June 2nd, 2008

Bhutane Dane has earned himself a ticket to the Brisbane Winter Carnival after scoring a dominant win in the open juvenile event over 1300 metres at Rosehill on Saturday.  Improving from a debut second at the Kensington track on May 14, the Gai Waterhouse trained Bhutane Dane (ex Joleur, by Bite the Bullet) led throughout and never looked in danger as he coasted home to win by nearly two lengths.

“I had thought about taking him up to run in the Sires (Group Two QTC Sires Produce Stakes) but he has now proved that he’s a T.J Smith (Group One WTC T’J. Smith Stakes, June 9) horse,” Waterhouse said.

Bhutane Dane was secured by Gai Waterhouse for $360,000 at the 2007 Magic Millions Yearling Sale from the draft of Edinburgh Park Stud.  He is a half-brother to stakes-winner Gaze On being from the Bite the Bullet mare Joleur, a full sister to Group Three winner Mica’s Pride and Group Three placed Money Begets Money.

Danehill Dancer later made it a double at Rosehill when Che Casino (ex Revised, by Personal Hope) won the Ratings 77 event over 2000 metres.

September 16th, 2007

It was a race card full of stars on Saturday at Moonee Valley with the running of the Group I Manikato Stakes and the races on the undercard had plenty to offer as the competition was stiff - and in keeping of the theme of the day only the best survived.

Sanjuan was amongst those winners, although the race was restricted to one-metropolitan-win in the last year, the Arrow Training Services Hcp (1200m) continued his unbeaten status since being gelded after his previous campaign with an all-the-way win. 

The four-year-old son of Danehill Dancer jumped into the bridle for his rider Corey Brown settling well as Strange Lady and Master Tiangar tried to go with him early, but Sanjuan was in cruise mode and he never looked like being beaten at any stage of the race to win by a half-length from Elbrus (Rubiton - Anything Red by Sovereign Red), who made ground on the inside to grab second from Snappy Tom (Redoute's Choice - Kitty Cat by Storm Cat).

Danehill Dancer made it an interstate metropolitan double, two hours later, when Danedina (ex Aradina by Monde Bleu) broke her maiden status in the three-year-old fillies Hcp at Morphettville.

August 21st, 2007

Danehill Dancer was represented by his 52nd stakes-winner when the progressive Pride Of Nation (ex Anita Via by Anita’s Prince) took the Group 3 Sovereign Stakes at Salisbury in England.   Pride Of Nation got the better of Ordnance Row (by Mark of Esteem) in a driving finish to this one-mile event with Olympian Odyssey (by Sadler’s Wells) filling third place. Pride Of Nation has now won five of his 12 races and placed in a further four for earnings of £84,138.

August 20th, 2007

Exciting Danehill Dancer colt Shrewd Rhythm kicked off his spring campaign with an explosive win in the Listed MRC Vain Stakes over 1100 metres at Caulfield on Saturday.

Trained by Greg Eurell, the three year-old settled near last, however, the field was bunched as they turned for home.  Race favourite Murtajill was immediately under pressure as Shrewd Rhythm looked for a run with Marching and Diplomatic Force.   Shrewd Rhythm showed a ton of courage as his rider Chris Symons pushed him through a very small gap and he raced to the front to claim the scalps of his rivals by three-quarters-of-a-length.  Purrealist (Tale of the Cat - Surrealist by Kenny's Best Pal), who worked home well from the rear of the field.

Diplomatic Force (Oamaru Force - Talk It Over by Umatilla) was the same margin away in third.

Shrewd Rhythm was right there with the best Victorian juveniles last season when he won the Group Three Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m) at his second start he backed that performance up and finished third in the Group One MRC Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m). 

A bitter sweet to the result as after the race it was announced that Shrewd Rhythm had been the subject of a $2million offer from Lindsay Park Stud the night before and subject to a vet check on Monday morning, the horse will then join the stable of David Hayes.

Shrewd Rhythm was purchased for $130,000 by part-owner Len Whitta at the 2006 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale in Melbourne and has won three races and placed twice from five starts earning $315,750.

Bred and offered for sale by Limerick Lane Thoroughbreds, Shrewd Rhythm is a three-quarter brother to Group Two winning sprinter Blur being from the Canny Lad stakes-winner Balcanny.

The two year-old half-brother to Shrewd Rhythm by Johannesburg was sold to Nick Williams for just $100,000 at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale earlier this year and the mare has a yearling full sister by Danehill Dancer in the pipeline.  

Shrewd Rhythm becomes the first Australian stakes-winner of the new season for Danehill Dancer, who has been on fire in Europe this year where he is the leading sire by winners.  

July 4th, 2007

Having his his second start, Lizard Island (ex Add by Spectacular Bid) upset his more fancied stablemate South Dakota (Danehill Dancer) in Saturday’s Group 2 Railway Stakes at the Curragh. Lizard Island was soon in the lead in this small four-runner field and he continued the gallop all the way, holding a late flourish from South Dakota to break his maiden in style.  

Owned by Michael Tabor, Lizard Island is trained by Aidan O’Brien who was winning this race for the ninth time.

Following Lizard Island, Danehill Music (ex Tuesday Morning, by Sadler’s Wells) edged out Hard Rock City (7 g Danzig) and Cougar Bay (4 g Daylami) in the Celebration Stakes (Listed) over one mile.

April 3rd, 2007

Anna Pavlova danced home five lengths clear of her rival females in Sunday’s EBF Salsabil Stakes (Listed) at Navan in Ireland. 

The third stakes victory for Anna Pavlova who settled midfield early on in the mile and a quarter event she made steady headway to strike the front a furlong and a half out and she ran on well to defeat the Jessica Harrington trained pair Bon Nuit (Night Shift – Pray, by Priolo) comfortably.

Trained in England by Richard Fahey, Anna Pavlova’s (ex Wheeler’s Wonder, by Sure Blade) record now stands at seven wins and three places from 13 starts and her earnings equate to 297,068 following Sunday’s result. Fahey indicated that Anna Pavlova will take her chance against the best in the Coronation Cup (Gr 1) on June 1 with the Irish St Leger (Gr 1) at the end of the season a goal as well.

March 26th, 2007

David Hayes is expecting to have as many as six runners in next weekend’s Group One STC Golden Slipper Stakes (1200m) following the qualification of Downhill Racer (ex Trick Ski by Rory’s Jester) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.

Having her second start within a week but only her third outing of her career, Downhill Racer signalled her arrival as a good young racehorse with a great on pace effort in the Group 2 STC Magic Night Quality (1200m). 

The win had double merit attached to it as it was Downhill Racer's first run in the right-handed direction and her rider Jim Cassidy was forced to cover extra ground for the majority of the trip with cover.  The flashy chestnut was in the firing line at the top of the straight and she had plenty in the tank as she held off Camarilla (Elusive Quality - Camarena by Danehill) by a half-neck with Gamble Me (Rock of Gibraltar - Good Gamble by Pleasant Tap) a length away in third.

Immediately after the win, trainer David Hayes explained that the stable thought Downhill Racer would qualify for the Golden Slipper by winning in Melbourne the previous weekend. When the filly failed by a short half-head behind Rio Osa (Canny Lad - Peach by Vain), connections had no other option but to run her in Magic Night with the revised plan providing the perfect outcome.

A $300,000 purchase at the 2006 Magic Millions Gold Coast Premier Yearling Sale, Downhill Racer now boasts two wins and one second from three starts for stakes earnings of over $130,000 --- not to mention considerably increased residual value as a broodmare. Hayes suggested that she will be immediately spelled after tackling the Golden Slipper, a race which will prove to be her third outing over three consecutive weekends.

March 21st, 2007

On Coolmore Classic day at Rosehill it was fitting that Coolmore stallions' completed the trifecta the last race on the card the Group 2 Phar Lap Stakes (1500m) with Just Mambo leading in the trifecta.

Following torrential rain for a lengthy period during the second half of the afternoon, the set weights contest became a slog for the 14 horse field with the improving Just Mambo (ex Royal Subject by Kingmambo) doing best.  Ridden by Glen Boss who put him under immense pressure over the closing stages Just Mambo closed the race out in the final stages from Raheeb (Royal Academy - Gatana by Marauding) who was a half neck away in second.  Amory Lane (Galileo - Sequenza by Lycius) was another two lengths away in third.

Just Mambo was purchased for $180,000 at the 2005 Gold Coast Magic Millions Premier Yearling Sale. He is the third foal of an unplaced Kingmambo mare, Royal Subject, who was in turn produced by a stakes winning daughter of Secretariat. Third-dam Welsh Garden was the top filly on the 1975 Irish 2YO Free Handicap.

Just Mambo's win gave Danehill Dancer his 42nd stakes winner.

Danehill Dancer has eight yearlings catalogued for sale at the forthcoming Inglis Australian Easter yearling sale from April 10 - 12th.

March 11th, 2007

On Super Saturday at Caulfield, the Danehill Dancer filly Tango Amigo's returned from her summer spell with a solid win in the Listed PFD Food Services Stakes (1100m).

Trained at Cranbourne by Wendy Kelly, Tango Amigo's (ex Stick to Me by Twig Moss) began nicely from barrier three to go to the lead setting only an even pace from Jesterchine who gave per no peace wider out.  Tango Amigo's was going strongly rounding the home turn and when she got to the 250m the race was over with Tango Amigo's striding to soft length victory over Mondano (Spartacus - Brielle by Copper Kingdom), who worked home from the rear and Escadaire (O'Reilly - Centenaire by Centaine) who also hit the line nicely a head away in third.

Tango Amigo's reaffirmed Danehill Dancer's great season giving him his 41st stakes winner and her trainer will now prepare her for an interstate and head towards the Group One $300,000 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m).  The feature is run under weight-for-age conditions at Morphettville on April 21. 

The win, her fourth, was her most valuable and the purse from the Listed win takes Tango Amigo's overall earnings past $160,000.

Tango Amigo's was bred by part-owner Steve Crewes and she is raced by a group of long-term friends, hence her name. She has improved from her spell as last preparation she scored three big wins where she kicked off a strong speed and she signalled her return to form with a strong trial behind the group one winner Dance Hero at Cranbourne.

February 12th, 2007

At Randwick on Saturday, Danehill Smile annihilated her opponents in the $500,000 Inglis Classic with a great sprint over the final furlong in the rich 1200m feature. 

Ridden by Darren Beadman for owner Eamad Saba and trainer Anthony Cummings, Danehill Smile settled mid field as Goldam (Twinging - Spurani by Flying Spur) took them along at a solid tempo.  Angling around heels on the home turn, Beadman, gave Danehill Smile plenty of room and once he had her balanced up she charged down Goldam to clear out and grab the money with a widening five-length victory.  Lieserl (Magic Albert - Sri Lanka by Sri Pekan) battled home well for third.

The win also impressed bookmakers as Danehill Smile (ex Sly Smile by Craft Prospector) installed her as the new favourite for the 2007 Golden Slipper Stakes.

Danehill Smile was selected by her trainer and she was purchased out of the Kulani Park draft at last year's Classic Sale for $50,000.

Danehill Smile is the first horse Eamad has ever owned. “A stable client recommended that Eamad give us a try when he’d expressed some interest in owning a horse. Originally, Eamad was going to spend $100,000 but thought he’d keep half aside for running costs so, after some discussion, I told him I had a filly for him for $50,000”. 

Earlier in the day, Danehill Dancer's son Shrewd Rhythm (ex Balcanny by Canny Lad) took out the Colts and Geldings division of the Group 3 Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m) at Caulfield.

Ridden by Sydney jockey Glen Boss, the Danehill Dancer colt jumped away from barrier six and the Adelaide juvenile Victory Chant showed blistering speed to take up the running - getting away from the rest by a huge margin running 10:32 & 10:33 for his first two furlongs respectively.  Ridden by Clare Lindop, Victory Chant, still showed the way rounding the home turn as Boss had Shrewd Rhythm travelling in the pack another eight lengths away.

Once balanced off the turn Boss asked Shrewd Rhythm for his final effort and he chased mighty hard to grab a long neck win over Zizou (Fusaichi Pegasus - natural's My Name by Naturalism), who blundered the start badly, while Victory Chant (General Nediym - Classic Status by Marscay), showed he was no push over battled on well for third another long neck away. 

Shrewd Rhythm was was having only his second race start after claiming Beau Esprit at the same course on January 13th. Shrewd Rhythm is prepared by the popular Greg Eurell and he gives him his first Blue Diamond runner. 

Shrewd Rhythm is a half-brother to the handy sprinter Blur (by Flying Spur) and he will continue to improve.

Capping the day off in fine style Danehill Dancer produced his third metropolitan winner on the day when Domigos (ex Still Friends by Oenjay Star) proved too strong for his rivals in the Amcor Handicap (1350m) at Doomben by a nose.

January 15th, 2007

The opening race on the Caulfield card on Saturday provided unveiled a promising youngster when Shrewd Rhythm claimed the Doncaster BMW Plate (1000m).

Shrewd Rhythm began fairly from barrier six while the last start winner Beau Esprit flew away from gate seven.  Beau Esprit pushed forward to the lead with the race favourite Listen Here content to sit back in third position.

There were plenty of chances rounding the turn and it was a great contest in the run to the line with Shrewd Rhythm, who had come from last and racing greenly, gaining the decision by a short-half-head from Beau Esprit (Bel Esprit - Centennial by Centaine) with another head to Listen Here (Elusive Quality by Announce by Military Plume).

Shrewd Rhythm is out of Balcanny (by Canny Lad), the dam of eight foals and seven winners including the Group 3 winning Blur (Flying Spur).

Shrewd Rhythm was purchased at the 2006 William Inglis Premier sale from the draft of Limerick Lane Thoroughbreds for $130,000 by his owner. 

December 24th, 2006

At Randwick on Saturday, Danehill Smile added her first black type victory to her resume when she took out the Listed Canonbury Stakes (1100m).

Trained at Randwick by Anthony Cummings who told TVN after the win that she would now target the $500,000 Inglis Classic in February as she made it two wins from as many starts by overhauling Keiki (Falvelon - Shigeki by Danehill) by 1-1/4 lengths with Arlington (Red Ransom - Savannah Success by Success Express) the same margin away third. 

Keiki had opened up a big lead early before jockey Chris Munce slowed the pace at the half-way mark while Darren Beadman sat a couple of lengths away on Danehill Smile. 

Beadman pushed her out on the turn before asking the filly to sprint to the post for a comfortable win. 

The win of Danehill Smile in the Listed event gave her sire Danehill Dancer his 38th stakes winner giving his 34 yearlings entered at the Gold Coast Magic Millions sale and four yearlings at the New Zealand Bloodstock premier sale in January 2007 a lift in prospective buyers minds.

The Inglis Classic Two-Year-Old Classic (1200m) is at Randwick on February 10. 

November 26th, 2006

Connections of Tango Amigo's opted to wait until the back end of her two-year-old season before she make her debut a Moe when she finished second on a heavy track.  A short break and on good going at Seymour, Tango Amigo's, easily broke her maiden status.  A month later her trainer Wendy Kelly stepped her up in grade at Moonee Valley where she was very impressive showing good speed and kicked away off a fast pace to claim her second win.

On Saturday at Sandown at the Hillside track, Tango Amigo's, travelled behind the early pacemaker Bernini's Gem.  Rounding the turn Tango Amigo's was able to make ground on Bernini's Gem, whose rider had slowed down and rated the tempo up front perfectly.  As Bernini's Gem began to fade in the closing stages Tango Amigo's took control and raced away to win by 2-1/4 lengths from River Fairy (Perugino - Ride The Rapids by River Rough) with Surfside Christmas (Encosta de Lago - Jingle Bells by Christmas Tree) getting the upper hand over Bernini's Gem for third another 1-1/2 lengths back.

Tango Amigo's (ex Sick to Me by Twig Moss) is prepared by Cranbourne-based Wendy Kelly, who has 25 horses in work, and she told TVN that the daughter of Danehill Dancer would have three or four weeks in the paddock before starting her autumn preparation.

August 13th, 2006

  ENGLISH BALLET, a graduate of the 2005 Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling sale, won the Group 3 Swynford Paddocks Sweet Solera Stakes for two-year-olds at Newmarket on Saturday afternoon. 

  The unbeaten ENGLISH BALLET was bought by agent Adrian Nichol of BBA Ireland for €70,000 from Glenvale Stud and is the fourth winner of the race for trainer Barry Hills; she remains on track for the Tattersalls Ireland Sales Stakes at The Curragh on August 26th. The race, for which all graduates of the September Yearling Sale are eligible, is worth €300,000 – which at over 18 times the average purchase price is a very enticing reward. Other notable candidates in the line-up are the stakes placed DIMENTICATA, trained by Kevin Prendergast for Lady O’Reilly and Ger Lyon’s HOWYA NOW KID a €5,000 purchase, now a dual winner and also stakes placed.

  At least 54 individual 2yo winners (more than any other sale company in Ireland) so far this year are graduates of last year’s September Yearling Sale. The 2006 September Yearling Sale takes place on the 5th –7th September at the Fairyhouse complex and this year will open with the inaugural “NEW SIRES SHOWCASE” sale, 75 selected colts and fillies by stallions whose first crop are now yearlings. Amongst the many well-bred lots in the catalogue are four yearlings (100, 156, 298 and 358) whose dams are very closely related to DANEHILL DANCER, sire of Saturday’s heroine, ENGLISH BALLET. 

May 9th, 2006

A mere five-figure purchase, Speciosa is nevertheless a resounding winner of one of the world’s great races.  Speciosa came to Newmarket on Sunday to run in the 1,000 Guineas with little more than the faith of her owners and an ability to gallop.

It was enough to account for the royally-bred Rumplestiltskin and a dozen others and provoke a new round of huge offers fro the filly.
Speciosa won the 1,000 Guineas by 2-1/2 lengths from Confidential Lady with the favourite Rumplestiltskin failing to emulate her stablemate and 2,000 Guineas winner George Washington, finishing only seventh.

The winner is trained by Pam Sly, who became the first woman to officially prepare a classic winner in England, and was ridden by Micky Fenton, whose only previous Group One success had been in Italy five years ago.

While she was missing the credentials of a 1.15 million guineas colt like George Washington, Speciosa’s win was not unheralded.

The filly had won the best juvenile race for her sex last season - the Nell Gwyn Stakes – and her owners had knocked back a number of large offers for her.

"She's fantastic, isn't she?" said her trainer. "I'm just over-awed. It's amazing. I'd hoped she would be in the first four but this is just wonderful. 

"It's so fantastic for racing. It just shows that a small little band of people like us - my girls, the jockey, everybody...it's good for them." 
Fenton said the race had been his from the halfway mark.

"Going into the Dip today I was surprised - I just didn't feel like I was in any danger of getting beat,” Fenton said.

March 6th, 2006

Break The Barrier kept his recent good form up to claim the Listed Gosford Cup (2100m) on Sunday. 

Ridden by Jim Cassidy, who settled Break The Barrier (ex Rhapsody in Blue by Blue Maizcay) well back in the field and saved valuable ground along the inside chasing race favourite Chess Record hard to score the black type win by a long head.

Cassidy booted home the feature race winner for Graeme Rogerson, one of his biggest supporters during his year off through injury. 

The win of Break The Barrier followed a strong all-the-way romp from Recline (ex Lackadaisical by Star Pyramul) in the Hong Kong Jockey Club Classic (1200m) at Caulfield on Saturday.

January 15th, 2006

The surprise of the day on Saturday was the win of Break the Barrier in the $101,050 Marriott Magic Millions Stayers Cup (1800m) at the Gold Coast. 

Trained by Graeme Rogerson, who praised the Magic Millions sales and racing series while he waited for the four-year-old gelded son of Danehill Dancer to return to scale.

"It's a great concept this race day and race series," Rogerson said. "It's great to win any race on Magic Millions day."

"It gives me some more money to spend tonight," he added with a smile.

At the corresponding meeting last year Rogerson saddled up Bradbury's Luck to win the $1 million Conrad Jupiters Magic Millions 2YO Classic.

Break the Barrier (ex Rhapsody in Blue Maizcay) was able to dart through between runners to grab local favourite Willy Leica (Latarmiss - Ohau Leica by Kingdom Bay) by a short head. Picablu (Piccolo - Memphis Blues by Semipalatinsk) was a length and a quarter away in third place.

Rogerson said he felt the gelding's recent eighth placing wasn't as bad as it appeared on paper.

"I thought he ran ok last start," Rogerson said. "He just ran out of puff near the finish."

With the recent run under his belt, Break the Barrier stripped a lot fitter for Saturday's event and he duly got the money for connections, giving them a nice profit on his purchase price as Rogerson had paid $72,500 for the Danehill Dancer gelding at the 2003 sale.

Break the Barrier, started at the luxurious odds of $26 with bookmakers, stopped the clock at 1:48.89 seconds - and covered his final 600 metres in 35.48 seconds.

So far Rogerson has purchased 24 yearlings out laying more than $5.3 million. 

In New South Wales, Danehill Dancer, produced the winner of the Schweppervescence Hcp (1250m) when Go Cart (ex Cubile by Scenic) scored by a length.

Go Cart was only having his third start and although he was up in class he displayed a nice turn of foot to chalk up his second win.

November 27th, 2005

David Hayes continued his successful strike rate with his juveniles when Twist Contest had a successful debut in the Customer Service Plate (1000m) on Saturday at Moonee Valley.

Twist Contest a $60,000 yearling purchased at the Magic Millions sale back in January is being set for the juvenile classic at the Gold Coast on January 14th.

Purchased by former French amateur rider Louis Le Metayer for French owner Jean-Pierre Dubois.  Le Metayer, who is an auctioneer by trade, rode for Dubois as an amateur jockey in France before getting too heavy and moving to Australia to work for Hayes at Collingrove.

Hayes' has since decided to move Le Metayer from the stud to Sydney where he will run stable when it opens in next month.

Hayes expects to have eight boxes at Randwick and Le Metayer is hopeful that Twist Contest will be one of the first horses in the stable as she heads north for the $1 million on offer in Queensland.

Ridden by stable rider Craig Williams, Twist Contest, missed the start and was held up for a run while her stable mate Aurelio (Testa Rosa - Strega by Lake Conston) got away well to go to the lead.  Aurelio was able to kick clear at the top of the straight and looked home, but he got very tired over the final furlong. Twist Contest was able to get clear at the top of the straight and she was too strong picking up Aurelio to claim the victory by a half-length.  

Twist Contest raced in a one eyed blinker with the off side cup remaining and Aurelio look promising. 

Mull of Kintyre's first runner in the metropolitan area, Kintyre Conquest (ex Hokuto Conquest by Conquistarose) was 7-1/2 lengths behind in third.

Twist Contest is out of Sea Of Diamonds (by Glenstal) a half-sister to 1999 Hong Kong Horse of the Year Indigenous, a winner of 15 races including the Hong Kong International Vase.

October 24th, 2005

Coolmore Stallions have had a great run in recent weeks and Cox Plate weekend was no different for the stud when trainer Paul Perry, produced the improving Coronga to take out the Group 3 City Pacific Finance Stakes (registered name; Red Anchor Stakes (1200m)) at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

A striking chestnut, Coronga settled well for his rider Greg Childs behind the genuine pace set by Facing the Breeze.  As Childs got to the turn he moved up to tackle Facing The Breeze with Castle Hill Lad and Angkhasa working into it the race wider out.  After having a nice trial, Coronga was too strong in the run to the wire for Facing the Breeze (Catbird - The Baggy Green by Rory's Jester) to claim the black type prize by a length.  Angkhasa (Akhadan - Angsana by Devaraja) held on for third 1-1/2 lengths away.

Coronga was purchased by Paul Perry for $50,000 at the 2004 Classic Yearling Sale, the very same sale at which he secured Choisir for $55,000 in 2001.  

He was offered for sale by Boscobel Stud as agent, Coronga is the fifth foal of the minor winner Silaque, a daughter of the Bletchingly horse Sir Laurence, so once again we see the Danehill (USA) / Bletchingly cross combining to produce another new stakes-winner.

A half-sister to Coronga by Dash for Cash has been entered for the 2006 Classic Yearling Sale.

On the other side of the world in England at Newmarket, Speciosa, made all to land the Group 2 Rockfel Stakes to give Danehill Dancer with his fifth stakes winning juvenile in the northern hemisphere season.  

Speciosa, opened her account at Beverley in August and made giant strides to fill third spot behind Nasheej in the Group 2 May Hill Stakes at Doncaster last month. Quickly away here, she stretched clear over two furlongs out and though pursued by Violotte in the closing stages had enough in hand to score by a neck.

Winning trainer Pam Sly who was credited with her first Group success commented, “The Group 1 1000 Guineas might come into consideration and she stayed a mile at Doncaster last time. She has a few months to strengthen and is quite a big filly, so I think she will."

October 10th, 2005

Newcastle trainer Paul Perry kept his Victorian strike rate up with Coronga taking out the Harrolds Fashion Plate (1200m) at Caulfield on Saturday.

The Boot jumped away best to take the lead with Zenno Goshu, a son of Danehill, who kicked up on the inside to hold the rails position besideThe Boot.  Gigalay was close up behind them on the inside, with Gunpowder and Rotarian wider out from Coronga.   Rotarian (Redoute's Choice - Miss Behave by Bold Revenue) joined The Boot rounding the home turn to get upper hand inside the 300m.  Coronga, ridden by Greg Child, peeled out from behind them and with the lack of recent racing taking it's toll on Rotarian, Coronga (ex Silaque by Sir Laurence) was too good to claim Rotarian by a half-length.  The Boot (Commands - Lemoncello by Luskin Star) held on for third four-lengths away.

Coronga has now won two of his six starts and the victory took his earnings beyond $88,000. 

The race was dominated by the on-pace runners and both Coronga and Rotarian are worth following.  However, the stewards did order trainer Bill Mitchell to barrier trial Fusaichi San to their satisfaction before he lines up again.

June 6th, 2005

Coolmore Stud's Danehill Dancer is currently the leading Juvenile Sire in Europe for 2005. The same Danehill Dancer, yes, whose 3yo son Indesatchel flew home to within a head of Giant’s Causeway colt Shamardal in the G1 French 2000 Guineas.

The dual group one winning winning son has six two-year-old winners from eight races so far in the new northern season, with earnings of £119,030. 

On Monday 30th May, Danehill Dancer’s juvenile daughter Salut D’Amour finished resolutely to win the Listed National Stakes at Sandown in England. 

Trained by Jeremy Noseda for Michael Tabor, Salut D’Amour was ridden by Keiren Fallon, who said: “She’s a lovely filly and she picked up really well when I asked her.” Noseda added that she would now be aimed at the G2 Queen Mary Stakes at York.

A day earlier, another two-year-old filly by Danehill Dancer, Ooh Aah Camara, finished second in the the Listed Premio Perrone at Rome in Italy.

May 9th, 2005

Consistent Danehill Dancer gelding, Turaga notched his first black type win when storming home along the fence to claim the Listed Civic Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill on Saturday. 

Trained by Paul Perry, the six-year-old has been a marvellous horse for the stable winning nine races and placing 28 times from 56 starts for earnings in excess of $350,000.

Turaga was purchased by Perry at the 2000 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, where he bid $42,000 to secure the chestnut son of Danehill Dancer from Karioi Star mare Main Event. 

Offered for sale by Rothwell Park and Karnup Stud, Turaga is raced by the Perry and Wallace families, who have also enjoyed success with Turaga’s year younger half-brother Estaad.

Turaga is the second individual stakes-winner sired by Danehill Dancer this month joining Indesatchel (ex Floria by Petorius) who took out the Group 3 Tetrarch Stakes (1400m) at the Curragh, May 2nd.

April 19th, 2005

Danehill Dancer comes up with a top horse every year in both hemispheres and it looks as though the sire of Group I stars Choisir, Private Steer and Where Or When has another good one in the form of David Wachman trainee Indesatchel. 

On Saturday in England the son of Danehill Dancer quickened most impressively to win the Group 3 Greenham Stakes over 1400m. Having won the Listed Loughbrown Stakes “with ridiculous ease” at his previous start on 3rd April, Indesatchel now heads towards the Group 3 Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot on 15th June.

February 20th, 2005

February 6th, 2005

Danehill Dancer's son Lieutenant scored an impressive win in the Group Three Debonair (1400m) at Flemington on Saturday. The gelding strengthened his claims for the Group One Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on March 12. 

Aided by a brilliant front-running ride by Darren Gauci, Lieutenant tracked wide in the early stages but worked his way to the front before the 800m and from there Gauci was able to dictate the terms of the race.

Lieutenant (ex Sovereign Countess by Sovereign Red) kicked clear in the straight to score by 2-3/4 lengths from Mr Martini (Bianconi - Posy by Marauding) with Barely A Moment (Gilded Time - Lady Danaa by Danehill) a nose away third.

Lieutenant will attempt to become the fifth three-year-old to complete the Debonair-Guineas double, emulating Zabeel in 1990, Mahogany 1994, Mouawad in 1997 and Dash For Cash in 2002.

January 23rd, 2005

When Damigos notched up his second stakes success and tenth career victory he also gave his young rider, Jay Ford his first stakes win as a senior rider in the Listed Satellite Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill on Saturday.

Damigos was the second leg of Danehill Dancer's Rosehill double after Lieutenant (ex Sovereighn Countess by Sovereign Red) broke through for his maiden victory earlier in the day.

Ford showed plenty of patience on the six-year-old giving him plenty of galloping room even though it meant having him out wide. Making his final run from midfield, Damigos (ex Still Friends by Oenjay Star) had a half-neck margin over Patezza (Rubiton - Stars Above by Star Shower) with Dance The Waves (Hennessy - Timeless Winds by Mister C) another half-length away in third. 

August 22nd, 2004

At Warwick Farm on Saturday, Danehill Dancer mare Private Steer laid down the gauntlet to her spring weight-for-age rivals with a devastating performance to win the Warwick Stakes (1400m), her first step towards the Cox Plate.

Ridden by regular rider Glen Boss had Private Steer closer the speed against her normal racing pattern in the 10-horse field.

With So Assertive (Zabeel - Assertive Lass by Zeditave) bowling along out front at an even tempo, Boss clicked the mare up to third early.  As Private Steer (ex Lisheenowen by Semipalatinsk) got to the 400m, Boss clicked her along and she responded to dash clear to score a widening three-length victory over So Assertive with Niello (Octagonal - Shadea by Straight Strike) three-quarters-of-a-length away in third.

August 20, 2004

Danehill Dancer has a very smart bunch of juveniles in training in the UK and they were headed by Wednesday's, April 18th, decisive Listed Roses Stakes winner Dance Night. 

Racing prominently throughout, he took the lead over a furlong from home and had 1-1/2 lengths to spare at the line. Connections are likely to aim the colt at the G2 Flying Childers Stakes at Doncaster next month. 

Dance Night (ex Tiger Wings by Thatching) is one of 14 individual 2-y-o winners to represent his sire this season. Also included among these are Group placed Indesatchel and Silver Wraith as well as stakes placed Rue d'Alsace and Joyce who was beaten just a head in the Listed Rochestown Stakes.

July 18th, 2004

Coolmore stallion Danehill Dancer is having a great season and on Saturday, he produced an interstate metropolitan double.

His juvenile son Timeless Dane got the ball rolling with a good grinding effort with top weight of 58kgs in the MV Calendar Handicap (1600m) at Moonee Valley.

Ridden by Brett Prebble, Timeless Dane (ex Timeless Heart by Heart of Darkness) enjoyed a nice run two back off the rail behind the early leader Real Trick.  At the 800m peg Prebble made his move pulling him out wide to make his run.  Shining Storm (Aliocha - Poacher's Lass by Poacher's Moon) hit the front with Timeless Dane running home strongly wide out to prove too strong at the post to take the race by three-quarters-of-a-length. Count Ricardo (Principality - Shanghai Surprise by Imperial Prince) ran home well for third the same margin away. 

Later in the day at Rosehill, Pont Du Gard (ex Coverage by Covetous) chalked up Danehill Dancer's second victory by claiming the Winergy Handicap (1500m) by a long neck from Pentelikon (Vettori - Loyal Servant by Polish Patriot).

May 9th, 2004

Five-year-old Danehill Dancer gelding Damigos gave young New Zealand jockey Andrew Calder his first Australian win at Rosehill on Saturday afternoon in the Listed Co-Ordinated Landscapes Civic Stakes (1400m). 

Damigos, trained by Gerald Ryan, has always showed plenty of promise since his juvenile year, but has never really quite lived up to expectations.  

Calder settled Damigos mid-field, with Spinning Con (Spinning World) took up the front running role just ahead of Osca Warrior (Zeditave), Geiger Spirit (Geiger Counter) and Mr. Aristos (Danewin).  As the field fanned for home in the straight Calder sneaked along the inside rail and once Damigos got to the front he skipped away from Gabfest (Brief Truce - Constant Chatter by Biscay) who was closing quickly from well back. 

Damigos (ex Still Friends by Oenjay Star) had just enough petrol in the tank to hold off Gabfest to score by a half-head with Bradshaw (Last Tycoon - Shaybisc by Biscay) in third another two lengths away. 

April 18th, 2004

Danehill Dancer's wonderful daughter Private Steer capped off a wonderful week to win her second group one race with in a week the All-Aged Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday. 

Ridden by Glen Boss and trained by John O'Shea who decided to made the bold gamble and back Private Steer up in the 1400m race after her Doncaster win over 1600m the mare didn't let her team down.

Private Steer (ex Lisheenowen by Semipalatinsk), settled at the back of the field to claim early leader and pacemaker Our Egyptian Raine (Desert Sun - Egyptian Queen by Karioi Lad) by a long neck.  Defier (Dehere - Lilande by Marscay) ran home well for third 1-1/4 lengths back.

The mare has provided her trainer John O'Shea with his biggest moments in racing.

"She's an unbelievable mare," he said,

"Once she lets down you know she will go right into the race and be there at the end.

"I wasn't worried today. It was a great race, a great win and a great ride."

Private Steer will now be spelled with the WS Cox Plate her spring target. 

April 13th, 2004.

Glen Boss continued his amazing run of success when he brought Private Steer from a seemingly impossible position to win the $2.5 million G1 Doncaster Handicap (1600m) at Randwick on Easter Monday.

The John O'Shea-trained mare had been favourite for months but looked a forlorn hope as she dropped out last in the 20-horse field early in the 1600m feature and was still there at the turn as Miss Potential (Dolphin Street) carted the field along.

The meticulous race plan that Boss and O'Shea had devised was long gone as Private Steer was still last going up the rise.

She was beginning to find a bit of luck just as last year's winner Grand Armee (Hennessy - Tambour by Marauding)  coasted up and looked set for a repeat.

With Boss negotiating his way through the field, Private Steer (ex Lisheenowen by Semipalatinsk) saw daylight at the 50 metres and burst to the front to deny Grand Armee victory by a long neck.

Ambulance (Grand Lodge - Emergency by Marauding) stuck to his task well for third, another 1-1/4 lengths. 

Danehill Dancer's stakes winning daughter Magsaya made a successful return to racing after a short summer break in the Cody Outdoor Handicap (1250m) at the Canterbury night meeting on Saturday.

Ridden by Glen Boss, Magsaya jumped away well from barrier three to be just behind the early speed and as the field thundered around the home turn Boss had a throttle hold on the three-year-old filly.  As the field got the 100m peg a needle eye opening between Polar Success (Success Express - Patou by Covetous) and race favourite Seances (Canny Lad - Spirit by Danehill) appeared and Boss pushed Magsaya through to score a convincing long neck victory over Polar Success.  Seances was neck away in third.

Earlier in the day at Canberra, Disco Touch (ex Roll Top by Jan Murray) broke his maiden in the opening race on the Black Opal card with a three-quarters-of-a-length win over Banish Gold (Nothin' Leica Dane - Dapper's Gold by Sir Dapper).

Danehill Dancer hit the headlines again this weekend with a metropolitan double including a brilliant win by his four-year-old mare Private Steer confirmed her status as Doncaster Handicap favourite with a brilliant win in the G2 Apollo Stakes (1400m) on Saturday at Randwick.

After travelling mid-field, the mare gave Larry Cassidy an armchair ride down the long Randwick straight to score a very comfortable four length victory over Excellerator (Marscay - Artless Dahar).  Zanna (Pentire - Posing by Truly Vain) was another neck away in third.

Prepared by John O'Shea who said that Private Steer's next assignment would be the G1 Coolmore Classic at Rosehill Gardens.

Earlier in the day at Randwick, Break The Barrier (ex Rhapsody in Blue by Maizcay) made a winning debut in the Safilo Eyewear Plate (1200m).

Break The Barrier nosed out St Pirian (Danehill - Duchy of Cornwall by The Minstrel) with another 1-1/4 lengths to Gator (Quest for Fame - Crocodile by Marauding) in third.

Brilliant Danehill Dancer mare Private Steer returned to racing after an 18-week spell with a stunning victory in the Listed Breeders Classic (1180) at Randwick on the Kensington track on Saturday. 

Ridden to perfection by Glen Boss, Private Steer was settled at the rear of the field and rounded the turn the widest runner.  Boss, hugged the outside fence and despite carrying 58 kilos, Private Steer managed to overhaul Irgunette (Irgun - River of Destiny by River Rough) and go on to win by 1-1/2 lengths. 

Forum Floozie (Danasinga - Flying Floozie by Pompeii Court) who was in the worst part of the track was only a short half-head away in third.

Trainer John O'Shea said "Private Steer will be aimed at the Group One Doncaster Handicap (1600m) on April 12. 

"Her next start will be in the Group Two Apollo Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday week".

Danaurum made an impressive debut at Moonee Valley on Saturday scoring an easy win in the New Year Plate (1000m). 

Danaurum (ex Gold by Phizam), begun well from gate 2 but could not muster any early pace.  He enjoyed a nice run behind the early leaders Il Duca (End Sweep - Zest by Marauding) and Kentucky Wildcat (Danzero - Catnipped by Rory's Jester). 

Danaurum was able to get into the clear as they rounded the home turn to move up quickly and join Kentucky Wildcat as they straightened.  To his credit Kentucky Wildcat fought on well to hold his position but Danaurum held him comfortably in the run to the line to win by a length.  

Gator (Quest for Fame - Crocodile by Marauding) worked home well for third a 1-3/4 lengths away.

Danehill Dancer capped off a memorable year with a flurry of winners during December.

Diamond Hills (ex Face the Wind by Zephyr Zip), Pauline's Dancer (ex Miss Pauline by Proud Knight), Borak (ex Zabeelsville by Zabeel), Exemplify (ex Fianbe by Gold Brick), Danish Heir (ex Bet Big by Full on Aces), and Son of Dancer (ex Vicelike by New Regent) all broke their maiden status.  

At Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, Turaga (ex Main Event by Karioi) won the 1200m Handicap by a short neck.  In doing so Turaga, set a new course record, running 1:10.06.

Azraq (ex Rhapsody in Blue by Maizcay) scored a long neck victory in the ASI Solutions Handicap (1400m) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, November 29th.

Azraq made it two in a row for his connections, at Warwick Farm he scored at the good odds of 12/1 and yesterday at Rosehill Gardens his odds were even better again at 40/1.

Azraq's win was his sixth career victory and took his prizemoney earnings past $147,800 for his connections.

On Sandown Classic day owners Gooree Pastoral Company chalked up a stakes double.  A nice chestnut filly named Magsaya opened the winning account for Gooree when she was triumphant in the Twilight Glow Stakes (1400m) and then later in the day Chong Tong (Encosta De Lago) took out the  the G3 Sandown Stakes (1400m).

Magsaya settled well on the speed racing on the outside of early leader Ekali (Torrential - Compulsion by Danehill) and although she a little trouble coming down off the hill, the daughter of Danehill Dancer was switched back to the rail by her rider Noel Callow who balanced her up to set out after, Ekali who looked to have a winning break. 

Magsaya grabbed Ekali inside the 200 metre mark and drew away to win by three-quarters-of-a-length with the Robert Sangster-owned Living Spirit (Hennessy - Livelihood by Rory's Jester) a length away in third.

It was Magsaya's first stakes victory and her record now reads four wins and two seconds from only eight starts and earnings passing $170,000.

Bred by her connections Magsaya is the third foal and second winner from the Covetous mare Priceless Joy the winner of two races in Sydney as a two-year old and third Behind Dashing Eagle (Danehill) and Assertive Lass (Zeditave) in the 1997 AJC Surround Stakes.

A half-sister to AJC Carbine Club Stakes (LR) winner Valuate (Bluebird), Priceless Joy is a daughter of the superb race filly Princess Talaria a pint sized, near black daughter of Dignitas, which captured 1977 VATC One Thousand Guineas (G1) and VRC Edward Manifold Stakes and the 1978 STC Marlboro Classic. 

Later on the same day at Kembla Grange, Danehill Dancer made it a double of winners when Dezhilla (ex Zeddez by Zeditave) took out the Class 2 Handicap (1400m) by two lengths.

At Randwick on Saturday Magsaya (ex Priceless Joy by Covetous) lasted by the barest margin to be triumphant in the Percy Marks Transitional Handicap (1200m).  

Magsaya's got the nod by a short-half-head from Cataclysm (Maraduing -Chaparra by Canny Lad) while Only Glory (Honour And Glory - Range Belle by Rancher) another 1-3/4 lengths away in third. 

Four-year-old mare Dancing Hill (ex Honiara Lady by Akaaber) convincingly won the Peter Waldon Handicap (1200m) at Doomben on Saturday.

Dancing Hill scored her fifth career win by 1-1/4 lengths over Miss Eleni (Ravarda - Grecian Gold by Akaaber) with another 2 lengths back to Cotton Brae (Clang - Bamboozle by Dalmacia) in third.

Group One winner Private Steer seems certain to keep the light shining brightly on the racetrack for her sire Danehill Dancer following her barnstorming return to racing at Rosehill on Saturday, August 30.

With the Danehill Dancer’s all-conquering son Choisir retired to stud in the wake of his historic Royal Ascot double in June, Private Steer (ex Lisheenowen by Semipalatinsk) showed she could ably carry the flag for the stallion with a decisive win in the G3 Concorde Stakes (1100m).

A graduate of the 2001 Magic Millions Tamworth Yearling Sale where she cost just $18,000, Private Steer overwhelmed her rivals under 57kg to win running away by a length and a quarter.

Private Steer may have her next start in the G2 Theo Marks Stakes at Rosehill on September 13 and then go to the G1 George Main Stakes at Randwick.

She will then be switched to Melbourne where her targets are the G1 Toorak Handicap and G1 W.S. Cox Plate.

Private Steer now has the super record of seven wins and two minor placings from eleven starts and has earned an impressive $1.1 million, a huge return on her cost as a yearling.

Danehill Dancer had a great season last year, finishing in the top 20 stallion's in Australia and he got the new season off to a good start when his son, Damigos claimed the Uncorked Restaurant North Sydney Handicap (1200m) at Rosehill on Saturday.

Damigos took his record to seven wins from 26 starts with Saturday's win, when he raced to a 1-3/4 length victory over Ruember (Forest Glow - Rummy by What a Guest) with Beamer (Mister Kwila - Our Zoffany Girl by Zoffany) a nose away in third. 

Damigos's seven wins todate have netted his connections more than $170,000.

Another stakes winner Danehill Dancer when his three-year-old daughter, Daganya (ex Sovereign Grace by Standaan), claimed the listed Sweet Mimosa Stakes (1200m) at Leopardstown, in Ireland on Saturday, July 26th.  

On the same day in Australia, Groove Master (ex Way To The Stars by Maizcay) won his Maiden (1200m) at Newcastle.

The rising five-year-old Danehill Dancer gelding, Jar Jar Binks landed the Telltina Handicap (1200m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

Sent out second favourite with Michael Rodd aboard, Jar Jar Binks scored by half-a-length from Madison (Geiger Counter - Dapple Dawn by Tolomeo) with Aggravation (Sanction - La Femme Critique by Noalcoholic) the same margin away third.

Jar Jar Binks's win was his eighth career victory and took his earnings past $290,000, a tidy profit for his connections, as Mark Cook purchased Jar Jar Binks from the Scone Yearling sale in 2000 from the Goodwood Farm draft for just $16,000!

A mixed week of emotions for man of the moment Paul Perry, with the progeny of Danehill Dancer. Bounty Hill (ex Arvida by Sovereign Red) was killed and a stable employee injured when they were hit by a car in Newcastle on Saturday morning.

Bounty Hill, was being led outside the Broadmeadow racecourse, when a small car containing two young sisters hit the galloper from behind.  The three-year-old gelding received a shattered shoulder and a broken near-side hind leg.  He was put down at the scene. 

The strapper was treated for shock and sore ribs.

By the end of the day a rising five-year-old gelding owned by the same connections as Choisir, Turaga (ex Main Event by Karioi Star) had the smile back on Perry's face with a neck victory in the Better Boy Handicap (1400m) at Randwick.

Turaga's win was his sixth career victory and took his earnings past $132,000, a tidy profit for his connections, as Perry purchased Turaga from the William Inglis Classic sale in 2000 for just $42,000. 

Australian sprinter Choisir (ex Great Selection by Lunchtime)  blew away the best sprinting talent in England to complete a remarkable Royal Ascot double in the Group One Golden Jubilee Stakes (1200m).

Backing up from his historic win in last Tuesday’s G2 King’s Stand Stakes over five furlongs, Choisir showed the same brilliant speed to lead the huge field of 22 from start to finish over the six furlongs straight course in record time.

English commentators hailed Choisir as a “champion” after he held off the determined final furlong drive of Airwave (Air Express - Kangra Valley, by Indian Ridge) under the riding of Irish jockey John Murtagh to win by one length.

Choisir was dismissed by UK bookmakers and punters last Tuesday when he started at 25/1 in the King’s Stand Stakes but was shown much greater respect this time, going to the post a firm second favourite. 

Choisir is now in the running to be rated the champion UK sprinter for 2003 season, a standing he could build on as trainer Paul Perry has entered the colt for next month’s G1 July Cup at Newmarket, July 10, and has not ruled out a start in that event before he returns to Australia.

Choisir had the disadvantage of starting from a high barrier draw well away from the favoured outside rail, forcing Murtagh to track down the centre of the straight course for the first half of the race.

However, Choisir had superior speed on his rivals that Murtagh allowed the colt to drift across the face of the field and race on the rail over the last furlong.

An ecstatic Paul Perry declared his week at Royal Ascot has been “the thrill of a lifetime” and was in no rush to decide about a start in the July Cup.

"Johnny said 'leave him here and he'll win everything' so we'll have to talk about it now," Perry said.

Choisir has collected almost $A500,000 prizemoney from his two wins at Royal Ascot, but that pales in comparison to his soaring stud value as the son of Danehill Dancer. When the time comes to finalise his breeding career it would be certain to be dual hemisphere.

Choisir, by becoming the first–trained Australian horse to win at Royal Ascot, has shown that our top sprinters, at least, are world class and should not be afraid to go beyond Asia to prove themselves.

The magnitude of his performances cannot be under-estimated as the Australian-bred three-year-old has been at an age and weight disadvantage against his northern hemisphere opposition in both races.

He carried the four-year-old’s weight of 9.4 in the Golden Jubilee Stakes and conceded 10 pounds to the three-year-old filly Airwave, who will again be an opponent if Perry decides to push on for the July Cup.

In the mean time back in Australia on Saturday at Rosehill, Pont Du Gard (ex Coverage by Covetous) carried 58 kilos with apparent ease, to win the Merrylands RSL Club Handicap (1500m) by half-a-length from Look At Mars (Marscay - Chase the Chick by Kenmare) with Mufti (Quest for Fame - Trousseau by Biscay) three-quarters-of-a-length away third. 

Dynamic Dancing recovered well from a luckless run at Eagle Farm last week to triumph in the Murphy's Blu Boy Handicap (1350m) at Doomben on Saturday, June 14.

The brown three-year-old colt from the Zephyr Zip mare Cloudlet ran out an easy three length winner over Rapidash (Snippets - Niece's Gift).  King Shalford (Shalford - Beach Stroll) was 1-3/4 lengths away in third. 

Dynamic Dancing's win was his third career victory and took his earnings past $71,000, a profit for his connections, as his trainer John Wallace purchased Dynamic Dancing from the Magic Millions Premier yearling sale in 2001 from the Middlebrook Valley draft for just $40,000.

Brilliant Danehill Dancer filly Private Steer (ex Lisheenowen by Semipalatinsk) was sent out a $3.40 favourite of the Group 1 QTC Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) and came home a comprehensive winner of the $1,020,000 event generally regarded as the feature contest of the Australian winter racing period.

Drawn in pole position and allocated the featherweight impost of 48kg, Private Steer was widely considered to be a handicapping certainty and the event panned out just as most people expected. Given a quiet ride just off the pace until the home straight, the 3-year-old daughter of Danehill Dancer was prised off the fence into a clear opening before unleashing an electrifying sprint which saw her come home two and quarter lengths ahead of her nearest rival.

Private Steer became the first filly or mare to win the Stradbroke since Danehill's outstanding daughter Dane Ripper proved successful in 1997. Of course, the same filly proceeded to win the Group 1 MVRC W.S. Cox Plate later in the same year. Winning trainer John O'Shea claimed that he had set Private Steer for the Stradbroke as soon of the filly came into his care six months ago following an unexpected stable change. The filly is from the same first local crop representing Danehill Dancer as Choisir, this season's Group 1 VRC Lightning Stakes (1000m) on the verge of having the first outing of an ambitious northern hemisphere summer campaign in England.

Two-year-old Pont Du Gard showed all of his fighting attributes when he claimed the Australian Hotels Association NSW Handicap (1200m) at Rosehill on May 31st.

Pont Du Gard won by a long head from L'Espalier (Marscay - Pretty Buttons by Danehill) with two and a half lengths to Capri (Vettori - Livomo by Clay Hero) third. 

Pont Du Gard ran 1.13.21 for the journey covering the final 600m in 35.86 on a slow track chalking up his second win.  The win took his earnings past $39,000, well on the way to repaying his connections, as his trainer Paul Perry purchased him from the 2002 William Inglis Classic sale from the Two Mile Lodge draft for $80,000.