Written by Paul Vettise
Classique Legend (Not A Single Doubt) has begun his quest to conquer the $15 million The Everest in fine style with the gifted sprinter delivering a widely- expected fresh victory in the Listed Bob Charley S. at Randwick.
The dashing 4-year-old will be prepared for another tilt at The Everest, he was an unlucky sixth in the 2019 edition, and a second chance for trainer Les Bridge who thought he had lost the gelding back in March.
Classique Legend was booked to head to Hong Kong before the coronavirus pandemic struck and the decision was made for him to return to Bridge’s Randwick quarters.
Classique Legend's connections
His owner Bon Ho secured a slot in the 2020 The Everest following a three-year deal to purchase the rights to the Australian Turf Club slot earlier this year.
“It’s exciting to have him back and winning and he’s not fit yet,” Ho’s Racing Manager Carmel Size said. “I’m just delighted.
“He was on the plane three times and in quarantine twice and lo and behold he’s found his way back to me. It’s just a joy for me – I love this horse dearly.”
“He was on the plane three times and in quarantine twice and lo and behold he’s found his way back to me.” – Carmel Size
Size said Classique Legend’s path to The Everest had yet to be determined or if he would race again this winter.
“Perhaps not, it’s all up in the air at the moment and he may have a trial. I’m not sure and he can be a hard horse to get a line on because he does everything so easily.”
Classique Legend kept the leaders within his sights and rider Kerrin McEvoy brought him wide on the track to launch his winning bid and he duly obliged to have 0.5l on Southern Lad (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) at the post with Snitz (Snitzel) third.
Bred by Wallings Bloodstock, Classique Legend was purchased out of Tyreel Stud’s Inglis Classic Yearling Sale draft by Size for $400,000.
A half-brother to the G2 HKJC Sprint winner Aethero (Sebring), he is a son of Pinnochio (Encosta De Lago) and she is a half-sister to the former champion 3-year-old and five-time Group 1 winner Racing To Win and the G3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude winner and sire Purrealist.
Also featuring in the pedigree is the G2 Magic Night S. winner Mardi’s Magic (Kenny’s Best Paul) and the stakes winner Our Crown Mistress (Star Witness).
