August 1st, 2008

The 2007-08 racing season has seen Coolmore Stud sire Encosta de Lago (Fairy King - Shoal Creek by Star Way) claim his first national title by more than $3.9million over his nearest rival, More Than Ready, with last season's champion Flying Spur (Danehill - Rolls by Mr Prospector) in third position.

Although the figures are only provisional, Encosta de Lago's margin is clear cut and he has a great chance of winning the title again as he has more than 100 juveniles entered for the Group I Golden Slipper. 

His title has come from some high-class performances over the last twelve months with Sirmione's Group I VRC Australian Cup and LKS MacKinnon Stakes wins leading the charge. Racing To Win collected the Group I AJC All Aged Stakes while Shadoways raced away with the SAJC Group I Goodwood Hcp. Adding in Encosta's Group I Hong Kong Sprint super star Sacred Kingdom it's very easy to see why he's claimed his first title, his stock love to race and love to win!

June 1st, 2008

Bonny filly Tan Tat de Lago appreciated the soft conditions at Eagle Farm on Saturday when she beat the colts in the Listed QTC Conrad Treasury Stakes over 1400 metres.

Undefeated on slow and heavy ground, the Peter Moody trained Tan Tat de Lago revelled in the wet conditions, powering home to defeat Royal Discretion (Royal Academy ex Discretion by Canny Lad) by the best part of a length with Vandalo (Van Nistelrooy ex Riverly Lass, by Gleam Machine) in third place.

Already a Group Three winner last spring when successful in the VRC Danehill Stakes at Flemington, Tan Tat de Lago is a high class filly at her best with an overall record of six wins from 13 starts with prizemoney of $336,150.

Bred and retained to race by the Tung family, Tan Tat de Lago is the first foal of the metropolitan winning Umatilla mare Tan Tat Star, a full sister to former top class galloper Umrum, a winner of 14 races and $1.5 million in prizemoney including the VATC Toorak Handicap twice.

Tan Tat de Lago is one of a dozen stakes-winners this season for Encosta de Lago who will be crowned Champion Sire by earnings at the end of the current Australian racing season.

May 4th, 2008

Top class performer Racing to Win unleashed his customary turn of foot at Randwick on Saturday to claim his first Group One victory of the season in the AJC All Aged Stakes over 1400 metres

The gelded grey son of Encosta de Lago missed more than a year of racing through injury and EI, but has come back with a vengeance this autumn and looked every bit the Racing to Win of old as he strode past classy three year-old colt Murtajill (Rock of Gibraltar ex Skating, by At Talaq)) to score by a length with recent Group One winner Casino Prince (Flying Spur - Lady Capel by Last Tycoon) in third place.

“He’s finally got himself fit and on the job and we know when he’s like that he’s a great horse,” said winning trainer John O’Shea.

“They ran great time and he was wide and did it with a bit of authority, as I said to Hugh (Bowman), ‘if they are good enough to be even money you just ride them like that, they don’t need to be ridden pretty’ and he rode him accordingly.”

Purchased for $40,000 by John O’Shea at the 2004 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale and raced by Trevor Stuckey and Penny Yan, Racing to Win has gone on to become one of the great ‘saleyard gifts’ winning 11 races and $3.3 million his many career highlights including five Group One victories.

Bred and offered for sale by Boscobel Stud, Racing to Win is the second foal of the Kenny’s Best Pal mare Surrealist, who has done an excellent job at stud. 

Purchased by Coolmore for $1.6 million at the 2006 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale, she is also the dam of Group Three winning three year-old Purrealist (by Tale of the Cat) and stakes-placed mare Distilled and her yearling colt by Fastnet Rock fetched $220,000 for Coolmore at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale this year when knocked down to Nick Williams.

Racing to Win is one of 12 stakes-winners this season for Australia’s current number one sire Encosta de Lago and is his third Group One winner in Australia since August 1 joining Sirmione and Shadoways, while Princess Coup has won at the elite level in New Zealand and Sacred Kingdom in Hong Kong.

April 13th, 2008

It was feature racing in South Australia on Saturday at Morphettville with the running of the Group I Goodwood Stakes.  The race has had a change of conditions from a handicap to a set-weight and penalties event, which has worked as the club drew together a field of 24.

The Group 2 Carlyon Stakes winner, Let Go Thommo led the field out on to the track, followed by the stakes winning Here De Angels (Dehere) and Publishing (Testa Rossa).  

When the barriers flew back at the start, the race drama began, with the noted speed horse, Here De Angels being ridden by Mark Zahra for the first time missing the start badly, being last out.  With the main on-speed horse out of the race and 'plan a' going out the window it appeared that most jockeys where lost at what to do next and none had a 'plan b' for the feature.  As the field went along at a very leisurely gallop for the first 600m of the 1200m sprint. 

One rider that appeared to make the most of the lack of pace early was Mark Pegus on Shadoways positioning the five-year-old son of Encosta de Lago close to the speed. Something that the horse had never had the advantage of in previous races.  Cutting the corner as the field fanned very wide on the home turn, Pegus, got the bay into full flight quickly.  Getting away from the inside section, Shadoways, raced away to claim his most important win and first this campaign in the feature by a length-and-three-quarters.

Cargo Cult (Spectrum - Cult Figure by Ahonoora) ran home well from well back for second to hold out Diplomatic Force (Oamaru Force - Talk It Over by Umatilla) by a long head.

In chalking up his sixth win Shadoways gave his sire, Encosta de Lago his 11th winner at the highest level and he became the first group one winner for his dams family in five generations. 

His dam Be My Pride (by Pride of Place) was the winner of four races and since her retirement from the track she has had 10 foals, seven have raced for six winners including Shadowmaker (by Geiger Counter), the winner of nine races and a group three placing in the Sandown Stakes.  Be My Pride is out of Benefice (by Bletchingly) a non-winner as was the great grandam, Cinclus (by Petingo).   

Fans of  Encosta de Lago's progeny have plenty to choose from the forthcoming Inglis sales series as he has 62 yearlings on offer at the select sale (April 20 - 24) and two in the classic session (April 27-29).

April 2nd, 2008

The announcement last week that Darley Stud had purchased a majority share in Von Costa de Hero for $5million, this week STALLIONS pedigree expert Alan Porter has an in-depth look at his pedigree. It gives a hint to why the stud valued the colt so highly with just one win to his credit.

One of the most interesting stakes winners of recent weeks was Von Costa de Hero. The $1,200,000 yearling has been highly-rated since arriving at the yard of David Hayes, and has never faced anything but black-type company. 

Fifth in the Debutants Stakes, he was then fourth in the Blue Diamond Prelude (G3), before third time proved the charm, as he got the best of Carnero and Burgeis in a three-way photo for the VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (G2). 

Von Costa de Hero, who is rated the equal of Hayes’ Blue Diamond first and second, Reaan and All American, at home, will next appear in either the Golden Slipper (G1) or Sires’ Produce Stakes (G1).

In breaking his maiden in a group event, Von Costa De Hero emulated his sire, Encosta de Lago. Encosta de Lago's first win was in the Ascot Vale Stakes (G2). He then add the VIC Health Club Stakes (G1) and Bill Stutt Stakes (G2). Encosta de Lago then took third in the Caulfield Guineas (G1), before ending his career with an unplaced effort in the Victoria Racing Club Stakes (G1). 

Initially retired to stand relatively cheaply at Blue Gum Farm, Victoria, Encosta de Lago made a considerable impact with his first crops, earning a transfer to Coolmore Stud, where he has gone on to establish himself as one of Australia’s premier sires. From seven crops, Encosta de Lago now has 50 stakes winners, with Alinghi, Racing to Win, Lashed, Mnemosyne, Princess Coup, Sacred Kingdom, Sirmione, Titanic Jack, Delago Brom and Apercu all scoring at grade one level.

Von Costa de Hero is the third foal of Piavonic. A tough and speedy mare, Piavonic ran 35 times. She didn’t earn black-type until her twenty-second start, when she took the How Now Stakes. Her improvement continued, and in her subsequent 13 outings, Piavonic not only captured the Manikato Stakes (G1) and Norman Carlyon Stakes (G2), but took places in four other graded events.

By Scenic, Piavonic was out of Piave Girl, a daughter of the Sandown Guineas (G2) winner Brave Salute (by Without Fear). Like her daughter, Piave Girl was a sprinter, winning four times between 1000 and 1100m., and taking second in the Laurent Perrier (G2). Piave Girl’s half-sister, Rubra Lass (a black-type placed daughter of Alzao) also visited Encosta de Lago, the result being Thoroughbred Club Stakes (G3) and Lightning Stakes (G3) winner Emlozza. Rubra Lass also produced the Macau Derby (G1) winner, Doppio. 

The third dam, Black Serenade, is a mare with a very interesting pedigree. Her sire, Black Opaque, is by Osmunda, who is by Star Kingdom out of a mare by Pipe of Peace. Her dam, Star Kingdom, is by Star of Heaven, a son of Star Kingdom, and has a second dam by Pipe of Peace. This inbreeding didn’t have a tremendous effect on the ability of Black Serenade, who won three times, but never earned black type, but did work the trick for her sister, Dark Rhythm, winner of the Leilani Stakes (G3), runner-up in the Breeders’ Stakes (G2) and placed third in the Moomba Plate (G3). Dark Rhythm subsequently produced, the Maribyrnong Plate (G2) and Blue Diamond Prelude (G3) victor, Raise a Rhythm. 

We mentioned that Von Costa de Hero has a very interesting pedigree. 

In fact it’s more than that, as among stakes winners, it is unique. Encosta de Lago is a son of Fairy King, and Piavonic is by Scenic, a son of Fairy King’s full-brother, Sadler’s Wells. 

This is the first time that there has been a stakes winner from the sire line of one of the brothers out of a mare from the line of the other. He’s also only the second stakes winner to have Fairy King and Sadler’s Wells combined, the first being Red Rocks, winner of the 2006 Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1). Red Rocks combined the siblings with Mr. Prospector on both sides of the pedigree, and Von Costa De Hero’s pedigree is somewhat similar. Encosta de Lago’s grandam, Rolls, is by Mr. Prospector, and Scenic’s grandam is by Raise a Native, the sire of Mr. Prospector.

Von Costa de Lago is one of only four winners by Encosta de Lago out of mares by sons or grandsons of Northern Dancer. Of the others, two, including Von Costa De Lago’s relative, Emlozza, are out of mares by Alzao (who combines Northern Dancer and Sir Ivor, as does Encosta De Lago), and the other, Laura’s Charm, is out of a Prego mare who combines Northern Dancer and Sir Ivor’s sire, Sir Gaylord.

- Alan Porter

March 9th, 2008

It was billed as 'Super Saturday' and it didn't let us down as Australia's greatest living trainer Bart Cummings clocked up another Group I win when Sirmione demolished his rivals in the Darley Australian Cup (2000m).  In doing so he gave Cummings his 249th Group One winner and his 13th win in the autumn weight-for-age feature at Flemington on Saturday.

The quinella was a replica of the Group I Mackinnon Stakes last spring when Sirmione beat New Zealand mare Princess Coup (Encosta de Lago - Stoneyfell Road by Sovereign Red), who was given a terrible ride by Damien Oliver.
Casino Prince (Flying Spur - Lady Capel by last Tycoon), trained by Cummings' son Anthony, ran the race of his life with blinkers back on again to finish a long head away in third.  

In claiming his 13th Australian Cup, Cummings told TVN's Bruce Clark, "It was surprising how well he won. The others mightn't be as good as we thought. I don't know," 

"I thought he'd win by half a head or half a length, but that was quite impressive." 

Sirmione's official winning margin was three-and-three-quarters of a length.  

When Clark asked Cummings how Peter Mertens had gained the ride on the bay, Cummings reply was "he did what he was told so he's kept the mount."

Winning rider Peter Mertens had celebrated his 45th birthday during the week and he was also surprised by the ease of Sirmione's win. 

"As soon as I got him to the outside of Miss Finland he just sprouted wings," Mertens said. 

Sirmione will now head to Sydney for a tilt at the Group One The BMW (2400m) also run under weight-for-age conditions at Rosehill on April 19. 

Sirmione was purchased by Cummings for $300,000 from the draft of Murrulla Stud at the 2005 Magic Millions Yearling Sale and he has now won four races and $1.3 million for his lucky group of owners.

Sirmione is the second foal of the Defensive Play mare World Guide, a half-sister to Sunray, winner of the Group Three New Zealand St Leger and Rocking On, winner of the Listed Grafton Cup.

The Group One quinella for Encosta de Lago was the highlight of the day for Coolmore Stud, however, it wasn't Encosta's only stakes winner on the day as he had struck earlier on the Flemington card when the expensive two year-old colt Von Costa de Hero (ex Piavonic by Scenic), broke his maiden when he won the Group Two VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m). 

The Sires' produce wasn't a easy win for the impressive colt.  

The race had plenty of speed in the early stages of the event with Dual Hemisphere working across to take up the running ahead of Aqaleem and Arapaho Heights.  Once they had cornered Aqaleem got into the clear and took over with Brugeis and Carnero after them.  Von Costa de Hero had stayed near the rail and his jockey Craig Williams was able to give him clear running.  With Carnero finishing hard down the outside he grabbed Burgeis over the final stages, in the meantime, Williams had Von Costa de Hero at full speed and they proved a shade too strong to claim the group win by a short-half-head from the charging Carnero (Carnegie - Matter by Octagonal).

In a thrilling finish Burgeis (Catbird - Grand performance by Palace Music) was another half-head away in third.  

Von Costa de Hero had show cased his ability at his previous start in the Group 3 Blue Diamond Preview when he had got home well late, running super sectionals, and on Saturday he appeared fitter. 

"I nearly would have run him in the Diamond but decided to save him for this race as I didn't think he would handle the shorter race," his trainer David Hayes told TVN's Bruce Clark. 

"We have given him a light preparation on purpose with Sydney in mind and when get up there in a couple of weeks we decide whether he goes to the Slipper or the Sires," he continued.

Von Costa de Hero was purchased by popular Bloodstock Agent, James Bester for $1.2 million from the Coolmore draft of the 2007 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.  He was bred by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum from the Group One winning Scenic mare Piavonic, which he purchased for $660,000 at the 2002 Inglis Australian Broodmare Sale.

A brilliant sprinter, Piavonic won nine races and claimed the scalp of champion racemare Sunline when she captured the Group I MVRC Australia Stakes in 2001. At stud she has now had three foals to race and all are winners, with Von Costa de Hero her first stakes horse.

Von Costa de Hero becomes the 49th stakes-winner worldwide for Encosta de Lago who has an impressive 62.9% winners to runners ratio and with his progeny earnings hitting $58million his services are sure to be in demand again this spring.

While Sirmione, Princess Coup and Von Costa de Hero were sharing the spot light in Melbourne, in Sydney at Rosehill, Racing to Win (ex Surrealist by Kenny's Best Pal) returned to the winners enclosure.  A pretty grey he jumped away well in the Group Two weight-for-age feature and with Hugh Bowman giving him the run of the race he showed his opponents a clean set of plates to claim his first win since his Epsom Hcp victory in October 2006.

Racing To Win held the fast finishing Tuesday Joy (Carnegie - Joie Denise by Danehill) by three-quarters-of-a-length with Falaise (Grand Lodge - Perle by Night Shift) another long neck away in third.

Racing To Win was brought by his trainer John O'Shea at the 2004 Inglis Australian Easter yearling sale for $40,000.  Proving a good buy the gelding has since repaid his owners with more than $2.9million in prize money from his ten win 16-start career. 

Bred and offered for sale by Boscobel Stud, Racing to Win is the second stakes winner for the Kenny’s Best Pal mare Surrealist, who has also produced Purrealist (by Tale of the Cat), winner of the Group 3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude and the stakes placed Distilled (by Masterclass).  

Surrealist has a yearling colt going through the William Inglis Select sale by Fastnet Rock and he will be offered as lot 406 on Tuesday April 22nd. 

Fans of Encosta de Lago's progeny have plenty to choose from as he has 40 yearlings on offer at the Gold Coast Magic Millions (March 24 - April 2nd) another 62 at the Inglis select session (April 20 - 24) with two at the classic session (April 27-29).

February 24th, 2008

New Zealand trainer Mark Walker had plenty to celebrate on Saturday with wins on both sides of the Tasman Sea with Princess Coup and Te Akau Coup claiming Group two victories.

Based in the North Island at Matamata, Walker, was on track to saddle up his high class mare Princess Coup who posted an effortless victory in the Group Two St George Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield.

While this was happening back in New Zealand at Matamata, Te Akau Coup (Thorn Park) won the Group Two Matamata Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes and just for good measure Minstrel Court (Danehill Dancer) another out of his stable claimed an all-the-way win in the Listed Fairview Ford Slipper.

Princess Coup has been stabled with Leon Corstens and enjoying her time in Australia thus enabling Walker to leave Caulfield with Group One plans firmly in place for the Australian Cup at Flemington in two weeks time.

"It's days like this that make you appreciate all the hard work the team at Te Akau Stables put into preparing our racehorses," Walker told TVN's Bruce Clark.

"It's a fitting reward for all those early morning starts training the racehorses."

The race was a triumph for Coolmore stallion, Encosta de Lago, who claimed a rare achievement providing the trifecta in the Group Two event and they could do it all again as all three St George placegetters head towards the Australian Cup (2000m).

Princess Coup (ex Stoneyfell Road by Sovereign Red) enjoyed a perfect run for Damien Oliver, surging to the front with a furlong to run to hold off Sirmione (Encosta de Lago - World Guide by Defensive Play) by half-a-length with two lengths back to Douro Valley (Encosta de Lago - Opaque b Lord Seymour) another two lengths back in third.

In winning her tenth race from 25 starts, Princess Coup took her earnings past $2million a great return on the $260,000 her owners' paid for her at the Magic Millions National Yearling Sale, where she was purchased by David Ellis from the draft of Ernivale Thoroughbreds.

Princess Coup is the fourth foal of the stakes-winning Sovereign Red mare Stoneyfell Road, whose dam Arch Duchess was a Group Three winning sprinter by speed influence Arch Sculptor. 

Encosta de Lago has some outstanding yearlings coming through for 2008 with nine yearlings to be offered at the Inglis Premier, 40 for Magic Millions and over 60 for Inglis Easter sale.

February 18th, 2008

Sacred Kingdom has set up a mouth watering clash with Hong Kong's best miler, Good Ba Ba, with a dazzling triumph in the Chairman's Sprint Prize on Sunday at Sha Tin in Hong Kong. 

A length-and-a-half margin of victory from Absolute Champion in the second leg of the Champion Sprint Series reaffirmed Sacred Kingdom's position as not just Hong Kong's leading sprinter, but also the best in the world. It also showed last month's defeat was a blip to be filed in the 'one of those things' category. 

We can now look forward to what is shaping up as the race of the season on 16 March when Sacred Kingdom ups to 1400m for the first time in the Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup against Good Ba Ba, winner of the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Mile and the Stewards' Cup. 

On that same date in four weeks the Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Derby 2008 will also unfold and Green Birdie will be a leading player judged on his victory in the Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Derby Trial from Helene Mascot. 

First, though, to the sprinters and Sacred Kingdom who box-seated early on for Gerald Mosse and the race as a contest ended once the pair grabbed the lead over a furlong out. 

"He's back to his best. It was disappointing he lost last time. There was a delay at the start and he became agitated in the gates and missed the kick. Gerald said the slightly slower track that day also worked against him," trainer Ricky Yiu reflected. 

Looking ahead, he added: "I'm not worried about 1400m for him. I would just want him to draw a good gate because he settles well when he has cover. Good Ba Ba is a great horse but, dropping back in distance, I'm not sure if he will have the same kick as Sacred Kingdom. It will be an exciting race." 

Hoof note: 

Sacred Kingdom (Encosta de Lago - Courtroom Sweetie) is another Australian bred horse making Hong Kong his own. He was sold for $200,000 at the William Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale and has now won nine of his 11 starts and earnings of nearly $HK 17 million. 

His sire Encosta de Lago has nine lots entered for the Premier Sale that commences on March 2, headed by a colt out of the multiple Group winner Dandify and a filly out of the Group Three winner Royal Sash. Sacred Kingdom’s yearling half-brother by Danehill’s Group One winning son Fastnet Rock is lot 51 in the Australian Easter Yearling Sale that commences on April 20. The colt will be consigned for sale by Phillip Campbell’s Blue Gum Farm in Victoria on behalf of the Calvert’s Kornong Stud Farm.

February 17th, 2008

Racing's latest big spender, Queensland mining magnate Nathan Tinkler, made a splash at Karaka in New Zealand last month when he splurged $6.9million in two days on 24 yearlings.  But it was on the racetrack at Moonee Valley yesterday that he picked up an early dividend when is recent purchase, Laura's Charm, a six-year-old mare by Encosta de Lago bough as a potential mate for his recently acquired stallion Cox Plate placegetter and Group One winner Wonderful World, won the Sunline Stakes (1600m).

In narrowly getting the better of race favourite Illinois Girl and Wayne's Gold, Laura's Charm gave from top jockey Patrick Payne his first metropolitan success in the Group 2 event.

Payne wasn't at the track to cheer home Laura's Charm he was in Western Australia looking at more yearlings for Tinkler's Patinack Farm. Ridden by Steven Arnold, who brought home the daughter of Laura's Express (by Prego).  Arnold told Bruce Clark from TVN that he was delighted to have been aboard his friend's first metropolitan winner. 

"He was my best man at my wedding, we are pretty good mates and it's a great effort by him."

Laura's Charm had only a short-half-head to spare over Illinois Girl (Traditionally - Chicago Hope by Deputy Governor)  and Wayne's Gold (Golden Snake - Whiff by Lunchtime) was only a head away in third.

Laura's Charm was bred by Trevenson Park Stud in Victoria and she is a half-sister to the Group 3 MVRC Red Anchor Stakes victor, Corton Charlemagne (by King Charlemagne) being from the Group 3 VATC Mannerism Stakes winning mare Laura's Express (by Prego).  

Laura’s Charm is the 11th stakes-winner for Encosta de Lago this season with his progeny earning more than $7.9million.  His progeny are sure to be in demand at upcoming sales with nine for Inglis Premier, 40 for Magic Millions on the Gold Coast and another 62 are listed for the Inglis Easter sale.

December 10th, 2007

Miss Andretti may have come up well short in her bid to win a second international crown, but Australian breeders still derived considerable satisfaction from yesterday’s Group 1 Hong Kong Sprint (1200m).  The Horse of the Year and Global Sprint Champion finished only 10th behind Sacred Kingdom in one of the best fields yet assembled in the Sha Tin event. But both the winner, the second and the third placed horses were all bred and/or raced in Australia. Sacred Kingdom is a Victorian-bred son of Encosta de Lago who was sold to Hong Kong for $200,000.

Yesterday’s victory took his prizemoney total to more than HK$13m and his race record to eight wins from nine starts. The runner-up Absolute Champion, who raced in NSW as Genius And Evil, won this race last year has collected five victories from 20 starts in Hong Kong. Royal Delight, a son of Commands who won his only three starts in Australia where he was known as War Of The Worlds, completed the trifecta.

For Freedman and the connections of Miss Andretti, it will have been no compensation for the defeat of the champion mare. A run which will go down as the worst of her career was due mostly to an inability to handle the right-handed way of racing, according to jockey Craig Newitt. It was also a problem Freedman admitted he had virtually disregarded.

“Despite all the work we have done going right-handed, as soon as she hit the first bend she was getting her head up and wanting to hang,” Freedman said.

 “She was never on her right leg. “That was one thing I wasn’t counting on being a big problem.”

Miss Andretti began fast from her wide barrier but was unable to cross to a one-wide position when she began to hang as she approached the first turn. From that point her race was lost. She turned for home two lengths off the lead and gave ground all the way down the running. Miss Andretti’s wasn’t the only notable defeat at the International meeting.

The long odds-on favourite Viva Pataca went down to a gem of a ride from Frankie Dettori on Ramonti  in the G1 Hong Kong Cup. Jockey Mick Kinane on Viva Pataca lodged a protest, but it appeared to be virtually frivolous. Another costly failure was the world’s highest-rated racehorse Dylan Thomas.

Having his last race, Dylan Thomas bowed out ingloriously, finishing eighth to the French runner Doctor Dino in the Hong Kong Vase. The remaining international race, the Hong Kong Mile, went to the local runner Good Ba Ba (Lear Fan) who scored his first Group One success.

December 27th, 2007

At Caulfield on Boxing Day the $100,000 Listed Christmas Stakes (1200m) drew a strong field and the race was taken out in fine style by Cocinero.

A six-year-old son of Encosta de Lago, the chestnut was asked to carry the top weight and with a last start victory under his belt, Cocinero showed his class to pick up his second stakes event. 

Prepared at Cranbourne by Robbie Griffiths Cocinero has competed against some of the very best horses in training like El Segundo during his last campaigns and given the run of the race by Craig Newitt he proved too strong for his rivals to score by 2-1/4 lengths. With Stickpin (Pins – Reputedly by Quest For Fame) , who got a run very late and Colonel Parker  (Singspiel – La Molokai by Molokai Prince), worked home strongly to dead-heat for second.

A $55,000 purchase for the Chefs on the Run Syndicate at the 2003 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale in Melbourne, Cocinero has now won seven races and more than $470,000 in prizemoney.  

Encosta de Lago also featured in New South Wales at Randwick when Moonboat (ex Moon Cha Cha by Marscay) won her maiden over 1150m on the Kensington (inside) track.

November 25th, 2007

At Sandown on the Hillside course, the Robbie Griffiths trained Cocinero broke through for first win in more than a year in the Tom Hutchins Megabolt Cup (1300m).

The six-year-old son of Encosta de Lago had been competing in black type company all campaign and had continually produced honest efforts with his only bad run in the Group 2 Salinger Stakes (1200m) when he never raced in the best ground.

However, Cocinero, still had to contend with top-weight of 58kgs hadn't won in 11 starts since scoring over 1200m at Flemington on Melbourne Cup day last year.  He had been placed in four Group or Listed races in between his wins which included a narrow defeat by El Segundo in the Group Two Carlyon Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley in January

Apprentice Nick Hall rode Cocinero patiently before making his move down the long Hillside straight and scoring by 1-1/4 lengths from Itsamonty (Kenny's Best pal - Montenique by Noalcoholic) with Muzdaher (Stravinsky - Gazebo by Snaadee) a half-head away third.

"It's lovely to see this horse win after those second placings earlier," Griffiths said.

"He'll probably have to go back up in class again now that he's won this race as he's a 101-rating horse and he'll get too much weight.

"I'm not sure what I'll do with him yet, but I might freshen him for races like the Standish and the Carlyon again."

Cocinero has now won six races and been placed seven times in 27 starts and on Saturday passed $400,000 in stake earnings.  He was purchased out of the 2003 William Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling sale by Chefs on the Run for just $55,000.  

His female line isn't that flash however, his dam, Cantinela by Zoffany is a sister to the stakes placed, Annalea (by Zoffany) and she hails from a family that produced the Group I Newmarket 1000 Guineas winner, Fleet (by Immortality). 

November 18th, 2007

Coolmore's number one stallion in the sourthern hemisphere appears to have another rising sprint star to add to his already impressive resume when Sacred Kingdom demolished a very good field in track record time at Sha Tin in Hong Kong on Saturday when he claimed the Cathay Pacific International Sprint Trial -HK Gr2 in course record time.

A powerful bay gelding by Encosta de Lago, Sacred Kingdom looked every inch a superstar as he cruised past his rivals after sitting three wide with cover and raced away from last year’s Group One HK International Sprint winner Absolute Champion, in the lead up to the big international sprint feature in December 9, stopping the clock at 1:07.50.

"Gerald (Mosse) did well to find cover on him and he said he relaxed well in midfield. He took his time for as long as possible but at the 300m the horse was fighting him so Gerald let him go," said winning trainer Ricky Yiu.

"I knew he had a great chance but I thought if he were to win, it would be by a neck or a length. Not like that because that was something else. He's just very exciting."

A winner of seven of his eight starts, Sacred Kingdom has never gone better than he did on Saturday and will prove a formidable rival for Australian sprint queen Miss Andretti when she arrives in Hong Kong.

A $200,000 purchase from the draft of Kornong Stud Farm at the 2005 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, Sacred Kingdom is a half-brother to stakes-placed Opter being from the Zeditave mare Courtroom Sweetie, a full sister to Group Two winner Love of Mary.

Sacred Kingdom made it a winning double at Sha Tin for Encosta de Lago who scored earlier in the day with Ultra Fantasy (ex Belle Anglaise by Sir Ivor), winner of the Class Two event over 1000 metres.

November 4th, 2007

Master trainer Bart Cummings unearthed a last minute Melbourne Cup contender at Flemington on Saturday when enigmatic four year-old Sirmione charged home to defeat top class mare Princess Coup in the Group One VRC L.K.S Mackinnon Stakes, giving leading sire Encosta de Lago the elite quinella.

Well down the track when unplaced in the Caulfield Cup, Cummings made a gear adjustment leading into this event on Sirmione, replacing winkers with blinkers in a bid to encourage him to focus and settle.

Jumping from barrier 11 Sirmione settled for a change as Annenkov went forward from the outside gate to lead and took the field along at a solid tempo. Princess Coup was the first to make a challenging move as Devil Moon got through on the inside to race to the lead from Captious.   Princess Coup grabbed the lead but she had no answer to the barnstorming finish of Sirmione, who proved much too good to win by a length-and-three-quarters.

The win was his first at the elite level and his fist since June 2nd, 2006, during his classic season in the Group 3 Gran Prix Stakes (2100m) during the Queensland Winter carnival.  At his following start that campaign he finished third in the Group One Queensland Derby (2400m) on a soft track behind Empires Choice and Volcanic Star. 

“He’s really struck form at the right time and it’s a great result for the owners who have had to be very patient,” said Cummings.

“In the Caulfield Cup he was caught three wide and didn’t settle, he really needs to get cover in his races and we also put the blinkers back on as that seems to help him.”

Purchased by Bart Cummings for $300,000 from the draft of Murrulla Stud at the 2005 Magic Millions Yearling Sale, Sirmione has now won three races and recouped costs having collected $730,875 in prizemoney for his lucky group of owners.

Sirmione is the second foal of the Defensive Play mare World Guide, a half-sister to Sunray, winner of the Group Three New Zealand St Leger and Rocking On, winner of the Listed Grafton Cup.

Sirmione is the ninth Group One winner for Encosta de Lago who is enjoying yet another outstanding season with five stakes-winners so far in Australia since August 1.

Both Sirmione and Princess Coup (ex Stoneyfell Road by Sovereign Red) will go on to the Group One VRC Melbourne Cup on Tuesday at Flemington over 3200 metres with the former drawing a wide gate in 20, while the mare will have an ideal start from barrier 9.  Sirmione will give his trainer the opportunity of collecting his 12th Melbourne Cup, where Peter Mertens will ride him again.  On Tuesday he'll carry 51.5kilos instead of the 58.5kilos he carried under the weight-for-age conditions of the Mackinnon.

October 28th, 2007

Improving filly Miss Marielle chalked up Encosta de Lago's 48th stakes winner when she took out the Listed Arrow Training Services Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

Ridden by Craig Williams who made full use of barrier one to settle in front and take the field along at a moderate tempo.  

Potomac, her stablemate, who had been caught wide moved up to take over at the 1000m, however, Miss Marielle was in charge again as they straightened and then she found plenty to hold off Bird Of Fire to claim the valuable black-type success by three-quarters-of-a-length.  Class Prevails (Delago Brom - Pals by Palace Music) did best of the rest in third another half-length away.  

"I love her attitude," Williams told TVN.

"The way she felt to me there is a lot more in store for her this carnival." 

Trained at Flemington by David Hayes, who told TVN that the most important aspect of her victory was the black-type success as she cost $330,000 from the draft of Broadwater Farm at the 2006 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling sale.  Miss Marielle is the first stakes winner from 2001 West Australian Sires' Produce Stakes winner Miss Vandal (by Don't Say Halo) and has proven a good buy for Scott and Matthew Perrin winning three races and $152,800 from just six starts.

Miss Marielle is the fourth Australian stakes-winner this season for Encosta de Lago and is currently covering a full book at Coolmore Stud in the Hunter Valley at a fee of $220,000. 

October 21st, 2007

At Caulfield on Saturday it was the club's showcase event the Group I Caulfield Cup and on the undercard Coolmore's leading sire Encosta de Lago featured with a double that included the Group 2 Harrolds Stakes (registered name: Tristarc Stakes) with  his daughter Miss Fantabulous.

Two races earlier, Miss Marielle (ex Miss Vandal by Don't Say Halo) claimed her second career win from just five starts in solid fashion to run home strongly to score by three-quarters-of-a-length over race favourite Danedina (Dancehill Dancer - Aradina by Monde Bleu) and Mio Mio (Danehill Dancer - Lauriston Lass by Rubiton) another length-and-a-half away in third.  The race gave Coolmore stallions all the spoils and a nice trifecta of three-year-old fillies.

A little under two hours later, Miss Fantabulous strolled away with the Group 2 Harrolds Stakes (1400m) after not going around a horse all race to score by three-quarters-of-a-length.  Owned by Brent Taylor from Trelawney Stud in partnership she had been bought from Matt and Scott Perrin earlier in the year as a tried mare for $600,000.  Now prepared by David Hayes, Miss Fantabulous was given a top ride by Mike Rodd, thus increasing her value as a potential broodmare.

The chestnut filly had been originally prepared by Matt Ellerton after the Perrin's had purchased her from the William Inglis  Easter yearling sale in 2005 for $380,000. 

Out of Miss Chanel (by Splendent), who is a half-sister to 2004 Goodwood Hcp and Doomben 10,000 winner Super Elegant (by Mister C) and his full brothers the 12-time winner Group 2 Angas Brut Classic winner, Elegancy and the Group 3 MRC Victoria Hcp and 14-time winner Mister Elegant. 

Miss Fantabulous had won the Listed Irongate Classic (1100m) at Morphettville in February earlier this year a race that she beat a WS Cox Plate contender Devil Moon. 

Miss Fantabulous has raced 18 times for four wins and as many placing's. 

Mike Rodd used barrier one to best advantage as Soleil and Guild took the field along at a good clip and both showed the way into the straight.  Like It Is had taken off after them and as Soleil began to struggle at the 200m , and with the aid of a rails run Rodd drove Miss Fantabulous through and she raced to the lead to stride away to claim her most valuable victory from Bellini Rose (Faltaat - Raise the Play by Defensive Play) and Like It Is (Distorted Humor - Out In Style by Brave Regent).

Rodd told Bruce Clark from TVN, "I wasn't thinking I'd get the `fantabulous' run but the leader rolled off and gave us the run," Rodd said. 

"She raced without luck at her last couple of starts but she had the luck today." 

The win also completed a double for the David Hayes stable as he also trains Miss Marielle. 

Due to the outbreak of equine influenza Encosta de Lago had a late start to the breeding season and is now back at his base in the Hunter Valley at Coolmore.  His fee this spring is $220,000 (including gst).

October 7th, 2007

In New Zealand on Saturday, Coolmore's leading sire Encosta de Lago was represented by his first Group One winner of the new season when New Zealand Oaks winner Princess Coup arrived in the very last stride to win the $2 million Kelt Capital Stakes over 2000 metres at Hastings.

Trained by Mark Walker, the mare sprinted home hard to seize a narrow margin over J’Adane (Danehill (USA) and Magic Cape (Magic Albert) in a thrilling finish with hot favourite Seachange (Cape Cross) a whisker away in fourth place.

Princess Coup is entered for the Caulfield Cup and connections have indicated that she is likely to come across for the race in which she will carry 50.5 kg. 

Princess Coup was the dominant filly in New Zealand last season starting 12 times at three for seven wins including a facile four and a half length win in the Group One WRC New Zealand Oaks over 1400 metres.

Having her fourth run back from a spell in the Kelt Capital, Princess Coup was able to turn the tables on Seachange after finishing third to the champion mare at her most recent start in the Group One Stoney Bridge Stakes over 1600 metres.

Princess Coup’s overall record stands at nine wins from 20 starts and her earnings have soared to in excess of $1.6 million with her latest triumph.

Bred in Australia by Mark Kelly's Ingenue Breeding Syndicate and Brenton Wise, Princess Coup was purchased by David Ellis for $260,000 at the 2005 Magic Millions National Yearling Sale from the draft of Ernivale Thoroughbreds.

Princess Coup is the fourth foal of the stakes-winning Sovereign Red mare Stoneyfell Road, whose dam Arch Duchess was a Group Three winning sprinter by speed influence Arch Sculptor.

September 23rd, 2007

Tough Encosta de Lago gelding Douro Valley (ex Opaque, by Lord Seymour) raced his way into the Caulfield Cup with a dogged win over hot favourite Maldivian in the Listed MRC Naturalism Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday.

Three wide throughout the 2000 metre journey, the Danny O’Brien trained Douro Valley thrived on the hard work, finding the line with grim determination to post his first black type success.

“He’s a really honest horse that is getting stronger as he gets older,” said O’Brien.

“He’s in career best form and now that he’s qualified for the Cup (Caulfield) he’ll be there with a chance.”

Douro Valley will carry just 50.5 kg in the Group One MRC Caulfield Cup on October 20, which is too light a weight for winning jockey Darren Beadman who will be in Hong Kong then in any case on a three-month contract.

“He had such a tough run, he’s run 2400 metres today!” quipped Beadman.

Runner up in the Group One SAJC Derby as a three year-old, Douro Valley has won seven races and placed 12 times from 36 starts earning $379,091 for his lucky syndicate of owners.

Not offered at public auction, Douro Valley is the second foal of the Lord Seymour mare Opaque, who is already the dam of a stakes-winner having produced last season’s stakes-winning three year-old filly, Stellamac, as the result of a mating with Mull of Kintyre.

Douro Valley becomes the 46th stakes-winner worldwide for Encosta de Lago who is likely to be back at Coolmore in the Hunter Valley this week to commence the breeding season following his detainment at the Eastern Creek quarantine facility.

September 9th, 2007

Flemington racecourse was back in action on Saturday, with the 'new' track receiving praise by trainers and jockeys who were glad to be back racing at 'headquarters' - even though no sectional times were available and the two audio systems of Flemington TV and TVN crossed each other at the most inopportune times it didn't seem to matter. The sun was shining and after a 10-month absence from racing at 'headquarters' smiles could be seen all round. 

One of the features on the card went to Coolmore's gun sire Encosta de Lago when Tan Tat De Lago  claimed the $250,000 Group 3 Danehill Stakes (1200m).

Run for the second time this year, the Danehill Stakes is run down the famous Flemington straight 'six' course and with the barriers on the inside rail, Tan Tat De Lago  jumped away well from barrier five sharing the lead with Zizou, who got away very well and with Craig Williams up he took up a prime spot leading near the rail. Just to his outside was Tan Tat De Lago who travelled kindly for her rider Luke Nolen, while Scenic Blast got back in the pack in a slowly run first half. Royal Asscher moved up along side Zizou at the 400m and he felt the pressure, with Tan Tat De Lago joining Royal Asscher. Scenic Blast started to get through the field and as he got up along side Royal Ascher, Tan Tat De Lago sprinted clear of them both to claim her fifth and most important win from her six start-career.

Luke Nolen had ridden a great race to set up a winning break on the daughter of Encosta de Lago and home she cruised to score by two-lengths over Scenic Blast (Scenic Daughter's Charm by Delgado), who found the moderate tempo against him in the early part of the race, with Purrealist (Tale of the Cat Surrealist by Kennys Best Pal) another 1-3/4 lengths away in third.

Tan Tat De Lago's trainer Peter Moody adopted a carefree attitude with his chestnut filly, knowing she was a winner and she had a solid winter campaign behind her. She had showed great promise on the training tracks since her short three-week let up. Moody refused to be put off the race that featured last seasons Group I Golden Slipper winner, Forensics and Blue Diamond winner Sleek Chassis. He believed the winter form was as every bit as good as the autumn form - plus she knows how to win.

"They gave her the race she had a nice easy first half (36.8sec 600m) and I only had to skip home the second half (600m 34.2 sec)," Nolen told Bruce Clark from TVN. 

Nolen continued, "They handed it to us so we took it!"

"She will head to the 1000 Guineas," Moody told Clark. 

Tan Tat De Lago  is closely related to Umrum (by Umatilla) a winner of the Group I Toorak Hcp, twice. She is out of Tan Tat Star (by Umatilla), a winner of three races and sister to Umrum.

July 17th, 2007

El Milagro is a handy mare on her day, but it had been a year since her last win and on Saturday at Moonee Valley the breaks finally went her way and El Milagro returned to the winners' enclosure for her owners.

In the Specto Handicap (1600m), El Milagro  jumped away well from barrier three in the 15-horse field.  Settling well under Peter Mertens, El Milagro, travelled in the second half of the field as Hunter Concorde took them along at a solid pace, so hard did Hunter Concorde go he was done like a dinner by the time he got to the 800m.  Miss Kooch raced to the front with Centashani and Mollies Folly moved up to take over as they rounded the home turn.  Coming from well back in the field El Milagro, made her well timed run around the field on the home turn to score a narrow but tough win by a half-length over Molly's Folly (Encosta de Lago - Molly Mac by Rory's Jester) with Centashini (Kashani - Centalass by Bassenthwaite) another two lengths away in third. 

A 2004 Inglis Melbourne Premier sale graduate Millagro (ex Act of Devotion by Umatilla) was offered for sale from the draft of Wood Nook Farm (as agent) and she was knocked down to respected Bloodstock agent John Foote for $80,000.  El Milagro has since banked more than $75,000 for her connections, winning three races and recording five placings from her 19-start career.

June 11th, 2007

Encosta de Lago had a big day out at Eagle Farm on the Queens Birthday card when his daughter Apercu took out the Group I T. J Smith Plate (1600m) at Eagle Farm.

Trained at Warwick Farm by, Clarry Connors, who said he will consider chasing Oaks glory next season with Apercu after her courageous victory in the Group I feature.

“She is a wonderful little filly and her dam Making Fey is by Zabeel, so who knows she might run the Oaks distance,” Connors said of Apercu, who just managed to edge out the Iglesia youngster Tripitz in a desperately fought finish. 
The QTC Sires’ Produce Stakes winner Masked Assassin, by Danzero, was third.
“She’ll have a break now and then we’ll work out what we do with her after that but whatever happens she is very valuable now that she’s won a Group 1,” Connors said of Apercu.

Darren Beadman, who had her perfectly placed in fourth place in running, believes she will handle a middle distance.

“She was very strong on the line and the way she went to the post I think she’ll run 2000m, at least,” Beadman said.

In scoring Apercu, who had a previous black type victory in the BTC Golden Stakes-LR to her credit, took her record to two wins and two placings from seven starts for prize winnings in excess of $300,000.

Soon after Apercu’s triumphant performance Encosta de Lago, who stands at Coolmore, demonstrated his ability to produce middle distance horses when Newport nosed out the fast-finishing New Zealander Lilakyn in the Brisbane Cup-Gr.2 (2400m).

Following his winning effort Newport’s trainer Paul Perry said the four-year-old will be set for races in Melbourne in the spring.

“He is a big, strong, relaxed type of horse and he’s improving all the time,” Perry said of Newport, who will have a break before resuming training.
“Besides he’s only lightly raced and I can’t see any reason why we shouldn’t give him his chance in Melbourne later in the year, because he is already a winner down there.
“Now that he’s shown he can stay 2400m we will certainly be thinking about races like the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups with him.”

June 10th, 2007

At Moonee Valley on Saturday, Molly's Folly claimed the last race in a manner that suggests she's up to stakes company.

Ridden by Seb Murphy, for Tom Hughes at Flemington the four-year-old chestnut daughter of Encosta de Lago drew the outside gate in the 15-strong Eugene Gorman Hcp (1600m).  Jumping away well Murphy had Molly's Folly travelling well behind the early speed.  Waiting until the 800m mark Molly's Folly began her run and rounding the home turn she was the widest of six or seven runners all with chances at that point.  Molly's Folly and Pintaka (Pins - Funny features by Archway) drew away from the pack and she did best as Pintaka's run ended.  Molly's Folly drew clear to score by a neck.

Arctic Silver (Entrepreneur - Silver Eskimo by Icelandic) was another three-quarters-of-a-length away in third. 

June 3rd, 2007

Bart Cummings will launch a two pronged attack on next Saturday’s Group One Queensland Derby after the barnstorming win of Sirmione in the Group 3 Grand Prix Stakes Plate (2100m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

A gelded son of leading Coolmore Stud stallion Encosta de Lago, Sirmione, was ridden by Michael Rodd and he settled well back in the early stages of the race.  With plenty of speed on up front, Rodd, had the last start stakes placegetter travelling kindly.  Rounding the home turn Rodd angled the three-year-old bay out into the clear and Sirmione was able to unleash a stunning sprint to record his first stakes success and second career win by a widening three lengths.

My Centurion (The Commander - Censure by Centaine) did best of the rest ahead of Currigee (Danewin - Hi Queen by Nassipour) three-quarters-of-a-length away in third.

Cummings said Sirmione improved with the addition of winkers.

“He improved a little with them (winkers) on and he should be pretty spot on for (next) Saturday,” the Cups king added.

A $300,000 purchase as a yearling from the 2005 Magic Millions Yearling Sale, Sirmione (ex World Guide by Defensive Play) has set up a clash with stablemate Empires Choice, winner of the Rough Habit Plate, in Queensland's blue riband event on Saturday, June 9th.

May 7th, 2007

It was a Group I race card at Morphettville on Saturday and Coolmore Stud's resident stallion Encosta de Lago featured heavily in the results with wins by Watches in the Group 3 SA Oaks and Brockman's Lass in the Group 3 R A Lee Stakes (1600m).

Watches grabbed her second career victory in style when she good home over the top of Indelible in the Group 3 SA Oaks (2500m).  Trained in Melbourne by Mick Kent, who told SKY that she was a big strong filly and was now going to re-assess her campaign and send her north for more black type.

Watches (ex Wellington Dreamer by El Qahira), settled well back in the field and looked to be in a horrible spot as the field swung for home bottled up behind the majority of her rivals as Indelible was high-rolling in front.  Her ridder got her out and around the wall of horses and she charged down the outside to score a strong half-length win over Indelible  (Redoute's Choice - Gifted Spirit) with Princess Marizza (Scenic - Rose Of Marizza ) another four lengths away in third. 

Watches was having just her fifth career start and being a staying filly a few options are open to her in Queensland. 

“She’s fit and well, she’s in good form and she’s only three once,” Kent said.

Kent said his preference would be to run in the $400,000 Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2400m) at Eagle Farm on June 2, although the Group 3 Doomben Roses on May 17 is an option if she does too well.

Earlier in the day, outstanding mare Brockman's Lass sent her earnings soaring past the half million dollar barrier with a comprehensive win in the Group Three RA Lee Stakes (1600m).  A four-year-old mare by super sire Encosta de Lago, Brockman's Lass had already proven herself an outstanding mare with three stakes victories, and the win capped a great racetrack career for her owners, as she is to be offered for sale at the Magic Millions Broodmare Sale in June.

The attractive chestnut, who boasts a good black type pedigree page, was sent out at good each value after a consistent preparation in both Adelaide and Melbourne without any luck.  Ridden well by Zac Purton, Brockman's Lass enjoyed a lovely run in fourth throughout before striking the front at the top of the home straight.  

Brockman's Lass (ex Deal Me Out by Final Card) pulled out plenty in the home straight to hold out the challenge from Red For Lou (Testa Rossa - Luxapal by Kenny's Best Pal) to score by a length-and-a-quarter with Lord of the Dance (Ashkalani - Carinosa by Kenmare) another length-and-three-quarters away in third.

Brockman's Lass' earnings have rocketed to $539,725 - not bad considering she cost just $75,000 at the 2005 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale at Belmont. The Slade Bloodstock graduate impressed trainer Lee Freedman, who praised the ride from Purton, who replaced original rider Corey Brown after his fall and injury at the Gold Coast on Saturday.

"I think being a bit more positive from the gates was important," Freedman pointed out. "We were a bit negative the other day and we got into a scrimmage."

"I thought she had done really well between runs."

"Zac carried out the instructions to perfection. We thought we would go forward today and put in her in the first four."

Freedman said Brockman's Lass was a favourite around the stables for her class and consistency over the past two years.

"She's been a terrific mare," Freedman noted. "That's probably going to be her last run before she goes to the sale on the Gold Coast."

Brockman's Lass is catalogued for the National Broodmare Sale as lot number 1172. 

April 15th, 2007

In claiming her fifth victory in the $50,000 Mares Handicap (1500m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday, Evilweb, is now on her way to the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale.

A stakes performed daughter of Encosta de Lago is one of over 2700 lots catalogued for the National Sale - the largest and most important breeding stock sale in the southern hemisphere.

Evilweb (ex Money Spider by Sovereign Red) cruised home by two and a quarter lengths from Miss Kooch (Danzero - Turf by Sir Tristram) and Idria (Gold Ace - Kingstonette by Kingston Rule) was another half neck away in third place.

"You could see she was going to win a long way from home," a delighted winning trainer Lee Freedman said.

Freedman said the major reason behind the return to winning form was the decision to send her with a group of other mares for a beach side "holiday" for the last week at Balnarring.

"It was a really good freshen up for her and she really looked sharp," Freedman added. "She really loves Moonee Valley and we'll try and find another here at the Valley for her."

As well as being a black type performer, Evilweb is from a mare by Sovereign Red who was also a stakes performer at Flemington.

Evilweb will go under the hammer on Tuesday, June 5 after being catalogued as lot number 1215.

She is one of three classy Slade Bloodstock mares to go through on that afternoon. Anais (Lot 1153) and Brockman's Lass (Lot 1172) will also attract plenty of attention as well. Anais and Brockman's Lass are likely to head to Adelaide to contest feature black type races over the coming weeks before heading north to the National Sale.

Another lot in the National Sale to get a boost with the win of Evilweb is her yearling half sister by Show a Heart (Lot 2368), consigned by leading Queensland thoroughbred nursery Glenlogan Park.

March 18th, 2007

At Rosehill on Saturday, Press The Button took out the Group 2 Reisling Stakes (1200m) in good style to gain automatic entry into the world's richest juvenile race the Group I Golden Slipper at the same course on March 31st.

Press The Button was coming off a great sixth in the Group I Blue Diamond after missing a vital lead-up with poor barrier manners forcing her out of her preparatory race two weeks earlier.

Drawn in barrier three on Saturday, she was one of the first horses loaded into the gates and her rider Glen Boss just kept running his hand up and down her neck as they waited for the other nine opponents.

A highly competitive field under set weights, Press The Button, travelled very well and cornered on her off lead leg beautifully, especially at her first attempt, responding to every call from Boss she won the prestigious Slipper trial by three-quarters-of-a-length.

The Choisir filly Hurried Choice (ex Hustle Bustle by Catrail) was an eye-catching second, a short head in front of Group I Blue Diamond Stakes winner Sleek Chassis (Flying Spur - Tigereye by Kaapstad).  Right up there with them was previously unbeaten Forensics, by Flying Spur, and the $1 million magic Millions Classic winner Mimi Lebrock (by Show a Heart).

Press The Button is raced by investors Matthew and Scott Perrin, whom they purchased out of the Magic Millions yearling sale for $180,000.  She has the right Golden Slipper connections: her dam Clouding Over (by Kentucky Derby winner Thunder Gulch), is a grand-daughter of Majoram, the dam of the 1980 Golden Slipper winner Dark Eclipse.

Encosta de Lago's day didn't stop in Australia as his daughter Princess Coup demolished her rivals in the Group I New Zealand Oaks by 4-1/2 lengths.

Princess Coup was also sold by Magic Millions from their huge National Winter sale as a yearling for $260,000 and she is from Stoneyfell Road (by Sovereign Red).

Princess Coup, winner of eight of her 16 starts, had earlier won the Group 3 Lowland and Desert Gold Stakes after securing minor placings in the Group I New Zealand 1000 and 2000 Guineas.

March 6th, 2007

Princess Coup's class prevailed to sweep her to a one-and-a-half length victory in the penultimate race in the New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Series, the Group 3 Lowland Stakes (2100m) at Trentham on Saturday.

Ridden by Chris Johnson, the Mark Walker trained filly has further tightened her grip on the Series with 29 points on the board, eight ahead of her nearest rival, Veloce Bella (Volksraad x Wave to Lottie) and 11 ahead of Dorabella (Postponed x Caserio) currently in third place.

The John Wheeler trained Castlebar (Volksraad x Search) put forward a stirring challenge after an impressive last start triumph over Zygadene (Zabeel x Desert Lily) in the Oaks Trail at New Plymouth. She fought hard under the guidance of Bruce Herd but had to settle for second spot. 

Currently sitting second on the apprentice rider premiership, Troy Harris partnered Soelin (Stravinsky x Solano) to finish a further four lengths back in third. Both Castelbar and Soelin are new entrants to the Filly of the Year Series leaderboard. 

Heading into the final race in the Series, the Group 1 New World New Zealand Oaks (2400m), Princess Coup (ex Stoneyfell Road) looks unlikely to be knocked from her perch since the only two fillies able to challenge her lead, Veloce Bella and Dorabella, are unlikely to start in the race. 

After a successful preparation with the Group 1 New Zealand Bloodstock One-Thousand Guineas win as a highlight, Dorabella has headed for a well deserved rest in the spelling paddock while Veloce Bella is now an unlikely starter in the Oaks having been badly galloped on in Saturday's Derby. With 12 points on offer to the winner of the Oaks, 7 for second and 3.5 for third Dorabella or Veloce Bella would have had to have won and Princess Coup been unplaced to clinch the Series crown.

A victory by Princess Coup in the Series would make it a two-in-a-row for Mark Walker who also trained last year's winner, Shikoba (Chief Bearhart x Summary).

Owned by prominent bloodstock investors John Bromley and Ray Coupland, Princess Coup has emerged as one of the highest rated fillies in New Zealand this season and if victorious in the Oaks will join the likes of Lashed, Mnemosyne and Alinghi as Group 1 winning fillies by her Coolmore Stud sire. The win is the fourth stakes win for the daughter of the multiple stakes winning Sovereign Red mare, Stoneyfell Road.

In the Oaks nominations the Matamata based Te Akau Racing Stables, for which Walker is trainer, has a strong hand in the NZ$300,000 race. Headed by Princess Coup the stable also boasts likes of Mercedes Derby third placegetter Uberalles (Giant's Causeway x Ethereal), Group 2 Great Northern Guineas winner Santagostino (Giant's Causeway x Devil's Lair), Soelin, and Zygadene as part of their bid to secure the prestigious race on 17 March.

March 4th, 2007

The rivalry of two breeding giants, Redoute's Choice and Encosta de Lago, highlighted a tremendous opening session for the 2007 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale on Sunday. 

In a remarkable day of trading, 177 lots were sold for a gross of $12,840,500 at an average of $72,545. 

It was standing room only at Oaklands Junction as five of the first 20 lots sold for six figure sums. 

Interest definitely peaked when the Redoute's Choice filly from stakes winning mare Maze (Lot 98) entered the ring and soon attracted an opening bid of $300,000. On consignment from Bellerive Stud, the filly was eventually knocked down to successful owner, Nick Columb, for $400,000. 

Nick, who has raced such track luminaries as Courtza, Tristarc, Imposera, Magari and Centaurea, was clearly rapt to be taking home the Redoute's Choice filly with a view to racing her in next year's Inglis Premier Race. 

“I purchased Brazen Hussey from this sale last year and she was a good thing beaten in the Inglis Premier on Saturday,” Columb mused.

“Meanwhile, the filly I bought today is a typical Redoute's Choice. See what I've written in the catalogue? ‘Lovely athlete. Should run'.” He said. 

However, while Redoute's Choice currently holds sway over Encosta de Lago in terms of racetrack earnings this season, the latter got the better in the sale ring when Lot 129, presented by Blue Gum Farm, was snapped up by Anthony Cummings for $420,000. 
Anthony Cummings paid $420,000 for this colt by Encosta de Lago from the Rancho Ruler mare, New Smyrna. 

Not surprisingly, Anthony had nothing but praise for the Encosta de Lago colt from multiple Group winner New Smyrna. 

“The colt is a strong, precocious type from a wonderful two-year-old family. He simply has all the qualities you look for in a future Group One winner!” 

William Inglis & Son Director, Peter Heagney, pointed out that strong, international participation contributed to the resounding, day one result. 

“We managed to secure purchasers from throughout South East Asia and South Africa which, together with our domestic buying bench, saw our average increase by 13% on last year's figures,” Peter explained. 

“While it's tremendous to have the likes of Redoute's Choice and Encosta de Lago ‘headlining' the Melbourne Premier, it's important to remember that no less than 25 different sires were represented by yearlings which made $100,000 or more today, while 28 vendors from four states also sold six figure lots. 

“It's a clear indication of the stallion wealth available and quality of yearlings being presented at Melbourne sales.” He added. 

January 27th, 2007

In New Zealand on Saturday, the thriving Te Akau Racing stable recorded another Group race success, with Princess Coup (e x Stoneyfell Road by Sovereign Red) in the Group 3 New Zealand Bloodstock Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) at Trentham this afternoon.

Ridden by Oppie Bosson, Princess Coup won by almost two lengths, by Encosta de Lago, the filly now boasts thirteen starts for six wins including another two Listed victories with second placings in the Group I CJC 1000 Guineas and Group 2 AURC Ladies' Mile and a third against the males in the Group I CJC 2000 Guineas. 

Encosta de Lago is represented by four fillies and nine colts at the Karaka Premier Yearling Sale on Monday and Tuesday. 

January 27th, 2007

David Hayes celebrated 'Australia Day' in fine style taking out all three black type juvenile races in New South Wales and Victoria.  Hayes trained the winners of the colts and geldings and fillies divisions of the Listed Blue Diamond Previews at Caulfield and added the Listed Widden Stakes at Randwick. 

All of his winners were by sires who reside at Coolmore Stud in the Hunter Valley, and as added icing on the cake Haradasun (Fusaichi Pegasus), made a nice return to the racetrack to land the $100,000 Listed Zeditave Stakes at Caulfield, thus taking the total to four stakes winners for the day. 

The short priced favourite Cecconi ran home too strongly for debutant Classic Brom (Delago Brom - A Class Act by Brief Truce) and Encosta Don (Encosta de Lago - Macedon Girl by Rechabite) in the colts and gelding division of the Blue Diamond Preview (1000m).  A $460,000 purchase from the Broadwater Farm consignment, Cecconi, was having his second start, following a debut fourth in the Merson Cooper Stakes on November 25 behind stablemate Press The Button (Encosta de Lago).

Cecconi is the fifth foal of the stakes winning Blazing Sword mare Tonicity whose dam is a half-sister to stakes winner Brave New World, the dam of Golden Slipper winner Stratum.

Tonicity has a yearling colt by Anabaa (USA), a filly foal by Bel Esprit and was covered by God’s Own last spring. 

Capping Encosta de Lago's achievement was his top line son, Delago Brom, was the sire of Classic Brom who spilt his sons in the black type event.

Forty minutes later Encosta's daughter Familial (ex Cousins by Danehill), was finished hard into third in the fillies division, the race was won by Beauty School (Royal Academy ex Salamore by Vain), who displayed plenty of heart to run down Behind (General Nediym - Happy Spring by Rory's Jester).

December 19th, 2006

Encosta de Lago had another big week.

King Encosta won a class 2 in Hong Kong and is trained by Tony Cruz of Silent Witness fame.  The gelding recorded a one-and-three-quarter length victory over 1200m.  The Encosta de Lago gelding was purchased by Anton Koolman from the 2004 Inglis Premier sale for $70,000.

In Australia on Saturday at Rosehill, Cajou (ex Anacarde by Anabaa) broke through for her maiden win at her third start in solid fashion after settling well off the early speed set by Ayres.

Cajou's winning margin was 2-1/4 lengths and the manner of her win suggests she'll improve with more distance next campaign. Saffir Simpson (Choisir - Thunderstorms by Thunder Gulch) worked home well for second at his debut run giving Coolmore stallions' the quinella.  Cash For Cards (Dash for Cash - Pokemon by Kenvain) also performed well for third a half-length away.

In Victoria at Sandown on the Hillside, Can Lago (ex Cantinela by Zoffany) took out the Open Handicap over 1000m on the card with a dazzling display.

Can Lago settled well back in the pack behind the early leaders Appian Way closely followed by Kaphero.  Settling four off the fence with cover Peter Mertens waited until the six-year-old was travelling well after rounding the home turn.  Up on the bridle, Can Lago, unleashed a hot sprint to claim Murray Downs (ex Dancing Century by Century) by a widening three-quarters-of-a-length giving Encosta the quinella.  

Can Lago recorded a slick 56.77 for the five furlongs running his last 600m in a very quick 33.34seconds.

November 26th, 2006

At Sandown on Saturday, Encosta de Lago's juvenile daughter, Press the Button, took on the males in the Listed Merson Cooper Stakes.  

Proving superior she turned in a brilliant debut to claim the black type event by a widening three-quarters-of-a-length, trained at Flemington by David Hayes, Press the Button, jumped away well from barrier five and settled towards the rear as the speedy Love's Great and Mr Standfast pushed through with Meurice, (Strategic - Espadon by Danehill) who was unable to get any cover from his wide barrier.  

Meurice made the home turn well off the fence at the same time Press the Button was well back and appeared to be struggling after having made a sluggish start and despite being wide Meurice had skipped to the lead looked set to win.  However, Press the Button had got into stride and emerged late to grab the lead from Meurice and Gamble Me.

In taking out the Listed five-furlong juvenile event, Press the Button, chalked up stakes winner number 37 for Encosta de Lago.

The form is franked further as the runner-up Meurice had finished third in the Group 3 Maribyrnong Plate two weeks earlier.

Press the Button was purchased from the Magic Millions yearling sale earlier in the year on behalf of her owners' by sales company as agent for $180,000.  She will now head north to New South Wales where she will have a run in the Listed Canonbury Stakes (1100m) at Randwick on December 23 to see if she handles the 'right handed' way before a decision is made on the rich juvenile race at the Gold Coast in January.

Press the Button is out of Clouding Over (by Thunder Gulch) whose dam, Red Spice (by Red Anchor), is a half-sister to the Group I Golden Slipper Stakes winner Dark Eclipse (by Baguette) and the Listed W H Wylie Handicap winner Bagalot (by Baguette).  A little further back in the family the Group I winning, Preserve (by Canny Lad) appears along with another Merson Cooper winner, Lemongrass (by Horbury).

November 13th, 2006

On the last day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival week, the Jim Mason-trained Brom Felinity, tasted Group success when she continued on her winning streak to claim the Group 2 Hilton International Stakes (registered name: Matriarch Stakes 2000m) at Flemington.

The five-year-old daughter of Encosta de Lago was backing up after a solid win in the Listed Werribee Cup earlier in the month and on Saturday ridden by Mark Zahra, who judged the early speed well, drew clear over the final stages to score by 1-1/2 lengths from Pin Up with a long head back to Purde. 

Mason said he was thrilled to see Brom Felinity finally realising her potential.

"She’s been frustrating but I suppose the waiting’s been worthwhile,’’ Mason said.

"She’s bred to be a Group horse and finally she ‘s starting to do it, which is great.’’

Much of the kudos for Brom Felinity’s win have to be directed the way of underrated jockey Mark Zahra. Despite jumping from barrier 13, Zahra had Brom Felinity in fourth place one horse off the fence when the field had settled.  As the field raced to the 300m Pin Up looked the likely winner as she raced to the front with plenty of purpose. 

At this point Zahra asked the mare for her supreme effort and she sprinted hard inside the final 200m and pulled away to register her third win. 

"Before she went to the (Werribee) Cup her work was really good and I galloped her on Thursday and she hasn’t worked that well for a while. I was quietly confident,’’ Mason said.

"Mark gave her a gun ride. We planned to go forward, she was running fourth one off the fence and they didn’t seem to go hard mid-race so I knew she’d have a good kick.’’

Mason will back up Brom Felinity in Saturday’s $400,000 Group 2 Sandown Classic.

November 9th, 2006

Encosta de Lago is never far away with stakes performers and on Tuesday at Flemington he chalked up stakes winner number 36 when Flame of Sydney broke her rivals hearts in the Listed Seppelt Wines Stakes (1400m).

Trained at Rye by Lee Freedman, Flame of Sydney, was coming off a good effort when third in the Group 3 Thoroughbred Club Stakes at Caulfield, with Darren Beadman up and a nice draw in four she settled nicely behind the early speed set by Corton Charlemagne.  Once the field swung for home, Beadman, waited until the famous clock tower before he asked Flame of Sydney for her final effort.  Sprinting hard they put the race beyond doubt in a matter of strides as they went on to win by a widening two lengths over Catechuchu (Catbird - Noble Fleur by Dahar).

Flame of Sydney is out of Flame of Atlanta (by Clay Hero) a half-sister to What Can I Say, the dam of the very good sprinter, Only Words (by End Sweep) the winner of six races including the Group 2 AJC Surround Stakes and QTC Sir Byrne Hart Stakes.

November 2nd, 2006

It has been a while between drinks, but Brom Felinity picked an ideal time to return to the winner’s circle, coasting to an effortless victory in Wednesday’s $150,000 Listed Werribee Cup.

The five-year-old daughter of Encosta de Lago attained some valuable black type status on her way to what was just the second win of her 18-start career. The mare’s only previous win came in a Sale Maiden at her debut racetrack appearance.

Trainer Jim Mason said it was a relief to finally see Brom Felinity (ex Brompton Cross by El Qahira) string it all together.

"It’s hard when you’ve got a horse that’s got ability but they only keep running places,’’ Mason said of Brom Felinity, who has finished six times and third on three occasions.

"But I’ve always maintained the better the race the better she seems to go and I’ve done her a favour.’’

Mason and Brom Felinity’s connections never really had much cause for concern in the Werribee Cup. Taking full advantage of barrier one, jockey Craig Newitt positioned her beautifully behind early leaders Delvecchio and Blue Collar Jack.

When the gap appeared at the top of the straight Newitt shot the mare through before going on to score by a clear margin over Ulysses and race favourite Danzippo.

Newitt was always confident during the running.

Newitt said, "All I needed a good kick off the corner and she gave me a brilliant one.

"She’s definitely got ability and I thought her win was very authoritative.’’

Impressed by the win, Mason said he was now likely to send Brom Felinity to the $300,000 Group 2 Matriach Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on the final day of the Cup Carnival.

October 8th, 2006

Yet another huge day for Coolmore's Encosta de Lago on Saturday with Racing To Win collecting the prize in the Group I Epsom Handicap at Randwick and with Irazu winner of The Bart Cummings at Flemington. 

Racing To Win (ex Surrealist by Kenny's Best Pal), carried 57kg's in his fourth and most important Group One win of his career in the Australian Jockey Club's spring feature Handicap over the testing mile.

Trained by John O'Shea at the same course the win by the four-year-old grey saw him climb up the betting charts and he is now the second favourite for Australia's weight-for-age championship, the WS Cox Plate on October 28th. 

Ridden by Glen Boss, Racing To Win settled in the pack while Larry Cassidy dictated terms to suite on Desert War - increasing the tempo noticeably at the half-way point, Desert War was in full flight rounding the turn.

Boss waited until he had Racing To Win balanced up over the famous Randwick rise before he asked his mount for the supreme effort and he gradually reeled in the Waterhouse miler to deny him his third Epsom by a half-neck.

Back in Victoria at Flemington Steve Richards stepped Irazu up from a mid-week event at Moonee Valley, in which he started favourte and finished fourth, to longer trip at his home track.

Richards, who always had a big opinion of the Encosta De Lago gelding who ran third to Testafiable in the South Australian Derby last year said that the horse has continued to improve off each run and he had more to come after that effort as well.

Ridden by Daniel Moore, Irazu (ex Morrigan Clare by Toy Pindarri), settled behind Cefalu who set a strong pace in front and was still travelling well as they straightened.  However, Irazu got a run through on the inside rail to grab the front inside the 350m and went on to win by a  long neck from Aznavour (Montjeu - Sound of Jazz by Sound Reason).

Bay Story (Kris S - Sweeping Story by End Sweep) ran out of his skin for third as he was having his first start in nearly a year.

Bay Story, is trained by Brian Ellison, and he was sent out to Australia as a workmate for Carte Diamond who is also on the Cups trail again after being badly injured in a freak mishap when he went through a running rail during a track gallop at Flemington. 

Richards has Irazu still in both the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups in which he is weighted to carry 49.5kg. 

"He might get in, who knows, there's a long way to go yet," said a delighted Richards told TVN. 

"The Melbourne Cup is his main spring target. I don't know about the Caulfield Cup but if he gets a penalty maybe he could get in ." 

Richards had made a subtle gear change on Irazu putting the winkers on again. 

To continue Encosta de Lago's great run in New Zealand, Princess Coup, who was bred by South Australians Mark Kelly and Brenton Wise, is making a name for herself with victories coming up in four of her first seven racecourse appearances.

This has led to trainer Mark Walker deciding to aim Princess Coup for the New Zealand One Thousand Guineas-Gr.1 (1600m) at Riccarton on November 11.

“She was always a lovely filly and it is great to see her going on and realising her potential on the racetrack,” says Brenton.
A daughter of Encosta de Lago, Princess Coup is from the Kelly and Wise-bred Sovereign Red (NZ) mare Stoneyfell Road, who was a winner of three Listed Races in Sydney as well as being twice placed in Group company.

After overcoming a setback, when she struck a leg during her preparation, the filly was knocked down to New Zealand racing identity David Ellis for $260,000 at last year’s Magic Millions National Yearling Sale at the Gold Coast.  Now being raced by Ray Coupland and John Bromley, in partnership, she is described by Walker as “an outstanding filly with a lot of potential for improvement”.

October 3rd, 2006

The brilliant win of one of Europe’s best juveniles, Holy Roman Emperor (Danehill (USA)) in Sunday’s Group 1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere (Grand Criterium) at Longchamp significantly boosted the pedigrees of a filly to be offered at next year’s Easter Sale. 

Bred by Jim Fleming’s Tyreel Stud the filly is by Encosta de Lago is out of Milanova (Danehill), a full sister to Holy Roman Emperor. 

Milanova a Group 3 winning and Group I placed mare has her first foal up for sale and not only will the filly be a desirable racing proposition she already has her residual value established - without lifting a hoof. 

October 2nd, 2006

The stylish victory of Racing To Win in Saturday's Group One George Main Stakes at Randwick showed both the glory and the tragedy of racing. As Racing To Win was beginning his winning run, the grand front runner Court In Session broke down on the point of the home turn.

Court's In Session appeared to be travelling well in his customary role until the home turn when jockey Danny Beasley realised something was seriously amiss and pulled the seven-year-old up.

As Court's In Session went backwards, Desert War hit the front and Red Dazzler strode up along side of him to issue his challenge. As this happened, Glen Boss, on Racing To Win came into the race with his powerful sprint and strode clear to score pulling up by a length.

Red Dazzler held on gamely for second a head in front of Desert War.

“He’s racing well and he has some improvement in him,” winning trainer John O’Shea told TVN.

“I’m compelled to run in him in the Epsom now – he’d get too much weight in the Toorak.”

O’Shea also commiserated with Court’s In Session’s connections.

“My heart goes out to Guy and Court’s In Session’s owners,” he said.

In collecting his eighth win from 12 starts, his third at the elite level, Racing To Win, once again proved his class. 

Keeping the good news up for Encosta de Lago fans on the same day in New Zealand at Ashburton, Princess Coup (ex Stoneyfell Road), collected the Listed Ray Coupland Stakes (1400m) by half-a-length.

September 20th, 2006

One of the outstanding performances last Saturday was turned in by the AJC Doncaster Handicap winner Racing To Win when scoring in the Group 2 Theo Marks Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill.

Racing To Win had made a very good return to racing from his autumn campaign with a nice second behind Court's In Session in the Group 2 Warwick Stakes at Warwick Farm a fortnight earlier.  On Saturday, ridden by Glen Boss, Racing To Win settled behind the outstanding Paratroopers and Fox Lake.

Paratroopers went up alongside Fox Lake as they rounded the turn while Racing To Win was making his way into the race.  Once Boss had the four-year-old son of Encosta de Lago balanced he exploded clear to claim an emphatic length-and-a-half win over New Edge (Racer's Edge - Badinov's Babe by Twig Moss).

New Edge ran the race of his life to grab second spot from Regal Cheer (Arena - Regal Chamber by Archregent) another three-quarters of a length away in third. 

Paratroopers finished fourth and battled to the line after crossing to sit outside the lead from his wide gate.  But it should be noted that he was found to have a laceration to a flexor tendon and the balance of his spring campaign must be in doubt. 

Racing To Win (ex Surealist by Kenny's Best Pal) is trained by John O'Shea, and said that the gelding still had further improvement in him.  His prime target this spring is the $3 million W. S. Cox Plate at Moonee Valley on October 28.

September 12th, 2006

At Flemington on Saturday, Miss Fantabulous broke her maiden status in sensational style collecting the Devil Wears Parada (1100m) at her fifth career start.

Ridden by Craig Newitt, Miss Fantabulous (ex Miss Chanel by Splendent) started to work into the race from the 500m and was too strong on the line for My Only Hope (Redoute's Choice - Cantenac by Marauding) to score by a half-length.

Miss Fantabulous's stablemate River Fairy (Perugino - Ride the Rapids by River Rough) was only a head away in third.

September 1st, 2006

At Caulfield last week one of the performances of the day was given by Shadoways in the The Heath 1100 at Caulfield.

A four-year-old son of Encosta de Lago's who maintained his perfect first-up record with a super sprint home to score by a long head from Amyjaye Power with Magnus a neck away third.

Trained by Johnstone at Echuca, Shadoways is raced by Robert MacKenzie and his family from Moama.

MacKenzie said he knocked back a $1 million offer for Shadoways from Hong Kong interests.

Shadoways was bred by MacKenzie out of his Pride Of Place mare Be My Pride and is a half-brother to Shadow Park and Shadow Maker.

The bay gelding has now won five of his eight starts and he is unbeaten in three tries at 1100m.

June 11th, 2006

Coolmore stallion Encosta de Lago notched up another multiple stakes winning day with his progeny on Saturday when Examination and Astounded notched their first stakes victories in Victoria and Queensland respectively.

Examination (ex Quiz by El Qahira) led home a one-two finish for the son of Fairy King in the listed AR Creswick Stakes at Flemington. 

It was a decision to reluctantly back Examination's trainer Tom Hughes' judgment paid off for the connections of Examination when the rank outsider led all the way in Listed event down the famous straight six course at Flemington.

The Hughes' family leases the gelding to the six partners in the ownership but after Examination could only finish sixth at Bendigo last Saturday they wanted to cancel the agreement.

Hughes said it took some fast talking to convince the group to stick with the out-of-form galloper and he was confident he would run well on his home track.

"Matt Godden has been a client for a few years now and after the horse ran no good at Bendigo last week he rang me up on Monday and said the boys want to cancel the lease," he said.

"I said 'boys, let me run him down the straight on Saturday'.

"I told them they had nothing to lose."

Examination was still a maiden before Saturday and had been placed at only four of his 12 starts but Hughes drew his optimism from his neck third to Personal Ensign and Danerich at Flemington on May 28 last year.

"He has gone down the straight twice in his life," Hughes said to on course presenter Rob Gaylayd.

"This time last year he won a trial down the straight and then we backed him at 100-1 and he got beaten a head and head.

"He hasn't been down the straight since but he's had a helluva lot of feet problems and has run against the likes of Danerich, Orange County and California Dane.

Examination was having his third run this campaign and at $88 went straight to the front and was never headed.

Jockey David Chipman rode desperately over the last 100 metres and held off the fast-finishing Evilweb (ex Money Spider by Sovereign Red) to score by a neck with Mind Your Head (Mujahid - Nefertari by Clay Hero) 1-1/2 lengths away third.

In Queensland two-year-old filly, Astounded (ex Startle by Flying Spur) overcame a horror draw to claim the Sir Douglas Wadley Stakes at Eagle Farm.  Ridden by Dan Nikolic Astounded held off Angel Girl (Rory's Jester - Windana by Danehill) by a half-length with Simply Fantastic (Fantastic Light - Weaver of Words by Danehill) another short-half-head away in third.

Encosta de Lago capped the day off in great style when High Costalana (ex Elana by El Qahira) took out the $100,000 David Bourke Plate (1600m) by 3-1/2 lenghts. High Costalana is a member of the John McArdle stable and he has only missed a cheque on three occassions from his 14 start career.

May 29th, 2006

Hardly a weekend goes by with out Encosta de Lago producing a winner and on Saturday at Moonee Valley he produced a double.

Jacques Le Naif (ex Bit of Bliss by Snippets) scored a very strong win in the Logical Staffing Solutions Mile Handicap (1600m).  The race didn't have much pace in it and Marscay's Image pushed forward from a wide gate to take over and take the filed along at a solid pace.  He was still in front as they straightened but after sitting back near the rear Jacques Le Naif raced to him and drew away to score a comprehensive win by two lengths over Shag on a Rock (Shagny - Lochnarie by King's Lake). 

In the following race the Vawdrey Australia Handicap (1200m), Cornation Princess went out hard, but was gone before the turn as Testatude took over.  However, after enjoying a nice run behind the speed, Evilweb (ex Money Spider by Sovereign Red) went home too strongly to claim a half-length win over Jennings (Catbird - Wycombe by Imposing) with Rubiscent (Rubiton - Skyescent by Regal Calssic) a half-neck away in third.

Both Evilweb and Jacques Le Naif will pay to follow over similar distance ranges during the winter.

May 14th, 2006

Encosta de Lago sired another metropolitan double when stablemates Murray Downs and Douro Valley were successful at Caulfield on Saturday.  Both horses are trained on course by Peter Moody giving him a winning double.

The son's of Encosta de Lago will now both head to Queensland for the winter carnival.

Douro Valley opened the card with a win due to a successful protest.  

Douro Valley (ex Opaque by Lord Seymour) settled well for Moody's apprentice, Jason Benbow, behind the early leaders Silk Wind and Last Goodbye who set a very good tempo, but both were struggling on the corner.   Encosta de Lago's daughter, Brom Felinity (ex Brompoton Cross by El Qahira) took the lead at the top of the straight.  Douro Valley was held up slightly as they straightened and just failed to pick up Brom Felinity, before taking the race to the stewards' room.  

Brom Felinity is costing herself valuable wins by not racing truly in her races - as she hung out into Douro Valley's rightful going.  Although her rider, Andrew Findlay, had stopped riding she ran him five horses wide over the last 150 metres. 

Douro Valley maybe aimed at the Ipswich and Caloundra Cups over winter. 

"He will go up because there are no options here," Moody said.