Cover image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
G1 The Star Doncaster Mile, $3,000,000, 1600m
Race summary
Jamie Kah piloted Cascadian (GB) (New Approach {Ire}) to success in her first ride at Royal Randwick. Drawn in barrier three, Kah found herself faced with a wall of horses with 350 metres to run before a gap presented between Yao Dash (Smart Missile) and the eventual fourth placegetter Mugatoo (Ire) (Henrythenavigator {USA}).
Kah presented her mount in time to run down runner-up Icebath (NZ) (Sacred Falls {NZ}), who loomed to join her Champion sire on the race's honour roll.
South Australian raider Dalasan (Dalakahni {Ire}) was the surprise package, storming into third after ducking and weaving between runners in the straight.
Pedigree notes
A Godolphin homebred, Cascadian is the first and best performed progeny of G3 UAE Oaks winner Falls Of Lora (Ire) (Street Cry {Ire}).
She is out of Listed winner and Group 1-placed galloper Firth Of Lorne (Ire) (Danehill {USA}), thus making her a half-sister to G2 Newmarket Superlative S. winner Master Of The Seas (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) and G1 Royal Ascot James’s Palace S. runner-up Latharnach (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}).
Falls Of Lora’s most recent progeny is a filly by Too Darn Hot (GB) born in 2021. Cascadian’s sire New Approach (Ire) was a Champion colt who won five Group 1s during his two and 3-year-old season, with his crowning hour coming in the G1 Epsom Derby.
G1 Bentley Australian Derby, $2,000,000, 2400m
Race summary
Explosive Jack (NZ) (Jakkalberry {Ire}) claimed a thrilling edition of this time-honoured feature, nosing out a brave Young Werther (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) under the urges of John Allen.
Drawn in barrier 15, Allen was forced back and wide aboard the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained colt, prior to presenting the second widest of all runners on straightening. From there he continued to lift, levelling up alongside subsequent placegetters Young Werther and Lions Roar (NZ) (Contributer {Ire}) who refused to give in.
Lone filly Montefilia (Kermadec {NZ}) was far from disgraced working home into fourth after settling nearest to last and working her way home along the inferior rail going.
Pedigree notes
Bred by Explosive Breeding, Explosive Jack was a NZ$100,000 2019 New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Book 1 purchase by Moody Racing from the draft of Novara Park.
He is the fifth and most successful foal to race out of Listed winner Extra Explosive (Ekraar {USA}), who is a half-sister to the dam of the ill-fated G1 New Zealand Derby winner Vin De Dance (Roc De Cambes {NZ}).
Numerous other Group-performed New Zealand gallopers appear on her page, including G3 CJC Challenge S. winner and G1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce S.-placed The Red Express (NZ) (Exploding Prospect {USA}).
Extra Explosive’s most recent offspring is filly by Staphanos (Jpn) born last year.
Explosive Jack’s sire Jakkalberry (Ire) was a champion stayer in his own right winning the G1 Milan Gran Premio di Milano and finished third in the G1 Melbourne Cup.
G1 Heineken TJ Smith S., $2,500,000, 1200m
Race summary
Nature Strip (Nicconi) turned the tables on Eduardo (Host {Chi}) to take out his sixth Group 1 event.
The Chris Waller-trained gelding was gifted a smart ride by leading hoop James McDonald, who parked in behind the lead after refusing to engage in a battle with the afore-mentioned Joseph Pride-trained galloper.
McDonald continued to stalk the speed prior to presenting Nature Strip, who bounded clear as Eduardo peaked on his run over the final 100 metres to third with the Team Hawkes-trained Masked Crusader (Toronado {Ire}) finishing well for second after spotting the lead after a significant start.
Last start G1 Newmarket H. winner Zoutori (Zoustar) worked home commendably to finish fourth.
Pedigree notes
Bred by Golden Grove Stud, Nature Strip was passed in for $90,000 at the 2016 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale after failing to meet his reserve price of $120,000.
He is out of former Brian Mayfield-Smith-trained mare Strikeline (Desert Sun {GB}) who is a half-sister to the G3 Eclipse S. winner Bashful Girl (Perugino {USA}). She is out of talented stayer Strike High (Pre Emptive Strike {Can}), who was placed in the G3 St Leger S. and G3 Launceston Cup.
Strikeline’s most recent progeny to go through the ring was a sister to Nature Strip named Miss Strikepower but she was passed in at the 2017 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale.
G1 Inglis Sires’ S., $1,000,000, 1400m
Race summary
Godolphin colt Anamoe (Street Boss {USA}) justified lofty expectations, dominating a field of high-class juveniles en route to an arrogant 1.8l victory.
The impressive last-start G1 Golden Slipper S. runner-up settled further forward in running than expected under leading rider James McDonald. From the prominent midfield position, McDonald trucked up into the straight prior and they dashed clear of their rivals under light riding.
The Team Hawkes-trained Hilal (Fastnet Rock) worked home strongly into a distant second after settling last in running, while Captivant (Capitalist) found the line with intent under the urges of star British jockey Tom Marquand. Leading filly Four Moves Ahead (Snitzel) had every chance in transit, but ultimately peaked on her run over the concluding stages and knocked up into fourth.
Pedigree notes
Anamoe is a Godolphin homebred out of G1 Australasian Oaks winner Anamato (Redoute’s Choice), who herself boasts a placing behind star gallopers Maldivian (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}) and Miss Finland (Redoute’s Choice) in the 2007 G1 Yalumba S.
Anamato is out of six-time winner and Listed Laelia S.-placed mare Voltage (Whiskey Road {USA}), making her a half-sister to 1996 G1 Oakleigh Plate winner, Drum (Marauding {NZ}) and the dam of seven-time Group 1 winner, Grand Armee (Hennessey {USA}).
His sire Street Boss (USA) was a dual American Group 1 winner and is also the sire of the G1 Winterbottom S. winner Elite Street.
G2 Schweppes Chairman’s Quality H., $300,000, 2600m
Race summary
OTI-owned entire Quick Thinker (So You Think {NZ}) has notched up his first victory in 12 months, fending off a hard finishing Rondinella (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}). Damian Lane opted to settle in midfield position after finding the rail from barrier eight.
Despite a slow tempo and an improving surface, the renowned mudlark relished the genuine staying test, kicking clear under hard riding at the 300 metre mark.
The Richard and Michael Freedman-trained Paths Of Glory (Ire) (Matstercraftsman {Ire}) put any doubts about his staying prowess to rest sticking on into third after working hard early to cross while the Chris Waller-trained Selino (GB) (Champs Elysees {GB}) closed off commendably into fourth ahead of his final tune-up leading into next Saturday’s G1 Sydney Cup.
Pedigree notes
Bred by Bowcock Bloodstock, Quick Thinker was a $180,000 2017 Magic Millions National Weanling Sale purchase by James Bester Bloodstock from the draft of Holbrook Thoroughbreds.
He is the fourth foal out of Listed winner Acouplamas (Al Maher), making him a half-brother to G3 Birthday Card S. winner Seasons (Sebring) and Group 3-placed gelding The August (I Am Invincible).
Acouplamas’ extended family is rich in staying prowess featuring G1 South Australian Oaks winner Larrocha (Danehill {USA}) and G2 Tulloch S.-winning colt Manton (Danehill {USA}). Quick Thinker’s sire So You Think (NZ) is currently ascending the stallion ranks, edging toward star sire status off the back of strong recent performances by his progeny.
G3 Widden Kindergarten S., $200,000, 1100m
Race summary
Godolphin galloper Paulele (Dawn Approach {Ire}) has bounced back from a lacklustre last-start showing, dominating his rivals en route to a commanding 2.5l victory
Damien Oliver forced the issue early aboard the James Cummings-trained juvenile, pressing forward from barrier five to settle outside the lead. From there he continued to stalk Vandoula Lass (Vancouver), prior to letting down with an explosive turn of foot entering the final furlong.
The Garry Frazer-trained Anagain (Hinchinbrook) measured up at her second career start, flashing home into second after spotting the lead more than 7l on straightening while Ashema (I Am Invincible) came on for third.
Pedigree notes
Bred and retained by Godolphin, Paulele is 10th foal out of capable race mare and $450,000 2004 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale purchase Chatoyant (Flying Spur), a half-sister to G3 Canonbury S. winner Tessera (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}) and G3 Thoroughbred Breeders’ S. winner Montesgur (New Approach {Ire})
Dual hemisphere Group 1 winner and sire Merchant Navy features in the pedigree, along with G1 Myer Classic winner Bonaria (Redoute’s Choice). Chatoyant’s most recent progeny is a filly by Exosphere born in 2020.
Paulele’s sire Dawn Approach (Ire) was an outstanding performer in his racing days, winning four prestigious European Group 1 races as a 2 and 3-year-old.
G3 Fujitsu General Carbine Club S., $200,000, 1600m
Race summary
Classy Star Thoroughbreds filly Kiku (Zoustar) has made it three on the trot, accounting for a field of high-class rivals in her first attempt at black-type level.
The Chris Waller-trained 3-year-old endured a testing run in transit, settling three-wide toward the rear of the field. Despite finding himself in a sticky situation, rider Tommy Berry never panicked, and Kiku quickly let down to reel in runner-up The Irishman (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) who was left exposed out in front.
Victorian raider Poland (NZ) (So You Think {NZ}) improved on his last-start effort, flashing home into third while High Supremacy (NZ) (Savabeel) was luckless in defeat, working home into an eye-catching fourth after being held up in the straight.
Pedigree notes
Kiku was a $300,000 2019 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase by Star Thoroughbreds from the draft of Amarina Farm.
She is the fourth foal out of unraced mare Atotori (Haradasun) making her a full sister to G1 Newmarket H. winner Zoutori (Zoustar). Atotori herself hails from the direct dam line of dual North American Group 1 runner-up Identity Politics (USA) (Into Mischief {USA}), along with Group 1-performed South African galloper Castlethorpe (Not A Single Doubt).
Atotori’s most recent progeny is a filly by G1 Caulfield Guineas winner and sire Divine Prophet, who was purchased at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale by Australian Bloodstock, Lees Racing and Tasman Bloodstock for $80,000.
Kiku’s sire Zoustar needs no introduction, the dual Group 1-winning 3-year-old currently stands at Widden Stud.
G3 TAB Adrian Knox S., $200,000, 2000m
Race summary
Trainer Edward Cummings has joined his Champion grandfather Bart and brother James on this race’s honour board after his progressive filly Duais (Shamus Award) accounted for a field of quality fillies.
Drawn in barrier two, the impressive last-start winner was gifted a lovely ride by Hugh Bowman, who never panicked, despite finding himself boxed in at the top of the straight. When into the clear, Duais lengthened stride impressively for a 0.5l victory.
Bargain (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) flashed home into second after being forced back and wide while the James Cummings-trained Flexible (Hallowed Crown) stuck on evenly into third after being gifted every chance in transit.
Star Point (Bull Point) stepped up to the plate, sticking on into fourth after coming through a last start BM64 victory.
Pedigree notes
Duais is the fifth foal out of $22,000 2009 Inglis Scone Yearling Sale purchase Meerlust (USA) (Johannesburg {USA}), making her a half-sister to G3 Sunshine Coast Guineas winner Baccarat Baby (Casino Prince).
Meerlust hails from an extended family of multiple American Group winners including G1 Laurel Futurity S. winner and sire L’Enjoleur (USA) and Group 2 winner and sire D’Accord.
G2 Silver Slipper S. winner French Braids (Flying Spur) also features in her third dam line.
Meerlust’s most recent progeny is an unraced sister to Duais named Amity Girl.
The mare has since been served by All Too Hard after missing to Holy Roman Emperor (Ire) in 2019.
Duais’ sire Shamus Award is continuing to build an imposing profile at stud. The G1 Cox Plate best representative to date is the dual Group 1 winner Mr Quickie.
G3 China Horse Club PJ Bell S., $200,000, 1200m
Race summary
Matchmaker (NZ) (Makfi {GB}) gifted top jockey James McDonald a treble on the day. The Chris Waller-trained galloper was forced to contend with barrier 17, but was the beneficiary of a McDonald pearler.
When asked to extend halfway down the straight, the lightly raced filly extended to burst clear from her rivals before holding out a fast-finishing Marboosha (Dream Ahead {USA}), who lost no admirers in defeat.
Godolphin galloper Gesit (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}) defied barrier 16 to work home to round out the minors, with the Kris Lees-trained Never Talk (No Nay Never {USA}) next best.
Pedigree notes
Bred by Inglewood Stud, Matchmaker is the fifth and best-performed progeny of seven-start maiden Love Somebody (Fastnet Rock), who is out of G2 Stan Fox S. and G3 Sweet Embrace S. winner Dynamic Love (Brave Warrior).
She also hails from the extended family of current Tony and Calvin McEvoy-trained Listed winner and Group 3-placed filly Over Exposure (Rothesay). Love Somebody’s most recent offspring is a colt born in 2020 by War Decree (USA). She hasn’t been served since.
Matchmaker’s sire Makfi (GB) was a star miler by Champion sire Dubawi (Ire) and was a dual Group 1 winner at a mile, claiming the G1 Deauville Prix Jacques Le Marois and G1 Newmarket The Two Thousand Guineas.
