The script was straight out of a Hollywood western, and, fittingly, in the end, the hero, Sebring, and his not one, but two, special gals, rode off into the sunset.  A training setback, a foe more despised and disruptive than any Injuns, rattle snakes or rising flood waters combined had been conquered, by a game and highly talented racehorse.

But it took faith, skill, hard work, and maybe decent shot of red eye along the way, to make it happen.

Whichever way you looked at it, with Amelia’s Dream on the sidelines, Sebring’s form from his first three starts was clearly the best in Sydney. As one of only two unbeaten youngsters in the race (both sired by Vinery’s More than Ready by the way), a favourable barrier, a big race jockey and fresh legs, the colt was entitled to favouritism.

As any trainer will tell you, a two year old having a setback, as Sebring did, leading into the Golden Slipper is generally the kiss of death. Just ask David Payne and Matthew Smith, who both had their Slipper hopes cruelly snuffed out in the final few days before the race.

Inspired had surgery on a splint bone leading up to his Slipper win in ’84, but Sebring’s comeback ranks a close second to that I think. All credit to Gai Waterhouse, Denise Martin and their great team. How justifiably proud the two ladies must feel today. What a class act they were yesterday, virtually taking a back seat at the presentation alongside the winner’s very excited cheer squad. 

And congratulations to George Altomonte’s Corumbene Stud, who bred Sebring. George’s Hasna, trained by Waterhouse, was third in the race in 2003.

And to the good people at Bob and Wendy Lapointe’s Muskoka Farms, who educate virtually all of the Star Thoroughbred horses coming from the sales, and to the stable lad or lass who looks after the colt the work rider and previous jockey Blake Shinn, who did much to make the colt what he is.

If Sebring’s comeback was the stuff of legends, it mirrors that of his sire More than Ready, which has now sired the Magic Millions and Golden Slipper winner in the same crop. Again faith has been rewarded for many. Segenhoe’s More than Ready filly from Regrowth is one of the star lots at this week’s Easter Yearling Sale.

Sebring is the second foal of his dam, Purespeed (by Flying Spur), and is therefore bred on the highly successful More than Ready – Danehill cross. He comes from a female family with many a link to the Golden Slipper over the years.

Although a non-winner from 17 starts, Purespeed was highly tried on occasions by Graeme Rogerson, who ran the filly in races such as the Spring Champion Stakes and Gloaming Stakes at three.

Her sire, Flying Spur, and the sire of her grandam, Luskin Star, were both Slipper winners as we know and successful at stud too. Flying Spur has sired a Slipper winner, Forensics and now he is the dam sire of a Slipper winner a unique trifecta, while Purespeed’s half-brother, Surtee, a high class horse from the West trained by George Daly, ran creditably to finish seventh to Burst in 1992. Surtee trained on to win 11 races and over $450,000 in prizemoney.

The family going back to Sebring’s fourth dam, the stakes winner Far Vista, was developed by former Australian Rugby fullback, Jim Lenehan, down Yass way.

Far Vista, by Rego from Nippy Vista, was a smart two year old in her day, facing the starter six times before Christmas for wins in the VRC Mimosa Stakes and MVRC St Albans Stakes. Nippy Vista was a half-sister to the wonderful broodmare Dark Jewel, whose own progeny by Rego included the brilliant 1970 Golden Slipper winner Baguette and his full sisters Heirloom (8th to Pago Pago in ’63) and Birthright (5th to Sweet Embrace in ’67). Far Vista was a three-quarter sister to those good horses.

For Jim Lenehan, Far Vista produced Sebring’s third dam, the Better Boy filly Willowy, who scored her most notable win in rain affected going in the 1976 Fernhill Handicap over 1600m at Randwick, defeating a young up-and-coming grey named Ming Dynasty into third place. Willowy showed further good form at three, when placed in the Hobartville Stakes and Flight Stakes, but didn’t win again. 

Willowy in turn foaled Lady Moulin’s half-sister, the controversially (re)named Giostra, the winner of the Silver Slipper in 1983, which took her place in the 1984 Golden Slipper after finishing third in the Reisling Slipper Trial a fortnight earlier. Giostra came home 11th to Inspired that day. 

John Messara says that success in the Golden Slipper is a life changing moment, and it’s easy to apply that line of thought to yesterday’s result.

Except to add that Sebring doesn’t know it yet…but his day will come.

Vinery Stud's stallion More Than Ready has 24 yearlings listed for sale at the William Inglis Select Easter sale that kicks off this afternoon at 3pm (April 20-24th) and another 10 on offer at the Inglis Classic Sale (April 27-29th).

March 25th, 2008

Outstanding filly Augusta Proud notched up a number of firsts when she scored a thrilling come from behind win in the $1.5 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic at the Gold Coast on Easter Monday.  In a field described by many good judges as the the best assembled in the Magic Millions history, Augusta Proud extended her unbeaten run to six with a sizzling win.

In winning Augusta Proud became the first South Australian bred horse to win the rich juvenile and the first to capture two Magic Millions events in the same year.   And winning rider Clare Lindop made her own history - the first lady rider to win the track's famous contest.

Trained by the popular Leon Macdonald, Augusta Proud, was sent out as one of the favourites on the strength of her dashing win in the recent Magic Millions Adelaide 2YO Classic at Morphettville.  Prior to that win she had won races at Cheltenham and Moonee Valley before back to back stakes victories in the Queen Adelaide Stakes and Breeders Stakes, both run at Morphettville.

"You bloody beauty!" Macdonald exclaimed when the numbers were flashed into the frame.

While Augusta Proud is best known for her front running and on pace style, the youngster jumped well but didn't get to the front with Lindop rating her nicely in fifth spot on the rail.  Getting away from the rail on rounding the turn Augusta Proud got shoved back towards the rail and with plenty of clear space in front of her Lindop asked her to quicken again and they charged down She's Meaner who was being hailed the winner until about 10 metres from the post.

Sensing a victory Augusta Proud stuck her neck out and she got the photo to claim the win by the barest possible margin.

"We didn't have to lead. I said that before the race."  

"She's very special," Macdonald added. "She's a wonderful filly."

"She got a bit of a pratt at the top of the straight but Claire Bear got her to where she wanted her to go

"This race is one of the great two-year-old races of the country - the list of winners over the years proves that."

"She's very tough - she's had a number of races and had to fly up (from Melbourne after a float trip from Adelaide).

She also endured 13 straight days in Adelaide's heatwave of days above 35 degrees.

Macdonald said he was quietly confident the Morphettville filly could prove extremely hard to beat.

"We we're always confident she could run very, very well."

"I thought the form of the race with three or four unbeaten horses in it, that it was always going to be hard."

"But she stuck to her guns and got there - what a thrill!"

"We didn't have to lead - but we did have to hit her with the whip which is a disappointment," he added with a laugh.

And now Augusta Proud is set to be sent to Sydney with owners lining up to pay a late entry fee for the world's richest juvenile race - the Golden Slipper at Rosehill.

"We'll have a crack. Why wouldn't we," Macdonald said.

Lindop almost gave up hope of catching She's Meaner with a furlong to run - after switching back for an inside run.

"The last 50 (metres) she really put in the big stride."

"I was expecting her to lead and they raced a lot faster here than they did in Adelaide. But I was happy with the way she travelled."

"I thought she might have over raced, but she didn't which was fantastic."

"The insiders have been going badly all day and I didn't want to go there. I tried to come out but couldn't get there, so I had to switch back to the inside and gee she railed up beautiful."

Breeder and senior part owner Kerry O'Brien, a former Olympian and world record holder, was thrilled with the performance.

"Six on the trot. She's tough."

Augusta Proud is by Vinery Stud's stallion More Than Ready and he has 46 yearlings listed for sale at the Magic Millions Premier sale at the Gold Coast; 24 at the William Inglis Select Easter sale (April 20-24th) and another 10 on offer at the Inglis Classic Sale (April 27-29th).

Augusta Proud has earned more than $1.4million - not bad for a filly who you could have bought in Adelaide last year for $50,000.

March 12th, 2008

Augusta Proud took out the $400,000 Adelaide Magic Millions Classic (1200m) making it five wins from as many starts at Morphettville today.

Ridden by regular rider, Clare Lindop, Augusta Proud, jumped away well from barrier one and found the front.  When Lindop asked the filly for more she lengthened stride and with her ears pricked she won as she liked to claim her most valuable victory over Complete Control (Rubiton - General Resolve by General Nediym) with Shadrach (Lonhro - Autumn Belle by Bellotto) in third.

Out of the Langfuhr mare, Kadasha, Augusta Proud is her first foal and first winner she was offered for sale at the 2007 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling sale where she was passed in at $47,500 when she failed to meet her reserve price of $50,000.  

Augusta Proud hails from a family that's produced group one winners in both hemispheres with Mercedes Won (by Air Forbes Won), winner of the Group I Saratoga Hopeful Stakes and Florida Derby and She's Country (by Kenfair), winner of the Group I New Zealand Oaks.  

A $66,000 purchase from the 2004 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling sale by her trainer Barbara Marshman she has proved a good investment for her owners winning six races from 28-starts with more than $100,000 in earnings.

The third foal and first stakes-winner for the Full And By mare Positive Flyer, a winner of three races, Come Fly With Me is the 41st stakes winner for her shuttle sire More Than Ready, a regular visitor to Australia and stands at Vinery Stud.

More Than Ready has 46 yearlings listed for sale at the Magic Millions Premier sale at the Gold Coast (March 22nd - April 2nd) with 24 in the William Inglis Select Easter sale (April 20-24th) and another 10 on offer at the Inglis Classic Sale (April 27-29th).

March 1st, 2008

A windy, but sunny day greeted the connections of runners in the first race of the day the Listed Breeders Plate at Randwick on Saturday.  With a big syndicate of owners involved in the race favourite Sebring it could have been minus ten degrees and they would not have noticed as he gave his rivals a galloping lesson to take out his second black type prize.

Trained at the course by Gai Waterhouse, and ridden by Blake Shinn, the colt was minus his blinkers after he had shown a tendency to miss the jump.  Any fears that barrier one would be Sebring's undoing minus the blinkers were quickly put to rest as he jumped away very well in the eight strong field. 

Bid Spotter had a nice break on his rivals after cornering into the straight with Dubai to Sydney moving to hold Sebring in a pocket. Shinn was able to switch course across heels and once he was in the clear Sebring showed plenty and went on to win the Breeders Plate (1100m) by three-quarters of a length.  Dubai to Sydney (Dubai Destination - Sydney's Quest by Quest for Fame) held on for second with Bid Spotter (Redoute's Choice - Isolda by Sir Tristram) another two lengths away in third.

Sebring's win was his third from as many starts and it took his earnings past $150,000, a profit for his connections as Denise Martin of Star Thoroughbreds purchased the colt from the Magic Millions Premier sale last year for $130,000.  

Martin told TVN's Richard Callendar, how thrilling it was to have Sebring racing so well and that one of her happy owners' had told her they had forgotten something - when Callendar asked Martin what had they forgotten - Martin replied "how to breathe."

That's what racing is all about.  It gets your heart racing, you start smiling, then you forget how to breathe! 

Sebring is out of the Flying Spur metropolitan class mare Purespeed and she is her first stakes winner.

Purespeed is out of the Luskin Star mare, Lady Moulin the dam of the multiple stakes winning Surtee (by Memento) and a sister-in-blood to the stakes placed Atatari and half-sister to the stakes winning Giostra (Imperial Prince).

A beaming Waterhouse said, Sebring was awesome and that he would be a formidable opponent in the Group I Golden Slipper (1200m). 

It was a fantastic day for Vinery Stud's stallion More Than Ready as his daughter Augusta Proud (ex Kadasha by Langfuhr) gave him a stakes double when she made it four wins from as many starts in collecting the Group 3 Marsh Breeders' Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville later in the day.

Ridden by regular rider, Clare Lindop, Augusta Proud, jumped away well from barrier six and found the front without too much bother.  When Lindop asked the filly for more she lengthened stride and with her ears pricked she won as she liked to claim a length-and-three-quarter victory over Testy (Testa Rossa - Musical D'Accord by D'Accord) with Shadrach (Lonhro - Autumn Belle by Bellotto) in third another length-and-a-quarter away in third.

Augusta Proud covered the 1200m in 1:09.88 and clocked a very easy 35.26 seconds for her last 600m trained on the course by Leon Macdonald her next assignment is the $400,000 Adelaide Magic Millions Classic, over the same track, distance and conditions in 11 days time. 

Out of the Langfuhr mare, Kadasha, Augusta Proud is her first foal and first winner she was offered for sale at the 2007 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling sale where she was passed in at $47,500 when she failed to meet her reserve price of $50,000.  

Augusta Proud hails from a family that's produced group one winners in both hemispheres with Mercedes Won (by Air Forbes Won), winner of the Group I Saratoga Hopeful Stakes and Florida Derby and She's Country (by Kenfair), winner of the Group I New Zealand Oaks.  

More Than Ready has 22 yearlings on offer at the William Inglis Premier Yearling Sale that kicks off on Sunday (March 1st-6th) at the Oaklands Junction facility in Victoria.  He has another 46 yearlings listed for sale at the Magic Millions Premier sale at the Gold Coast (March 22nd - April 2nd) with 24 in the William Inglis Select Easter sale (April 20-24th) and another 10 on offer at the Inglis Classic Sale (April 27-29th).

February 18th, 2008.

GAI WATERHOUSE has no doubts Sebring is Golden Slipper material, the trainer is a two-time winner of the world's richest race for two-year-olds, and she is focused solely on the Slipper with Sebring.

A stunning winner on debut, Sebring was once again tardy at the start on Saturday but jockey Blake Shinn didn't panic allowing the son of More Than Ready get into stride and gather his momentum.  Once clear of the field Sebring crossed down to the rail and gapped the field and went home to score by four-and-a-half lengths from Ming Hoi Treasure (Choisir - Madame Porscha by Octagonal) with Giotto (Exceed and Excel - Cara Bella by Seeking the Gold) another two lengths away in third.

Shinn told TVN's Richard Callendar, "I wasn't worried, it was a straight, if I rode him back I would have got into trouble. I got around them easy and he just cantered. I never hit him. He is the type of horse that if something came at him he'd find he would have found something that's because he is a lazy horse and it was no use hurting him."

Sebring, is yet another syndicated horse from Denise Martin's Star Thoroughbreds, was purchased at the 2007 Magic Millions yearling sale by Waterhouse for $130,000 from the draft of Corumbene Stud.

Waterhouse told Callendar, "He was slightly slow away at the start but was never bustled, never rushed, got into his stride and said, 'see you later, alligator'.

"He is a very exciting colt and will fight the Golden Slipper out."

Shinn knows, as the thoroughbred class factor comes into play in a race like the Golden Slipper, Sebring will need to jump from the barriers.

Sebring is out of the Flying Spur metropolitan class mare Purespeed and she is her first stakes winner.

Purespeed is out of the Luskin Star mare, Lady Moulin the dam of the multiple stakes winning Surtee (by Memento) and a sister-in-blood to the stakes placed Atatari and half-sister to the stakes winning Giostra (Imperial Prince).

Sebring is another juvenile winner for More Than Ready who's having a great season with stakes success being recorded by Augusta Proud. More Than Ready has 22 yearlings on offer at the William Inglis Premier Yearling Sale (March 1st-6th) in Victoria; 46 yearlings are listed for sale at the Magic Millions Premier sale at the Gold Coast (March 22nd - April 2nd), 24 yearlings have been catalogued for the William Inglis Select Easter sale (April 20-24th) and he has another 10 on offer at the Inglis Classic Sale (April 27-29th).

February 11th, 2008

At Morphettville on Saturday the bonny More Than Ready filly, Augusta Proud, took on stakes company and again proved too quick for her opponents in the Listed Blue Sky Thoroughbred Stakes (1100m).

Trained on the course by Leon Macdonald and with Claire Lindop up in the saddle she jumped away best from her horror barrier 15 in the sixteen strong field and easily found the front.  Relaxing nicely under Lindop, Augusta Proud had Viennese sitting at her rump as they turned for home.  Lindop gave the bay filly a click-up and she gained the upper hand of Viennese (Redoute's Choice - Snippets Lass by Snippets) to score by a length-and-a-quarter.

Shadrach (Lonhro - Autumn Belle by Bellotto) finished the race off well for his debut performance for third another short neck away.

Macdonald will now set Augusta Proud for the South Australian Group 3 Breeders Stakes (1200m) on March 1st and if all is going well she will compete in the $400,000 Adelaide Magic Millions Classic, over the same track, distance and conditions 11 days later. 

In winning all three of her starts, Augusta Proud, set a new juvenile record on Saturday when she covered the 1100m journey in 1:02.98 seconds.  

By the Vinery based More Than Ready, Augusta Proud, is his first juvenile stakes winner this season.  He a lone yearling in the WA Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale (Feb 15-22nd). Another 22 are on offer at the William Inglis Premier Yearling Sale (March 1st-6th) in Victoria and another 46 yearlings are listed for sale at the Magic Millions Premier sale at the Gold Coast (March 22nd - April 2nd).

November 18th, 2007

Leon Macdonald produced a smart debut winner by More Than Ready in the opening two-year-old race on the Cheltenham Park card on Saturday.

Augusta Proud, a filly against the colts and gelding's in the Biodiesel Super Trucks Plate (1000m), under set weights and penalties, proved too good for her rivals and won by two-and-three-quarters-of-a-length from Petroica (Anabaa - Frenetic by Truly Vain).  

Stackadane (Fraar - Stackaway by Celtic Swing) was another two-and-a-quarter-lengths away in third.

Augusta Proud, jumped away from barrier four in the seven horse field and under Clair Lindop she settled in the leading division throughout.  

Out of the Langfuhr mare, Kadasha, Augusta Proud is her first foal and first winner.

Offered for sale at the 2007 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling sale Augusta Proud was passed in at $47,500 when she failed to meet her reserve price of $50,000.  She hails from a family that's produced group one winners in both hemispheres with Mercedes Won (by Air Forbes Won), winner of the Group I Saratoga Hopeful Stakes and Florida Derby and She's Country (by Kenfair), winner of the Group I New Zealand Oaks.  

By the Vinery based More Than Ready, Augusta Proud, was his first juvenile starter this season and to come up with a win is a great bonus for the son of Southern Halo.  More Than Ready's fee this spring is $44,000.00 (inc gst).

January 30th, 2007

In Tasmania on Sunday, More Than Ready's daughter, Deloraine took out the Listed Hobart Guineas in grand style.

In defeating Maha Chakri, Deloraine chalked up her third and most important win in her short career.  The chestnut More Than Ready filly is out of the Danzig mare, Mysterious Sound (USA) and with earnings of more than $100,000 she is returning a profit to her connections as they paid $70,000 for her at the 2005 Easter Yearling sale.

Although a Mysterious Sound never won a race she is a half-sister to the Group I Canadian Woodbine Selene Stakes winner, Triple Wow (by Coastal) and the English Group 3 Chester Ormande Stakes winning, Zilzal Zamaan (by Zilzal).  Deloraine is her first stakes winner. 

Her family has plenty of international black type with Triple Wow producing the Woodbine Canadian Breeders' Cup Hcp [Can-1] and Woodbine Natalma Stakes [Can-1], Alywow (by Alysheba).

Deloraine is prepared by Anthony Cummings and she was his stable’s first runner in Tasmania, she will stay on for the Listed Strutt Stakes (2100m) and if she keeps improving a possible tilt at the Tasmania Oaks (2100m) in March.

More Than Ready has eight yearlings on offer at New Zealand Bloodstock's Premier and Select sale (January 29 - Feb 2nd), nine on offer at the the Inglis Classic Yearling sale (February 10–12), six yearlings at the Magic Millions Adelaide sale (February 19-22), 15 at the Inglis Premier Yearling sale (March 4,5 & 6) and 2 listed for sale at the Inglis Easter Sale at the Newmarket complex in Sydney (April 10 - 12).

January 14th, 2007

The Might and Power colours of high profile owner Nick Moraitis returned to the winner's stall at the big Magic Millions meeting on Saturday following the runaway win of Fritz's Princess in the $205,875 Paspaley Magic Millions Fillies & Mares Handicap (1300m) at the Gold Coast.

Winning trainer Kris Lees celebrated his first Magic Millions victory with the four and three quarter length victory and not surprisingly he was a happy man in the mounting yard after the race.

"It was an impressive win," Lees said. "We knew she was going well. She had freshened up nice and won well the other day and she performed as we expected today."

Lees said he was happy during the running of the 1300 metre race and then no doubt was grinning when Jim Cassidy brought her with a strong finishing burst on the outside of the field.

"She goes well for Jimmy. He got a nice run through the field. She was wide under a big weight, but he held her together and she let down well."

"She's a consistent horse and she's racing well."

The daughter of More Than Ready, a $105,000 purchase for Moraitis at the 2004 Magic Millions Yearling Sale will now most likely be given a well deserved break from racing.

"There's not a lot around. So we might give her a little break and come back in to Sydney and maybe head back to Brisbane

Moraitis, who is best known as the owner of former champion and $5.2 million earner Might and Power, was shocked by the ease of the victory.

"She's always shown good ability," Moraitis reported. "But I didn't think she'd win like that. It was a great win."

Fritz's Princess, already a proven black type performer, has now earned Moraitis a tidy $339,170 courtesy of seven wins and six placings from 22 starts.

Her dam, the Canny Lad mare Superb Lady, never won a race - but she was second in a Group Two Wakeful and Listed Vanity Stakes and third in a Group One Flight Stakes.

Superb Lady also finished fourth in three other Group One events including the Thousand Guineas at Caulfield in Melbourne.

Behind the winner Angel Girl ran the best race of her career to clinch second place for Paul Hammersley and Gerald Ryan, while Flying Alpha edged out Coincidental for third place for Darren Beadman and John O'Shea.

Later in the day at Rosehill Gardens, More Than Ready, made it a interstate double when Montana Sunset (ex Montana Downs by Bluebird) claimed a half-neck victory over Chickton (Rubiton - Chiq Flick by King's Theatre) in the Blue Cattledog Hc[ (1200m). 

December 18th, 2006

  Ann Raymond, the breeder and owner of We'll See, the More Than Ready filly who recorded her third win from only four starts when successful for the Guy Walter stables at Warwick Farm last week, has very likely been actively involved in breeding longer than anyone else in Australia today.
  The octogenarian horsewoman has been the owner of the historic Sledmere Stud at Scone for the past quarter century and before that managed a leading Victorian stud, St Albans at Geelong, for her father Guy Raymond. Guy had originally been the founder with Sir Hugh Denison of Sledmere just after the First War but moved to Victoria when the partnership split in the mid 1920s.
  Miss Raymond is probably the last person alive who can say they 'rode' the mighty Phar Lap. When she was a little girl at St Albans she had the thrill of being thrown up on the back of the 'Red Terror' when he was hidden out at the stud following someone reportedly taking a potshot at him as he returned to his stable from track work in preparation for his win in the 1930 Melbourne Cup.
  She was also involved in another Melbourne Cup carnival shock forty years later, being the breeder and owner of Sudani, the winner at 100-1 of the Hotham Handicap, now the Saab, on the Saturday. The mare did not run in the Cup.
  Since she moved to Scone, Ann Raymond has bred many more winners including 1996 Queensland Derby winner Valance and the dazzling two-year-old and sprinter Gold Brose, his half-brother Dyslexia, a smart Sydney performer by Kenmare now transmitting his turn of foot to his offspring at Stephen Irwin's Riverslea Farm Stud in the Segenhoe Valley near Scone, and their Sydney winning half-sisters Bewilder (by Hula Chief), Cryptique (by Spectrum) and Lyrics (by Bluebird).
  The three fillies have all been retained by Miss Raymond and one of them, Lyrics, has had four to race for four winners including the More Than Ready product, We'll See.
  Lyrics and her half-brothers and sisters are all from Cryptic Verse, a Sydney winner by Yeats who had all her eight foals win. She was from Under Cover, an American bred daughter of Marscay's maternal grandsire To Market and a grandaughter of Coaching Club American Oaks winner Scattered. Scattered was a half-sister by the world famous American performer Whirlaway to Somethingroyal, dam of the giant striding superstar Secretariat and also of Sir Tristram's grandsire Sir Gaylord.

October 24th, 2006

At Caulfield on Cup day, trainer Mick Price wasn't about to be left out of the action with the Vinery Stud owned, Perfectly Ready carrying top weight to success in the Group 3 Harrolds 101 Stakes (1400m). 

Perfectly Ready the winner of the Group I Goodwood Handicap (1200m) at Morphettville last May, showed his versatility stepping out side his comfort zone up to seven furlongs and the four-year-old entire son of More Than Ready did it in style.

Ridden by Glen Boss, Perfectly Ready (ex Elle Duccio by Danehill), jumped away well from his wide draw of 12 and was caught a little deep so boss elected to go forward as the early leader Live In Vain wasn't going as fast as expected.  Moving up on the turn, Perfectly Ready, raced clear in the straight to claim an easy 1-3/4 length win over Live In Vain (Kenvain - Piglet's Gold by Gold Carat).

Caprizzi Strip (Distorted Humor - African Breeze by Zephyr Bay), carted the field up to the early leader held on well for third a length further back.

Perfectly Ready travelled to Dubai in March when he ran eighth to Proud Tower Too in the Golden Shaheen (1200m) on the sand before returning to win the Goodwood 

His record shows how honest Perfectly Ready is with four wins and as many placings from his 14-start career.  

October 8th 2006

Randwick based trainer David Payne left his mark on the Epsom program training a stakes double on the card the Listed Gimcrack Stakes with Hurried Choice and the Listed Angst Stakes with More Than Lucky.

More Than Lucky (ex Cerebella by Centro) was ridden by Dan Beasley settling the four-year-old mare back near the rear of the field.  Plotting his move forward after rounding the home turn Beasley let More Than Lucky down with only just over a furlong to go. 

Charging home over the top of her rivals More Than Lucky scored by a half-a-length from Melody (Stravinsky - Give It a Whirl by Nassipour) with A Country Girl (Singspiel - Verdict Declared by Mr Henrysee) a long head away in third.

Payne reported to TVN that he may run her in the Group I Myer Classic (1600m) at Flemington on November 4th.

May 8th, 2006

January 22nd, 2006

At Randwick on Saturday, More Than Lucky, claimed her second win from just three starts in the Chantal Handicap (1600m).

The clock told the story of the David Payne-trained filly with More Than Lucky setting a new class record of 1:35.64 for the journey - slipping over her final 600m in 35.66.  

Jumping away best for ridder Lane Moloney, More Than Lucky (ex Cerebella by Centro) made all and showed plenty of courage when  challenged by Ranger Smith (Catbird - Pride of the Park by Bluebird) to score by 1-1/4 lengths.

Payne said that More Than Lucky will have a short break and come back for the AJC Oaks on April 19th.

More Than Lucky is by Vinery Stud's Halo horse, More Than Ready, the sire of this seasons' Victoria Derby winner Benicio. 

November 27th, 2005

Again this week, More Than Ready's daughter, Readyforcatherine showed she was enjoying the easier competition chalking up another strong win this week in the Bus Association of Victoria Hcp (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

Readyforcatherine ran nearly a half a second quicker than California Dane in the three-year-old colts event a race earlier as she raced away to a five-length win over Strabedient (Strategic - Obedient by Tierce) with Pendula (Exceller - Eau de Fleur by Noalcoholic) a further 2-1/4 lengths away third.

Last start  Readyforcatherine won by 3-1/4 lengths at Sandown.

Coming off a long campaign, which has included three stakes-race attempts, her trainer Lee Freedman said  Readyforcatherine (ex Rosa Carolina by Kingmambo) was coping well.

November 20th, 2005

More Than Ready's daughter, Readyforcatherine showed she was in a different class annihilating her rivals in the Shan Marshall 50th Birthday Hcp (1200m) on the Lakeside course on Saturday at Sandown.

 Readyforcatherine (ex Rosa Carolina by Kingmambo) jumped away well from barrier three to settle behind the early leader's, Terre Tale (Dangerous - Ruby Dream by Rubiton) followed by Warshawsky (Fasliyev - Super Snooper by Zeditave).  Shortly after straightening  Readyforcatherine  was eased off the leaders to get some clear running.  Warshawsky had got a narrow lead from Terre Tale at the 300m, but  Readyforcatherine, despite wanting to lay off the track, finsihed off much too well to win by 3-1/4 lengths from Warshawsky.  Terre Tale just held on for third a long neck further back.

 Readyforcatherine has shown that she has a touch of class and, after having a nice run, was much too good. 

November 17th, 2005

    The David Hayes trained So Ready became More Than Ready’s first second crop winner at Balaklava on Wednesday with an all the way victory in the Carvery Delights Hcp.  The colt drove forward after just missing the start and was in command once he hit the front of the field. Rounding the home So Ready kicked for home and was challenged late but held of his rivals to take the 1053m event in fine fashion. 

    So Ready is just the second runner from More Than Ready’s second crop, the first being the stakes placed filly Weiner. So Ready is from the Rory’s Jester mare Crown Edict and raced by his breeder Luciano Signore with a syndicate of friends. He is the second winner for More Than Ready out of a Rory’s Jester mare, the other is the speedy filly Bovespa a winner of two of her only three starts.

October 31st, 2005

Victoria Derby day in Melbourne is one of the defining days on the Australian racing calendar and this year More Than Ready confirmed his spot on the Australian stallion shuttle roster with his son Benico taking out the Group I feature at Flemington on Saturday.

Benico has the pedigree of a Golden Slipper winner and in defying his bloodlines he took out the toughest staying test that the newly turned  three-year-olds can face so early in the season. 

Benico settled towards the rear of the field early and with Noel Callow on top.  Content to stay in that position until the field rounded the home corner when Callow, gave the bay plenty of room angling out wide.  Once they rounded the home corner Benico gathered in the early leader Portland Spirit at the 250m, with Duelled (Redoute's Choice - Leica Pretender by Sir Tristram) after him from Pendragon and Headturner who had also started to get home well.  Duelled tried very hard over the final 100m to catch Benico who was very strong in the run to the line and took out the Group I feature by a neck.  Headturner (Anabaa - Monroe Magic by Zabeel) ran home well for third a length away ahead of Pendragon.

The win of Benico was an emotional one for part-owner John O'Neil who had only bought into the Benico syndicate last week as he was also the managing owner in the Mummify syndicate who died after breaking down when third in the Caulfield Cup two weeks earlier. 

"I only bought into the horse on Tuesday," O'Neil said. 

"There will never be another Mummify and this doesn't make up for it but we have to move on. 

"I had been following this horse and I asked if I could buy a share. I know Peter Orton who bred him and the others were kind enough to let me in and I did the deal on Tuesday. 

"I had five Group One wins with Mummify and now I have six." 

Benico was purchased by Lee Freedman at the 2004 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale from the draft of Vinery stud for $525,000.   He is the first foal of Group 3 Blue Diamond Prelude winner Mannington (by Danehill) a half-sister to Bollinger, winner of the 2003 Group I Coolmore Classic at Rosehill and juvenile stakes winner Sheraton (Woodman).

Freedman knew the family well as he had trained Benicio's grandam Bint Marscay (Marscay), a daughter of blue hen mare Eau D’Etoile, to win the 1993 Group I Golden Slipper Stakes. 

June 18th, 2005

More Than Ready has also been in the headlines at the Royal meeting at York this week, when his daughter La Chunga claimed the Group 3 Albany Stakes on Firday.

La Chunga (ex Gypsy Monarch by Wavering Monarch) appears to be a future star as she scored in very impressive fashion. She appeared to be travelling well and moved through to the lead 400m from home to sprint clear, despite hanging in during the last 200m. 

    May 15th, 2005

    More Than Ready continues to leave his mark on Saturday at Sandown on the Hillside course, his daughter Readyforcatherine took out the inaugural $100,000 Blue Sapphire Classic (1250m) with her trainer Lee Freedman announcing plans to start her in next month's Group One $250,000 Sires' Produce Stakes in Brisbane.

    Freedman had accepted with three runners in the event with Joie More scratched he produced the quinella with Jiang (ex China Jester by Rory's Jester), winner of the Group Two Maribyrnong Plate (1000m) at Flemington last spring, who appeared to have the race after kicking clear in the straight for jockey Vincent Hall.  However, Readyforcatherine (ex Rosa Carolina by Kingmambo) wore down the Testa Rossa colt to score by a half-length with Lancet (Encosta de Lago - Neidin by Kenmare) a neck away third.

    "I don't think Jiang was on the right part of the track being near the fence but you can't take anything away from Readyforcatherine as she was three-deep throughout," Freedman said.

Readyforcatherine, is raced by the Vinery Syndicate managed by Peter Orton, a daughter of More Than Ready who has made an instant impact with his first Australian crop of two-year-olds this season. 

    Carry On Cutie winner the Group I Champagne Stakes at Randwick along with Perfectly Ready, G2 Blue Diamond Preview are among his first season stakes victors.

   Jiang could get the chance to turn the tables on Readyforcatherine in the QTC Sires' (1400m) at Eagle Farm on June 4.

    "I might send both of them up to Queensland for the Sires," Freedman said.

April 18th 2005

Vinery Stud based More Than Ready (USA) kicked further ahead in the race for first season sire honours when he produced a stakes quinella at Flemington on Saturday. 

The Lee Freedman trained Stormy Miss (ex Croatian Storm by Last Tycoon) became her sire’s fourth individual Australian stakes-winner, when she stormed home out wide late to grab Readyforcatherine (ex Rosa Carolina by Kingmambo) by a short-neck to give More Than Ready his first stakes quinella in the Listed Snowhite Quality (1200m).

More Than Ready (USA) will be represented at the upcoming Sires’ Produce Yearling Sale and Australian Select Weanling Sale.

SELECT WEANLING- 15th May

Lot 101 – Half-brother to two winners from metropolitan winner Dainty Dancer.

Lot 191 – First foal (colt) of unraced Minnamurra Girl by Thunder Gulch (USA), from the family of leading sires Encosta de Lago and Flying Spur.

Lot 201 – Second foal (colt) of the Snippets mare Mt Eliza, from the family of Group One winners Bravery, Brave Prince and this season’s classy juvenile Media.

SIRES PRODUCE- 16th May

Lot 54 – Half-sister to metropolitan winner Barker Boy, from the family of VRC Oaks winner Kensington Palace.

Lot 186 – Second foal (filly) of metropolitan winner Springtime Romance, a daughter of VRC Oaks winner Sandy’s Pleasure. Bred on the same cross as Stormy Miss, being from a Last Tycoon (IRE) mare.

Lot 189 – Half-brother to five winners including metropolitan winner Sir Luskin, from Stardust Surprise (USA), great international Black Type family.

April 3rd, 2005

At Randwick on Saturday, More Than Ready was credited with his first Group 1 winner when the Graeme Rogerson-trained Carry On Cutie captured the Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday.  

Only having her fourth-start, Carry On Cutie made a successful career debut over 1200m at Canterbury on February 5 and backed up a fortnight later to win the Group 3 Sweet Embrace Stakes (1200m) and then she was narrowly beaten in the Group 2 Magic Night Stakes at Rosehill on March 12.

Carry On Cutie tracked the early leader Media before and then wore down the ultra-game Fashions Afield (Redoute’s Choice - Attire by Wild Again) by one and three quarter lengths with Media (Gilded Time - Valourina by Snippets) hanging on for third two and a quarter lengths further back.

Carry On Cutie is raced by her trainer Graeme Rogerson and her breeder Raj Upadhyaya, she is the fourth foal and second winner from two to race out of the Conquistarose mare Rose of Latakia.

Consigned by Murrulla Stud, as agent, Carry On Cutie was passed in at the 2004 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale when she failed to make her $45,000 reserve.

In fact the first four foals of Rose of Latakia returned a total of just $400 in the sales ring. That came from her first foal, an unnamed colt by Turtle Island that made $400 at the 2000 Scone Yearling Sale.

Her second foal Isparta (King Ivor) was passed in at the Scone Thoroughbred Sale the same year when not meeting her $2,500 reserve.

Rose of Latakia has herself left the sales ring unsold on three occasions. She was passed in at $18,000 at the Wrightson Bloodstock Anniversary Sale in 1994 then failed to make her $30,000 reserve at the 2001 Easter Broodmare Sale and her $18,000 reserve at the same sale two years later.

Rose of Latakia did not make the racetrack and her dam Syrian Port (Alleged) made one unsuccessful appearance. However she is a half sister to Secretariat Stakes (G1) winner Ghazi and the Grade 2 winner Pompeii Court who did yeoman service over a great number of years at Waikato Stud. 

The $293,500 winners cheque picked up by Carry On Cutie for her Champagne Stakes triumph will zoom her sire More Than Ready (Southern Halo) to the top of the first season sires championship in the southern hemisphere.

February 27th 2005

One week after More Than Ready sired his first stakes winner in Australia he produced his second when his daughter Carry On Cutie took out the Group 3 Sweet Embrace Stakes (1200m) at Canterbury on Saturday night. 

Owned by businessman Raj Upadhyaya, who said he would have no second thoughts about paying the massive $135,000 late entry fee to put Carry On Cutie into the Golden Slipper after she was inadvertently left out of the original nominations by her trainer Graeme Rogerson with her prizemoney from the Group Three feature. 

His interest in horses began with city winner Cash Carter who is also trained Rogerson who won the 2003 Slipper with Polar Success. 

But Carry On Cutie is even more special as she is the first horse Upadhyaya has bred. 

"She is the first foal of my mare Rose Of Latakia (by Conquistarose), and the first foal I have bred," he said. 

Carry On Cutie was ridden by Jim Cassidy who returned from a two-week injury lay-off tonight and tested his fitness when he took her clear in the straight. 

Media (Gilded Time - Valourina by Snippets) loomed up to challenge but was a long head away on the line with Flion Fenena (Lion Hunter - Fenena by Crested Wave) another four lengths away in third. 

February 13th, 2005

The Grade 1 winning son of Southern Halo, More Than Ready, sired his first stakes winner in Australia when the Mick Price-trained Perfectly Ready captured the $125,000 Group 3 Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m) at Caulfield on Saturday afternoon. 

Trained by Mick Price and owned by The Vinery and Newstead Syndicates the smart two-year-old colt showed his ability in recording a solid victory over The Rhine and Magic Millions winner Bradbury's Luck (1.75 lens x sht hd, 1:03.90) to remain unbeaten in two starts.

Perfectly Ready's dam, Elle Duccio (by Danehill) is a sister to Slav Defence and a half-sister to Golden Slipper winner Belle du Jour (Dehere (USA)) and second dam Delightful Belle (NZ) (Balmerino) won the Memsie Stakes and Orr Stakes, both Gr.2.

Bookmakers reacted positively to the dominating win by promoting Perfectly Ready to 3/1 favourite for the $1million Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield on February 26. 

Mick Price was well aware of the ability of Perfectly Ready when he snapped up a full brother to the emerging star for $150,000 at the Magic Millions yearling sale at the Gold Coast in January. 

Elle Duccio missed to Red Ransom in 2003 and was served by Dehere last year. 

At Canterbury on Friday Graeme Rogerson unearthed another exciting More Than Ready debutant, Carrie On Cutie (ex Rose Of Latakia by Conquistarose). In strolling home by 2 ¼-lengths in the 1200m contest the filly became the fifth winner for More Than Ready and the third to win in the metropolitan area. 

January 17th, 2005

Second crop sire More Than Ready (USA) from Vinery Stud, is widely tipped to be popular here following some promising early performances from his juveniles in Australia including Blizzardly and Perfectly Ready. 

At the William Inglis Classic yearling sale he had four yearlings that were sold on Sunday, January 16th, returning an average of $58,250.  

Top billing went to a strapping colt from John Muir’s Milburn Creek Thoroughbreds fetching $130,000 to the bid of Tesio Bloodstock. The good-looking chestnut is from stakes-placed producer Lily Antoinette, the dam of four winners including Group Three winner Mr Piper.

More Than Ready has seven yearlings on offer during the second session including Lot 503, a half-sister to stakes-winner Presently from Centaine’s Gift (NZ), offered by Broadwater Farm as agent and Lot 544, a colt from metropolitan winning Danehill (USA) mare Dane Orla, offered by Vinery Stud as agent.

December 13th, 2004

Vinery's More Than Ready (Southern Halo-Woodman's Girl by Woodman) had a stellar Saturday on 11/12/04. His first starters Blizzardly (ex Concise by Marscay) and Perfectly Ready (Ex Elle Duccio by Danehill) scored very impressively at Rosehill and Moonee Valley respectively.

The Gai Waterhouse trained filly Blizzardly and the Mick Price trained colt Perfectly Ready both defeated rivals with the benefit of race experience, so they appear headed for better things. As indeed is their sire More Than Ready, currently equal second on the USA Freshman Sires' list by number of individual winners. He was a blisteringly fast sprinter whose class and courage allowed him to hang on for a gallant fourth in Fusaichi Pegasus' Kentucky Derby at a distance well past his best.

A powerfully built stallion, More Than Ready has passed on his sprinter's musculature to much of his stock, so the signs are good for his future at stud in the Hunter Valley. He's also had numerous others to trial well in recent weeks. It can be dangerous to rush in and make bold predictions about sire success based on first season (or part season) results, but when the horse concerned was a world class performer, from a proven sireline out of a live stakes producing branch of the great La Troienne family, then it's surely time to stick your neck out. He's more than ready!

October 7th, 2004

In America, trainer Tod Pletcher prepares to saddle the More Than Ready filly Ready’s Gal in the Group 1 Frizette Stakes at Belmont on Sunday. 

Ready’s Gal is undefeated after winning twice at Saratoga, the first in a maiden by four lengths before winning again impressively in an allowance last month.

Ready’s Gal campaigns for the same connections that raced her Grade 1 winning sire, owner James Scatorchio and Pletcher is confident she can make the step up in class and distance when the filly lines up for the 1700m event on the weekend.

“She has given me the impression, not only in her races but her training that the distance is within her scope.” Pletcher said. “She is a very seasoned 2yo, very professional, she does not need to lead and she has tactical speed that should help her in the stretch.”

September 7th, 2004

More Than Ready has enjoyed a tremendous weekend with notable results in both the Northern and Southern Hemisphere.   

It all started at Saratoga on Friday when his son Stand Ready became the 9th individual first crop winner for his sire when winning a maiden event by a length and a half. Having just his second career start after finishing third at the same track on debut, Stand Ready tracked the leaders early in the 1050m race. He then made a move five wide around the turn, to take control of the race to draw away for a comfortable victory. 

On Saturday night the results still rolled in for More Than Ready, when his Vinery owned colt Ready Ruler became his second stakes winner in winning the Listed $100,000 Ketel One El Joven Stakes (1600m) at Retama Park. The homebred colt jumped from the widest gate and raced midfield during the early stages before circling the field coming around the home turn. Gaining the lead midway down the straight Ready Ruler drew away to win the Ketel One El Joven Stakes, on turf, by a length, the margin would have been greater had the colt not taken fright and jumped the shadow that fell across the track due to the extremely bright lights at the winning post. 

With nine individual winners and two stakes winners has moved More Than Ready to fifth on the leading first season sires title in America. 

In Australia his first crop of two-year-olds are gearing up, a large number of which are in the leading racing stables around the country and ready to feature during the early juvenile races. 

At Cranbourne on Monday his good looking son Benicio took the first of the two-year-olds trials winning the 770m contest impressively. The bay missed the start slightly before settling just off the leaders and then made a good move around the field going to the line strongly to take victory by a head. Trainer Lee Freedman was delighted with the trial and is looking forward to early spring juvenile races with the youngster in the near future. Benicio was bred by Vinery and is from the Group 3 winning Danehill mare Mannington, a mare that also secured placings in the Blue Diamond Stakes and Newmarket Handicap both run at Group 1 level.  A $525,000 Sydney Easter yearling purchase this year by trainer Lee Freedman, Benicio is a grandson of former STC Golden Slipper winner Bint Marscay, also trained by Freedman. It is no surprise to see the bay colt win an early trial having been one of the first of More Than Ready’s first crop to be born at Vinery. 

August 17, 2004

Lucky Sherman became the eighth individual first crop winner for More Than Ready on August 14, at Arlington Park in Chicago.

The chestnut colt overcame traffic trouble on the rich Arlington Million Day card to win his maiden over six furlongs (1200m).  Bumped at the break, Lucky Sherman tracked the four leaders through the opening 400m.

Moving into the turn, the colt had to check hard enough to sit jockey Rene Douglas down in the saddle, losing a few lengths to the leaders.

He regrouped, circled the field five wide at the top of the stretch to take the lead and held the late runners to win by a half-length.

Lucky Sherman races for Thomas Willmott and is trained by Anthony Reinstedler.

He was bred in Kentucky by Lavin Bloodstock and L. S. Close and is the third foal from the Pine Bluff mare, Special Feeling, a half-sister to G1 winner Fara's Team and G3 winner Delafield.

August 6th, 2004

Todd Pletcher produced an ultra smart two year old winner by More Than Ready at Saratoga, New York on Thursday. 

Ready's Gal easily took the 5 furlong Maiden Special Weight event by a rapidly widening 2-3/4 lengths. Ready's Gal came from well off the speed and was still spotting the leaders some 7 or 8 lengths at the top of the straight but rounded them up quickly for as impressive a maiden win as you will ever see under the guidance of leading rider Jorge Velazquez. The manner of her win though was clearly one of a future Group 1 winner. 

Ready's Gal ran the 5 furlongs (1000m) in 59.16, her dam Exquisite Mistress, by Nasty And Bold was a multiple Stakeswinner around the Louisiana and has produced several winners notably the minor stakeswinner Go Scotty by Bold Ruckus

April 23, 2004

Vinery shuttle sire More Than Ready produced his first winner on Wednesday, April 21st, in North America when Vinery Stable’s Ready To Live posted a 1-1/4-length win in a maiden special weight race at Lone Star Park.

More Than Ready, a seven-year-old son of Southern Halo out of the Woodman mare Woodman’s Girl, stands at Dr. Tom Simon’s Vinery Kentucky near Lexington and shuttles to their southern hemisphere farm outside of Scone.

Ready To Live, a filly out of Viva La Viva, by Crafty Prospector, covered 4 1/2 furlongs (about 900m) in :52.85 for jockey Jeremy Beasley and trainer Steve Asmussen.