Back to Back Challenge Stakes for $6million Eduardo

Mark Smith - Saturday March 5

By the time Eduardo passed the 300m mark in Saturday’s $500,000 Group II Hyland Race Colours Challenge Stakes (1000m) at Randwick, the defending champion had gassed old foe Nature Strip. Still, one of the great shocks of racing loomed large as the $61 chance Shelby Sixtysix became a menacing presence.

What a battle! (image Steve Hart)

 Ridden by Nash Rawiller for trainer Joe Pride, Eduardo held on to defeat Shelby Sixtysix (Toronado) by a long-head with a further one and a quarter length back to Nature Strip (Nicconi) with Splintex (Snitzel) last of the four runners.

An 8yo son of Host (Chi), Eduardo advances his record to  11 three six from 26 starts with earnings of $6,006,900.

Advertisement

“Nash is a man of few words as everybody knows, but he said, ‘I want to go quicker today,” Pride said.

“I think that was what brought Nature Strip undone, but it nearly brought him undone as well.”

“There is a delicate balance there. I’m not going to criticise Nash because he gets it right so many times, but it was probably set up for something to come home. But a gallant effort from my bloke and just great to get him to win another Group race this preparation. He’s a marvel.

“It was an epic contest again, and I’m just so happy to see him win another Group race.”

“It’s four weeks to the TJ (Smith), and then we will think about Brisbane. The Spring is what beckons after that, and I’d just love to keep this horse going for as long as I can as he’s showing no signs of tiredness.

“He has certainly come up well this time around. The TJ and The Everest are the two big ones, and I’d love to see this horse win one of those races before he retires.”

Raced in partnership by his breeder Jane Kaufmann, Eduardo is the best of three winners from as many foals out of the unraced Fantastic Light (IRE) mare Blushing who has not been returned to the Stud Book since Eduardo was foaled in 2013.

Blushing is a granddaughter of the Group III QTC Lightning Handicap winner Peggy Ann.

Advertisment

Race Result - Hyland Colours Challenge Stks Gr2 1000m

Randwick Track: Heavy(9) Time: 0:59.06
1
Eduardo
- 8g Host (CHI) x Blushing (AUS) (Fantastic Light (USA))
Tnr: Joseph Pride Rdr: N Rawiller 58.5
2
0.2
Shelby Sixtysix
- 5g Toronado (IRE) x Storm Kite (AUS) (Honours List (IRE))
Tnr: D A Williams Rdr: Tim Clark 58.5
3
1.5
Nature Strip
- 7g Nicconi (AUS) x Strikeline (AUS) (Desert Sun (GB))
Tnr: C J Waller Rdr: J B Mc Donald 58.5
Nicconi
4
4.9
Splintex
- 5h Snitzel (AUS) x Acquired (NZ) (O'Reilly (NZ))
Tnr: Mark Newnham Rdr: Tom Sherry 58.5
More Reading...
Eduardo Fights off Nature Strip in The Shorts
 It was billed as a mini Everest, with six of the starters already gaining a slot in the $15million feature, and it was giant slayer Eduardo who got the better of the favourite Nature Strip in Saturday’s $500,000 Group II Bowermans Furniture The Shorts (1100m) at Randwick.
The Ageless Eduardo in a Class of His Own in Concorde
A set against Eduardo in the betting ring rewarded his legion of his fans, who did not have a moment's worry in Saturday's Group III Southern Cross Group Concorde Stakes at Randwick.
Sires With Winners - Wednesday June 25
Here is the full list of 42 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Eduardo Toughs it out in Doomben 10000
Although he was running on empty at the end, the admirable Eduardo ran the chasing pack off their legs in Saturday’s $1million Group 1 Doomben Ten Thousand (1200m).
Raging Force Bolts in at Randwick
Cosmic Force 2YO Raging Force was sent around in the Group III ATC Breeder’s Plate on debut last spring finishing sixth to King Kirk and coming out of the race with an injury, but time and a patient approach has put his career back on track.
Positive Build Up to Karaka Weanling Sale
Stars of the future go under the hammer at Karaka on Thursday with New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Weanling Sale set to commence at 10am.
Tassort Filly Too Classy at Randwick
Stakes-placed two starts back in the Listed Woodlands Stud Stakes at Scone, talented 2YO Tassort filly Wollzeile proved too classy at Randwick on Wednesday.
One To Watch – Randwick
After impressing on debut, the Chris Waller trained 3yo Super Seth filly Frosty Girl (NZ) took on the older mares on the Kensington track, remaining unbeaten with another stylish victory to become Breednet’s One To Watch.
Nice 2YO Winner for Vinery Value Sire
He might be the least expensive sire on the Vinery roster this spring at a fee of just $6,600, but Headwater gets his share of winners and produced a new two year-old winner at Doomben on Wednesday.
Eduardo Breaks Their Hearts in The Galaxy
Eduardo fails to excite the purists with his blue-collar pedigree, but for fans that value a big-hearted performer that leaves it all on the track, the seven-year-old gelding is star.