Dominant Ken Russell Memorial Classic win for $2.7m colt St Gotthard
St Gotthard validated his hefty $2.7 million tag by delivering a spectacular performance to claim the Group 3 $200,000 Ken Russell Memorial Classic (1200m) at Gold Coast on Saturday.
Under trainer Chris Waller, the youngster was on his second race appearance and extended his flawless slate by drawing away from competitors.
James McDonald, the elite rider aboard for both runs, ranks as the top enthusiast for the promising colt already.
"He cost a lot of money but he has a beautiful temperament, killer looks and incredible acceleration – he's a beauty, he's all class,'' McDonald said.
As the $2.40 market elect, St Gotthard settled back, shifted wide around the bend and exploded late to prevail by a growing four lengths margin ahead of Silken Salute ($8.50), with Boomelli ($8.50) one length back in third.
A finely bred juvenile son of Snitzel from import Ms Bad Behaviour, out of Arrowfield Stud, St Gotthard is a full-brother to elite Group 1 winner Switzerland, acquired by Coolmore-led syndicate for $2.7 million at Inglis Easter Yearling Sale last year.
Having also schooled Group 1 hero Switzerland, Waller showed restraint with St Gotthard, bypassing a tilt at the Golden Slipper in the autumn series.
St Gotthard instead enjoyed a subdued debut triumph at Warwick Farm and stepped up markedly at the Gold Coast circuit.
Waller stayed away from the Gold Coast track, but rep Darren Beadman hailed the grand St Gotthard as a "classic looking colt".
"He could have easily lined up in some of the bigger races over the autumn carnival but Chris, being the trainer he is, treats them all as individuals and gave this colt time and it is getting dividends now,'' Beadman said.
"It was just nice to see him add another dimension to his race pattern today. They went quite quick up front but he sat back 'curling the mo' behind them then let loose in the straight.''
The colt's standout effort tightened his quote from $8 to $3.50 co-favourite with The Next Episode ahead of the Group 2 $1 million BRC Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m) over 1400m at Eagle Farm on May 30.
Visit top online bookmakers to check betting markets for the race like the BRC Sires' Produce Stakes.
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...