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
Berry eyes continued success at Newcastle's The Hunter feature
Star jockey Tommy Berry has enjoyed considerable success during the spring racing carnival, including a sensational four-timer at Rosehill last Saturday, yet he still harbours ambitions for further achievements.His impressive list of wins includes the $1 million Silver Eagle (1300m) on Apocalyptic, the $1 million Five Diamonds Prelude (1500m) aboard...
Small Fry to have final start for O'Brien in Zipping Classic
Trainer Joseph O'Brien, despite a challenging period with his major Spring Carnival runners, is preparing for one last contender at Sandown next Saturday.The final participant from O'Brien's Melbourne spring campaign will be Small Fry, competing in the $750,000 Zipping Classic. This Group 2 contest over 2400 metres signifies Small Fry's...
Birdman claims Champions Stakes over Cosmic Crusader
Birdman has asserted his championship credentials by reversing the Cox Plate placings with his frequent spring adversary, Cosmic Crusader, at Flemington on Saturday.The $3 million Champions Stakes saw the Chris Waller-trained Birdman cross the line ahead of Cosmic Crusader, who had previously won the Cox Plate, in the 2000-metre Group...
Lazzura powers to victory in the Group 2 Hot Danish Stakes
Lazzura concluded a stellar spring preparation at Rosehill Gardens this afternoon, securing the Group 2 $500,000 Hot Danish Stakes over 1400 metres with a determined effort.The Chris Waller stable, represented by Darren Beadman due to Waller's presence at Flemington, acknowledged the mare's tough win. "It wasn't a gimme," Beadman stated.Sent...
Point Barrow causes upset in Champions Sprint
A four-year-old mare with a blistering turn of foot emerged victorious in Saturday's Champions Sprint at Flemington, proving to be the surprise package of the race.Point Barrow secured a significant Group 1 victory in the $3 million 1200-metre contest, which featured Tempted, a mare who had only three weeks prior...
Autumn Glow's Flemington triumph showcases champion qualities
While the victory in the Champions Mile at Flemington was perhaps harder fought than her prohibitive odds indicated, Autumn Glow firmly established her regal class.Facing her for the first time away from Sydney and at this renowned track, any potential disruption caused by the change of scenery was definitively put...
Golden Gift victory for Act Up after thrilling Rosehill contest
Act Up has delivered a notable two-state juvenile double for Lindsay Park, ultimately prevailing over fellow Victorian-trained colt Silent Intent in the prestigious $1 million Golden Gift at Rosehill.This significant win not only secures Act Up a coveted spot in the upcoming Golden Slipper field thanks to its substantial prizemoney...
Savvy Spy's winning form continues with Ranvet Handicap victory
The promising gelding Savvy Spy demonstrated a remarkable surge of closing speed to pull away from his competitors in the Ranvet Handicap, a 2400-metre contest.However, just as jockey Tim Clark was guiding the emerging four-year-old back towards the mounting yard, the horse suddenly executed a sideways movement that caught the...
Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner Pinhole eyes Melbourne Cup after strong showing
Pinhole, who narrowly missed a start in the Melbourne Cup by a single position, has now put himself in contention for the prestigious race after a commanding performance in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, marking him as a stayer with significant future potential in Australian racing.The gelding was 25th in the...
Sabaj set for another Carnival challenge at Flemington
Sabaj is set for a vastly different race when he contests his second start of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained runner impressed earlier in the week with a Listed race victory over 1800 metres at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day.On Saturday, Sabaj returns to the...