WINTER WARMING!
As the Brisbane Winter Carnival really starts to heat up, the Glenlogan Park stallions have seemingly also been timing their run, with some exceptionally promising performances from their offspring over the last few weeks indicating a prosperous carnival looks very likely.
Saturday at Eagle Farm, Show A Heart reminded everyone why he has been crowned Qld’s Champion Sire for the last 4 consecutive seasons when his very talented 2YO Vo Heart took out the G2 Champagne Classic in terrific fashion.
Another Group winner for Show A Heart – Vo Heart taking out the G2 Champagne Stakes for juveniles Saturday!
Photo Courtesy – Trackside Photography
Trained on the Sunshine Coast by Darryl Hansen, Vo Heart had been a winner and runner-up from his two previous runs this campaign and his conditioner was positively glowing in his post-race comments.
“He is the best horse I have ever laid a hand on”, Hansen declared not long after the finish. “I said that before the race and I am happy to repeat it now – this fellow has a massive future and he is continuing to develop all the time.
“Right from the time we first put a bridle on him he has shown his class but he has just not been there mentally until now.
“In saying that, I am also confident that anything he does as a juvenile will only be a prelude to what he delivers as an older horse as I think he is going to be something very special this time next year.”
Vo Heart, who was a $65,000 purchase from the Magic Millions draft of Glenlogan Park, will now head towards the $250,000 G2 BRC Sires Produce Stakes (1350m) at Doomben on May 25, before a possible crack at the $500,000 G1 J.J. Atkins over the mile at Eagle Farm a fortnight later.
Other Glenlogan Park runners to really catch the eye at Eagle Farm yesterday included the Falvelon trio of Excellantes, I’m Cool and Gundy Son – who all put in outstanding efforts in the first race of the day. The two former of these finished 2nd and 3rd respectively, whilst Gundy Son produced arguably the run of the race when he was held up for much of the straight before flashing late and finishing right on the heels of the placegetters. This trio are expected to meet again in stakes company in two weeks’ time and, once again, will no doubt be knocking right on the door.
Falvelon also had another runner later in the day with a big, red, flashing light on him from a future viewpoint – with the Kelso Wood prepared Someday indicating he too can claim a black type victory this campaign after resuming with a super performance in the last. On a day when it was impossible to come from back in the field and figure in the finish, the son of Falvelon came from 3rd last on the turn to finish 2nd and to run the winner to within a head. He looks set for an enormous preparation and is a highly promising galloper.
Jet Spur also weighed in with some “black bookers” from yesterday’s Brisbane card. Early in the day (Race 3) Purfectress produced a barnstorming finish to end up just behind the first three across the line whilst the 3YO gelding Heza Jetsetter did everything his trainer Rob Heathcote was hoping for as he aims to peak him on Guineas Day in a few weeks’ time.
Not to be outdone, Australia’s Leading First Season Sire and 2nd on Australia’s Champion 2YO Sires table to Exceed And Excel, Real Saga, produced yet another winner last night when first-starter Real Favulous held off all comers at Toowoomba to take his tally of victors to 8. Real Favulous had been fitted up for his debut with two impressive winning trial performances and didn’t let his supporters down. The Donald Baker trainer youngster gained some valuable prizemoney and will now head to the city for his next assignment.
Bradbury’s Luck also looks set to make a real impact over the coming months, with his stakes winning mare Fire Up Fifi registering a terrific performance in last week’s Silk Stocking at the Gold Coast. Her trainer, Rob Heatchote, is thrilled with her progress and looks to have her ready to challenge as her main goals draw nearer.