Yarradale Stud claimed its second running double in as many weeks when Last Stylebender (Harry Angel) and Official Business (Gingerbread Man) saluted as short-priced favourites at Northam on Wednesday.
Streak Of God (Playing God) and Bosun (Gingerbread Man) had also combined to go back-to-back at Belmont a fortnight ago and Bosun has opened a $2.20 favourite for the $100,000 Westspeed Platinum Spring Final (1600m) this Saturday.
That will lead into a significant signpost to the future for Yarradale on Saturday week (October 3) when the G3 Breeders’ Plate (1000m) sends the Sydney Spring Carnival into overdrive at Randwick.
It marks the raceday fruition of a proactive decision by Yarradale to join a Newgate Farm colts syndicate that purchased an I Am Invincible colt for $675,000 at the Gold Coast Magic Millions Yearling Sale in January.
Yarradale owner Lyn Sayers joined Newgate principal Henry Field, China Horse Club and a syndicate of industry heavyweights to buy the colt who is now named Fiji and who flagged his potential while cruising home in a Randwick barrier trial on Monday.
Fiji pictured prior to the Gold Coast Magic Millions Yearling Sale
He wasn’t best away but travelled into contention before letting down to score by over a length untouched under James McDonald. He was one of the more impressive among the nine trial winners of the morning and will strip ready to notch a fourth G3 Breeders’ Plate for trainer Chris Waller.
View the Fiji barrier trial here
He’s bred to go early as a son of Champion sire I Am Invincible and his dam Modern Wonder (Snitzel) won a LR Dequettville Stakes (1050m) on debut at Morphettville. Her younger full-sister Away Game won a RL Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) on the Gold Coast and was runner-up to Farnan in that year’s G1 Golden Slipper Stakes (1200m).
Yarradale stud manager Davy Hanratty recalls spending time in the Hunter Valley getting a feel for the Newgate venture. “Lyn and I developed a positive working relationship with Henry and we couldn’t be happier with how it’s working out.
“Being involved in the Newgate colts syndicate is exciting and it’s a no-brainer ensuring Yarradale remains a force in the industry. Newgate is an exceptional stud and that’s down to Henry.”
Yarradale was also instrumental in getting apprentice Gemma Taylor off to a flying start aboard Last Stylebender at Northam on Wednesday. She was having her first race-ride aboard the Yarradale-bred graduate who went out a $2.50 favourite for leading trainer Mitch Pateman.
Last Stylebender missed the kick and Taylor had to play a waiting game before a rails run appeared in the straight. “All’s well that ends well and I’m proud of Gemma,” Pateman said. “I thought he might jump and lead but she remained composed and it probably helped he had a bit on them.”
Yarradale stands Gingerbread Man (Shamardal) and Shooting To Win (Northern Meteor) and they’re both priced at $5,500 (inc GST) this season. For all enquiries contact Davy Hanratty on 0429 336 904.
