NZB RTR Graduate Wins on Debut

One of last year's highest priced lots at New Zealand Bloodstock's Ready to Run Sale of Two-Year-Olds, Éclair Fantastic (Spectatorial x Miss Jessie Jay by Spectacularphantom) produced an impressive debut run to win the Urban Pacific Handicap at Cheltenham in South Australia on Saturday.

He eased away to win by three-and-a-half lengths under rider Matthew Neilson for trainer Phillip Stokes. Miss Jessie Jay is a Group 3 winner and half-sister to the outstanding dual Group 1 winning racemare Gee I Jane (Jahafil). She is also a half-sister to the dam of the speedy son of Gold Mine in San Bernadino.

Éclair Fantastic was knocked down at NZ$310,000 to the bid of Peter Moody as agent for Mr Thomas Li. He was part of Mark and Shelley Treweek's Lyndhurst Farm draft with their Cambridge-based operation also providing the Sale's new highest priced lot. Now named St Culpe (Rock of Gibraltar x Run and Hide by Ogygian) the NZ$500,000 purchase is trained by Paul and Mike Moroney. To date he has three starts under his belt and took top honours in the Listed Great Northern Foal Stakes (1400m) in May.

Later in the day at Cheltenham, Karaka graduate Efficient's little brother Guillotine (Montjeu x Refused the Dance by Defensive Play) also won. The David Hayes-trained entire was having his first start back after a last start fifth in the Group 1 AJC Derby behind fellow Kiwi-bred Nom Du Jeu (Montjeu x Prized Gem by Prized). Les Samba purchased him from Curraghmore Stud's draft at the 2006 Karaka Premier Sale for NZ$300,000.

New Zealand Bloodstock's Ready to Run Sale is set for 18 & 19 November at Karaka while the Breeze Ups will be held at Te Rapa Racecourse in Hamilton on 20 & 21 October.

ENDS

© Scoop Media