Royall Bred Ironclad Bounces Back in Matrice

Mark Smith - Monday March 14

Trainer Will Craken described the royally-bred import Ironclad (GB) as the most talented horse he has trained after the son of Dubawi broke a 12-month drought in the Listed Matrice Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville on Monday.

The best bred horse in Australia - Ironclad (Image Racing SA)

Settled back midfield by Jamie Kah, Ironclad (GB) displayed a superior turn of foot to repel the challenge of the fast-finishing Manhattan Times (Manhattan Rain) by a neck with Second Slip (Alamosa) a further one and three-quarter lengths back in third.

It was the Australian Bloodstock colour bearer's first win since he reeled off four consecutive wins culminating in the Listed Golden Mile at Bendigo last March.

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Issues with his feet have restricted Ironclad (GB) to just three starts before his breakthrough at Morphettville.

"it has been a tough six months, running second everywhere in the world from maidens at Strathalbyn to Group Ones at Dubai," Clarken said.

"I give Todd (Pannell) a lot of credit because he said this horse goes better for Jamie, and he rode the other one (Second Slip).

"He is an amazing horse with a huge amount of ability. I have coped some flack from the ownership group for running him over short trips.

"He has gone like a jet there, and the second horse is one of the most progressive young sprinters in the state.

'I hate when trainers do this, but I am happy to say this is the best horse I have trained or have anything to do with.

Ironclad (image Grant Courtney)

"He is at a different level to other horses in the stable. I am not saying he will get to the top echelon, but he is the most gifted horse I have trained, so let's hope he can stay sound."

The winner of two of his eight starts in England when trained by Hugo Palmer for the late Khalid Abdullah, Ironclad (GB) is from one of Juddmonte Farm's preeminent families.

Ironclad (GB) is a half-brother to the Group 1 ATC Metropolitan Hcp winner Mirage Dancer (Frankel) out of the Grade 1 Matriarch Stakes and Grade 1 Beverly D Stakes heroine Heat Haze (Green Desert).

A daughter of the blue hen Hasili, Heat Haze is a half-sister to Group 1 winners Banks Hill, Champs Elysees, Intercontinental, Cacique, champion stallion Dansili and the Group III winner Deluxe.

  

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Race Result - T Howe Printing Matrice Stakes LR 1200m

Morphettville Track: Good(4) Time: 1:09.66
1
Ironclad
- 6g Dubawi (IRE) x Heat Haze (GB) (Green Desert (USA))
Tnr: Will Clarken Rdr: Jamie Kah 58.5
2
0.3
Manhatten Times
- 3g Manhattan Rain (AUS) x Daily Flyer (AUS) (Flying Spur (AUS))
Tnr: L Macdonald & A Gluyas Rdr: Jessica Eaton 54
3
2.1
Second Slip
- 5g Alamosa (NZ) x Scarlet O'Hara (NZ) (Fast 'n' Famous (AUS))
Tnr: Will Clarken Rdr: Todd Pannell 57.5
4
2.6
Point Blaze
- 4m Shamus Award (AUS) x Grassfire (AUS) (Grass Wonder (USA))
Tnr: Shayne Cahill Rdr: Kayla Crowther 54.5
5
3.1
Sansom
- 5g Charm Spirit (IRE) x Bryony (AUS) (Fastnet Rock (AUS))
Tnr: P Stokes Rdr: Ben Allen 60.5
6
3.2
Larimer Street
- 4g Brazen Beau (AUS) x Original Choice (AUS) (Redoute's Choice (AUS))
Tnr: D R Jolly Rdr: P Gatt 57.5
7
4.1
Hint Of Mint
- 5m Delago Deluxe (AUS) x Cinnamon Bells (AUS) (Catbird (AUS))
Tnr: Andrew Noblet Rdr: Declan Bates 54.5
8
4.3
Vieira
- 8g Keano (NZ) x All Force (AUS) (Fusaichi Pegasus (USA))
Tnr: Ms L Conlon Rdr: Ms S Metcalfe 56.5
9
4.9
Hearty Lass
- 5m Wandjina (AUS) x Amazing Tale (USA) (Tale Of The Cat (USA))
Tnr: John Hyam Rdr: Will Price 54.5
10
5.1
Extra Mile
- 5g Akeed Mofeed (GB) x Elusive Diva (AUS) (Elusive Quality (USA))
Tnr: R & C Jolly Rdr: Jake Toeroek 56.5
11
6.0
Port Vale
- 7g Master Of Design (AUS) x Rubivale (AUS) (Rubiton (AUS))
Tnr: S P Gower Rdr: O Ridge 56.5
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