October 5th, 2008

As Samantha Miss strolled to the line with her ears pricked, her owner Ron Croghan would have had a huge smile on his face. 

Now he must contemplate her next assignment a race he dreams of winning, the best race in Australia, the Tatts WS Cox Plate.

Trained at Newcastle by Kris Lees, Samantha Miss, is simply too big, too strong and too good for her own age group as she made history in the Group One Flight Stakes at Randwick in becoming only the second filly since Angst (1993) to take all four legs of the Princess Series - the Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m), Furious Stakes (1400m), Tea Rose Stakes (1500m) and the 1600-metre feature.

"The Cox Plate is still in our plans but I'd rather not take the gloss off what she has achieved here," Lees told TVN's Richard Callendar.

"We'll start thinking about the Cox Plate later.

"She's an absolute champion in her own right and deserves her place in history."

Ridden by Hugh Bowman, Samantha Miss was taken out the back early where she stayed on the fence until near the 800 metres before being taken out wide to finish the race off with her trade mark sprint. 

Maybe I led at the 400 metres but it was soon evident that Samantha Miss had the race in her keeping and she quickly put paid to her rivals, going on to score by 2-1/2 lengths over Portillo (Red Ransom - Snowdrift by Polish Precedent) with Kimillsy (Danehill Dancer - Lady Fidella by Snippets) another three-quarters of a length away third.

Bowman was thrilled with the performance of the daughter of Redoute's Choice conceding that Australia's weight-for-age championship, the Cox Plate (2040), would be a massive test for her.

"She proved that she's a champion," Bowman told Callendar.

The Cox Plate is at Moonee Valley on October 25.

On the same day in Victoria at Flemington, Gallica, turned in a first class performance to win the Group 2 Edward Manifold Stakes (1600m).

Ridden by Damien Oliver, for trainer Mick Price, Gallica jumped from barrier nine, to be one off the fence and one back on settling. She took the lead early in the straight and then defied a late burst by Cats Whisker (Fusaichi Pegasus - Perfect Halo by Don't Say Halo) to win by a length, with Sparks Fly (Flying Spur - Dual Spark by Spartacus) a further 1-1/2 lengths away in third.

When Bruce Clark from TVN was interviewing Price after the win he did have a request to Kris Lees in Sydney: "Don't bring Samantha Miss down for the Thousand Guineas and leave it for me."

The filly had been sent to Bairnsdale to break her maiden at a Monday meeting in late August and followed up with 0-68 rating Sunday win at Ballarat in September.

"She is a well-bred filly and the win is most satisfying," Price said.

Gallica made it a stakes interstate feature mile double for her sire Redoute's Choice and is out of the unraced Kingmambo mare Swing Queen a half-sister to the French stakes winners, Corviglia (by Cresta Rider), Masterful (by Danzig) and River Rhythm (by Riverman). 

Price had purchased Gallica from the 2007 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling sale for $250,000 from the draft of Amarina Farm as agent.

Samantha Miss was an expensive yearling purchase for Mr Croghan as he paid $1.5million for her at the 2007 Inglis Easter Yearling sale from the draft of Willow Park as agent. She is out of the unraced Zabeel mare, Milliyet (NZ) a daughter of Foreign Copy (by Bold Venture), who in turn is the dam of SAJC GI Adelaide Cup winner, Cronus (by Zabeel), and the New Zealand G2 winning, Pravada (by Zabeel).

Samantha Miss is Redoute's Choice 13th Group One winner and Gallica is his 43rd stakes winner and they gave Redoute's Choice his fifth stakes winner this season, the others are, Musket (ex Tugela by Riverman), Red Lord (ex Dame Cath by Zabeel) and Viennese (ex Snippets' Lass by Snippets). 

Redoute's Choice fee remains at $330,000 (inc gst) this season at Arrowfield Stud.

September 22nd, 2008

Arrowfield Stallions Hussonet and Redoute's Choice where once again in the news with Hussonet's son, Weekend Hussler taking out the Group I Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield in Victoria while his stud companion Redoute's Choice, had, Samantha Miss and Musket showing off on the New South Wales stage at Rosehill.

Samantha Miss, a group one winner winner last season, showed again at Rosehill that she is the states best filly when taking the Group 2 STC Tea Rose Stakes (1500m) at her third, unbeaten, start this season. 

Samantha Miss (ex Milliyet by Zabeel) is a $1.5 million Inglis Easter yearling buy is looking at becoming the first filly since Angst won the 'Princess Series' if she can win the Group I AJC Flight Stakes (1600m) at Randwick.

Trained at Newcastle by Kris Lees, Samantha Miss has continued to beat her rivals with ease and when TVN's Richard Calendar interviewed Lees after the Tea Rose victory he said that once the Flight Stakes was out of the way he would monitor the filly and seriously consider a start in Australia's greatest weight for age race, the Group I Tatts WS Cox Plate (2040m), three weeks later.

Lees told Calendar that he had just paid the second acceptances for the Cox Plate (2040m), which are due to close on Tuesday (September 23rd at Noon), so he could focus on the Flight Stakes with the champion filly.

Lees also told TVN, "She's still only racing against her own age and sex and I'm fully aware that it's a different level in those big races but she deserves a go at it."

Ridden Hugh Bowman, Samantha Miss was well back at the 600 metres and Bowman got her going out wide and once they had rounded the home turn she sprinted quickly putting the result beyond any doubt winning by a length-and-three-quarters over Kimillsy (Danehill Dancer - Lady Fidelia by Snippets) with Glowlamp (Encosta de Lago - Push A Venture by Shirley Heights) another half-length away in third.

Bowman said he was always confident Samantha Miss would be too strong despite the race not being run entirely to suit.

Forty minutes earlier, Musket had stamped his class winning the Group II Shannon Quality Stakes (1500m) at his first run this campaign. 

Musket is a record $2.5m yearling purchase when he was purchased at the Inglis' Easter sales in 2005, being by Redoute's Choice out of the Riverman mare Tugela, which makes him a three-quarter brother to multiple Group I winner Makybe Diva (by Desert King). 

Owned by Sheikh Mohammed's Darley Stud, Musket appears to have some of his famous sisters talent and kept his fresh record in tact winning first-up in beating Black Piranha (Clang - Jazztrack by Distinctly North), to win by a long head. 

Stayer, Ice Chariot (Semipalatinsk - Snow Chariot by Chariot) was another length-and-a-quarter away in third.

Musket is trained for Darley by Peter Snowden who must decide where he will place the expensive horse next. 

He currently has 51kg in the Group I AJC Epsom Handicap (1600m). Until Saturday, Musket had not won a stakes race in seven starts but had been in the mix with two runners-up cheques last season in the Listed Sky High Stakes at Canterbury and the Listed AJC JRA Plate at Randwick.

Musket was Redoute's Choice 42nd stakes winner.

August 25th, 2008

August 18th, 2008

On the J.J. Liston Stakes under card at Caulfield was the Listed Quezette Stakes for the new season three-year-old fillies and Lee Freedman saddled up two of the nine runners and they gave him the stakes quinella.

Although Freedman had scratched his top rated filly Sugar Babe (Exceed And Excel - On Type by Zeditave), due to a bad blood test, the Darley owned SAJC Group 3 Jansz Stakes winner of last season, Viennese, took out the event in good style to win by a widening length-and-three-quarters to give Redoute's Choice his first stakes winner of the new season.

Viennese began well from barrier five under Steve Arnold and settled behind her stablemate Woppitt who flew out of the gate on her inside to take the field along at a very good gallop. Caught three wide without cover, Viennese travelled kindly for Arnold and as Woppitt straightened she managed to get a big break on the field. But once Arnold asked Viennese for her effort she quickly gathered in Woppitt (Danzero - Campbell Fever by Bluebird) to draw away and win comfortably with her ears pricked.

Hips Don't Lie (Stravinsky - Procure by Centaine) battled on best of the rest for third, three-quarters-of-a-length away.

Viennese is a full-sister to the Group I Oakleigh Plate winner, Snitzel, and was purchased by John Ferguson for Darley at the 2007 Magic Millions sale from the draft of Yarraman Park Stud for $1.4 million. She is the most expensive yearling filly sold out of the January sale. 

Freedman told Bruce Clark from TVN, “I liked her win as she was three deep facing the breeze and finished off her race really well.” 

“She’s improved a great deal and physically strengthened up, so if she can run 1600 metres she’d definitely be a Guineas filly.”

Todate Viennese has done a fine job in winning three races and placing twice from just six starts earning more than $150,000 making her worth every penny of her purchase price.

Foaled and raised at Yarraman Park she was bred by Francis Naude and is out of the grand producing mare Snippets’ Lass, who sadly passed away last spring after foaling a colt by Fastnet Rock.

A stakes-winning daughter of outstanding sire Snippets, Snippets’ Lass has been a star for the stud with Snitzel selling from the Yarraman draft to Gerald Ryan for $260,000. Ryan returned the following year in 2005 to purchase a More Than Ready filly for $350,000 and she raced as Weiner. In 2006, Wadham Park parted with $775,000 to secure a Royal Academy filly from Snippets’ Lass, who races as Royal Snippets.

Earlier in the day at Rosehill in New South Wales, the Redoute's Choice five-year-old gelding Red Lord, caught the eye with a last to first fresh up performance in the Merrylands RSL Hcp (1500m). 

Red Lord showed an explosive turn of foot to beat Bianca (Painted Black - Blanche Amelia by Grosvenor) by a widening two-and-three-quarter lengths. Race favourite Xavier (King Cugat - Vintage Power by Danehill), had a torrid run and showed a bit of guts to hang on for third a short neck away.

Arrowfield Stud stands Redoute's Choice and his fee this spring remains at $330,000 (inc gst).

August 8th, 2008

Allied Force (ex Urge To Merge by Last Tycoon) returned from an injury lay off to score first time out this campaign by seven lengths at Bendigo over five furlongs on Thursday for his connections.

A four-year-old horse, Allied Force, hit the headlines as a yearling when Rob McAnulty paid $2million for him at the 2006 Inglis Easter sale in Sydney from the draft of Arrowfield Stud.  The lightly raced four-year-old is trained at Flemington by David Hayes.   

Allied Force is out of the Last Tycoon mare, Urge To Merge a winner over 1300m in Australia and is the dam of the South African Premier's Champion Stakes winner Suntagonal (by Octagonal), she is also a sister to Tracy's Element and Towkay, and a half-sister to the stakes winning Topasannah (by Commanche Run) and the Danehill group winning duo of Danasinga and Cullen.  

April 14th, 2008

Super Saturday at Morphettville was just that with the Group I  Derby and Goodwood Handicap the features on the card.  Amongst the excellent under-card of races was the Group 3 Jansz Stakes for the juveniles.

A set weights and penalties event, it attracted a field of ten, four colts and six fillies and amongst the fillies was the record priced Viennese.  Owned by Darley Stud, the daughter of Redoute's Choice jumped away well from barrier seven under Steve King.  King was happy to have her well back off the early speed and rounding the home corner they were closer to last than first.  Once balanced, King asked Viennese for her effort and she extended nicely to gather in her opposition and sprint away from them to claim the Group 3 by a length-and-three-quarters.

Viennese, was in the news very early on when John Ferguson paid a record price of $1.4million for her at the 2007 Magic Millions Gold Coast yearling sale, being out of the Snippets mare Snippets' Lass the dam of the Group I Oakleigh Plate hero, Snitzel (by Redoute's Choice).  She is also a half-sister to the Listed Gimcrack Stakes third placegetter, Wiener (by More Than Ready).  

Viennese is the second juvenile stakes winner this season for her sire Redoute's Choice joining Amelia's Dream (ex Shalt Not by St Covet). 

Redoute's Choice has produced seven stakes-winners this season along with his two-year-olds they are; El Daana (ex Sunday Valentine by Sunday Silence), Stockade (ex Our Side Show by Snippets), Miss Finland (ex Forest Pearl by Woodman), Red Lord (ex Dame Cath by Zabeel) and Sharkbite (ex Back Pass by Quest For Fame).   All up this season Redoute's Choice has had 183 runners for 65 individual winners collecting $3.9million in earnings.  Fans of his progeny have plenty of yearlings to choose from at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, which gets under way this Sunday April 20 until 24th, where he has 75 on offer.

March 23rd, 2008

Expensive colt Musket took another step in his career when he took out the Wales Truck Repairs Welter Hcp (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday.

Trained by Peter Snowden for the Woodlands Stud Syndicate the four-year-old horse showed he had plenty of courage taking a small gap near the rail.  He had to sprint quickly and in doing so showed a good turn of foot to claim the victory.   The Warwick Farm trainer has another two runs pencilled in for the brown Redoute's Choice horse and hopes he'll keep improving the further he goes he is after all a three-quarter-brother to Makybe Diva (by Desert King) the winner of three Melbourne Cups, a Cox Plate, an Australian Cup and a Sydney Cup.

Musket (ex Tugela by Riverman) was sent out as the punters elect and he had three-quarters-of-a-length on Yasumori (Fusaichi Pegasus - Danielle by Storm Cat) to claim his third career win at his fourth start.

Redoute's Choice has 33 yearlings on offer at the forthcoming Magic Millions yearling sale (March 24-April 2nd).

March 18th, 2008

Brilliant filly Amelia’s Dream is to undergo surgery for a non-displaced sesamoid fracture suffered during Saturday’s Silver Slipper Stakes at Rosehill.  

Amelia’s Dream won the race by 6-1/4 lengths, earning herself Golden Slipper favouritism.  But within hours the filly was at the Randwick Equine Centre with her future in doubt.  Trainer Gai Waterhouse said the injury appears to be similar to those suffered by two other of her horses, Excelerator and Pharaoh, both of whom resumed their racing careers.

Amelia’s Dream had won her only other start by nine lengths and jockey Nash Rawiller joined Waterhouse in declaring her something out of the box.

“There’s no doubt she was a super filly," Rawiller said.
“I got a terrific impression from the time I first galloped her and she just got better and better.”

Waterhouse said every attempt would be made to save Amelia’s Dream for broodmare duties if she was unable to race again.  The likely loss off Amelia’s Dream follows the death earlier this year of Waterhouse’s top juvenile of last season, Meurice.  The colt broke a shoulder in trackwork as he prepared for a return to racing following the EI-enforced spring layoff.  

March 16th, 2008

A Golden Slipper dream died as quickly as it was born at Rosehill yesterday when Amelia’s Dream was ruled out of the race within an hour of rocketing to favouritism.

Amelia’s Dream scored the most impressive juvenile victory of the season, running away with the Group 2 Silver Slipper Stakes at Rosehill.  The win brought her in from $8 to $2.80 favouritism for next month’s $3.5 million race.

But before racing had concluded at Rosehill the filly was heavily bandaged and loaded onto a float and taken to Randwick Equine Clinic after the final event as she was lame in the near foreleg with stewards reporting she had filling in a fetlock.  Trainer Gai Waterhouse immediately declared her two-year-old season over and there are grave doubts about her racing future.

First reports are that she has injured either the near front suspensory ligament or a sesamoid.

Amelia’s Dream (Redoute's Choice - Shalt Not by St Covet) became the fastest two-year-old ever to run at Rosehill with her win, recording 1:02.9 for the 1100m and had just demoralised her rivals to win by 6-1/4 lengths which followed a debut nine length win on a heavy track at Canterbury.

The injury to Amelia’s Dream has thrown Slipper betting into confusion.

The second placegetter Hips Don't Lie (Stravinsky - Procure by Centaine) was having her first start in Sydney going the right-handed way and she travelled kindly for her rider Shane Dye.  Dye had Amelia's Dream in sight at the top of the straight and for a fleeting moment appeared to issue a challenge then Rawiller asked Amelia's Dream for another effort and the brown Redoute's Choice filly just got further away from her. 

When bookmakers put up new prices it is expected another Waterhouse runner, Sebring (More Than Ready) will be favourite with the door now open to the David Hayes trained two-year-olds All American (Red Ransom) and Reaan (Hussonet).

March 12th, 2008

Star mare Miss Finland (ex Forest Pearl by Woodman]), has been retired to Arrowfield Stud on 8 March , after finishing fifth in the Group 1 Australian Cup at Flemington.

She was raced by a partnership by John Leaver, Alan Jones and John Messara and was trained by leading mentor David Hayes and was ridden in all her wins by Craig Williams.

The Champion Australian 2YO of 2005-06, Miss Finland retires a 5-time Group 1 winner of more than $4.6 million.  As a juvenile Miss Finland won the Group 1 Golden Slipper. As a 3YO she won the Group 1 Thousand Guineas, VRC Oaks, Australian Guineas and the Arrowfield Stud Stakes and in the 2006-7 ANZ Classifications Miss Finland headed two separate distance categories for 3YO fillies: Leading 3YO Intermediate Filly (following her win in the Group 1 Arrowfield Stud Stakes); and Leading 3YO Long and Extended Filly (following her win in the Group 1 VRC Oaks). She was the first filly to complete the Golden Slipper/VRC Oaks double and only the second filly to win the Group 1 Australian Guineas. She retires the fourth-highest earning mare in Australia.

Miss Finland was a lot more than just statistics however. She attracted a legion of fans from around Australia and across the world who followed her career and attended race meetings where she appeared.

“I remember John Messara telling me when I was coming back from Hong Kong that he would give me the best two-year-old in the land to train and he was right,” reflects David Hayes. “She got me going again and she put me back on the map. She is the best two and three year old I have ever trained,” added Hayes.

“She is one that comes around perhaps once in a lifetime,” says part-owner John Messara.

The Arrowfield bred daughter of Champion Sire Redoute’s Choice will be mated with Champion Sire Hussonet (by Mr. Prospector) - the sire of Group 1 Blue Diamond victor Reaan, and star 3YO and four-time Group 1 winner Weekend Hussler - in the coming season. “I think she is potentially the perfect mate for Hussonet because of their physical and genetic compatibility and we must not forget that she’s also by, Redoute’s Choice”
says Messara. “I think we will see something very special with their resultant foal.”

Miss Finland is a grand daughter of the Group 1 Oaks winner Moonshell (Sadler’s Wells), who herself is a full-sister to Doyen - winner of Europe’s premier weight for age race the Group 1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes, and who is also Europe’s fastest ever 12-furlong Group 1 winner, and Timeform Horse of the Year.

“It’s great that she will be in a paddock at the farm again. She has been away from home for a long time,” says Messara.

Honour Roll
1st G1 Golden Slipper (1200m), G1 VRC Oaks (2500m), G1 Arrowfi eld Stud Stakes (2000m), G1 Cadbury Guineas (1600m), G1 Thousand Guineas (1600m), G2 Memsie Stakes (1400m), G2 Angus Armanasco Stakes (1600m), G3 Tranquil Star Stakes (1400m), G3 McNeil Stakes (1200m), L.R. Talindert Stakes (1100m).

2nd G1 Yalumba Stakes (2000m), G1 Underwood Stakes (2000m), G1 Champagne Stakes (1600m), G1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m), G2 Edward Manifold Stakes (1610m)
3rd G1 Futurity Stakes (1600m)
4th G1 W.S. Cox Plate (2040m), G1 C.F. Orr Stakes (1400m), G2 Reisling Stakes (1200m)

January 20th, 2008

At Flemington on Saturday, Road To Athens, kept favourite punters happy when he scored a first-rate win in the $101,000 National Jockeys Trust Handicap (2530m).

Trained at the course by Brian Mayfield-Smith, Road To Athens was turned out to perfection and with Corey Brown in the saddle he was given a first class ride.  Jumping away from barrier four in the 15-strong field Road To Athens settled in fourth spot near the rail as a solid tempo was set in the first half of the race.  Moderato swept around the field at the 800m and Brown got shuffled back on the five-year-old.  Keeping his cool while they were stuck in traffic an opening finally came once they got to the famous clock tower.  Road to Athens charged to the line and forged away with a widening length victory over Moderato (Rhythm - My Flight by Noble Bijou) with Lady Atire (Pentire - Lady Acumen by Sound Reason) another half-neck away in third.

Mayfield-Smith then made it a race to race double when he produced the Listed Chester Manifold Stakes (1400m) winner, Stickpin (Pins - Reputedly by Quest For Fame).  

Both Road To Athens and Stickpin had been racing well without luck and he said both victories where well deserved as the both horses "tried" very hard.

Mayfield-Smith selected Stickpin from the 2004 Select Yearling sale in New Zealand at the Karaka sale series where the owners' paid $90,000 for him and his win in the Manifold was his eighth.  Taking his earnings past $360,000 a nice profit for his connections.  Stickpin has a half-brother by O’Reilly amongst the Waikato Stud draft in this year's Premier Yearling Sale.

Road To Athens has also paid for himself as he was purchased by his owners, Teeley Assets at the 2004 William Inglis Easter Yearling Sale where they paid $160,000.  He has since earned more than $200,000.  

The bay-five-year gelded son of Redoute's Choice is out of the unraced Woodman mare, Shannon Wood a half-sister to the STC Group I Canterbury Guineas and MRC Underwood Stakes winner, SHARSCAY (by Marscay) the Group 3 VRC St Leger winner, St Shannon (by Sir Tristram) and with the Listed Bendigo Cup winner, Saboteur (by Marscay).

Fifty minutes later Hurl gave Redoute's Choice a interstate double when he chalked up his third career win in the Distinctive Homes Handicap (1200m) at Morphettville.  

Hurl is out of the Listed VRC A. R. Creswcik stakes winner Quarante Love (by Canny Lad) a three-quarter-sister in-blood to the Group I BTC Doomben 10,000 and AJC Galaxy Stakes winner, Accomplice (by Canny Lad).  

Then to top the day off for Redoute's Choice,  Element won the Winning Edge Presentations Hcp (1300m) at Rosehill giving the son of Danehill a interstate metropolitan treble.

Element is raced by his breeders' Geoff and Beryl White.  He is a five-year-old son of Audimco (by Marscay) a multiple winner and black type placed sister to the Group I winning sprinter, Jetball ( by Marscay) and the AJC Group 3 Stan Fox winner, Marwina (by Marscay).

Redoute's Choice has five yearlings on offer at the forthcoming New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Sale (January 28th-29th) and another six yearlings at the William Inglis Premier Yearling Sale (March 1st-6th) in Victoria.

December 27th, 2007

At Caulfield on Boxing Day, Sharkbite took out the Listed Lord Stakes with a professional performance.

Ridden by top jockey Dan Nikolic, Sharkbite earned his first stakes success from King Johannes (Cape Cross) by three-quarter length with Poised To Win (More Than Ready)  a half-neck back away in the $100,000 event.   

Sharkbite had shown plenty finishing less than a length behind Haradasun in the Listed Vain Stakes in August last year before going on to be placed in the Group 3 Danehill Stakes won by The One and the Group 3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude won by Wonderful World.  He then ran poorly in the Group 1 Ascot Vale Stakes (1200m) and Sharkbite was transferred to Lindsay Park but after three of the worst runs of his career owner Jonathon Munz returned the colt back to his original trainer Rodney Douglas. 

Off the scene for almost seven months, a rejuvenated Sharkbite has three wins and a second from five runs this preparation, with an overall record of  five wins and four placings from 14 starts.

Nikolic, has the best handle on his ability telling TVN, "Although he's still a bull - he stuck his neck out and tried really hard."

"He had too much on that lot today and he'll go on and win a good race," Nikolic continued. 

Nikolic said there was much to like about Sharkbite's win over the distance and that he had toughed it out pretty good!

'Rocket' (trainer Rod Douglas) has him back to his best," Nikolic concluded. 

Sharkbite, still has a way to go before returning his $900,000 purchase price at the 2005 Easter Yearling Sale.

Sharkbite is out of the Quest For Fame mare, Back Pass, a moderate winner in Great Britain and a half-sister to Three Valleys (by Diesis) a group two winner in America and group three winner at Royal Ascot in the Coventry Stakes.  Three Valleys finished second in the Group I Dewhurst Stakes as a juvenile in Great Britain.  Back Passes great grandam, Kerali (by High Line), has left a wonderful legacy as her stakes winning daughter Hasili (by Kahysasi) has had a love affair with the late great Danehill producing  Banks Hill winner of the Group I Belmont Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf, the Deauville Prix Jacques le Marois and Royal Ascot Coronation Stakes.  Along with her full sister, Intercontinental, who has 13 wins to her credit including the Belmont Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf- Gr 1 and the Hollywood Park Matriarch Stakes-Gr. 1.  Cacique (by Danehill), winner of the Belmont Man o' War Stakes-Gr.1 and the Belmont Manhattan Hcp-Gr.1 and Dansili winner of five including the Saint-Cloud Prix du Muguet Stakes-Gr 2 who has since retired to stud and produced Rail Link who won the Arc de Triomphe.  And just for good measure Hasili is also the dam of  Heat Haze (by Green Desert) winner of the Arlington Beverly D. Stakes- Gr. 1 and the Hollywood Park Matriarch Stakes-Gr.1.

Sharkbite became the 37th stakes-winner for Redoute's Choice who stands at Arrowfield Stud in the Hunter Valley in New South Wales.

Redoute's Choice has five yearlings on offer at New Zealand Bloodstock's 2008 Premier Session (28th and 29th January) at Karaka from his 2006 crop when his fee was $100,000.

December 16th, 2007

With racing getting back on track Arrowfield's Redoute's Choice struck on Saturday with a metropolitan double when Sharkbite and Les Roses producing solid efforts to claim winners cheques in Victoria and New South Wales.

At Rosehill, Les Roses (ex Lisa's Fast Step by Alwulush) led all-the-way to claim the Tonizone Household Products Hcp (1400m).  

Ridden by Nash Rawiller, for the Star Thoroughbreds syndicate of owners' from the Gai Waterhouse stable, the five-year-old bay daughter of Redoute's Choice began best from barrier six and kept the challengers off to score by a length and  three-quarters.

At Flemington, Sharkbite (ex Back Pass by Quest for Fame), settled in the back half of the field early on.  Ridden by Dan Nikolic who allowed the good looking brown four-year-old horse to stride out wide from the 800m he showed his qualities to go around his opponents and plenty of fight when Poised To Win (More Than Ready - Oak Park Carashan by Keltrice) challenged him at the 150m.  

Sharkbite ran home a classy winner by half-a-length from Poised to Win and Jim's Party (Akhadan - Pitapat's Party by King's Party) another length-and-a-half away in third.

Sharkbite is out of the Quest For Fame mare, Back Pass, a moderate winner in Great Britain and a half-sister to Three Valleys (by Diesis) a group two winner in America and group three winner at Royal Ascot in the Coventry Stakes.  Three Valleys finished second in the Group I Dewhurst Stakes as a juvenile in Great Britain.  Back Passes great grandam, Kerali (by High Line), has left a wonderful legacy as her stakes winning daughter Hasili (by Kahysasi) has had a love affair with the late great Danehill producing  Banks Hill winner of the Group I Belmont Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf, the Deauville Prix Jacques le Marois and Royal Ascot Coronation Stakes.  Along with her full sister, Intercontinental, who has 13 wins to her credit including the Belmont Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf- Gr 1 and the Hollywood Park Matriarch Stakes-Gr. 1.  Cacique (by Danehill), winner of the Belmont Man o' War Stakes-Gr.1 and the Belmont Manhattan Hcp-Gr.1 and Dansili winner of five including the Saint-Cloud Prix du Muguet Stakes-Gr 2 who has since retired to stud and produced Rail Link who won the Arc de Triomphe.  And just for good measure Hasili is also the dam of  Heat Haze (by Green Desert) winner of the Arlington Beverly D. Stakes- Gr. 1 and the Hollywood Park Matriarch Stakes-Gr.1.

October 25th, 2007

The Geelong Classic was taken out in good style yesterday by the Sir Patrick Hogan owned, Stockade, who is trained in Australia by Lee Freedman.

Stockade came from last to circle the field for an impressive win in the 2200m Classic, his stablemate, Husonic (Hussonet - Galroof by Maroof) found trouble when rounding the home turn and ran on strongly for second. 

Stable spokesman Michael Freedman told TVN's Bruce Clark that both Stockade and Husonic deserved a crack at the AAMI Victoria Derby (2500m) on Saturday week at Flemington. 

"The Derby looks an open race. It was a big win to drop out and circle them and Husonic didn't have a lot of luck," he said. 

Lee Freedman has won the Derby with Mahogany (1993), Portland Player (1996) and Benicio (2005). 

Freedman is also considering adding the impressive eight length Kyneton maiden winner, Najib (by Don Eduardo - Up the Hill by Danehill) to his Derby line up and he may have up to five runners if Ribeiro (French Deputy - Ribe by Danehill) runs well enough from barrier 12 in Saturday's Group 2 AAMI Vase (2040m) at Moonee Valley. 

Stockade was a $1.2million purchase by a syndicate headed by Sir Patrick Hogan at the 2006 Inglis Easter Yearling sale and, being by Redoute's Choice from the Snippets mare Our Side Show, he was purchased as a potential stallion prospect for Cambridge Stud. 

October 8th, 2007

Sheikh Hamdan al Maktoum has been a great supporter of Australian racing and he enjoyed another notable Group win at Flemington on Saturday when El Daana landed the VRC Group 2 Edward Manifold Stakes in fine style.

The field was well bunched with Bantry Bay, Sleek Chassis and Catalan Bay all taking turns at attacking the front.  Under Dwayne Dunn, El Daana quickened up strongly into the straight, striking the front 250 metres out and kept going strongly to the line.  

El Daana was having just her fourth race start after winning the Listed Queen Adelaide Stakes over 1100m at Morphettville on February 3 when making her debut. During that race she suffered severe stripping behind and has only returned to the track in August when finishing fourth in the Listed Quezette Stakes at Caulfield on August 18th.

Trained at Flemington by David Hayes he told TVN that he felt the filly would need further to show her true ability.

“She’s still got plenty of improvement,” he said afterwards. Winning jockey Dwayne Dunn was just as positive. “I’ve always thought a lot of this filly,” he enthused. “The way she stayed on we can look forward to the Oaks, they walked and she outstayed them.”

El Daana is the 36th stakes winner for her sire Redoute’s Choice, whose offspring continue to be highly sought after.  She was purchased at last year's Inglis Easter Yearling sale for $900,000, her dam Sunday Valentine (by Sunday Silence) sold for $575,000 at the sale in 2002 when offered by Arrowfield as part of their southern hemisphere bred Sunday Silence offspring collection. 

Since, Sunday Valentine’s, Flying Spur filly yearling sold for $170,000 at the Australian Easter Yearling Sale to the bid of The Carrot Club.

September 2nd, 2007

Star mare Miss Finland continued her dominance when she scored a comfortable win in the weight-for-age Group 2 Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday. 

Miss Finland had encountered problems, like many others, with the equine influenza crisis last week missing a vital run in the Penny Edition Stakes in South Australia.  Although she was based in horse heaven at the David Hayes stable complex at Lindsay Park the stable encountered problems in gaining a permit from both the South Australian and Victorian governments to travel Miss Finland from South Australia to Victoria.

When the stable finally got the green light she was loaded on to the stable horse float on Friday at 2pm and she travelled into Melbourne reaching the Flemington stables around 11:30pm.  A short snooze and Miss Finland was up again at 4am given light exercise and then she turned up at the track to win a group two event!

What a gal!

Hayes, has nothing but admiration for the daughter of Redoute's Choice and Forest Pearl.

"It was a good effort to travel over last night and win," Hayes told TVN. 

"Basically she's been on her feet for 24 hours. She's a true superstar." 

Ridden by Craig Williams, Miss Finland  enjoyed the run of the race settling midfield after drawing barrier three.  While the race favourite Haradasun (Fusaichi Pegasus - Circles of Gold by Mrascay), who jumped from the widest barrier in the field of 13 was used up early, doing it tough racing outside the early leader Cinque Cento.

Although the pace was moderate early, Lad of the Manor joined Cinque Cento and Haradasun out three wide from Tipungwuti, Miss Finland and Zupaone.  Miss Finland move3d away from the fence before the turn, where Cinque Cento held a narrow lead over Haradasun and Lad of the Manor.  Miss Finland was pulled out wide and showed her brilliant turn of foot to overhaul Haradasun by a length.  Tipungwuti (Fusaichi Pegasus - So Gorgeous by Brief Truce), looked trained up and finished off the race well, another half-length away in third.

Miss Finland's win underlines her champion status and why last seasons Australia and New Zealand classifications don't show this is unforgivable. 

Williams who is in love with Miss Finland was clearly excited after her win. 

"She relaxed so well," he told Bruce Clarke from TVN. 

The four-year-old has now won 11 of her 18 starts and her trainer Hayes rated the win highly. 

"Of all her races this was the most important for her credibility," he said. 

"They (Miss Finland and Haradasun) are going to have some great battles. 

"In fairness we had the total gun run." 

The pair are now set for a return clash in the Group Two Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley on Manikato Stakes day, September 15. 

Last year's winner El Segundo did a good job to come from last to finish fourth.

July 8th, 2007

The dream of trainer David Hayes to win in America was denied at Hollywood Park today, but he came away more than pleased with his first attempt.  The Hayes-trained Anamato (ex Voltage by Whiskey Road) finished a brave third in the Group 1 American Oaks (2000m) behind the local filly Panty Raid. 

Trained by leading American handler Todd Pletcher, Panty Raid benefited from a perfect Edgar Prado ride to score by three-quarters of a length from Valbenny (Val Royal - Dark Indian). Anamato was next after having trouble around the final turn and then having to dodge a runner whose saddle had slipped. Jockey Michael Rodd said he probably had no chance against the winner, but could have finished closer.

"I think I could have finished a little bit closer, but there was a horse that was a little bit in trouble and I had to go around her," said Rodd, who traveled from Australia with Anamato.

Anamato was trying to become the first Australian-bred and trained horse to win a major North American race since Phar Lap took the 1932 Agua Caliente Handicap.

"I've always wanted to have a runner in this part of the world," said Hayes.  "I'm relieved that she ran well. She was the first foreigner home. My phone has been running hot all morning. It was a little bit of pressure."  Anamato arrived at Hollywood Park in mid-June and didn't eat well during her first 10 days in quarantine and hadn’t raced in 11 weeks.  "She didn't eat or drink the first 10 days she was here, but she got better the last seven. She proved our horses can be competitive here. If I have another good one, I will come back."

Panty Raid is a daughter of Include out of the stakes placed Private Account mare Adventurous Di, a half-sister to the stakes winning Danc'n Jake.  As a broodmare Adventurous Di has produced the Listed French winner Franc (by Woodman) and the five-time winner Won (by Affirmed). Another colt Broadstreetbully (by Broad Brush) has registered three wins in America, while his full sister Kingston Girl has placed in Japan. Before today Panty Raid had recorded another black type win in the Group 2 Pimlico Black-Eyed Susan Stakes.

June 26th, 2007

Owner John Messara says champion filly Miss Finland is a 50-50 chance to race in New Zealand later in the year. Trained at Flemington by David Hayes the rising four-year-old was among nominations for the Group 1 Kelt Capital Stakes, 2040 metres, at Hastings on October 6.  Messara said with the lifting of prizemoney for the race to $2 million and the fact that it would fit into her Cox Plate aspirations makes the Kelt Stakes an attractive option.

Getting Miss Finland would be a major coup for the Hawkes Bay Racing Club which is keen to attract Australian runners for the race.  Miss Finland is to make her return to racing in the Group 2 Memsie Stakes, 1400 metres, at Caulfield on September 1.  Messara said the way Miss Finland performed and came through that run would determine her program leading to her ultimate goal, the Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) held at Moonee Valley on October 27.

Messara said an international program could be on Miss Finland’s agenda next year with races in Dubai, France, England and Ireland all under consideration.  The filly collected four Group 1 wins during the 2006-07 season.

June 10th, 2007

Bart Cummings immediately began looking towards the $5m Emirates Melbourne Cup at Flemington on the first Tuesday in November after Empires Choice won the $500,000 QTC Queensland Derby-Gr.1 (2400m) at Eagle Farm yesterday.

“He’s getting better and better and I think he’ll be better still in the spring,” Cummings said of Empires Choice after the Redoute’s Choice colt had survived a protest from the second placed Volcanic Star.

“He’s already pretty good and if he keeps going then the Melbourne Cup would certainly be on the agenda.”

Cummings, whose only previous Queensland Derby victory had been with Bottled Sunshine in 1975, has won a record 11 Melbourne Cups and has long expressed a wish to win an “even dozen”.

He believes the Encosta de Lago gelding Sirmione (ex World Guide by Defensive Play), who finished only just behind Empires Choice and Volcanic Star (Fuji Kiseki - Starnet by Last Tycoon), also has Melbourne Cup potential.

“His was a top staying performance,” Cummings said of Sirmione’s effort. “He probably lost it on the home turn, where he went very wide but he kept going right to the post.

“He’ll be better in the spring as well.”

While Damien Oliver elected to come through on the rails on Empires Choice after being second last into the straight Michael Rodd, on Sirmione, was forced very wide but he fought on resolutely right to the post.

Although he went through on the inside of every other runner Empires Choice drifted out in the last 100m, which led to Steven Arnold firing in an objection on Volcanic Star’s behalf.

The desperately fought finish and the subsequent protest completed a dramatic Derby, which had an earlier sensation when the favourite Eskimo Queen dumped her jockey Greg Childs after going about 600m.

Fortunately Childs escaped with bruising and a shaking.

Empires Choice (ex Rosie's Star by Star Way) is a grand-son the Group 1 Melbourne Cup winner Empire Rose (Sir Tristram), he was purchased by his trainer at the 2005 Premier Yearling Sale for $210,000 from the draft of Whakanui Stud.

May 31st, 2007

A three-quarter brother to the brilliant Dance Hero set a new Australian auction record price for a weanling on the first day of the Magic Millions Weanling sale when knocked down to Coolmore Stud for $1,150,000. The price easily eclipsed the old record of $660,000 held by this season’s star two year old Murtajill, who was sold as a weanling at the same venue two years ago.

The Redoute’s Choice – Gypsy Dancer colt, Lot 807 in the Supplementary Catalogue, was offered on account of Vinery Stud as agent for the colt’s breeder, Tony Akkari, who was naturally delighted with the outcome

“He’s a lovely colt, but the final price did exceed my expectations”.

Dance Hero ranks as one of the best performed two year olds of any era, taking out not just the Sydney Two Year Old Triple Crown but also the Gold Coast Magic Millions, a unique performance. Now six years old, Gai’s warrior is still among the elite in Australian racing, training on to win the Salinger Stakes at Flemington on Derby Day 2006. 

SESSION ONE TOP SELLERS

$1,150,000 – Redoute’s Choice-Gypsy Dancer colt Vendor: Vinery Stud (As Agent) / Buyer: Coolmore Australia (NSW)

$460,000 – Redoute’s Choice-Donna Dior filly Sefton Park (As Agent) / Manukau Bloodstock Ltd (NZ)

May 27th, 2007

Tony Meaney from the Hearld Sun reports, Bart Cummings will try to rectify a strange quirk in history by training Saturday's Group 3 Rough Habit Plate winner at Doomben to win this year's Melbourne Cup.

Cummings has trained a record 11 Melbourne Cup winners, but one he missed out on was 1988 winner Empire Rose.  Cummings had trained Empire Rose the previous year, but her owners elected to give her back to trainer Laurie Laxon. 

Empires Choice is by Redoute's Choice out of Rosie's Star a non-winning daughter of Star Way who in turn is out of the cup winning daughter of Sir Tristram, Empire Rose.  

Cummings purchased Empires Choice at the 2005 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling sale at Karaka for $210,000.  He has a maiden winning half-sister, Concert Party (by Thunder Gulch).  Empire Rose is out of the Sovereign Edition mare Summer Fleur, winner of the Group 3 Launceston Cup and dam of another stakes winner, Kim Gorgeous (by Zabeel), winner of the Listed WATC Burgess Queen Stakes.

In recording his second win from 14 starts in the Rough Habit Plate (2020m), Empires Choice has given Cummings a guarantee of a start in the Group I Queensland Derby (2400m) in two weeks time at Eagle Farm.

On Saturday, Empires Choice was ridden by Damien Oliver who told Larry Olsen from Sky Channel that he still didn't know what to do in his races and that he wanted to wait for other horses to get in front of him - even with the blinkers on!

Empires Choice had a long-head advantage over Sands of Time (Sandtrap) with Ready When You Are (More Than Ready) another three lengths away in third.

April 29th, 2007

At Caulfield on Saturday, Flemington trainer Brian Mayfield-Smith, unveiled his plans for the promising Art House after his excellent win in the BIB Stillwell Hcp (1400m). 

Mayfield-Smith, was expecting nice improvement from the colt after his last win at Sandown on the Hillside course over the same distance.  Ridden again by Corey Brown the bay/brown colt settled in fourth spot for him behind the early leader Escadaire, who upon settling down steadied the tempo right down through the middle stages.  Brown was able to move Art House, in the perfect striking position rounding the home turn and found himself in the clear at the top of the straight.  Art house dashed to the front and comfortable held off Okay Oky (Happy Giggle - gold Alydar by Dolly's Alydar). 

Okay Oky, cam from the rear around the field and under 57.5kg couldn't match the winners last section to be 2-1/4 lengths in arrears with Slow Talkin Walter (Testa Rossa - Best Pal by Kenny's Best Pal) another length-and-a-quarter away in third.

Mayfield-Smith is mindful that the colt needs to get some black type behind him, therefore, he'll send him to Queensland for a winter campaign that will include the Group Two Queensland Guineas (1600m) on June 11.

"You have got to get black type for him with what he cost but we haven't been able to do it up to date because he hasn't been ready," Mayfield-Smith told TVN.

Mayfield-Smith said on two other occasions the horse had muscle soreness while heart palpitations were blamed for his run when last at Caulfield at the end of his spring campaign in October.

"He can still put it together and be a good horse," Mayfield-Smith said.

"I would like to get him to 1600 metres to 2000 metres and hopefully we might be able to do it (get black type) before the end of his three-year-old season, and certainly into his four-year-old season."
Brown told TVN's Bruce Clark, "Last time I rode him, he was one-paced and tried hard, but today when the pace slackened at the 1000 metres he came back under me and when the run appeared on straightening he accelerated into it." 

Art House is one a $1.1 million yearling purchase of Darley Australia's at the 2005 Sydney Easter Sales and he has been given plenty of time to get over his growing pains.  He is out of Dora Maar, an unraced daughter of Royal Academy and a half-sister to Hong Kong sprint champion Fairy King Prawn (by Danehill) and Group One Salinger Stakes winner Easy Rocking (by Barathea) and multiple Listed winner Crevette (by Danehill).  Dora Maar is out of the Twig Moss VRC Group 2 Edward Manifold stakes winning, Twiglet.  

Earlier this month the yearling out of Dora Maar, a full sister to Art House, made $450,000 at the Inglis Easter Sale, while the Redoute’s Choice colt from Twiglet was knocked down to Victorian Bloodstock Agent Robert Roulston for $300,000. 

April 22nd, 2007

In South Australia on Saturday, trainer David Hayes, grabbed his maiden Group I win in his home state when Anamato gave her sire Redoute’s Choice his second Oaks success of the season in the Group 1 Schweppes Australasian Oaks (2000m) at Morphettville. 

Anamato, was coming off an unsuccessful trip to Sydney where she encountered wet tracks, her three runs prior to her New South Wales stint had been most impressive with wins in two Group 2 events. Ridden for David Hayes by the gifted Michael Rodd, from an outside barrier, Anamato was asked to make her run as the field swung for home.  Circling the field, Rodd gave the brown filly plenty of room and she hit the front with less than a furlong to run and had a length-and-a-half margin over Cancanelle (Danehill Dancer ex Richelle by Century).

Devil Moon (King Cugat Chassy Babe by Masterclass) was a short-half-head away in third.  

In winning her fourth race in a 17-start career, Anamato set a impressive track record of 2:02.20 seconds and with eight placing's to her credit she has now earned more than $800,000 for her connections. 

Anamato is the final foal of her dam Voltage (Whisky Road) who died in October 2005. Three of her seven winners are stakes winners along with Anamato becoming the second of her progeny to succeed at the highest level, the first was the 1996 Oakleigh Plate victor, Drum (by Marauding).

Coolmore's Colm Santry went $440,000 during the recent Inglis Easter Broodmare sale, to secure Drum’s full-sister Tambour, in foal to Lonhro and her full-sister Eldarin is the dam of Group 3 winning Redoute’s Choice colt, Mearas.

April 16th, 2007

At Moonee Valley on Saturday three-year-old gelded son of Redoute's Choice Assent took out the Australasian Shopfittings Hcp (2040m) in good fashion.

Ridden by up-and-coming apprentice Nick Hall, Assent settled nicely for his junior rider while Dancin School battled for the early lead with Eighth Army.  Getting the upper hand Dancin School then slowed them down through the middle stages.  After enjoying a nice run Assent cruised up to take over as they cornered and fought on well to account for Fire In The Night (Danewin - Duchesse de Berri by Diesis), who came from last around the field with top weight of 58kgs.  It was a huge effort.  China Causeway (Giant's Causeway - Royal Kiss by Royal Academy) was three-quarters-of-a-length away in third.

Only having his third outing China Causeway's effort was outstanding he was very green and ran into trouble at the top of the straight.

Redoute's Choice had 57 yearlings in the Inglis Easter Yearling sale they had been conceived off a service fee of $44,000 his yearling’s averaged $662,100 a tremendous result.  Redoute's had the largest number of yearlings on offer than any stallion at the sale and he had four yearlings sell for $2million or more and they were lot 169 a bay colt ex Egyptian Ibis by Straight Strike, selling to Rob McAnulty for $2,000,000.  Then lot 412 a bay colt ex Procrastinate by Jade Hunter was knocked down to John Ferguson Bloodstock $2,000,000 Ferguson also purchased lot 566 a bay/brown filly ex Tycoon Lil by Last Tycoon (IRE) for $2,100,000 and lot 570 a bay or brown colt ex Urge to Merge by Last Tycoon for the same amount.

Redoute’s Choice is set to have a fee increase this spring to $330,000 including GST after another good season by his progeny on the track.  After a plethora of 2YO Group 1 winners in previous seasons, Redoute’s Choice‘s progeny in 2007 triumphed in a number of Classic essays including the New Zealand Derby (Redoute’s Dancer), VRC Oaks (Miss Finland), Flight Stakes (Cheeky Choice), Thousand Guineas and the Australian Guineas (Miss Finland). In total this season, Redoute’s Choice has sired 14 individual stakes winners to bring his overall tally to 34 stakes winners of which 10 are Group 1 winners. All this has been achieved with his oldest progeny being only five years of age. 

Redoute’s Choice’s has attracted considerable interest from the northern hemisphere breeders and he covered 38 mares to northern hemisphere time.

April 2nd, 2007

It was Golden Slipper day at Rosehill on Saturday and Miss Finland returned to the track a year after claiming the richest juvenile race in the world by a huge margin to stake her authority on the card and claim the Group I Arrowfield Stud Stakes and break the $4 million in earnings.

Miss Finland is owned by a syndicate headed by Arrowfield Stud boss John Messara, who sponsor the race, and he couldn't hid his pleasure as his filly demolished her rivals.

Ridden by Craig Williams, Miss Finland, raced in the middle of the pack for the majority of the race, but once, Williams had her balanced in the run home she lengthened out and went away from them to reel in her tenth victory by two-lengths from Banc de Fortune (Galileo - Danendri by Danehill) with Just Dancing (Fusaichi Pegasus - Ballroom Babe by Citidancer) a head away in third.

David Hayes told TVN that the plan is to run Miss Finland in Saturday's AJC Australian Derby (2400m) if she pulls up alright.  Otherwise she will run in the Group I Queen Elizabeth the following week.

When Miss Finland won the Victorian Oaks last spring she became the first filly to complete a unique treble with victories in the Slipper, 1,000 Guineas and Oaks. 

Miss Finland is out of Forest Pearl, a daughter of Woodman and the English Oaks winner, Moonshell. In turn, Moonshell is a sister to Doyen, hero of the Group I King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes, and to Hatha Anna, successful in the VRC Group 2 Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Miss Finland’s third dam, Moon Cactus, a daughter of Kris, won the Group 3 Prestige Stakes, and was runner-up in the French Oaks.

Miss Finland is bred on the Danehill/Mr. Prospector cross, this cross has already produced at least 30 stakes winners, including Caesarion, a French group winner who is also out of a Woodman mare. 

March 11th, 2007

Racing Victoria, labelled the day 'Super Saturday' and the day lived up to the tag, a warm day and a great card drew a big crowd to Caulfield where again we witnessed a special treat.  Miss Finland gunned down the boys in the Group I Australian Cadbury Guineas (1600m) with class and in doing so surely she staked her claim for 'Horse of the Year' honours. Especially if she can take on the older horses and beat them during the autumn in Sydney.

She is simply too strong, too good for Melbourne's three-year-olds as Craig Williams settled her in fifth spot as the outsider of the field Arezzo took them along at a moderate pace with Churchill Downs and Jokers Wild racing close up.  Not long after they straightened Jokers Wild got a slight advantage on Churchill Downs as they dropped Arezzo.  Miss Finland came with her run out wide and she took forever to gather them in but got their in the last couple of bounds to win by a short-head from Casino Prince (Flying Spur - Lady Capel by Last Tycoon), who hit the line hard back on the inside to grab second from Jokers Wild (Black Minnaloushe - Miss Rory by Rory's Jester) a nose away in third.   

Trained by David Hayes who told TVN that Miss Finland (ex Forest Pearl by Woodman) will be heading to NSW and her campaign will include taking on the older horses.  

So she will get her chance of grabbing racing's greatest accolade, 'Horse of the Year'.

Miss Finland will have her next start in the Group One Arrowfield Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill on March 31. 

Hayes also told TVN, Williams handled Miss Finland in fantastic fashion in her fourth Group One triumph, which he regarded as the best of them so far. 

Miss Finland joins Triscay as the second filly to win the Group I feature.

Her jubilant connections rejoiced in the victory and part owner Alan Jones shared in more joy when the horse he bred Mentality won the Group I Randwick Guineas twenty minutes later.

The day was a triumph for Redoute's Choice as an hour-and-twenty minutes earlier his daughter Anamato (ex Voltage by Whiskey Road) had taken out the Group Two Kewney Stakes (1600m) and will join her stable mate with a trip to Sydney. 

Anamato was coming off a last placing in the Group One Futurity Stakes behind Aqua D'Amore a week earlier, but it's pretty tough in these group one weight-for-age events, back against her own age and a set of blinkers on she returned to her best form.

Hayes provided the quinella in the Group 2 with Catechuchu (Catbird - Noble Fleur by Dahar) who had done most of the work up front tracking the earlier leader All The Goss.  With only a even tempo Catechuchu hit the front shortly after straightening and kicked clear but after enjoying a nice cosy run Anamato got into the clear in plenty of time and proved much too good to win by a length.  Flame of Sydney (Encosta de Lago - Flame of Sydney by Clay Hero) was three lengths away in third.

Redoute's Choice also left his mark in South Australia, when race favourite Daaloob (ex Nicety by Star Way) broke her maiden status at her second career start.  Returning to the track after a short let up Daaloob won by a length from Snip Esprit (Bel Esprit - French Snip by Snippets) with The Big Bay Band (Rhythm - Socially by Gloaming Karou) a length and a quarter away in third.

March 4th, 2007

  REDOUTE'S DANCER looked a great stallion prospect with his outstanding win in the $700,000 Mercedes NZ Derby-Gr.1 (2400m) at Ellerslie on March 3.
  A member of the powerful Tim Martin stable, Redoute's Dancer proved a popular winner with most punters as the Sydney-trained three-year-old was sent out a warm favourite.
  The colt, a $230,000 Gold Coast Magic Millions buy, is the first yearling purchased by prominent Perth businessman Paul Silvestro.
“He’s a genius, Tim Martin, as astute a trainer as you can get in Australia,” Silvestro said in his acceptance speech.
Redoute's Dancer's has four wins and two minor placings from just seven starts for earnings of $543,750. 
  From the El Gran Senor mare Condescendance, Redoute's Dancer worked home solidly over the concluding stages to beat Mettre En Jeu by a half-length. Uberalles was another three quarters of a length back in third place.
  Redoute's Dancer's dam Condescendance, who was unraced, is a half sister to stakes performers including the multiple Japanese Group winner Biko Pegasus. His second dam Condessa won five races including the Yorkshire Oaks-Gr.1. She was also second in the Irish Oaks.
Redoute's Dancer is the 10th individual Gr.1 winner for his champion sire, the Arrowfield Stud-based Redoute's Choice.

February 25th, 2007

At Caulfield on Blue Diamond and Oakleigh Plate day, Flemington trainer David Hayes, started the day off in great fashion when his top class filly, Miss Finland treated her opposition in the Group 2 Angus Armanasco Stakes (1600m) with contempt.

Miss Finland was back in grade after an unsuccessful return to racing taking on El Segundo in the C F Orr (1400m) two weeks earlier when fourth less than two-lengths away from the son of Pins.

Miss Finland (ex Forest Pearl by Woodman) was sent out a dominant favourite against her own age group and sex and she settled off the early speed set by Permasiscous and rounding the home her rider Craig Williams got her balanced up and asked her to sprint home when she drew right away to win as liked by 3-1/4 lengths from Causeway Lass (Giant's Causeway - Canny Lass by Bletchingly) while Kisumu (Carnegie - Shana by Darshaan) another three-quarters-of-a-length in third.

Hayes was very happy with the style of her runaway success and he now intends to aim her at the Australian Guineas (1600m) run at the same course on March 10.

Craig Williams told Keith Hillier, that he gave Miss Finland plenty of time to find her feet and he had no hesitation in making his run out wide with plenty of room and once she got balanced she made her ground easily.

"In the straight, every time I asked her to respond she got stronger and stronger." 

Miss Finland has impressive record with eight wins and three placings from 14 starts to her credit along with $3.3million.

Capping the day off in great fashion for Redoute's Choice was the win of Mutawaajid in the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill on Saturday.

It was Mutawaajid's fifth consecutive victory and his second at stakes level the three-year-old was ridden by Hugh Bowman who was positive out of the barrier to take up the running at a solid tempo while race favourite Gold Edition (Lion Hunter - Glimmers by Success Express) settled in second spot.  

Bowman, kept building the tempo knowing that a query still remained on Gold Edition at the distance and made her work if she was going to beat him.  Jim Cassidy on Gold Edition challenged Mutawaajid at the 400m and appeared to have his measure but the son of Redoute's Choice didn't back off from the challenge and rallied to get the upper hand and halt the Group I winning filly by a neck.  

Upper Echelon (Fusaichi Pegasus - Nahayan by Zabeel) ran home very well for third another half-neck away.

Bred by Emirates Park and not offered at auction as a yearling, Mutawaajid is the fourth stakes-winner from his 23 year-old dam Elated Lady, a half-sister to multiple Group One winner Shaftesbury Avenue by Golden Slipper winner Vain.  A metropolitan winner of three races, Elated Lady has been a marvel at stud producing eight foals to race, all of them winners highlighted by Group Two winners Adeewin and Fatoon, plus evergreen sprinter Jivago, a stakes-winner as a three year-old and still racing as an 11 year-old!

February 20th, 2006

A filly by Australia's champion sire Redoute's Choice took centre stage at Morphettville on Monday when she took the top priced honours during the first session at the 2007 Magic Millions Yearling Sale. 

A member of the Grange Thoroughbreds draft, the filly attracted plenty of interest when she entered the ring and she was eventually knocked down to leading international bloodstock agent Grant Pritchard-Gordon for $280,000.

Pritchard-Gordon said he hoped the attractive filly would continue his good run with buying youngsters by Arrowfield Stud's sire sensation Redoute's Choice.

"I've had luck with his yearlings - Miss Finland and Get Square, being two," Pritchard-Gordon.

"I found this filly very attractive, quite athletic," Pritchard-Gordon added. "I purchased her for an existing client. She will join the Lee Freedman stable."

"Although at this stage she isn't very big, I'm confident she will develop into a lovely horse."

The filly is the first foal from the Volksraad winning mare Tully Lass - a half sister to three stakes winners - Sir Alberton, Alberton Star and Strassbridge.

The Tully Lass filly was one of two Redoute's Choice yearlings to be sold during the session - the other a colt from No Limit - was purchased by Mark Kavanagh for $150,000.

February 18th, 2007

Redoute’s Choice sired a treble of stakes winners on Saturday with Anamato  winning the Group 2 Moonee Valley Classic (1500m) in Victoria while Doubting returned to form in the Listed Triscay Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill and in New Zealand Redoute’s Dancer took out the Group 2 AuRC Mercedes Championship (2100m) at Ellerslie.

In Australia, Anamato had a change of rider, Michael Rodd, and she was able to relax out the back as the field went along at a strong tempo.  As the they bunched before the home tun the race favourite Universal Queen was shuffled back into the field as Deloraine claimed the lead but Anamato came with a withering burst from the tail of the field to win by a widening three-quarters-of-a length over Deloraine (More Than Ready _ Mysterious by Danzig) with De lago Mist (Encosta de Lago - In The Mist by Southern Appeal) who rallied late for third 1-3/4 lengths away.

In winning her second race at her thirteenth attempt Anamato took her earnings past $430,000. 

Anamato is a half-sister to Group One winner Drum and stakes-winner Port Watch, their dam the stakes-placed Whisky Road (USA) mare Voltage, who passed away in 2005.  Voltage's daughter Tambour is the dam of the retired group one winner, Grand Armee and Eldarin, dam of this season’s stakes-winning three year-old Mearas.

Doubting has had a change of trainer since her last preparation and is now under the care of Anthony Cummings and the move has obviously agreed with her as she gave her opponents no hope in the Listed STC Triscay Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill on Saturday.

Doubting is raced by her breeders and she has done a super job winning five races and placing four times from 17 starts earning $569,750.  A Group Two winner as a three year-old of the VRC A.V. Kewney Stakes, Doubting is a half-sister to Group Three winner Special Edition being from the unraced Sovereign Red mare Sovereign Ruby.

In New Zealand, the Tim Martin trained Redoute's Dancer lodged his claim for the New Zealand Derby with a strong half-length win in the Group Two AuRC Mercedes Championship (2100m) at Ellerslie. 

Redoute's Dancer is building an impressive CV with three wins from six starts and is one of the favourites for the New Zealand Derby on March 3.

Bred and offered for sale by John Muir’s Milburn Creek Thoroughbreds, Redoute’s Dancer fetched $230,000 at the 2005 Magic Millions Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast.  

He is the first winner and first stakes-winner for his dam Condescendance (USA), a half-sister to Japanese stakes-winner Biko Pegasus by El Gran Senor from Group One Yorkshire Oaks winner Condessa.

Redoute’s Choice has two yearlings catalogued for the Adelaide Magic Millions Yearling Sale starting on Monday February 19 till 22nd he has three yearlings on offer at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale in Melbourne (March 4-6) and 74 yearlings on offer at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.

February 12th, 2007

Mutawaajid maintained his unbeaten record when he stepped up from the restricted grade to claim his first Group Two success in the AJC Royal Sovereign Stakes at Randwick on Saturday providing his sire Redoute’s Choice with his 32nd stakes-winner.

The three-year-old son of Redoute's Choice settled off the pace and sprinted home hard to claim the stakes victory by a length over Sniper’s Bullet (Bite The Bullet - Yallah Terrace by Yallah Prince) with Mearas (Redoute's Choice - Eldarin by Marauding) a short-neck away in third.

Bred by Emirates Park and not offered at auction as a yearling, Mutawaajid is the fourth stakes-winner from his 23 year-old dam Elated Lady, a half-sister to multiple Group One winner Shaftesbury Avenue by Golden Slipper winner Vain.  A metropolitan winner of three races, Elated Lady has been a marvel at stud producing eight foals to race, all of them winners highlighted by Group Two winners Adeewin and Fatoon, plus evergreen sprinter Jivago, a stakes-winner as a three year-old and still racing as an 11 year-old!

February 4th, 2007

On Saturday at Morphettville, Redoute’s Choice, produced his first juvenile winner of the season when the David Hayes-trained El Daana (ex Sunday Valentine by Sunday Silence) won in Listed Queen Adelaide Stakes (1100m). 

Making her career debut, El Danna finished powerfully to defeat her more fancied stablemate, the $1.6 million Easter sale graduate Patasi (Danehill Dancer ex Procrastinate by Jade Hunter) by 1 ¼-lengths with Truly Beautiful (Beautiful Crown – Zabstar by Zabeel) ¾-length away in third. 

A $900,000 purchase by Shadwell Australia from the 2006 Arrowfield Stud consignment at the William Inglis & Son Easter Yearling Sale, El Daana is the first foal of the unraced Sunday Silence mare Sunday Valentine, a daughter of the stakes winning Avenue Of Flags mare Laurel Avenue (USA).  Sunday Valentine has a yearling filly by Flying Spur, a colt foal by Hussonet (USA) and was covered by Snitzel last spring. 

Earlier in the day at Moonee Valley, Redoute's Choice four-year-old, Lucky Unicorn led all the way to claim the TAB Power Pays (1600m).

Ridden by Damien Oliver, Lucky Unicorn, began well and took up the running at a nice working gallop.  As Oliver past the 1200m, Starzando strode up to join him.  With Oliver, happy to allow Lucky Unicorn to settle into his rhythm, Starzando subsequently felt the pinch as they got to the home turn.  Oliver gave Lucky Unicorn more rein and they drew away to claim a soft 2 length win over Starzando (Bianconi - Minstrel Lady by Jackson Square).  Correct Amoondo (Snippets - Eliza Dane by Danehill) battled on well for third.

January 27th, 2007

At Sandown today the former Hong Kong galloper, Lucky Unicorn, claimed his first win in Australia when he took out the Listed Chester Manifold Stakes, and doing so he enhanced his stud value.

Owned by the Hong Kong-based Lucky Owners syndicate the Redoute's Choice four-year-old horse was sent to trainer Tony Vasil with the mission of winning a stakes race.  The entire achieved that in the seven-furlong event on the Hillside circuit when given every chance by Damien Oliver.

Although Oliver, missed the kick, Lucky Unicorn moved up to the field with cover in about sixth spot.  Oliver then waited till they were in the home straight before he asked him for a effort on the outside where he forged clear to score by two lengths from race leader Our Spur (Flying Spur - Balfine by Zabaleta) with Brom Felinity (Encosta de Lago - Brompton Cross by El Qahira) a short neck away third.

The race was a black-type quinella for Arrowfield Stud.

Lucky Unicorn is out of the Last Tycoon mare La Bamba a half-sister to the group one winners Masked Party (by Marscay), winner of 12 races including the AJC Galaxy Stakes and Festal (by Vain), winner of 8 races including the WRC Telegraph Hcp. La Bamba is out of Party (by Lunchtime) who also produced Awards Ceremony, the dam of seven winners including, Dracula, winner of the Group I AJC George Main Stakes, Champagne Stakes and the QTC QTC Sires' Produce Stakes. The Oscars, winner of the AJC Canonbury Stakes, Sash, winner of the AJC Listed Toy Show Quality Hcp and the multiple winning stakes placed, Vampire.  

November 28th, 2006

Miss Mooney Mooney has been going through her grades nicely.  She had registered two honest efforts over the Cups carnivals in Melbourne that must have impressed her trainer Lee Freedman.

Freedman sent the five-year-old mare to South Australia last Saturday and she duly stepped up to stakes company to claim an all the way win in the Listed City Of Marion Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville. 

Ridden by the New South Wales based Dan Beasley, the win didn't come without drama as the rider, Troy Baker, aboard runner-up Bold Line lodged a protest against Beasley on Miss Mooney Mooney, who shifted ground in the straight. 

The stewards dismissed the objection and Miss Mooney Mooney (ex Sally Magic by Keltrice), who had been placed three times at Group level prior to Saturday, chalked up her fourth and most important victory. 

The decision kept punters happy as she started as the $3 favourite as her neck victory remained from Bold Line (Double Vice - Our Lodge by Crested Wave) with Play To Win (Strategic - Badinov's Babe by Twig Moss) 2-1/2 lengths further away in third. 

Miss Mooney Mooney's victory capped a great day for her dam, 1999 Magic Millions winner Sally Magic, and her owner John Singleton.
Sally Magic is also the dam of the Singleton-owned Sally's World (by Agnes World), who won the Periloc Handicap (1150m) on the Kensington track at Randwick earlier that day. 

October 24th, 2006

It was the Caulfield Cup meeting last Saturday and the day didn't pass without Redoute's Choice turning out a winner with Get Square taking out the Group 3 Norman Robinson Stakes (2000m) on Saturday.

Prepared at Randwick by John O'Shea and ridden by New South Wales champion jockey Darren Beadman, Get Square found the front soon after the jump, rather than being posted three or four deep.  Showing why he's one of the best, Beadman, was able to give Get Square a breather in front before he increased the tempo again at the 800m.   

Sir Lago who raced handy to Get Square wasn't able to sprint when Beadman upped the tempo rounding the home turn at the 300m it appeared that Sir Lago had claimed him but Get Square wasn't going to lay down and fought all the way to the line to holding off a late and determined bid of Ulfah, who had her chance over the final stages.

Get Square (ex Let's Get Even by Thunder Gulch) had a neck over Ulfah (Encosta de Lago - Separate Deal by At Talaq) with 1-3/4 lengths back to Sir Lago (Encosta de Lago - Lady Langham by Danehill) in third.

Get Square covered the journey (2000m) in a leisurely 2:03.68 covering his final 600m in 35.19seconds. 

October 19th, 2006

Miss Finland is poised to become Australia's most valuable female racehorse after winning the 1,000 Guineas at Caulfield yesterday.
The David Hayes-trained daughter of Redoute's Choice turned around her controversial defeat in the Manifold Stakes with a last gasp victory that may well be a prelude to a start in the Cox Plate.

Having taken charge of jockey Craig Williams in the Manifold, Miss Finland yesterday went back to the rear of the field and at one stage was 10 lengths from the leader Permaiscuous.

At the top of the straight, Miss Finland appeared to be struggling to pick up the leaders, and when Oliver coaxed a kick out of Permaiscuous at the 200m, her chances appeared to have vanished.

But Miss Finland knuckled down over the final 50m, catching her stablemate on the line to win by a short head.
"I wanted her to win because she's a champion," Hayes said.
"But I own Permaiscuous."

The trainer said he would prefer to give Miss Finland her next start in the G1 Myer Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Derby Day.
But he said he would also understand if the filly's owners preferred to run in the Cox Plate.

Oliver experienced the same dilemma that confronted Williams in the Manifold when Permaiscuous took hold after 200m and fought her way to a six-length lead.

But passing the 800m, Oliver had her back underneath him and she looked a certain winner when she raced clear in the straight.
Miss Finland is out of the Woodman mare Forest Pearl and was bred by Gainsborough Stud.
Her Guineas win, her sixth from 10 starts, took her earnings to $2.68 million.

October 8th, 2006

Spring stakes racing is well in truly under way in Australia and Redoute's Choice is in the thick of things with his ninth group one winner as his daughter Cheeky Choice made all in the Group I Flight Stakes at Randwick on Saturday.

Ridden by Hugh Bowman the filly flew the barriers and gradually made her way to the front. Bowman, rated her superbly and she simply kept going to the line 2-1/4 lengths clear of My Lady's Chamber (Arena - Queen's Suite by Marauding) with Fleur Royale (Royal Academy - Azela by Marscay) running the race of her life for third another long neck away in third.

Cheeky Choice wasn't given an easy task of it in front - but showing great character she kept up the high cruising speed and ran her rivals ragged.

It was a performance that sent Waterhouse into a spin.

"It's just fabulous," a beaming Waterhouse said to Richard Callendar on TVN. "Such a decisive win it was.
"She was taken on early. She was running 10 and a half to the furlong for the first three furlongs of the race."
"She got to the lead and some others horses took her on."

Waterhouse said the win had the signs of a horse of exceptional talent.
"It was just outstanding. They don't do what she's done today. It's so exciting," Waterhouse added.
"It's just not exciting for the owners and the boys and girls that work with her - it's exciting for everyone to see such a great racehorse."
"She had the race won at the top of the straight," Waterhouse added. "She's so good it's unbelievable.'
"And she's an Oaks filly if ever I've seen one."

Waterhouse is eyeing off the Victoria Oaks with the daughter of Redoute's Choice, whom she purchased for $200,000 at the 2005 Magic Millions Yearling Sale at the Gold Coast.

Cheeky Choice's (ex Christchurch by Caerleon) record now reads out at four wins and three second placings from just eight starts. She's earned her connections $459,650. Her current value would be many times that.

If that wasn't enough for fans of Redoute's Choice, Sydney, sprinter Fast 'N' Famous did something not many talented racehorse can do he claimed the Group 3 Gilgai Stakes down the famous straight six course at Flemington on Saturday.

Fast 'N' Famous was given a top class ride by Dan Nikolic, who had returned for the meeting from Hong Kong, and with a solid pace set by Dance Hero who took the field up onto the course proper.  Fast 'N' Famous  eased off his heels and Nikolic got into him and he held off the late bid from Shadoways who had to ease across heels at the rear to make his run.

Fast 'N' Famous (ex Zalinda by Zabeel) was not given any favours and ran a slick 1:08.34, covering his final section in a very fast 33.09seconds.  In doing so the four-year-old made it six wins in a row with his head victory over Shadoways (Encosta de Lago - Be My Pride by Pride of Place) with Dance Hero (Danzero - Gypsy Dancer by Dance Floor) 1-1/4 lengths away in third. 

Fast 'N' Famous has come along way in a short time working his way from a class two win at Hawkesbury to another test on Derby Day at Flemington when he will contest the Group One Salinger Stakes (1200m).   He has a fabulous record of eight starts and for six wins, two of those are at stakes level. 

When Nikolic dismounted from Fast 'N' Famous he told Bruce Clark from TVN that Shadoways had got past him.  But the horse just tried harder he showed class to stick his head out when it matter most.

Nikolic added, "It was his first time down the straight and he is only going to get better." 

September 24th, 2006

Another red-letter day for Arrowfield Stud's champion stallion Redoute's Choice with a quartet of metropolitan winners, three of them at stakes level, including a trifecta in the Tranquil Star Stakes at Caulfield.

At Rosehill in New South Wales the Redoute's bandwagon started rolling when Chess Record (ex Light Music by Palace Music) took out the Woolworths Australian Good Taste Magazine Hcp (2000m) by a neck.

Two races later, the lightly raced four-year-old son of Redoute's Choice, Fast 'N'Famous (ex Zalinda by Zabeel), extended his winning sequence to five in taking out the Listed Starlight Stakes (1100m).

Twenty minutes later in Victoria Redoute's Choice's champion two-year-old filly, Miss Finland won the Group 3 Tranquil Star Stakes (1400m).  Prepared by David Hayes and raced by Arrowfield Stud and partners, Miss Finland stormed home to score a narrow but emphatic win in the seven furlong event.

After the race, Hayes, said to TVN that Miss Finland may take on the colts in the million dollar Caulfield Guineas.  

The last filly to win the Guineas was Surround (1976) and she remains the only filly to have won the Guineas-Cox Plate double.  

Significantly Miss Finland's winning time was .3s quicker than Wonderful World in the Caulfield Guineas Prelude adding strength to her Guineas prospects. 

"I have to weigh it up but if she was mine I would run her against the boys," Hayes said. 

Ridden by Craig Williams, who loves the daughter of Redoute's Choice, likened Miss Finland (ex Forest Pearl by Woodman) to a Ferrari.  She only had a neck to spare over her stablemate Anamato (ex Voltage by Whiskey Road) with My Only Hope (ex Cantenac by Marauding), who made ground late, 2-1/4 lengths away in  third. 

The race was a triumph for Redoute's Choice as he was the sire of all three placegetters.

Miss Finland worked hard from the 700 metres and probably Anamato had a better run but yet she was still able to win - so watch out colts.

Another twenty minutes later Cheeky Choice (ex Christchurch by Caerleon), made all out in front to lead all the way and collect Redoute's Choice 25th stakes victory in the Group 2 Tea Rose Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill.

September 12th, 2006

Another big day out for Arrowfield Stud's champion Australian sire Redoute's Choice with a metropolitan double and his 24th stakes-winner when the Woodlands owned Mearas took out Listed Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m) at Randwick.

Mearas (ex Elarin by Marauding) was only having his second start and although green he easily accounted for Just Mambo (Danehill Dancer - Royal Subject by Kingmambo) by 2-1/2 lengths. 

Sermon (Octagonal - Eureka Jewel by Semipalatinsk) was  another 1-1/2 lengths away in third.

Mearas recorded his first career win and took his earnings past $45,000, a long way off his purchase price connections paid.  Bob Ingham purchased Mearas from the Inglis Easter Yearling sale in 2005 from the draft of Willow Park as agent for $1.1 million.

Mearas is Eldarin's first foal to the races and they hail from a family that's produced Drum (by Maraduing) winner of the Group I Oakleigh Plate, the Group 3 SAJC Sires' Produce Stakes winner, Anamato (by Redoute's Choice), the Listed winner Port Watch (by Star Watch) and the Group I placed Tambour (by Marauding). 

Earlier in the day at Randwick, Cheeky Choice (ex Christchurch by Caerleon) took out the Class 3 Napoleon Perdis Hcp (1300m) by three lengths.

September 4th, 2006

Another big day for last seasons leading sire Redoute's Choice on Saturday where he produced an interstate treble of winners.  

The Redoute's Choice band wagon got going in Sydney at Rosehill in the first race of the day when his son Fast 'N' Famous scored with authority in the That Hat Doesn't Fit Hcp (1200m).

Jumping away well from barrier four under Darren Beadman, Fast 'N' Famous (ex Zalinda by Zabeel) settled nicely behind the early leader Mr Incredible.  Rounding the home turn Beadman guided him to the outside of Mr Incredible and quickly had the race as he accelerated away to score by three-and-a-half lengths.

Mr Incredible (Snippets - Our Samosa by Danehill) held his ground for second with Te Deum (Lord Ted Plaudit by Momento) another half-length away in third.

Fast ‘N’ Famous was knocked down to the bid of $660,000 from Equine and Livestock.  The syndicate purchased him from the draft of Twin Palms Stud at the 2004 Easter Yearling Sale and so far the colt has recorded four wins from six starts and with Saturday's purse his earnings have gone past $100,000.

Trained at Randwick by John O’Shea, told TVN, after the win that Fast ‘N’ Famous may now travel south to Victoria for some the rich sprints on offer during the spring carnival.

Ninety five minutes later, Golden Slipper heroine, Miss Finland made a winning return to her spring campaign when she knocked out the boom colt Haradasun in the Group 3 H D F McNeil Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield.

Stepping out in blinkers, Miss Finland, who drew inside Haradsun, got away from barrier three well.  Ridden by Craig Williams, who took his time coming across to the rail and then he placed the filly on the colts outside, a master stroke in my books.  With the field being taken along at a very good clip by Lectrice, with Due Sasso following the tempo increased as they rounded the turn.  Due Sasso put pressure on Lectrice and Williams headed out wide to give Miss Finland (Forest Pearl by Woodman) plenty of room for her to let down.  On the other hand Nash Rawiller went up on the inside close to the rail on Haradasun.  

Haradasun was duly held up and Miss Finland was able to get a break and then just hold off Haradasun's late charge by a short-head.  Due Sasso (Scenic - Scarlet Bird by Rubiton) was next three-and-a-quarter lengths away in third.

Forty minutes later, Megadeal (ex She's God's Gift by Keltrice) made it a running double for Redoute's Choice when she took out the Race into Memberships Plate (1100m).

Napa Sky took the field along at a good clip with Con's Amy and Recline keeping the pressure on and handing the run of the race to Megadeal behind them.  Craig Williams on Megadeal eased into the clear at the top of the straight, but took forever to get past Napa Sky before winning by a long neck.  Pin Up (Pins - Flying Floozie by Pompeii Court) took a while to get balanced up after having to push her way into the clear on the turn.  She ran home really well for third one-and-a-quarter lengths further away and will be winning very shortly.

Megadeal was the fourth successive win for the David Hayes and Craig Williams combination at Caulfield, having won the first with Al Anood, the second with Purde, the third with Miss Finland. 

June 6th, 2006

At Flemington on Saturday, Australia's leading sire Redoute's Choice chalked up another metropolitan winner in the K A Morrison Hcp (1630m) whe it went to Presenting.

Presenting was having her third run this campaign after a nice even effort behind Flash Trick at Sandown, stepping up to a mile she was able to settle behind the early leader Saliente who took the filed along at a solid tempo.  Presenting, ridden by apprentice Ben Smith, was able to enjoy a nice run just behind him.  

Smith got the upper hand on Presenting (ex Christmas Spirit by Bletchingly) at the 350m and she then showed a good deal of fight to hold off the fast finishing Well Researched (Snippets - Miss Danehill by Danehill) by a short half-head.

Saliente (Arena - Ready to Smile by Salieri) did a good job to hold on for third three-quarters-of-a-length further away after doing all the hard work out in front.

May 29th, 2006

At Moonee Valley on Saturday, the Australian Builders Flying Handicap (1000m) went to Snappy Tom. 

Prepared at Kyneton by Danielle Chapman, Snappy Tom (ex Kitty Cat by Storm Cat) had a preparation with Gai Waterhouse but was diagnosed as a "roarer" before racing and was sold at a mixed sale in Melbourne for $2,800. 

Chapman spent another $2,000 on a throat operation which has proven to be successful with the Redoute's Choice gelding having had 19 starts for five wins and eight placings and $163,075 in prizemoney. 

Snappy Tom is regularly ridden by Terry Barry whose last city win was when the four-year-old won at Sandown on December 24 last year. 

Sent out as the punters elect, Snappy Tom was too good for Kill The Cat (Volcanic Prince - Pussycat by New Regent), scoring by a short head, with Two Sons (Desert Sun - Cultural Desert by Geiger Counter) 1-3/4 lengths away third.

May 7th, 2006

The South Australian Jockey Club super Sunday meeting featured a number of group events on the Group I Goodwood and Derby card with Anamato providing one of the days highlights.

The Redoute's Choice filly broke her maiden status in the best way possible – by scoring a stakes success in the Group 3 Darley Sires Produce Stakes (1600m) at Morphettville.

The filly, prepared at Lindsay Park by David Hayes, had raced just four times leading into the race, although her Sydney carnival form read well.  At her latest effort she had finished runner-up behind Gallant Tess in the Listed Fernhill Stakes.  On Sunday, she was ridden by Darren Beadman who gave the filly a lovely ride she increased her value with the black type success.

Assistant trainer, Tony McEvoy said, “Although she was a maiden her form was good and she deserved a win. She’ll now go to the paddock and will come back for the spring. I think she’ll make an Oaks filly.”

Beadman saved ground between runners allowing, Anamato plenty of room to hold off Furio (Testa Rossa - Central Express by Century) by a neck. Macau Causeway (Giant's Causeway - La Bella Dama by Desert Sun), who tried to lead all the way, held on well for third.

Anamato is from the Whiskey Road mare Voltage, who is a half-sister to Roanoke Boy. Voltage has produced gallopers such as Drum, Port Watch and Tambour who in turn is the dam of Grand Armee.

On Saturday, giving Redoute's Choice a stakes double, Fashions Afield claimed the Listed Gold Coast Guineas (1200m) at the seaside venue.

Fashions Afield (ex Attire by Wild Again) resumed from a short break and led all-the-way easily accounting for Rumbird (Catbird - Rummy by What a Guest) with Captain Kurt (Volksraad - O'Sequita by O'Reilly) three-quarters-of-a-length away in third.

April 10th, 2006

Arrowfield Stud’s sire sensation Redoute's Choice, had a day out on Saturday at Rosehill, while he was re-writing the history