Promising Southend targets Champagne Stakes hat-trick
With the opening two elements of a triple-objective blueprint already secured, up-and-coming colt Southend is set to tackle the Group 1 Champagne Stakes for a potential perfect finish.
After capturing the Paul Perry (1300m) on debut at Newcastle, Southend arrived at Rosehill on Saturday to annex the Group 3 Baillieu (1400m) and book his Championships ticket.
"That has always been the plan. To go to Newcastle, here today, then if he looks as though he's had enough we'll stop him, and if not he'll go to the Champagne in three weeks," co-trainer Gerald Ryan said.
"He's a very good horse, I think."
By ex-leading English speedster Palace Pier, who claimed five Group 1s, Southend hails from a So You Think three-quarter sister to Ryan's earlier talented runner Peltzer.
Still, it was not that bloodline tie that caught the eye of Ryan and training associate Sterling Alexiou at the yearling auction.
"That wasn't the reason I bought him," Ryan said.
"The week before the sales, Sterling had gone home for a few days and when he came back I said, 'I reckon I found one for you'. I took him down to Mill Park (Stud's barn), there were five horses there we looked at, and I never told him which one it was.
"This horse came out and Sterling, goes, 'he's a classic' and I said, 'I know. This is the one I want you to like'."
Dylan Gibbons was in the saddle as Southend ($7.50) hit the front halfway up the straight and drew away to defeat Persian Wonder ($2.90 fav) by 1-1/4 lengths, Nomadic ($81) just a nose adrift in third.
Gibbons indicated Southend prevailed on pure talent alone and promises more once he gains experience.
"The thing I loved most is that last furlong, he was just looking for some challengers. God help him when he learns what his job is," Gibbons said.
"I'm sure he will eat up and bounce out of the run, and we'll have a crack at the big one (Champagne Stakes). If he can take any natural improvement again, it's scary to see where he can get to."
Visit online bookmakers to find the best betting markets for the race featuring Southend.
More Racing News
Caulfield beckons for a resurgent Biancelli
Although the barrier draw is not ideal, trainer Michael Kent Jnr believes Biancelli possesses sufficient qualities to achieve a significantly better result at Caulfield this coming Saturday.The formerly promising filly is set to compete in the $130,000 Tobin Brothers Celebrating Lives F&M BM84 Handicap over 1100 metres, aiming to break...
Mountjoy Earns Shot at Stakes Glory in Adelaide
Any further achievements for Mountjoy this campaign will be considered a bonus, but the Ballarat-based filly is set to take her chance at a lucrative Stakes victory this Saturday in Adelaide.The two-year-old, prepared by Henry Dwyer, is slated to compete in the $120,000 David Peacock Oaklands Plate over 1400 metres...
Hayes eager for luck to turn for mare Madiyya
Ben Hayes has discovered that opportunities often don't come easily for Madiyya throughout her career.As a result, the narrow defeats she has experienced in her last two races have been particularly frustrating.The daughter of Super Seth has been narrowly beaten in her past two starts, each time finding herself unable...
Struggling Stayers Cup for Centenario
While a minor placing in midweek company might not seem like the most auspicious form reference for the Stayers Cup, Adrian Bott is optimistic that Centenario's inherent improvement and fitness will allow him to make the transition.The former New Zealand galloper finished third over 2400 metres on the Kensington track...
Tuileries readied for Tattersall's Tiara assault
Peter Snowden opted to modify Tuileries' preparation for the Tattersall's Tiara due to the recent rainfall in Brisbane, yet he remains assured it will not diminish her chances.The four-year-old filly was scheduled to contest the Dane Ripper Stakes (1400m) two weeks prior but was withdrawn due to the heavy track...
Hickman banking on Future History for Cup success
The primary winter objective for Future History has been the Tattersall's Cup, and if the gelding secures victory, a start in the Melbourne Cup will become a tangible goal.This eight-year-old, who competed in Australia's most celebrated race back in 2023, has been running with considerable spirit this season. He achieved...
Touristic poised for resurgence in the W J McKell Cup
Peter Snowden is confident that Touristic is in good health and expects the gelding to perform strongly at Rosehill, despite a disappointing performance last start.The ten-year-old will be competing in his tenth start of the preparation when he lines up for Saturday's W J McKell Cup (2000m), having begun his...
Miracle Spin in line for Caulfield hat-trick, says trainer Bobbin
Andrew Bobbin's judgment on Miracle Spin looks particularly sharp now, though he admits there were moments he felt far from clever.The Stawell trainer even contemplated if Miracle Spin would endure a second preparation with him following a barren three-start spring campaign, which concluded with a distant last in the Penshurst...
Dylan Gibbons' career still developing
For Dylan Gibbons, a steadfast commitment to consistency has been paramount this season, a philosophy he intends to carry forward.The pinnacle of any jockey's aspiration is to capture Group 1 races. Should he succeed in winning the final major event of the 2025-26 racing term aboard Infancy in the Tattersall's...
Bazaball Rewarded set for Caulfield return
Kelvin Southey is content with his decision to withhold Bazaball Rewarded from city racing until the current campaign, and he is pleased she is now being given the opportunity to demonstrate her class.The four-year-old mare's three starts this year have all taken place at Caulfield, resulting in victories either side...