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36.
Inglis
Graduates Claim Group 1 Glory
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16/10/2002 |
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The
MRC Caulfield Guineas Gr 1 is one of the great turf classics for three year olds
and we were thrilled to see Inglis Graduates fill the trifecta in race record
time, led by the Leon Corstens trained HELENUS (2001 Easter $80,000) who proved
too strong for a desperately unlucky BEL ESPRIT (2001 Classic $9,000), with
Sydney colt CHOISIR (2001 Classic $55,000) fighting on bravely for third.
It's just three weeks since we tagged Helenus as the "best maiden in the
land" and now he's a Group One winner ….that's a meteoric rise in
anyone's books!
The son of Arc de Triomphe winner Helissio (FR) has been a revelation this
spring, soaring to meet each challenge with all the dash and panache of a class
performer. A sleek, well made bay colt, he runs with the determination of a
hound on the hunt, neck extended, head thrust out as he charges towards the
line.
Bred and offered for sale by Widden Stud, Helenus is one of only two foals from
the ill-fated mare Worldwide Elsie (USA), who traces directly to Epsom Oaks
winner Carozza, the dam of renowned staying influence Battle Waggon (GB).
Whether it’s the prominent black fleece nose roll or the blood of classic
European stayers coursing through his veins, Helenus certainly gives the
appearance of a genuine stayer. To date he's had just six starts for prizemoney
of $829,000 with the Victoria Derby still to come.
Shooting to Win
Five year old stallion SHOT OF THUNDER (1999 Easter $255,000) provided Randwick
trainer John O'Shea with his finest moment in racing after scoring a narrow win
in the MRC Toorak Handicap Gr 1.
"I thought we'd been beaten for sure. Given the run we've had, I was amazed
when his number came up," said a relieved O'Shea after the race.
Breaking the ice at Group One level is an enormous hurdle for a young trainer
and with a solid team of young horses ready to work through the grades, the
O'Shea stable is poised to move onwards and upwards from this milestone.
Shot of Thunder has an impressive pedigree, being from the first crop of
Kentucky Derby winner Thunder Gulch (USA) from My Brilliant Star, winner of the
AJC Oaks Gr 1. He was offered for sale by Monarch Stud as agent for Victorian
breeder Barry Taylor and fetched $255,000 at the 1999 Australian Easter Yearling
Sale to the bid of Perth trainer David Edwards. He won several stakes events for
the Edwards stable and finished third in the MRC Toorak Handicap Gr 1 last year
on an unsuitable wet track, but has hit top form since being purchased privately
by his current owners and coming under the care of John O'Shea.
Shot of Thunder now boasts the record of seven wins and nine minor placings from
just 35 starts with prizemoney of $555,950
Inglis Girls Target 1000 Guineas
The cream of three year old fillies will do battle at Caulfield this Wednesday
in the MRC Vinery Stud 1000 Guineas Gr 1, featuring nine Inglis Graduates who
make up half the field.
Sydney star VICTORY VEIN (2001Sires' Produce PI$32,500) will have her work cut
out from barrier 18, but she's a champion and as such must be treated with the
utmost respect.
ROYAL PURLER (2001 Classic $8,000) conquered her own personal Mount Everest at
her most recent outing, by knocking over Victory Vein to win the AJC Flight
Stakes Gr 1. Not to be underestimated under any circumstance!
RARE INSIGHT (2001 Easter $50,000) has hit top form at the right time, beating
the colts (including Choisir) to win the AJC Stan Fox Stakes Gr 2. Drawn badly,
but very smart.
CHUCKLE (2000 Australian Select Weanling PI$130,000) is overdue to win a stakes
race after chasing the likes of Victory Vein and Lovely Jubly. On pedigree may
be some risk to run a strong mile, but with the Waterhouse polish is sure to
give it her best shot.
LASHED (2001 Premier $50,000) will get a long way back, but is blessed with a
big finishing burst that is sure to carry her into contention.
LA BELLA DAME (2001 Classic $30,000) is yet to run a bad race in her short
career and a cosy barrier, plus her liking for the Caulfield circuit, will see
her right in this.
FUJI DANCER (2001 Premier $40,000) stormed home to miss by an eyelash in the VRC
Edward Manifold Stakes Gr 2 and if she repeats that effort will be hard to beat.
MILANOVA (2001 Easter $700,000), the blue blood of the field and not beaten far
last start on a dampish track which she doesn't really care for. Each way chance
from nice gate.
MACEDON LADY (2001 Classic $22,000) ran a terrific race last start, but is more
of a staying type who will be better suited over a longer journey. Stablemate of
star colt Bel Esprit and can’t be ignored.
Inglis Updates – compiled by Tara Madgwick for William Inglis & Son Ltd
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