May 11th, 2008

Mornington based trainer Mark Riley is looking forward to the spring with talented juvenile Gold In Dubai after he won the Listed Blue Sapphire Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on Saturday. 

Having only his second start, the Desert Sun gelding broke his maiden status in impressive style by racing handy to lead in the Listed event and got home by a half-neck from Turquia and the fast finishing Lucky Thunder . 

The race did have its share of drama when the unbeaten odds-on favourite Ortensia (Testa Rossa -Aerate's Pick by Picnickcer) was scratched at the barrier on veterinary advice when found to be sore behind after flipping over in the mounting yard and pulling off a hind plate. 

Riley told TVN's Bruce Clark "This horse is an exciting horse and I pay tribute to co-owner Kevin Heffernan who has been my biggest supporter since I began training horses." 

"I don't reckon I have had a bigger thrill ever and to win this race for Kevin - well that just means so much to me," Riley said. 

Gold In Dubai was a headstrong gelding and Heffernan was so grateful that Riley agreed to train the horse that he gave him 25 per cent interest over lunch one day. 

At his only other start, Gold In Dubai finished second to the impressive David Hayes-trained Nicconi (by Bianconi) at Sandown on April 26, when he wore blinkers, minus the head gear on Saturday, Michael Rodd was able to have Gold In Dubai settled just behind Tossit Around and Kalash who shared the lead as they took the field along at a solid gallop.  Cornering well, Rodd, moved Gold In Dubai up with the Turquia who was trying to get off the tiring Kalash and Tossit Around heels.  Gold In Dubai went to the front inside the last 200metres and was a shade too strong for Turquia (Estambul - Point to the Stars by Wolverton) to claim the valuable black type by a half-neck.

Lucky Thunder (Lucky Owners - Smytzer's Thunder by Thunder Gulch) was doing his best work late to grab third a half-length away.

Gold In Dubai gave Desert Sun his 29th stakes winner and is out of the Rory's Jester winning mare, Rory's Song and is her first stakes winner and second winner following King Chorus (by Snippets).  Rory's Songs descends from a female line that's produced the dual Group I winning Prix Maurice de Gheest winner, Marchand D'or (by Marchand de Sable) the Group I Hollywood Park Derby winner Spellbound (by Lyphard's Wish) the Japan Group I Kyoto Mile Championship and Nakyayama Sprinters Stakes winner Durandal (by Sunday Slience) and the Group I Yorkshire Oaks placegetter, Sparrow's Air (by Assert).

March 12th, 2008

Lacey Underall showed that she doesn't mind 3200m and a hot day all rolled up in one when she produced a tough effort to claim the Group 2 Adelaide Cup (3200m) on Monday.

Lacey Underall is by Eliza Park's foundation stallion, Desert Sun, battled tough opposition along with a forty degree day to land her fifth win and her most valuable.  Ridden in the feature by Dwayne Dunn, Lacey Underall, settled towards the rear of the pack as Cefalu  took them along at a solid tempo. 

Turning for home Lacey Underall was still along way off Cefalu and Dunn wove a passage past tiring opponents to grab Cefalu just in time to claim the Adelaide Cup by a clear margin.

Lacey Underall adds to the long list of recent group winners bred by Eliza Park.  She was sold at the Adelaide Magic Millions for $30,000 and has since returned her owners more than $450,000 in stakes.

It was sweet justice for the mare who had battled her way into second place behind the high-class stayer Gallic in last year’s chapter.

Lacey Underall had run three stakes placings prior to Monday and with her Group 2 victory she is Desert Sun’s 28th stakeswinner. 

A magnificent effort from the son of Green Desert who produced Lacey Underall from his third crop at Eliza Park. Lacey Underall was foaled at Eliza Park just 19 days prior to Sunline’s farewell to racing in the 2002 Cox Plate.  Sunline is Desert Sun’s great flag bearer - any stallion’s for that matter - but it should also be remembered that the Danzig line stallion also has Group One winners La Bella Dama and Our Egyptian Raine prominent in his resume.

But it’s not all about stakeswinners as Desert Sun continues to produce winners on a regular basis with Tordacity and Redwood Park winning last weekend over 2100m and 1100m respectively.

Lacey Underall is out of the Bluebird mare Flirted a sister to the stakes-placed three time winner, Asalant and half-sister to the SAJC Group 3 Spring Stakes winner and successful sire, Staaraq (by At Talaq). 

May 8th, 2007

At Sandown on Sunday, Desert Sun's son Caridale scored in a thrilling finish in the Sir Dane Handicap (1500m), giving his apprentice rider Seb Murphy four winners on the day.  Caridale, a 5YO from the tremendous producer Song of Norway, is a half brother to 11 winners (from 11 to race!) including Group 2 winner Scandinavia, dam of 2007 Group 1 winner Magnus (AJC The Galaxy). Bred and raised by Eliza Park, Caridale was leased to Eliza Park's former marketing manager, Brent Crawford, who formed a syndicate of friends.  

Caridale has been an outstanding earner for his owners' as he try's his heart out every time with eight wins and ten placings from 39 starts overall, he has gone around 16 times this season for four wins and six placings. Trained by Mark Ganderton in Tasmania, Caridale has been ‘up’ almost continuously since October, but seems to have grown another leg in the past month with two wins and three placings from as many starts including victories in the Deloraine Cup.

February 18th, 2007

On Australia Stakes day at Moonee Valley on Saturday, Eliza Park Stud's son of Green Desert, Desert Sun got the day off in grand fashion when Sun Glazed led all the the way in the Platinum Private Handicap (1200m).

A neat bay three-year-old filly, Sun Glazed, jumped away best from barrier six in the eight horse field and dicated terms as she soon slowed the tempo of the race up, resulting in Fire in the Night and Mondano over racing.  Sun Glazed, ridden by John Didham, accerlated away from them on the bend to get a clear margin on her rivals.  Fire In The Night (Danewin - Duchesse de Berri by Diesis) finished the race off nicely from midfield on the turn to grab second one-and-a-half lengths in arrears.  Fantastic Choice (Fantasti Light - Erin's Choice by County) was a further 2-1/2 lengths away in third.

Desert Sun continues to keep the winners rolling out with incredible regularity and I don’t think anyone would mind paying the feed bills for a filly like Sun Glazed (ex Rich Desert by Dehere) who has now won over $130,000 in 12 starts with four wins to her credit. 

Sun Glazed was purchased from the Eliza draft at the 2005 Adelaide Magic Millions for $35,000.  She was subsequently syndicated by Prime Thoroughbreds. 

May 22nd, 2006

Eliza Park's, Desert Sun stakes winner Kingsgate Prince (ex Princess Mood by Muhtarram) won his second black type race in the Listed Carnarvon Stakes (1200m) at Newbury. 

Kingsgate Prince was ridden by Richard Quinn for trainer John Best and defeated Assertive (Bold Edge - Tart And A Half by Distant Relative with Strike Up The Band (Cyrano De Bergerac - Green Supreme by Primo Dominie) in third.

Kingsgate Prince has an impressive career record with five win from only eight starts.

February 26th, 2006

    The Brian Mayfield-Smith trained Strikeline returned to winning form at Caulfield when she took out the Premier Signs Plate (1200m) on Saturday.

    Strikeline had returned from a summer break two weeks earlier with a below-par return on a very firm track at Caulfield.  With the edge off the track she bounced back to her best.  Showing plenty of heart Strikeline (ex Strike High by Pre Emptive Strike) held off the six-year-old gelding Stratton Place (Belong to Me - Stratton Street by Last Tycoon) in a tight finish.

    In claiming her sixth win from 25-starts, Mayfield-Smith will no doubt place Strikeline to advantage with a possible target of the Group I Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) in South Australia, March 13th.

August 14th, 2005

Flemington master trainer, Brian Mayfield-Smith is likely to give classy mare Strikeline, strong winner of Saturday's Group 3 Ian McEwen Trophy, the opportunity to add a Group 1 victory to her resume in next month's Manikato Stakes.

Mayfield-Smith, who provided the quinella for the Group 3 event with Truly Wicked, said the Manikato provided plenty of appeal for a mare who had proved competitive in the Salinger Stakes and Goodwood Handicap last season. He said Strikeline handled Moonee Valley, weight-for-age and whatever conditions the day threw up.

"She deserves a chance to win a Group 1. We might as well give her a go in the Manikato," said Mayfield-Smith, who tipped the correct finishing order of his two mares.

"They asked me on Sydney radio who I thought would win – and I said Strikeline.

"I thought she would make her own luck, settle up on the pace, and she has a strong finish. The other mare gets back and had to take her chances."

Strikeline (ex Strike High by Pre Emptive Strike), stepped out as race favourite, found plenty after being trapped three deep throughout to hold off Truly Wicked (Rubiton - Dizzy Lass by At Talaq), to win the 1000m event by a short neck. Titanic Jack (Encosta de Lago - Gold Tunic by Stage Door Johnny), went super first up to be only a length away in third.

Strikeline was ridden by Peter Mertens' and it was his biggest win for Mayfield-Smith, a trainer he had not ridden for until several months ago.  Mertens was given the ride on a head-strong horse for Mayfield-Smith late last season, which duly won, and impressed the Flemington master, and was given the opportunity to ride Strikeline.

"I thought she did a top job," he said. "She sat three deep, and although it was probably the place to be, she found plenty when the pressure went on.

"Brian said she was very fit and not to be afraid to let her roll forward."

Danny Nikolic, who partnered Truly Wicked, predicted the mare could reverse the result if they met again soon.

Nikolic said he thought he had the race won on the home turn, but Strikeline was able to fire.

He said the extra distance of a race such as the Manikato would suit Truly Wicked.

"She handled the circuit and the extra ground will be in her favour," he said. "And she will come on from that run." 

July 24th, 2005

Diamond Sun took out the Kay Lamb – Joyce Fehr Open Handicap (1600m) at Warwick Farm on Saturday.

Ridden by Hugh Bowman, Diamond Sun travelled one horse off the fence midfield after 100m from his awkward draw of 11 from the mile start.  The six-year-old son of Desert Sun had a good run and once Bowman rounded the home turn he took him to the middle of the track.

Diamond Sun (ex Persephone by Epidaurus) defeated Newton’s Rings (Spectrum - Primas by Luskin Star) by a half-length with Jovial (Redoute's Choice - Hit and Giggle by Marauding) a neck away in third. 

November 21st, 2004

Great is Great smashed a track record as he staked his claim for a possible Group One start in Perth when he cruised to a commanding win at Sandown on Saturday afternoon. 

Great is Great, who's bred on the same cross as champion racemare Sunline, is likely to head west to tackle Perth's richest race following his emphatic victory in the Umrum Handicap (1600m). 

The gelding's trainer Greg Eurell has joined a queue of eastern state based trainers now desperately seeking a flight for their charge leading into next month's Group One $500,000 Railway Stakes (1600m) at Ascot. 

"If he got a flight - he'd be going for sure - especially considering how good today's win was," Eurell said. "But getting a flight is going to be the problem." 

The flight problem - emphasised in recent times by the deferred Melbourne arrival of Victoria Derby winner Plastered - could cost connections of Great is Great their chance at Group One glory. 

"We'd have to be able to find something in the next week to get the suitable plans into order," Eurell noted. "Let's just hope something can be resolved." 

A bargain buy as a weanling for Malaysian businessman Kelvin Leong, Great is Great stopped the clock in a sizzling 1 minute 35.42 seconds - almost a full second better than the previous record held by Group One winner Sound Action of 1:36.37 seconds.

Great is Great romped home, beating Smart and Mighty (Baryshniokov - Billie's Flurry by Pag Asa) by 3-1/4 lengths, while Boreale (Octagonal - Spring Thaw by His Majesty) was a long head back third. 

The four-year-old son of Desert Sun has now won three of his past four starts after wins earlier this campaign at Caulfield and Flemington. The Flemington victory was at group three in the rich Yallambee Stud Stakes on Victoria Derby Day. 

Great is Great, who cost connections just $18,000 at the 2001 Magic Millions National Weanling Sale on the Gold Coast, sustained a tough run being three deep for a large part of the race - but his class prevailed as he cruised to victory under apprentice Michael Guthrie. 

From the Western Symphony mare Predictions, Great is Great has now earned Leong a cool $391,350 with his seven wins and a third from just 12 career starts. 

The gelding has "turned the corner" since a few minor things in his training were changed by Eurell. He's relished being schooled over jumps as well. 

"He settles well in his work at home," Eurell reported. "So now he's learning to settle in his races he's finishing off really well." 

Should Eurell be able to get Great is Great to Perth for the Railway Stakes he could stick around for the $300,000 Fruit 'n' Veg Stakes at Ascot eight days following the running of the Railway.  If Eurell is unable to arrange a trip west, Great is Great could be given a break for the autumn. 

The Cranbourne based horseman didn't rule out the chance of contesting the $400,000 Jaguar Magic Millions Cup (1400m) at the Gold Coast in January - an open event restricted to graduates of Magic Millions sales. 

October 31st 2004

Desert Sun was frequently in the spring headlines when his champion daughter Sunline was on her Cox Plate campaigns and on Saturday at Flemington we were reminded that his sons are pretty good too with Great Is Great scoring an authoritative win in the Group 3 Yallambee Stud Stakes (registered name: Chatham Stakes, 1400m).

Impaler was best to begin and settled in front ahead of Amtrak, Osca Warrior, Greek Adonis and Nips with Monahan Tweed and Great Is Great travelling behind them getting a nice runs.  The field was very bunched as they entered the straight with Amtrak going much better than Impaler and Monahan Tweed looking to get a run on in the inside.  Amtrak got clear at the 250m but Great Is Great who just took a little time to get into the clear was running on strongly and he picked up Amtrak in the last few bounds to get the better of Amtrak (Flying Spur - Central Express by Century) to win by a half-length with Regent Street (Carnegie - Regal Odyssey by Vice Regal) 1-1/2 lengths away in third.

Great Is Great (ex Predictions by Western Symphony) is right back to his very best form and will back up in the Group I Emirates Stakes run on Saturday November 6th.

Earlier in the day in New South Wales, Desert Sun's four-year-old gelding son, General Cromwell ran out an easy winner of the Good Guys Handicap (1500m) at Rosehill.

In scoring his maiden success, General Cromwell (ex Cloudway by Buena Shore) set a new class record running 1:29.07 for the journey.

October 17th, 2004

Desert Sun's top-class mare Our Egyptian Raine chalked up her tenth career win in stunning fashion at Caulfield on Saturday, ending a frustrating run of placings, to win the Group 3 Tristarc Stakes (1400m).

The victory has prompted her trainer Grahame Begg and connections to pay up for Australia's best weight-for-age race the WS Cox Plate at Moonee Valley. Already a winner at the course in the Moir Stakes, Our Egyptian Raine will be ridden by Corey Brown.

Regarded almost exclusively as a sprinter, Our Egyptian Raine started favourite and didn't let her supporters down in winning her first race beyond 1200m taking her earnings past $1.3million. 

Despite her impressive record, she has become renowned lately for the string of placings she has run in big races, being runner-up six times in Group races alone this year, including the Epsom Handicap and the Doomben 10,000. 

On the soft track, Our Egyptian Raine (ex Egyptian Queen by Karioi Lad) appeared she would again have to settle for second, after getting to the front inside the final 50m when she veered in towards the fence, lasting only by a short half-head to beat Infinite Grace (Prince of Birds - Infinite Charm by Tristino). Skewiff (Mookta - Centrullah - Century) ran on into third place a further 1-3/4 lengths away. 

Capping the day off for Desert Sun his four-year-old son, Roll On Royce returned to winning form taking out the Pope Packaging Handicap (2024m) at Morphettville.

Roll On Royce (ex Katrelle by Oak Ridge) had three-quarters-of-a-length at the line over Delabee (With Class - Sackerina by Sackford) with Adolescence (Grand Lodge - Mademoisell by Our Poetic Prince) a long neck away in third. 

October 10th, 2004

Another important metropolitan double for Eliza Park's Desert Sun at Caulfield on Saturday when Great is Great bounced back to his best and Solar Antquity who had punters cheering loudly as one of the great Caulfield Guineas days drew to a close.

Great is Great jumped away well from barrier 11 and settled nicely for his rider Luke Nolen.  With Nolen, electing to stay on the rails Great is Great enjoyed a trouble free run hugging the rail behind the early speed set by Lad of the Manor with Pink Fit close up on the leaders heels.

Nolen was able to get a run along the rails on Great is Great in the straight running on strongly.  Pink Fit had been able to get the better of Lad of the Manor. Great is Great (ex Predictions by Western Symphony) continuing his strong run he got the up hand to draw away for a comfortable 1-1/4 length win over Pink Fit (Flying Spur - My Pink by Slew O'Gold).  Lad of the Manor (Zabeel - Matrona by Woodman) hung on for third 1-3/4 lengths away.

Great is Great's trainer Greg Eurell revealed after the race that he had "popped" him over a couple of jumps to regain his enthusiasm for racing.

In the Thai Airways Classic (1200m), Solar Antquity began running and was sent straight to the lead by her rider Mark Flaherty.  Holding the four-year-old mare together Flaherty rounded the turn and as soon as she was balanced he gave Solar Antquity more reign and she simply found another gear.

Solar Antquity is a very smart mare and she had her rivals struggling a long way out and won by a widening 3-1/4 lengths.

August 22nd, 2004

Strikeline gave owner-breeder Ian MacDonald one of his biggest thrills in racing when she landed her first stakes success in the listed Cockram Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield.

The Melbourne Racing Club joint vice-chairman sent Strike High, a daughter of Pre Emptive Strike, to Sunline's sire Desert Sun with Strikeline being the resultant foal.

The chestnut mare has been a model of consistency, racing eight times for three wins and five second placings.

She was spelled after finishing runner-up to French Bid in the Kevin Hayes Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on January 26 and has won both her starts this campaign at Caulfield, scoring first-up over 1100m on August 7 on a heavy track.

On a slow surface Strikeline refused to surrender when Beautiful Gem (Peintre Celebre - Just Blooming by Yeats) came at her in the closing stages and held on to score by a short neck with Rinky Dink (Distorted Humor - Peebinga Princess by Southern Appeal) running on to finish 1-1/4 lengths away in third.

The disappointments of the race were the equal favourites Our Quivira (Spinning World) who was very worked up in the mounting yard pre-race and Danabaa (Anabaa) who looked very light in condition they finished sixth and last respectively.

Trainer Brian Mayfield-Smith said that Strikeline would have her first test beyond 1200m in the Listed $150,000 Lets Elope Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on September 4.

"Her dam was a stayer but at this stage she's a speed horse," Mayfield-Smith said of Strikeline.

Strike High was placed in the 1995 Duke Of Norfolk Stakes (3200m) at Flemington.

August 15th, 2004

Honest Desert Sun gelding Sunshine Sam sent punters home from Rosehill on Saturday with a smile on their face when as favourite he stormed home down the centre of the track to claim the Dooleys Handicap.

The winning his fifth victory from 21 starts, that includes 10 placings, Sunshine Sam (ex Crest View by Top Post) ran 1:30.56 for the 1500m journey.

August 9th, 2004

At Caulfield on Saturday the Desert Sun filly, Stikeline showed plenty of determination to edge out Sarah Michelle in the Style Club Handicap (1100m) on a heavy track.

Although only a short-half-head separated Stikeline and Sarah Michelle (Jugah - Miss Soleil by Sun Master) at the post they both finished along away ahead of the third placegetter Vegas Show (Keltrice).

Stikeline is the fifth foal from the Pre Emptive Strike mare Strike High the winner of five races including the listed Hopetoun Handicap.  Strike High also finished runner up in the listed Seymour Cup and third in the G3 VRC St Leger, the listed Duke of Norfolk stakes and Launceston Cup, thus suggesting her daughter will improve as the distances increase.

July 26th, 2004

Thames-trained Sir Jesse James showed his liking for the soft track at Ellerslie in New Zealand on Saturday when he won the Ecolab Open Handicap (1600m) in impressive fashion.

Sir Jesse James (ex Perak Pearl by Sackford) took out the event with ease winning by a widening 3-1/2 lengths. 

Desert Sun has had another good season with a very good number of winners to runners including the stakes winning Calorific (ex Shosholoza by Maizcay) who won the Group 3 SAJC Sires' Produce Stakes; La Nikita (ex Zeddez by Zeditave), Abdullah (ex Replicate by Centro), Roll On Royce (ex Katrelle by Oakridge) and Our Egyptian Raine (ex Egyptian Queen by Karioi Lad).

July 12th, 2004

At Flemington on Saturday, Desert Sun's three-year-old filly filly Solar Antiquity took out the last race on the Grand National Steeplechase card.

Solar Antiquity jumped away best from the 1420m start to go to the front from Trattoria and Agra.  As the field rounded the home turn Mosstara and Tully Bellotto  hugged the rail to gain some ground on Solar Antiquity who had established a big break on the field. 

Although Solar Antiquity (ex Pompeii Glory by Pompeii Court) began to tire she had enough in reserve to hold off Mosstara (Encores - Finest Moss by Twig Moss) by a half-head with another three-quarters-of-a-length back to Tully Bellotto (Encounter - Queen Bellotto by Bellotto) in third.

Solar Antiquity did plenty of work early in the race, however she showed plenty of courage to hang on for her thrid win from her fourth career start. 

June 27th, 2004

Eliza Park's popular stallion DESERT SUN is having a great season and at Warwick Farm on Saturday his progeny were in the winners' enclosure again when Sunshine Sam scored his fourth career victory in the Oopik Handicap (1400m).

Sunshine Sam (ex Crest View by Top Post) had a length on Winning Master (Snippets - Winning Table by Bletchingly) with three-quarters-of-a-length back to Casita (Groom Dancer - Maybe yes by last Tycoon) in third.

June 20th, 2004

Desert Sun's chestnut juvenile daughter Summer Angel opened her winning account in the Merrylands RSL Club Handicap (1200m) at Rosehill on Saturday.

Facing the starter for the third time Summer Angel (ex Angel Baby by Red Anchor) beat Hint Of Glory (Honour And Glory - Suggestive by Al Hareb) by a short-half-head with Seek And Swift (Arena - Ancient Albatross by Bluebird) a short head away in third.

June 20th, 2004

Rosehill trainer Jack Denham celebrated his 80th birthday on Saturday with the win of Dial Tones in the $50,000 St Marys Leagues Club Handicap (1200m) at Rosehill.

The four-year-old grey Rubiton gelding, settled behind the speed, set by Sin Trail (Catrail) and Zarouk (Last Tycoonl), Dial Tone was too strong when let down by Darryl McLellan in the straight to score by a long neck from the fast finishing Monte Fino ( Dehere - Flying Venture by Flight Bijou).  Back In Style (Mukaddamah - Call Me Kareena by Spectacular Spy) was third three-quarters-of-a-length away.

Dial Tones (ex Dialled by Yeats) ran a good winter time of 1:10.79 for the journey covering the final 600m in 35.42 seconds.

May 16th, 2004

Michael Moroney's decision to send Calorific to Adelaide at the last minute paid dividends when the two-year-old claimed the Group 3 Sires' Produce Stakes (1600m) at Morphettville on Saturday.

Calorific (ex Shosholoza by Maizcay), is by Eliza Park's good stallion Desert Sun, was sent to Adelaide after a mediocre run at Flemington on a soft track over the mile, however on Saturday he appeared to appreciate the firmer going showing plenty of courage in the run to the line. 

Calorific managed to get the better of Light Shine (Way of Light - Miss Truce by Brief Truce), scoring a long head victory, with half-a-length to Ulysses (Fasliyev - Striking Destiny by El Prado) in third.  

The win by Calorific in the group three event takes Desert Sun's stakes earners total to 20 - his fifth this season joining La Nikita (ex Zeddez by Zeditave), Abdullah (ex Replicate by Centro), Roll On Royce (ex Katrelle by Oakridge) and Our Egyptian Raine (ex Egyptian Queen by Karioi Lad).

May 9th, 2004

Underrated galloper Roll On Royce continued his winning roll for trainer Gary Kennewell as he outpowered his more fancied rivals in the Yalumba Plate (2024m) (registered as Chairman's Stakes) at Morphettville on Saturday.

The gelding won the Listed Port Adelaide Guineas at his previous start\ but was overlooked for Saturday's race by many as they concentrated on interstate rivals.

But Roll On Royce (ex Katrelle by Oak Ridge), ridden by comeback jockey Jarrod Lorensini, clearly outstayed his rivals to score a 2-1/2 length win over Melbourne visitor Close Encounter (Encounter - Hilarity by Rory's Jester) and the filly Danalaga (Danehill - Tamarino by Caerleon) half-a-neck away in third.

Roll On Royce was originally prepared by Kennewell, then was transferred to Tony McEvoy's Melbourne stables for five runs without success. 

Upon returing to Adelaide, Roll On Royce won his first start back in his original stable then kept his winning record intact with today's success.

"When he came back he was a bit jaded after all the travel and relocation but was still able to win the Port Guineas," Kennewell said. 

"Having settled in he's really improved and won well again today. 

"I had my doubts he would run the trip but he settled well with the good pace and worked to the line really well. 

"He'll definitely start in the Derby now."

April 25th, 2004

Stakes winner number 19 for Eliza Park's popular Green Desert horse, Desert Sun when Roll On Royce showed plenty of determination to win the Listed Port Adelaide Guineas (1600m) at Cheltenham Park on Saturday.

Roll On Royce only a had a short-head margin too spare from Tingirana (Generous Shy Lizzie by Shy Rambler) with Danalaga (Danehill - Tamarino by Caerleon) three-quarters-of-a-length away in third.

Roll On Royce's win was his second victory from just 10 starts and takes his earnings past $70,000, a profit for his connections, as his trainer Gary Kennewell purchased Roll On Royce at the 2002 Adelaide Magic Millions Yearling Sale for $37,000.  

Roll On Royce is out of the winning Oak Ridge mare Katrelle a sister to group three winner Twin Oak and a three-quarter sister-in-blood to the VRC Derby winner Fire Oak.  Roll On Royce is Katrelle's second foal, her first Girls Rule (Geiger Counter) has only had one race start.

April 18th, 2004

Eliza Park Stud’s Desert Sun has a leading British classic contender in the David Elsworth-trained Salford City who staged a last to first performance to win the Group 3 Lane's End Greenham Stakes at Newbury on Saturday.

In remaining undefeated in two starts Salford City becomes the first stakeswinner from the first European produced crop of Desert Sun. 

Michael Tabor purchased Salford City from his previous owner earlier this year on the strength of a 7-length win on debut in a mile maiden at Newbury on October 25 last year. 

Salford City missed the start by 3-lengths in the Greenham but finished powerfully under Johnny Murtagh to defeat Fokine (Royal Academy) by 1 ¾-lengths with So Will (Inchinor) a short-head back in third. Left trailing four lengths in the wake of Salford City was last years Dewhurst Stakes (G1) winner, Milk It Mick (Millcom). 

Bookmakers were impressed enough to cut the price of Salford City to 6/1 second favourite behind the Aidan O’Brien-trained One Cool Cat, also owned by Tabor along with Sue Magnier, in the Group 1 Two Thousand Guineas at Newmarket in two weeks time. 

A 115,000 euro purchase at Goffs Orby Yearling sale, Salford City is a half brother to Dermot Weld’s National Stakes (G1) winner Definite Article (Indian Ridge) who was runner-up to Winged Love in the Irish Derby (G1). To add further to the credentials of Salford City as a possible Epsom Derby prospect another half brother Salford Express (Be My Guest) won the York Dante Stakes (G2). 

Salford City is the eight foal and seventh winner from seven to race out of the Moorestyle mare Summer Fashion the winner of 6 of her 22 starts. She is out of My Candy a daughter of Nijinsky’s conqueror Lorenzaccio who later spent five seasons at Dawson Stud, Cootamundra, which later became Trans Media stud and now Woodlands Stud. 

Following his success in N.Z and Australia, where his best include the incomparable Sunline, Desert Sun was reverse shuttled to Oak Lodge Stud, Ireland. 

The son Of Green Desert almost pulled off a remarkable international stakes double on Saturday when the big-hearted Our Egyptian Raine was beaten a long neck by the freakish Private Steer in the Group 1 All Aged Stakes at Randwick.

Coincidently when Salford City created a huge impression with his 7-length maiden win at Newbury on October 25 last year, on the same day Our Egyptian Raine scorched over the Moonee Valley 1000 metres to win the Group 2 A.J. Moir Stakes at the expense of champion mare Spinning Hill. 

March 24th, 2004

When Tim Magnus signed the docket for $40,000 on a chestnut Desert Sun filly at the 2002 Magic Millions Adelaide Sale it was certainly money well spent.

That filly now races as La Nikita (ex Zeddez by Zeditave), and she recorded her first stakes success at Kembla Grange on Wednesday afternoon in the listed Keith Nolan Classic (1600m).  La Nikita is a tough filly for the stable of Gwenda Markwell and she has so far won four races from 9 career starts.

March 16th, 2004

Desert Sun gelding, Desert Flight will now be set for the $100,000 Tauranga Classic (1600m) on March 27, after his impressive victory in the Axis Automotive 1600 at Te Aroha on Saturday.

In scoring his fifth career win, Desert Flight had made it two wins on end, when ridden by Darryn Weatherley, carrying top weight of 56kg to win with plenty in reserve.

March 1, 2004

Desert Sun four-year-old gelding son Bois stuck his head out when it mattered most in the Japan Racing Association Trophy at Ellerslie on Saturday.

In recording his sixth career victory in heavy conditions his second at the distance Bois (ex Zephyr Darling) further emphasized the value of his stallion Desert Sun whose progeny thrive under any conditions. Bois joins the long list of his progeny who have registered wins on all types of going.

Bois official winning margin was a head over Mr Robert (Straight Strike - Gaybill) with another 1-1/4 lengths back to Shady Devil (British Banker - Neutron Dancer) in third.  

February 22, 2004

Three-year-old Desert Sun filly La Nikita (ex Zeddez by Zeditave) made it two wins in a row when she took out the Zodiac Clearwater Handicap at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday. 

Prepared by Gwenda Markwell at Kembla Grange, La Nikita settled behind the early pace and was too strong for Barberton (Flying Spur - Gwalia by Geiger Counter) beating her by a neck.  The early leader Crown Princess (Beautiful Crown - Antolomeo by Tolomeo) did well to hang on for third a further neck away.

In recording her third victory from seven career starts La Nikita ran 1:16.02 for the 1300m journey covering the last 600m in 34.45 seconds. 

January 25th, 2004

Desert Sun was back in the news again on Saturday, when his 8yo son King Cappo, defied his age to score a top win in the Schweppes Ciata Handicap (1200m) at Rosehill. 

King Cappo held a three-quarters-of-a-length margin over another veteran Jivago (Snaadee - Elated Lady by Vain) with Stormcat Academy (Royal Academy - Cotton Bay by Zabaeleta) anther 2 lengths away in third.

Desert Sun has been desperately unlucky with a run of placings in stakes races.  Abdullah (ex Replicate by Centro) and Bushido (ex Snowflake by Kadrou) finished second and third respectively in the Zeditave Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday, January 17th.  Earlier that day in New Zealand at Trentham his 5yo daughter Sunlaw (ex Cereno Cloud by Terreno) put up a fighting effort to just miss catching King’s Chapel (King of Kings - Lower Chapel by Sharpo) in the Group 1 Telegraph Stakes (1200m) by the barest of margins.

January 4, 2004

Talented three-year-old Desert Sun gelding, Abdullah was paid a heavy weight compliment by his rider Nash Rawiller, when he said, "Abdullah was potentially the best horse he'd ridden" after scoring a soft win at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

That's a big wrap considering Rawiller has ridden some outstanding sprinters in recent times including Rubitano, Bel Esprit, Innovation Girl and Piavonic.

Abdullah maintained his unbeaten record over 1000m when he won his fourth run at that trip in the Golden Doubles Handicap taking his record to five wins from six starts and he remains unbeaten at Moonee Valley from two outings.

Abdullah (ex Replicate by Centro), was sent out as an odds-on favourite, and raced a little greenly after settling third but he was never extended in scoring by 1-1/4 lengths from race leader Beach Box (Keltrice - Weekender by Esperanto) with Kashkii (Kashani - Sky Karma by Sky Chase) a nose away third.

Abdullah was re-saddled behind the barriers which may have wound him up a little as he appeared to get a little keen early on, however, at the 600 metres he just travelled kindly dropping the bit changing stride. 

Rawiller gave Abdullah a kick off the bend which was all that was required to beat his opposition comfortably in 58.10 for the journey.

Prepared by Tony Noonan, who also declared Abdullah potentially the best horse he has trained. 

"But he still has to do it," he said.   "He's not there yet. He's still learning," Noonan said of Abdullah. 
"I'll keep him in races I think he'll be best suited in."

Noonan has earmarked the Zeditave Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on January 17 and The Debonair (1400m) at Flemington on January 31 as lead-ups to the Group One Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on February 14.

December 7, 2003

Promising three-year-old Bushido, came to town for the first time and proved too strong against his more season rivals at Sandown on Saturday. 

By Eliza Park's Desert Sun out of the stakes placed Kadrou mare Snowflake who is from the same family as Jeune, Bushido had impressed when winning his debut at Echuca by 7-lengths in track record time on November 4th, then he was a little unlucky to run into a seasoned Ali Shuffle (Ali-Royal - Shuttlebug by Shuttlecock Corner) at Kilmore to be beaten half-a-length on November 17th. 

With regular rider Nick Ryan serving a suspension, senior jockey Steve King was the replacement rider  and the strapping brown gave him a very easy ride. 

Sent out as favourite, Bushido came from midfield to quickly loom up in the straight and go on to beat Living Spirit (Hennessy _ Livelihood by Rory's Jester) by four lengths with Young Jimmy (Gilded Time - Cheeky Trot by Godswalk) 2-1/2 lengths away third in the Sovereign Red Handicap (1400m).

November 29th, 2003

Chestnut, Desert Sun filly La Nikita (ex Zeddez by Zeditave) scored a tip-top win in the Erect Safe Industrial Handicap (1400m) at Rosehill on Saturday.

Showing plenty of determination La Nikita nosed out Pentelikon (Vettori - Loyal Servant by Polish Patriot) with a length and a quarter to Bouchette (Canny Lad - Bonne Bouche by Imperial Baron) in third. 

It was La Nikita's first win from just five starts, taking her earnings past $35,800, so she is well on her way to repaying her connections, as Tim Magnus purchased La Nikita from the 2002 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale for just $40,000.

November 1, 2003

Two stakes winners within seven days and a metropolitan interstate double for Eliza Park's stallion, Desert Sun on Saturday.

At Flemington on the first day of the VRC's famous Spring Carnival week, Abdullah was sent out a short priced favourite in the G3 L'Oreal Plate (registered name: Rory's Jester Stakes) over 1200m with Nash Rawiller in the saddle.

Rawiller made sure Abdullah had plenty of galloping room in the small field and the powerfully built bay had little more than a working gallop to defeat the $1.3 million sales reject Critical List (Danehill - Verocative by Bletchingly) by 2 ½-lengths with Bronc (Distorted Humor - Flurry's Autumn) a similar distance back in third place.

It was the fourth win from five starts for the Tony Noonan-trainee whose earnings increased to $199,850. 

It was the first stakes win for the son of Desert Sun who is a homebred for Jonathan Munz and Marita Batten.

Abdullah is the second foal of the Centro mare Replicate whose dam Sweet Reply (Marceau) is a half-sister to the grand racemare Tristarc who numbered wins in the Caulfield Cup (G1), Caulfield Stakes (G1), AJC Derby (G1) and Underwood Stakes (G1) and AJC Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1) through her glittering racetrack career. 

Replicate was sold for $10,000 at the Inglis Victorian June mixed sale last year. She has an unnamed two-year old colt by Masterclass and was served by Encores last season.

Abdullah became the second stakes winner for Desert Sun in the space of seven days following the impressive performance of Our Egyptian Raine in the Group 2 Schweppervescence Stakes (registered name: AJ Moir Stakes) at Moonee Valley.

Later on in the day at Morphettville in South Australia, Roll On Royce (ex Katrelle by Oak Ridge) took out the Three-Year-Old Handicap (1500m) by three-quarters-of-a-length. 

October 26th, 2003

A lovely type of mare, Our Egyptian Raine ran right up to her great gallop at breakfast with the stars on the previous Tuesday morning to take out the highly competitive G2 Schweppervescence Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

The five-year-old Desert Sun mare jumped away from barrier one with top jockey Nash Rawiller tracking speedball Dantana (Danzero - Big Sky Montana by Lord Seymour) into the straight and as they rounded the corner Rawiller had Our Egyptian Raine travelling well on the bridle to lengthen out to win by 1-1/2 lengths from the gallant Spinning Hill (Dolphin Street - Incline by Century).  Dantana was a head away in third.

Her trainer Graeme Begg said, “It’s been a bloody big effort by this mare to get back on top,”  

“She had an injury eight weeks ago and we thought her Spring was over”.

“For her to get back on track and win against this company is just terrific”. 

Having her 25th race start Our Egyptian Raine takes her record to 8 wins 6 seconds and 3 thirds for earnings of $531,908.

It was the sixth stakes win for the daughter of Desert Sun who last season captured the AuRC Railway Stakes (G1) and SAJC Swettenham Stud Stakes (G2). 

Our Egyptian Raine is the second foal of the hard-knocking mare Egyptian Queen (Karioi Lad) who won six and placed in ten of her 43 starts in New Zealand.

After beginning his stud career in New Zealand  Desert Sun is building an impressive list of stakes winners. His champion daughter Sunline earned him international recognition and the opportunity to reverse shuttle to Europe.

His first northern hemisphere crop are two-year olds this season. With 14 winners from 38 runners he is currently in sixth place on the leading first season sires list in Europe.

October 10th, 2003.

Desert Sun's up-and-coming three-year-old Abdullah (ex Replicate Centro) has his trainer Tony Noonan thinking about group one glory and taking on the nation's best sprinters in the Salinger Stakes (1200m) at Flemington. 

The feature sprint became more tempting than ever after last nights strong performance when Abdullah had little more than a training gallop carrying 58 kilos in the Garfunkle Hcp (1000m), coasting home with his head on his chest. 

Abdullah scored by 1-3/4 lengths from Express Ball (Success Express - Belle of the Ball by Fair King) and Bronc (Distorted Humor - Flurry's Autumn by Southern Appeal), however his winning margin could have been much greater as his rider Nash Rawiller had him under a throttle hold. 

Abdullah was having his first start in after a short let-up, after he finished third to Cahuita in the Group Three McNeil Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on August 30. 

Noonan said the Desert Sun gelding, who has won three of his four starts, had benefited greatly from a a short let-up and was glad he stopped him when did. 

"He appreciated having a break and has come back really well," Noonan said. 

Desert Sun, is also a hit in the Northern Hemisphere.  He's recorded 13 individual winners from his first crop to race so far and is currently in sixth position on the "First Seasons" sires list.

August 21, 2003

Promising Desert Sun colt, Abdullah (ex Replicate by Centro), took his record to two from two with an emphatic win in the 3YO Handicap at Sandown on Wednesday. 

Never asked by his jockey for a serious effort, Abdullah won the race by three lengths eased down.

Abdullah will been seen again when he steps out against exciting prospect Lago Delight in the Ascot Vale Stakes (1200m) at Flemington next month.

July 27, 2003

Four winners over the past three days for Eliza Park Stud's top class sire Desert Sun with, One Vision (ex Golden Hit by Western Symphony); Summer Magic (ex Cimeterre by Arazi); Cage (ex Arana Angel by Imperial Seal) and Sunlady (ex Lady Everton by Straight Strike).

May 20, 2003.

Promising colt Great Is Great kept his unbeaten record intact, after winning the Group 3 The Jansz (registered name National Stakes - 1100m), at Morphettville on Monday.

The colt, prepared by Greg Eurell at Cranbourne was sent out at very short odds on the strength of his six length debut win at Caulfield earlier in the month.

His rider Steven King allowed Great Is Great to use his natural speed and took him straight to the front, after doing all the work Great Is Great turned for home shaking off the challengers and booted away. He held on by the barest margin from Rinky Dink (Distorted Humor - Peebinga Princess by Southern Appeal) with Barabba Road (Snaadee - Prima Donna by Christmas Tree) a half-length away in third.

Great is Great a bay from the Western Symphony mare Predictions, and is bred on the same nick as the great queen of the turf Sunline. His win took his career earnings past $97,000, a tidy profit for connections, as he was purchased at the 2001 Magic Millions Autumn Weanling sale for just $18,000.

May 11, 2003

Hot Girl (ex Gai Gem by Gaiter) took out the opening race on Derby Day at Morphettville on Saturday, May 10.

Hot Girl who's a four-year-mare was taking on the 2500m for the first time and took the event out by a neck from Mount Kosciusko (Zabeel - Plume) with the same margin back to Exalted Beau (Bellotto - Alleged Lady) in third. 

May 8, 2003

Earlier in the week at Caulfield, Great is Great made a winning six length debut over 1100m.

Great is Great is a bay from the Western Symphony mare Predictions, bred on the same nick as the great queen of the turf Sunline. 

March 7, 2003.

At Canterbury Park on Thursday evening, March 6, Bois showed a ton of courage to take a needle eye opening to win the Bill Grace & Son Handicap (1200m).

Bois (ex Zephyr Darling by Zephyr Bay) was awkwardly placed in a pocket in the straight and when  Mukareena (Mukaddamah - Call Me Kareena) shifted slightly Bois grabbed hold of the bit and charged through the opening to score a solid win.

Bois had a long head to spare over Mukareena with Groove Master (Danehill Dancer - Way to the Stars) a neck away third.  

Bois covered the journey in the slick time of 1:10.13, creating a new class record and covered his last 600 metres in 35.69 seconds. 

February 16, 2003

New Zealand mare (Our) Egyptian Raine scored a brilliant win in the Group Two Swettenham Stud Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville in Adelaide on Saturday, February 15.

Ridden by top kiwi hoop Catherine Treymane jumped the four-year-old daughter of Desert Sun, straight to the front from gate 13 in the 15-horse field and took the mare to the front.

(Our) Egyptian Raine increased her lead rounding the turn and Treymane stole a winning break on the rest of the field down the straight.

Two classy in-form fillies from Victoria filled the trifecta, both were down in the weights on the weight-for-age scale, Brief Embrace (Irgun - Tranquil Love) gave chase inside the last 200 metres and looked as if she would overhaul her rival but ran out of ground, the post was near enough for (Our) Egyptian Raine who held on to win by a half head. The other filly Dama De Noche (Snippets - Daisy Bates) was a length away in third placing.

Our Egyptian Raine is from the Karioi Lad mare Egyptian Queen, the winner of six races and the dam of two foals with (Our) Egyptian Raine  the second foal and the best preformed.  

(Our) Egyptian Raine is the winner of the Group One Railway Stakes at Ellerslie on New Year's Day, Egyptian Raine then stepped out in the G1 Telegraph Handicap (1200m) at Trentham, to finish second, on January 25.

(Our) Egyptian Raine is not an overly big mare but has plenty in common with another famous daughter of Desert Sun (Sunline) she has plenty of grit, she is a front-runner who does not fold up when tired and very brave at the finish.

(Our) Egyptian Raine will take on Australia's best sprinting mare Spinning Hill (Dolphin Street- Incline) in next month's G1 Australia Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley.

To cap the day off for Desert Sun in New Zealand, his five-year-old gelding Harrier Run (ex Ivorine by Ivory Hunter) took out the Lion Brown Stakes (1600m) at Otaki.

February 2, 2003.

It's Rysek signalled another dimension to the progeny of Desert Sun when produced a solid staying effort to take out the Gurner's Lane Handicap (2560m) at Flemington on Saturday, February 1st.

It's Rysek is from the Racing is Fun mare Kendall and is raced by Mr G Tyrrell and It's Rysek and his owner now packs their bags for Tasmania where he will compete in the rich Hobart Cup (2400m) on Monday, February 10.  It's Rysek has 54 kilos in the group three event, a handy 4.5 kilos less than equal top weights St Andrews and Stoway.

It's Rysek has now made it four wins from his last five outings and showed his versatility by sprinting quickly once he was clear of the field to win by a half-length from race leader Heguy (Lord Ballina - Drama) with dual Bagot Handicap winner Bold Bard (Our Poetic Prince - Independent Lady) a long neck away third.

After It's Rysek's crack at the Hobart Cup, he will be back at Flemington on March 15, for the Duke Of Norfolk Stakes (3200m) to see if he can handle the two-mile journey. If he does maybe his owner can dream of competing in another race on the first Tuesday in November.

With the triumph by It's Rysek and the top price of $305,000 for a filly from the stakes mare Scandinavia at the Gold Coast Magic Millions sale during January it is likely to have plenty of upside for vendors offering yearlings by DESERT SUN at the forth coming Inglis Premier Yearling sale which gets under way Monday February, 10.  DESERT SUN has 13 lots scheduled to go under the hammer then another 9 to be offered for sale a week later at the Magic Millions Adelaide yearling sale and that gets under way Wednesday, February 19. 

January 16, 2003

It's Rysek (ex Kendall by Racing Is Fun) sort revenge over Bold Bard (Our Poetic Prince - Independent Lady) at Sandown on Wednesday, January 15, after his close second to him in the LR Bagot Handicap at Flemington on New Years Day and It's Rysek got it.

It's Rysek had too much in the tank for Bold Bard in the Captain Peri Handicap (2456m), when he claimed victory by three quarters of a length with Lady Mulroy (Encosta de Lago - The Sign is Right) a long neck away in third.

January 14, 2003

At the Magic Millions Premier sale Desert Sun only had one filly and one colt offered, selling for $305,000 and $30,000 respectively. 

January 6, 2003

Desert Sun's four-year-old mare Crazy Date (ex Gai Gem by Gaiter), won the last race on the card at Sandown on Sunday, January 5.

Crazy Date covered the 2156 metre journey in the good time of 2:17.06 covering her last 600 metres in a slick 34.34 seconds.  Crazy Date's winning margin was 1-1/2 lengths over Fanatic (Bio - Enthusiast).

January 2, 2003

Champion mare Sunline may have retired from the track however the progeny of Desert Sun look set to continue on with her Group 1 performances if the first days racing of 2003 are anything to go by.

The four-year-old Desert Sun mare EGYPTIAN RAINE (ex Egyptian Queen by Karioi Lad) defeated a high class field in taking out the Group 1 Sky City Railway Stakes at Ellerslie in New Zealand. 

EGYPTIAN RAINE became Desert Suns third Group 1 winner and one of his 14 individual stakes winners, having already won at Listed level on three occasions. 

Earlier in day the Desert Sun gelding Desert Sheikh (ex Chance of Luck by Vice Regal) took out the Jacobsen Quality (1600m) and further highlighted the continued success Desert Sun is having as a sire of colts.

Desert Sun is now the sire of no fewer than 144 individual winners (78 colts/geldings and 66 fillies) at a winners to runners percentage of 58%.

With the first of the big yearling sales to commence next week at the Gold Coast, Eliza Park Stud will be offering a quality Desert Sun Filly (lot 133) out of the outstanding racemare Scandinavia (Snippets).

Desert Sun colts and fillies will also be offered at the Melbourne Inglis Premier Sale, February 10 - 13th and the Adelaide Magic Millions Sale (18 - 21 February).

November 25, 2002.

EGYPTIAN RAINE (ex Egyptian Queen by Karioi Lad) won the LR Karcher Classic (1100m) at Pukekohe Park in New Zealand on Saturday, November 23, 2002.

EGYPTIAN RAINE was having her sixteenth race start, the Desert Sun four-year-old mare posted her fifth win in the Classic.

Ridden by Cathy Treymane EGYPTIAN RAINE, was 1-1/2 lengths ahead of Gwen's Rules (Faltaat - Bushfire Dancer) with Vyner's Lane (Vyner's Orb - Hanky Panky) half a length back in third. 

November 21, 2002.

Sunline may have retired for the quiet life of motherhood but her sire Desert Sun isn't about to get out of the spot light.  His son Bois (ex Zephyr Darling by Zephyr Bay) finished third in the G1 New Zealand Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton Park.

Bois was only two lengths behind the winner Hustler (Al Akbar - Flush) with The Jewel (O'Reilly - The Grin) spliting them.

Bois's third took his earnings past $30,000, a tidy profit for his connections, as he was purchased at the New Zealand Winter yearling sale in 2000 for just $18,000. 

October 13, 2002.

For the lucky 21,500 on-course and those who watched the race on TV they had just experienced one of those golden moments that are to be snatched from life and treasured.

On the same day in New Zealand, Danceinthesun (ex Miss Tripper by Vice Regal), returned to winning form with a convincing win in the G3 Faltaat Lowland Stakes at Trentham on Saturday.

Media reports say that Danceinthesun was given a lovely ride by jockey Gary Grylls and that she challenged the pacemaker Country Class (Woodborough - Malahide) who eventually finished second, 300 metres out and Danceinthesun had the race under control soon afterwards to score by one length, with Midnight Call (Jetball - Tough Call) a further half a length further back in third placing.

September 30, 2002.

Aided by a masterful tactical ride by Chris Munce, Defier (Dehere - Lilande) won Saturday's G1 George Main Stakes (1600m) at Randwick, relegating the gallant Sunline (ex Songline by Western Symphony) to third.

The champion mare set a slow pace, going through the first 800m in 51s, and was a sitting duck for Defier in the straight as he raced up to her 100m out to take the lead.

Excellerator (Marscay - Artless) loomed up but Defier had plenty left and was a long neck clear on the line with Sunline going down fighting another 1-1/4 lengths away.  Trainer Trevor McKee is never disappointed with Sunline but was disappointed that Greg Childs' had allowed his champion mare to go slow.  Sunline flew the gates and pulled hard, with a strong head wind which didn't help either but at the end there wasn't a lot left and she'll be a lot better for the run.

September 5, 2002

Desertline (ex Margaux Magic by Long Row), won the Class 3 Handicap over 1630 metres at Doomben on Wednesday September 4, 2002. Desertline's race record now reads an impressive three wins and a third from four career race starts.   

August 26, 2002

Australasian champion Sunline showed us the stuff she's made of yet again on Saturday, August 24, when she defeated a fit Tit For Taat (Faltaat - Miss Kiitea), on a slow track in the G2 Mudgway Stakes at Hastings in New Zealand.  

Sunline extended her unbeaten record in New Zealand to 10, in one of her closest wins on home soil, she settled third on the rail but copped a good bump early in the race.  She then fanned wide on the home turn trailing Tit For Taat to score a brave win.  

Media reports over the weekend indicate that Sunline will now head straight to her favourite track Moonee Valley on September 14, for the Feehan Stakes, giving her an extra week to get over the 11 hour round journey to Hastings.