Champagne Stakes Next for Classy Snitzel Colt Williamsburg

Mark Smith - Saturday April 9

After battling out the finish in the Group III ATC The Schweppervescence (T L Baillieu Hcp) a fortnight back Williamsburg and Moko duked it out again in Saturday’s Listed Grainshaker Vodka Fernhill Hcp (1600m) at Randwick.

Williamsburg bred in the purple and looks the part (image Steve Hart)

Making light of his top weight of 59kgs under Kerrin McEvoy, the Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou-trained son of Snitzel powered home from last to defeat the Impending filly Moko by one and a quarter lengths with a further three and three-quarter lengths back to the Russian Revolution gelding Russian Roni back in third.

Gerald Ryan said Williamsburg will back up in next weeks Group 1 ATC Champagne Stakes (1600m) if he pulls up without any issues.

“He is tough and cops his racing well, Ryan said.

“When Kerrin first rode him in a trial, he said whatever he does as a 2yo he will be a better 3yo.

“The race at Rosehill (Baillieu Hcp) and this race were the two we were aiming at and he delivered both times.

“If he comes through the race like he has in his last two starts, I’ll have no hesitation in backing him up next week in the Champagne.

‘He is proven on heavy tracks and proven at a mile and he is tough.

“You only get one crack at a Group 1 Champagne for 2yos so we will see how he does and if he bounces back like he has done he will be here.”

Advertisement

A first-up second at Warwick Farm in February, Williamsburg opened his winning account over 1300m at Newcastle a fortnight later.

Tested in Group III company in the Pago Pago Stakes at Rosehill on March 12, the son of Snitzel was beaten less than two lengths when fourth behind Rise Of The Masses.

Williamsburg a $470,000 Inglis Easter yearling

Bred by Arrowfield Pastoral and GSA Bloodstock, Williamsburg was a $470,000 purchase by Tony Fung Investments from the Arrowfield draft at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale.

He is the third foal and second winner for the high-class High Chaparral (IRE) mare Fenway, who won the Group I ATC Vinery Stud Stakes on this day in 2015.

A granddaughter of Joi Denise, Fenway was a $700,000 Easter Yearling.

Tony Fung purchased a sister to Williamsburg from the Arrowfield Stud consignment at the recent Inglis Easter Sale.

Fenway has a weanling filly by I Am Invincible and was covered by Maurice (JPN) last spring.

Advertisment

Race Result - Grainshaker Vodka Fernhill LR 1600m

Randwick Track: Heavy(10) Time: 1:43.20
1
Williamsburg
- 2c Snitzel (AUS) x Fenway (AUS) (High Chaparral (IRE))
Tnr: G Ryan & S Alexiou Rdr: K Mc Evoy 59
2
1.3
Moko
- 2f Impending (AUS) x Zubbaya (AUS) (Dubawi (IRE))
Tnr: A & S Freedman Rdr: Tommy Berry 55.5
3
5.1
Russian Roni
- 2g Russian Revolution (AUS) x Cadet Roni (USA) (Colonel John (USA))
Tnr: G Waterhouse & A Bott Rdr: B Avdulla 55.5
4
6.6
Matcha Latte
- 2c Maurice (JPN) x Wayward (AUS) (Redoute's Choice (AUS))
Tnr: Mark Newnham Rdr: Tom Sherry 54.5
5
17.3
Highland Harley
- 2c Highland Reel (IRE) x Lady Of Sorrento (AUS) (Dubawi (IRE))
Tnr: Liam Howley Rdr: S Clipperton 54
6
28.3
Kote
- 2c Choisir (AUS) x Soffraaj (AUS) (Iffraaj (GB))
Tnr: A J Cummings Rdr: W Pike 54.5
More Reading...
Williamsburg Last to First in Dulcify Stakes
Royally-bred Snitzel colt Williamsburg will back up in next week's Gloaming Stakea after staging a last to first performance in Saturday’s $250,000 Listed Drinkwise Dulcify Stakes (1600m) at Randwick.
A Group Three for Snitzel's Williamsburg
In a slogging finish, the regally bred Snitzel colt Williamsburg opened his stakes account in the Group III Schweppervescence (T L Baillieu Hcp) (1400) run under appalling conditions at Rosehill on Saturday.
Sires With Winners - Tuesday August 5
Here is the full list of 24 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Breednet Distance Sire Tables Highlight Some Home Truths
The end of season is a great time to look back and assess what has happened in terms of sire results and what may happen in the future and more importantly what all of that might mean for Australian racing.
Zoustar 7YO on Comeback Trail
Joliestar is not the only good Zoustar carrying the colours of Cambridge Stud as Lance Noble has his eye on a major early season prize with one of the few older members of his stable.
Zoustar's Breeders Cup Winner Starlust Arrives at Riverstone
Zoustar’s Breeders Cup winner Starlust has arrived at his new home, Riverstone Lodge in the Hunter Valley with the stud posting video of his arrival.
Sires With Winners - Monday August 4
Here is the full list of 26 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
G2 Winning Mare chasing G1 Success
Classy mare Val Di Zoldo will have the opportunity to test her talents at the highest level this term after resuming with a tidy trial at Taupo on Monday.
Road to the Caulfield Cup Starts Here
An exciting field is beginning to take shape for Caulfield’s biggest day, with nominations now closed for the 149th edition of the $5 million Sportsbet Caulfield Cup. The countdown is officially on for 146 hopefuls and their connections chasing Cup glory.  
First foal Arrives for Mo’Unga
The Kelly family of Newhaven Park have taken an educated gamble on champion New Zealand sire Savabeel and have already struck paydirt with exciting young sire Cool Aza Beel siring Group I winning 2YO Cool Archie and now it’s time for Mo’Unga to make his mark.