for Godolphin homebreds, Paulele (Dawn Approach {Ire}) defeating stablemate Ingratiating (Frosted {USA}).
One of the 17 stakes winners for his multiple Group 1-winning sire who last shuttled to Darley in 2018, Paulele is one of the seven winners produced by the multiple city winner Chatoyant (Flying Spur).
Retired from breeding duties last year (her final foal being the Exosphere filly Chrysoberyl), Chatoyant is also dam of the G3 Canonbury S. winner Tessera (Medaglia D'Oro {USA}) and the G3 Thoroughbred Breeders' S. winner Montsegur (New Approach {Ire}) - in turn dam of the dual Group 3 winner Heresy (Street Boss {USA}).
Chatoyant is one of seven winners for the city-placed two-time winner Decidity (Last Tycoon {Ire}) - also dam of the Group 1 mare Bonaria (Redoute's Choice) and the Group 3 winners Time Out (Rory's Jester) and Legally Bay (Snippets).
The latter has also done a great job at stud, her seven winners including the dual Group 1-winning sprinter and now Coolmore resident Merchant Navy, the Group 2 winner Jolie Bay (Fastnet Rock) and the Listed winner Setanta (Fastnet Rock).
Boasting crosses of the wonderful mares Natalma (USA) (Native Dancer {USA}) and Lalun (USA) (Djeddah {Fr}), Paulele is a descendant of the acclaimed matriarch Chelandry (GB) (Goldfinch {GB}).
G2 Herbert Power S., $300,000, 2400m
Saracen Knight (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) made it two in a row with this stylish victory, taking his form from Mornington to Caulfield.
Bred by Lisbrook, he is one of the 49 stakes winners for his multiple Group 1-winning, Coolmore Ireland-based sire; and one of eight on Australian soil.
He is the first foal for the lightly raced Za’Hara (Ire) (Raven’s Pass {USA}) whose second foal Beauty Stone (Ire) (Australia {GB}) is a five-time winner - a 5500gns (AU$10,000) purchase for Sam Sangster.
Za’Hara’s Group 1-placed dam Opera Comique (Fr) (Singspiel {Ire}) is a half-sister to the Group 1 galloper Belmez (USA) (El Gran Senor {USA}) and she has also produced the G1 Arlington Million winner Debussy (Ire) (Diesis {GB}) and the G3 Princess Elizabeth S. winner Laugh Aloud (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}).
Saracen Knight is a descendant of the champion Pearl Cap (Fr) (Le Capucin {Fr}) who is still considered to be one of the best fillies to have raced in France - at stud producing the G1 Epsom Derby hero Pearl Diver (Fr) (Vatello {Fr}).
G3 Thoroughbred Club S., $200,000, 1200m
Lightly raced and promising is English Riviera (Deep Field) who dug deep to win at Group 3 level at just her seventh start - recording her second win.
A $260,000 graduate of the 2021 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale - making her way through the Vinery Stud draft and purchased by Mark Pilkington Management - English Riviera was bred by renowned judge Alan Bell.
The 18th stakes winner for her Newgate-based sire, she is the third foal and third winner for the Listed winner Second Time Lucky (NZ) (Any Suggestion), half-sister to the stakes-placed Hayley Rose (Floral Dynamite) from the family of the stakes winners Nick On The Run (Niccolo Polo {USA}) and Swell Time Girl (Niccolo Polo {USA}).
Second Time Lucky has not had a great deal of luck at stud in recent times, last year missing to Ole Kirk and Deep Field and to the latter two years ago; in between producing a filly by American Pharoah (USA).
G3 Northwood Plume S., $200,000, 1200m
Now a Group 3 winner on the back of her consistent metropolitan benchmark form, Literary Magnate (Written Tycoon) is stakes winner number 52 for Yulong Stud's Champion Sire of two seasons back.
She is the fourth named foal and fourth winner for the stakes-placed, dual city winner Family Crest (Fastnet Rock) whose grandam is the G1 Western Australian Oaks winner True Devotion (Beau Sovereign {NZ}).
Served last spring by Flying Artie with colts coming through by Brutal (NZ) and Hellbent, Family Crest can count amongst her relations the stakes winners Centrofold (Centro {NZ}), Smart Kid (Kaapstad {NZ}) and Cassini (Reset).
Also dam of the promising Gary Portelli-trained, last-start winning 3-year-old Spinosaurus (Zoustar), Family Crest is a descendant of the influential matriarch Myrtlewood (USA) (Blue Larkspur {USA}) - ancestress of such great stallions as Mr Prospector (USA) and Seattle Slew (USA).
Literary Magnate was a $135,000 2020 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale purchase from the draft of Tyreel Stud (bred under their Wallings Bloostock Banner), secured by Matthew Williams Racing and Sheamus Mills Bloodstock.
Listed Debutant S., $175,000, 1000m
It was a big win for the Gooree Park Stud-bred King's Gambit (I Am Invincible), stakes winner number 83 for his Yarraman Park-based, reigning Champion Sire. He is the fourth foal and second winner for the dual Group 3 winner Sultry Feeling (Encosta De Lago), a half-sister to the triple Group winner Swift Alliance. Served last spring by Extreme Choice, Sultry Feeling has a yearling filly by Snitzel.
Listed Weekend Hussler, $175,000, 1400m
Letting go of a strong finishing burst out wide, Cardinal Gem (Choisir) did a good job sustaining his run around the field - recording his fourth win and his first at stakes level. His late sire’s 103rd stakes winner, the Aquis Farm-bred gelding was purchased by Gippsland Bloodstock for $32,000 at the 2019 Inglis Australian Weanling Sale. His placed dam Eloquent Ruby (Turffontein) - who was served last year by Toronado (Ire) - is a full sister to the Group 2 winner Fontein Ruby and half to the Group 1 winner The Mitigator (Master Of Design) from the family of Fields Of Omagh (Rubiton).
Listed Village S., $175,000, 1200m
Godolphin homebred Gravina (Sebring) put in the big strides late to win, at his 20th start, his first stakes race. The 79th for his late sire, he is out of the Listed winner Metastasio (Street Cry {Ire}), half-sister to the dual Group 1 winner Colette (Hallowed Crown). Metastasio was served last spring by Bivouac having foaled a Frosted (USA) colt.
Matamata: G1 Arrowfield Stud Plate, NZ$300,000, 1600m
La Crique (NZ) (Vadamos {Fr}) proved a class above her rivals racing away to this easy win, her first at Group 1 level.
A homebred for the Cassin family, she is one of the four stakes winners for Rich Hill's G1 Prix du Moulin de Longchamp winner Vadamos (Fr), one of the best sons of the great Monsun (Ger) (Konigsstuhl {Ger}).
Her dam is the multiple city winner Destiny Cove whose sire Dubai Destination (USA) (Kingmambo {USA}) has made quite the name for himself as a broodmare sire.
Also dam of the good metropolitan class, four-time winner Bari (NZ) (Proisir), Destiny Cove was not served in 2021 and 2019, missing in between; served last spring by Vadamos; La Crique her most recent foal.
Destiny Cove is a granddaughter of the G2 Prix de Pomone winner Whitehaven (GB) (Top Ville {Ire}) whose son Copeland (GB) (Generous {Ire}) earned the title of Swiss Champion 3-Year-Old with his 11 victories. His half-sister Ennerdale (GB) (Singspiel {Ire}) has done a great job at stud locally, producing eight winners including the G3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude winner Eclair Big Bang (NZ) (Savabeel), the G2 Blue Diamond Prelude winner Samara Dancer (NZ) (Hinchinbrook) as well as three stakes-placed city winners.
G2 Hawke's Bay Guineas, NZ$140,000, 1400m
After enjoying a nice trail in running, Pier (NZ) (Proisir) was able to finish off strongly to record a smart win, his second from just three starts.
A homebred for the Weatherley and Wright families, Pier is the eighth stakes winner for his Rich Hill Stud-based, G3 Spring S.-winning sire, a son of Choisir.
His dam is the metropolitan placed, two-time winner La Vitesse (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) who was represented by two winners last season - Maria Farina (NZ) (Contributer {Ire}) and La Velocita (NZ) (Proisir).
Served last spring by Contributer (Ire) having previously missed to Ribchester (Ire), La Vitesse is out of the dual Group winner Naturo (NZ) (Postponed {USA}) whose five foals to race have all been winners including the stakes-placed Orutan (NZ) (Pins) and O'Naturelle (NZ) (O'Reilly {NZ}).
Boasting an interesting pedigree with his sire and dam bred on the same Danehill (USA)/Century cross, Pier can count amongst his relations the Group 1 gallopers Booming (NZ) (Don Eduardo {NZ}), Electronic (NZ) (First Norman {USA}) and Sweet Idea (Snitzel).
Listed Matamata Cup, NZ$65,000, 1600m
Putting his nose out right where it counted, Paisley Park (NZ) (Azamour {Ire}) was game recording his second win at Listed level. A homebred for Christini Bloodstock, he is one of the 43 stakes winners for his Cambridge Stud-based sire. He is one of the five winners for the imported Musical Magic (GB) (Mozart {Ire}), also dam of the stakes-placed Farrenc (NZ) (Dalghar {Fr}). She was not served last year, foaling a Eminent (Ire) colt having previously slipped to that same stallion.
Randwick: G2 Roman Consul S., $300,000, 1200m
Best Of Bordeaux made it a nice day for Arrowfield's four-time Champion Sire Snitzel with this smart performance - another Snitzel in Willinga Best third.
The $425,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale graduate (who has breeder Gerry Harvey in the ownership) is one of the 125 stakes winners for his sire.
He is the second foal (the first being the unraced $420,000 Fastnet Rock mare Left Bank) for the city winner Chateau Cheval (High Chaparral {Ire}) who was served last spring by Written Tycoon having unfortunately missed in two previous visits to Snitzel.
Chateau Cheval is a daughter of the stakes-placed Lady Capel (Last Tycoon {Ire}), dam of four stakes winners - the G1 Chipping Norton S.-winning successful sire Casino Prince, the G3 Tramway H. winner Tagus, the dual Listed winner Lord Of The Land and the Listed Hinkler H. winner Metallurgical (Redoute's Choice).
Also able to claim amongst his relations the Group 1 winners Onemorenomore and Green Birdie (NZ) (Catbird), Best Of Bordeaux boasts a cross of the great mare Best In Show (USA) (Traffic Judge {USA}) via Redoute's Choice and Try My Best (USA) (Northern Dancer {Can}).
G3 The Nivison, $200,000, 1200m
The second stakes winner for the day (and his 19th overall) for Newgate’s Deep Field, Sky Command never looked in any danger of defeat as she skipped clear in the run home.
A four-time winner from 13 starts, Sky Command - a homebred for the Vieira family - is out of the winner Love Commands whose sire Commands hails from the same prolific Cotehele House (GB) (My Swanee {GB}) branch of the Eight Carat (GB) (Pieces Of Eight {Ire}) as Deep Field. And she boasts three strains of the family with his grandam being by Octagonal (NZ).
Missing last year to Vieira’s Trapeze Artist after producing a colt by that same stallion, Love Commands is a daughter of the dual Group 3 winner Sky Love (Octagonal {NZ}), half-sister to the G1 Emirates S. winners Sky Cuddle (Snippets) (in turn dam of the dual Group winner Champagne Cuddles by Not A Single Doubt), and Highly Recommended (Fastnet Rock) and the Listed winners Hint (Reset) and Undeniably (Fastnet Rock).
G3 Gloaming S., $500,000, 1800m
Please note this race was abandoned
G3 Angst S., $200,000, 1600m
Please note this race was abandoned
Hawera: G3 Taranaki Breeders' S., NZ$85,000, 1400m
Darci La Bella (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) proved a class above her rivals with this convincing victory, her first at stakes level.
The 57th stakes winner for her The Oaks Stud-based sire, a stalwart of New Zealand breeding, she is one of the four winners produced by the metropolitan winner Bellaroof (NZ) (Maroof {USA}) - also dam of the dual Group winner Tavi Mac (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}).
The final foal of her dam, a granddaughter of the dual Listed winner Highden Belle (NZ) (Pevero {Ire}), Darci La Bella is a homebred for the McCallum and Sharrock families.
And she is the latest stakes winner for one of New Zealand’s favourite families - many of her high-class relations distinguishable by the “Belle” tag in their names.
Eagle Farm: Listed Queensland Cup, $150,000, 2400m
Fun Fact (The Factor {USA}) had been out of the winners' circle for two years but patient connections were rewarded with this, his second success at stakes level. One of the 35 stakes winners for his former shuttling sire, the $240,000 Magic Millions graduate bred by Edinburgh Park and Peter O’Brien is out of the Listed Canberra Cup winner Fill The Page (Dane Shadow) who has also produced the Group 3-placed Tamasa (So You Think {NZ}). She recently foaled a filly by Maurice (Jpn).
Morphettvillle: Listed Hill Smith S., $107,250, 1800m
Relishing the step up in distance with this big 5l victory, More Reward (Reward For Effort) became the 11th stakes winner for his G1 Blue Diamond S.-winning sire who died last spring. Bred by Chatswood Stud and purchased by Oopy MacGillivray for $27,000 at the 2021 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale, he is out of a Galileo (Ire) half-sister to the Listed Grafton Cup winner Ashraf (Danehill {USA}).
