Godolphin did not show a great return on the $450,000 needed to secure the talented Exceed and Excel filly Maka Ena from the Swettenham Stud draft at the 2008 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.
In a 6-start career, Maka Ena won on debut at Moonee Valley and was third in the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes won by Exceed And Excel’s recently departed Reward For Effort.
The first three foals of Maka Ena all died after birth. She had winners by Lonhro and Sepoy, but after she foaled a Street Boss (USA) colt, Maka Ena was put in foal to Frosted (USA) and was consigned to the 2019 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale.
De Burgh Equine purchased her for $90,000. She resides in the paddocks of Coolmore Stud, who consigned the Frosted (USA) filly to the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, where Ciaron Maher signed the ticket for $240,000.
Godolphin retained the Street Boss (USA) colt named Guardian Spirit.
Sent to Anthony and Sam Freedman, Guardian Spirit opened his winning account in start three at Geelong on November 6 and backed that up with a determined win over 1200m at Sandown Lakeside on Wednesday.
Sent off an odds-on favourite under Damien Thornton, Guardian Spirit had to fight off a determined Big Apple (Manhattan Rain) to win by a short-head with Riddlero (Bon Hoffa) a further one and a half lengths back in third.
“The plan was to ride him where he was comfortable. There was good speed; he went through his gears and was strong to the line,” Sam Freedman said.
“There is a nice race over 1400m at Flemington in a couple of weeks that could suit, but we could also give him a bit of a freshen and give him his chance in the autumn.
“We have always liked him, but he has had his fair share of issues along the way. He has taken a bit of time to come to himself due to immaturity.
“A big thank you to Godolphin. It is always nice to get a winner in the blue.”
Sadly, Maka Ena’s breeding woes have continued. She missed to Pierro and I Am Invincible in 2019 and suffered the same fate when covered by So You Think last spring.
