G1 TAB Stradbroke H., $1,500,000, 1400m
Race summary
Connections were rewarded after opting to withdraw Tofane (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) from the recent Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale here, as the Mike Moroney-trained mare was able to fend off high-class challenger Vega One (Lope De Vega {Ire}) and become a dual Group 1 winner.
Ridden by star hoop Craig Williams, the 5-year-old looked to be labouring as the field turned for home. However, her determination shone through and ultimately saw her go head to head with the aforementioned Vega One down the vast majority of the straight. She would prevail by a mere 0.2l.
Rank outsider Signore Fox (Exceed And Excel) proved his last start G1 Kingsford-Smith Cup-placing was no one off and worked home hard late to land third ahead of Mr Quickie (Shamus Award), who ran out of his skin with the top weight of 56.5kgs.
Pedigree notes
Tofane was withdrawn from the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Select Yearling Sale and now races in the colours of prominent owner Rupert Legh.
She is the second of six foals out of 1600 metre winner Baggy Green (Galileo {Ire}), who herself is a half-sister to G1 Flight S. winner Funstar (Adelaide {Ire}) and G1 Queensland Oaks winner Youngstar (High Chaparral {Ire}).
Her extended family is also littered with black-type performers, including five-time European Group 1 winner User Friendly (GB) (Slip Anchor {GB}) who reigned supreme in the time-honoured G1 The Oaks and G1 Irish Oaks.
Baggy Green’s most recent progeny to go through the ring is an unraced 2-year-old colt called Benaud (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}). He was knocked down at the 2020 New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale to John O’Shea Racing and Laurel Oak Bloodstock for NZ$280,000. She currently has a weanling filly, who is full sibling to Tofane, on the ground.
Tofane’s sire Ocean Park (NZ) is continuing to cement his status as a producer of top-class racehorses. He is responsible for nine individual stakes winners this season, three of those have prevailed at Group 1 level, including G1 All Aged S. winner Kolding (NZ). He is also the sire of Star Of The Seas (NZ) who himself finished second in two Australian Group 1s this season alone.
Ocean Park will stand this breeding season at Waikato Stud for a service fee of NZ$30,000 + GST.
G1 Treasury Brisbane JJ Atkins S., $1,000,000, 1600m
Race summary
Converge (Frankel {GB}) claimed the final 2-year-old Group 1 of the season in devastating fashion.
The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained gelding secured an economical midfield run in transit under leading stable hoop Tim Clark.
Clark ensured that luck remained out the equation this time around and worked into clear air before trucking up into the straight under light riding. From there, Converge extended and let down with an explosive turn of foot to salute by a commanding 3.3l margain.
The Chris Waller-trained Giannis (Flying Artie) was most impressive in second after enduring three wide run, while last start BRC Sires’ Produce S. winner Tiger Of Malay (Extreme Choice) was no match for Converge over the extra 200 metres and could only manage third this time around.
Local hope Invinsible Tears (Maurice {Jpn}) rounded out the first four with a huge run down the far outside.
Pedigree notes
Bred and raced by the Adrian Bott-managed Evergreen Rich, Converge is the first of three foals out of Irish-placed mare Conversely (Ire) (Shamardal {USA}), who herself is out of G3 Keeneland Appalachian S. winner and dual Group 1-placed American galloper Melhor Ainda (USA) (Pulpit {USA}).
Her second damline and beyond features a multitude of Japanese and American Group and Listed winners. Conversely’s most recent progeny to pass through the ring is a colt by Churchill (Ire) who was purchased at the 2020 Inglis Sydney Weanling Sale for $28,000 by Raphe Bloodstock.
She has since been served by 2016 G1 Caulfield Guineas winner and Aquis stallion Divine Prophet after throwing a colt by Invader in 2020.
Converge’s sire Frankel (GB) needs no introduction, the undefeated European superstar of the last decade is continuing to build an imposing stud profile and more recently has been making his presence felt in Australia.
He secured his first Australian suffixed Group 1 winner when the Chris Waller-trained Hungry Heart claimed the G1 Vinery Stud S. at Rosehill earlier this year.
G2 Sky Racing Q22, $1,200,000, 2200m
Race summary
Zaaki (GB) (Leroidesanimaux {Brz}) exerted his dominance once again en route to winning his third consecutive Queensland winter carnival Group contest.
The Annabel Neasham-trained import scored a dream run in transit, landing one off one back after being pushed along by rider James McDonald in the early stages.
McDonald continued to force the issue and landed in the box seat before cruising into the straight. From there Zaaki towed McDonald up to the 300 metre mark before letting down and holding a substantial margin over eventual runner-up Homesman (USA) (War Front {USA}).
Paths Of Glory (GB) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) savaged the line late to claim third after being forced to present the widest of all runners, while the John Sargent-trained Brandenburg (NZ) (Burgundy {NZ}) stuck on for fourth in his first attempt beyond 2000 metres.
Pedigree notes
Zaaki is the fifth foal out of dual French winner Kesara (GB) (Sadlers Wells {USA}), who herself is a half-sister to Listed winner Persona Grata (GB) (Sir Percy {GB}). She hails from the extended family of dual Italian Group 1 winner Altieri (GB) (Selkirk {USA}). She currently has a weanling by Bobby’s Kitten (USA) on the ground.
Zaaki’s sire Leroidesanimaux (Brz) is responsible for this year's Listed Warrnambool Cup winner Le Don De Vie (GB). He is also the sire of G1 Kentucky Derby and G1 Dubai World Cup winner Animal Kingdom (USA).
G2 Lexus Brisbane Cup, $400,000, 3200m
Race summary
Knights Order (Ire) (So You Think {NZ}) proved the superior stayer here, bolting in under Tim Clark at his first attempt over two miles.
The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained 6-year-old was taken straight to the front by Clark and rated superbly.
Clark allowed the gelding to bowl along at a genuine tempo and ultimately broke his rivals' hearts who were left flat footed on straightening.
From there the pair skipped away to a commanding triumph and defeat never looked likely. The Peter and Paul Snowden-trained Carif (So You Think {NZ}) grinded away into a distant second, while Sweet Thomas (Ger) (Dylan Thomas {Ire}) and Rondinella (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) worked home evenly to round out the first four past the post.
Pedigree notes
A $250,000 gns (AU$498,750) 2018 Tattersalls Autumn Horses-in-Training purchase by McKeever Bloodstock and Gai Waterhouse Racing, Knights Order is the final foal out of British mile winner Lamanka Lass (USA) (Woodman {USA}), who herself is a half-sister to dual European Group 1 winner Far Lane (USA) (Lear Fan {USA}).
Knights Order is a half-brother to G2 Santa Anita Oak Tree Derby winner Dark Islander (Ire) (Singspiel {Ire}) and hails from the extended family of G2 Epsom Diomed S. winner Arod (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}).
Knights Order's sire So You Think (NZ) is building an imposing record at stud of late and has sired 12 individual stakes winners and two individual Group 1 winners in Australia this season alone.
G2 Magic Millions Dane Ripper S., $200,000, 1300m
Race summary
The once enigmatic Brooklyn Hustle (Starspangledbanner) has now strung two Group successes together after surging down the outside under the red hot Craig Williams.
The Jason Warren and Dean Krongold-trained mare was taken back to last in running after stepping away slowly into stride from barrier 13.
Williams maintained his composure and presented towards the outside rail which was the superior going later in the program. He then got to work aboard Brooklyn Hustle and she responded with her explosive turn of foot to wear down her rivals and score late.
Runner-up Odeum (Written Tycoon) was most impressive on resumption. The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained 3-year-old was forced to cover more ground after being posted three-wide. However, she wasn't deterred and battled home bravely to hold out Madam Rogue (Zoustar), who herself produced a fantastic run after settling back and wide.
Fourth placegetter Jen Rules (Redoute’s Choice) was forced back to the inferior inside lanes after being faced with a wall of horses at a vital stage in the straight.
Pedigree notes
Bred by and retained by Rosemont Stud, Brooklyn Hustle is out of American Listed winner Joint Aspiration (GB) (Pivotal {GB}), making her a half-sibling to Listed winner Sopran Ival (Ire) (Ivawood {Ire}).
She is also from the extended family of multiple European Group and Listed winners, including G1 Haydock Sprint Cup winner Red Clubs (GB) (Red Ransom {USA}).
Brooklyn Hustle is her sire Starspangledbanner’s second individual stakes winner this season and fifth individual Group 2 winner in total. He will stand this upcoming breeding season at Rosemont Stud for a service fee of $16,500 (inc GST).
G3 James Squire Gunsynd Classic, $200,000, 1600m
Race summary
Boom gelding Ayrton (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}) proved a class above here. The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained gelding found himself parked behind the speed with cover under James McDonald.
McDonald maintained composure aboard the well-fancied prospect and produced his mount in a three wide position on straightening and from there Ayrton responded and let down accordingly.
The Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou-trained Ellsberg (Spill The Beans) offered the most resistance to Ayrton’s rally and knocked away along the inside rail to score second from rank outsider Mob Buster (Spill The Beans) and the Tony Gollan-trained Glitter Strip (Street Boss {USA}).
Pedigree notes
Ayrton was passed in at the 2019 New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Book 2 Yearling Sale after failing to meet a reserve of NZ$40,000 set by vendor Leanach Lodge. He is the third and second-last foal out of the unraced Odessa (NZ) (Falkirk {NZ}), who herself is a half-sister to New Zealand Group 3 winner and G1 New Zealand Oaks fourth placegetter Sabbatical (NZ) (Bakharoff {USA}).
She also hails from the second damline of G3 Debutante S. winner Secunda (Acidity).
Ayrton is the second stakes winner on Australian soil this season for his sire Iffraaj (GB). He is responsible for seven individual Group 1 winners along with Coolmore Stud shuttle stallion Wootton Bassett (GB) who himself will stand the upcoming breeding season in Australia for a service fee of $77,000 (inc GST).
Iffraaj retired from Southern Hemsiphere duties for Haunui Stud with his son Ribchester (Ire) replacing his sire last season, he returns for 2021 at a fee of NZ$15,000 + GST.
Listed Jim Beam Black Hinkler H., $150,000, 1200m
Race summary
Superium (Verrazano {USA}) descended from the clouds to run over the top of his rivals and score by 1l here.
The Team Hawkes-trained gelding was forced to settle last in the run after jumping from the far outside, barrier nine, and while the race wasn’t run at breakneck speed the 4-year-old still managed to flash home the hardest.
The John O’Shea-trained Southern Lad (Ocean Park {NZ}) was solid in second after enduring a three wide run in transit, while the resuming Away Game (Snitzel) held onto third after stringing the field out under Kerrin McEvoy.
Former Godolphin galloper Hilo (Lonhro) was superb in his first start for trainer Gillian Heinrich. The 4-year-old loomed up to contest the finish with Superium but ultimately peaked on his run to finish 1.6l further back in fourth.
Pedigree notes
Bred by Superhorse Trust, Superium was passed in for $46,000 at the 2018 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale after failing to meet a reserve of $60,000.
He is the most successful progeny of one start maiden Rosie's Halo (Al Maher), who herself is out of G3 Blue Diamond Prelude winner Brief Embrace (Irgun {USA}). She hails from a third damline of proven black-type performers, including G2 TAB S. winner and G1 TJ Smith S. runner-up Osborne Bulls (Street Cry {Ire}) along with G2 Roman Consul S. winner and G1 The Galaxy H. third placegetter Viridine (Poet’s Voice {GB}).
Rosie’s Halo’s most recent progeny to go under the hammer is a filly by Rubick who was knocked down to Star Thoroughbreds and Randwick Bloodstock Agency (FBAA) for $125,000 at this year’s Inglis Classic Yearling Sale. She is currently in foal to Rubick.
Superium is the second individual Australian stakes winner for his sire Verrazano (USA) who stood at Coolmore Stud before being sold in 2019 to stand in Brazil.
Listed RadioTAB The Wayne Wilson H., $150,000, 1600m
Race summary
Godolphin galloper Ranier (Lonhro) dug deep over the concluding stages to nose out his enigmatic stablemate Kementari (Lonhro).
The pair settled first and second right throughout the run, with Kementari parked to Ranier’s outside in the box seat. On straightening the former presented as the likely winner but couldn’t wear down the latter despite rider Kerrin McEvoy’s best efforts.
Group 1-winning gelding Kings Will Dream (Ire) (Casamento {Ire}) loomed up to secure victory in his final career start but ultimately peaked on his run and knocked up into third to hold out the Chris Waller-trained So You Win (NZ) (So You Think {NZ}) by 0.5l.
Pedigree notes
A Darley hombred, Ranier is the second foal out of G3 Glenlogan Park S. winner Kanzan (Commands), who herself won five career starts in her 2-year-old season up to 1350 metres.
Kanzan herself is by Commands, the sire of recent Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale purchases Melody Belle (NZ) and Bella Vella.
She hails from the second damline of G1 Randwick Guineas winner Inference (So You Think {NZ}), who himself was placed at Group 1 level on a further three occasions.
Kanzan currently has two unraced colts born in 2018 and 2019 respectively by Lonhro on the ground and hasn’t been served since.
Ranier is the fifth individual stakes winner this season for his sire, who is currently positioned 37th overall on the leading sires' prizemoney table. He has sired 61 individual winners and has amassed a total of 91 wins overall this season. Lonhro will stand the upcoming breeding season at Darley Kelvinside for a service fee of $66,000 (inc GST).
Listed Nova 106.9 Oxlade S., $150,000, 1200m
Race summary
Uncommon James (Cable Bay {Ire}) narrowly denied the Kacy Fogden-trained Maotai (Not A Single Doubt) in a thrilling opening race on G1 Stradbroke H. day.
The lightly raced juvenile was given a perfect ride by talented young hoop Ben Thompson, who opted to settle one out one back after breaking evenly into stride.
Thompson allowed Maotai to string the field out at a solid gallop before getting to work aboard his mount at the top of the straight.
From there he continued to peel back the margin and ultimately headed Maotai over the concluding 50 metres.
The Peter and Paul Snowden-trained King High (Not A Single Doubt) worked home strongly to fill the minors after settling back in the field, while Berdini’s Girl (Odyssey Moon) found the line with intent to finish right alongside King High in fourth.
Pedigree notes
Bred and retained by Lavin Park Racing & Breeding, Uncommon James is the third foal and first to race out of five-time winner and Listed-placed Pickabee (Jet Spur).
Pickabee herself is a full sibling to Listed winner Emmalene and a half-sister to the Listed-placed Churning (Lonhro). She also hails from the extended family of G2 BRC Victory S. winner and G1 Stradbroke H. third placegetter Niccanova (Nicconi).
She currently has a weanling filly on the ground while in foal to Coolmore Stud stallion Yes Yes Yes.
Uncommon James is the first Australian stakes winner for his sire Cable Bay (Ire), who himself has sired another three stakes winners this season in the Northern Hemisphere, headlined by G2 Temple S. winner Liberty Beach (GB).
