On Wednesday we had 3 winners and 2 placings from our 6 runners. Our day started at Bendigo on Cup day with Serenade the Stars’ impressive Australian debut for the Gelagotis stable.
In race 3 over 1600m, Serenade the Stars was off the bit on the turn as the pack started to sprint away from him – fortunately, this boy was bred to stay and grinded through his gears down the straight to snag the lead at the post. Mark Zahra took the ride and said ‘I had nearly given up on ours, we’d come off the bit but being a natural stayer, he was strong’. Serenade the Stars has shown the Gelagotis boys at Moe some promise in his track work and trials in the lead up to this race. He came to AUS with a few racing ‘quirks’ and with the addition of a 1 eyed blinker, he managed to get the job done at Bendigo. The horse will relish getting up to and over 2000m, he will now progress through the grades and distances. This is a really pleasing start for the young imported stayer and a fantastic result for the Gelagotis brothers.
Romancer returned to the track for Donna Logan at Avondale in New Zealand. This handsome son of Redwood has been out since February with some minor issues and has returned in great style. Over 1200m, the gelding jumped well and settled mid-field, he started making ground at the turn and had to chase down the leader to run through the line strongly, for the win. This is his first victory since his Listed win in December 2016 and we are so pleased to see him back in peak condition.
We then return to Bendigo where our Stakes-placed 3YO filly – So Far Sokool showed her previous form from NZ. Over 1400m, ridden by Ben Allen – the little filly jumped well from the barriers and settled nicely with the new addition of winkers. She sprinted home down the middle of the straight for 2nd. Archie is thrilled to have finally ‘worked her out’ and what makes her tick. We look forward to her now gaining a victory in AUS and based on yesterday’s run, this won’t be too far away.
After slightly missing the start, Night’s Watch dropped back in the field of race 9 on the Bendigo card over 1400m. Johnny Allen placed him well and got a nice cart into the race and peeled out in the straight. The wayward kiwi charged home for the win. This son of Redwood is notoriously green in the straight but thankfully, his natural ability gets him over the line. John Allen called him a ‘work in progress’ and noted he appreciated being back on a bigger galloping track.
The talented Night’s Watch and Romancer are both by New Zealand sire – Redwood, we currently have another son of Redwood available who is in training with Donna Logan, Romancer‘s trainer. Click here to learn more.
Overseas, Artarmon put in a solid run in his second race start at Nottingham over 1600m. This 3YO colt by So You Think looked very promising when finishing 3rd. He won’t be far off breaking his maiden status and will relish getting over further ground. He’s one to keep your eye on!
Congratulations to all connections for a very successful mid-week race day. Let’s hope our good run continues into the weekend and beyond!