The $2,000,000 Sydney Cup at Randwick is on the agenda for Crystal Pegasus (IRE) after the progressive son of Australia routed his opponents in Saturday’s Listed Roy Higgins Quality (2600m) at Flemington.
With Jamie Kah in the saddle, Crystal Pegasus (IRE) finished five lengths clear of the Adelaide Cup bound Tigertiger (Zed) with a further three and a quarter lengths back to third placed Future Score (IRE) (Cape Cross).
It was the third consecutive win and first stakes for the Chris Waller-trained 5yo gelding.
“He gave me a fantastic ride and it was all about being patient to the turn,” Kah said
“He was absolutely cruising to the 1000m, the 800, and I still felt like he had the race won on the turn.
“He was electric when I let him go.”
Stable representative Jo Taylor said that Chris Waller will keep his options open on the immediate future of Crystal Pegasus (IRE).
“It was quite an easy watch,” Taylor said.
“He did everything you like to see in a run like that and when he moved up you sit there and wonder if he’s going to go on with it and I think he certainly did.
“He showed today that he can certainly stay a trip like this and especially in these softer conditions. So I’m sure Chris will keep his options open.”
Bred by Southcourt Stud Crystal Pegasus was well exposed when he was sent by Sir Michael Stoute’s Freemason Lodge to the 2020 Autumn Horses In Training Sale.
In nine starts he won twice and placed five times in questionable company.
Waller liked what he saw and outlaid 190,000 guineas.
A half-brother to stakes-placed Crystal Hope (Nathaniel), Crystal Pegasus (IRE) is out of the Dansili mare Crystal Etoile, a half-sister to the champion Crystal Ocean (Sea The Stars), Group 1 winner Hillstar (Danehill Dancer), and multiple Group II winner Crystal Capella (Cape Cross).
Crystal Pegasus (IRE) is the 23rd stakes-winner for Coolmore Stud’s Epsom Derby winner Australia (Galileo).
