Phoenix Thoroughbreds looks to have a promising stayer in the making with the War Front entire Cadre Du Noir (USA) who opened his winning account in Australia in emphatic fashion over 2400m at Sandown-Hillside on Wednesday.
Ridden by Ben Melham for trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, Cadre Du Noir (USA) led at every call to defeat Austria (Redwood) by five lengths with Monmouth (Pendragon) a further one and half lengths back in third.
A $1.1 million purchase by Kerri Radcliffe Bloodstock at the 2017 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, Cadre Du Noir (USA) made five starts in England for trainer Martin Meade winning over a mile at Newmarket and placing at Goodwood, Kempton Park and Nottingham.
He made his first Australian start over 1528m at Moonee Valley on July 12 before a second over 2000m t Flemington three weeks later.
“We were hoping he would be hard to beat today but I don't think you ever expect them to win like that. He was incredible," stable representative Lucy Yeamons told Racing.com.
“I was very surprised to see him over-racing because he is normally a very casual horse and I told ben before the race how he is casual and make sure you get him fires up behind the gates. He proved me wrong he was real up and about today.
“The plan is to go to Bendigo for a nice 2200m race there, but I just phoned the boss and I said ‘Caulfield Cup?’ and he said calm down calm down.
“The team loves him, he is a stallion and can be a handful and thanks to Phoenix Thoroughbreds, it great to get a win in those colours after the rough week we’ve had with them. He won’t be the next Loving Gaby but he will fill the shoes for now. “
Cadre Du Noir (USA) is a half-brother to the Grade II Royal Heroine stakes winner Parranda who has placed three times at the highest level.
