Skyman Captures McKell Cup

Mark Smith - Saturday June 18

A picture-perfect ride by Willie Pike paved the way for the Chris Waller-trained Skyman (GB) to open his stakes account in Saturday’s Listed Drinkwise W J McKell Cup (2000m) at Rosehill.

Skyman wins the McKell Cup - image Steve Hart

Pike eased Skyman (GB) around the tiring leader Surf Dancer (IRE) before drawing clear to defeat Dr Drill (GB) (Dansili) by two and a half lengths with Welsh Legend (Camelot) a length back in third.

Advertisement

Breaking a 14-month drought, Skyman (GB) has been a reliable money-spinner since his 42,000 gns purchase by Go Racing at the 2019 Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale.

With his black-type breakthrough at his sixth stakes attempt, Skyman (GB) advances his record to six wins, six seconds, and three thirds from 29 starts with earnings of $530,926.

Skyman a 42,00gns purchase at Tattersalls

The rising 7yo son of Group 1 Eclipse Stakes winner Mukhadram (Shamardal) is the best of three winners from six to race for the Dalakhani (IRE) mare Skyrider, a sister to Group III Milan Premio Chiusura winner Gothic Dance.

Skyman credits former Shadwell Stud stallion Mukhadram with his fourth stakes-winner.

Advertisment

Race Result - Drinkwise W. J. McKell Cup LR 2000m

Rosehill Track: Good(4) Time: 2:02.87
1
Skyman
- 6g Mukhadram (GB) x Skyrider (IRE) (Dalakhani (IRE))
Tnr: C J Waller Rdr: W Pike 53
2
2.5
Dr Drill
- 7g Dansili (GB) x Pongee (GB) (Barathea (IRE))
Tnr: C Maher & D Eustace Rdr: K S Latham 58
3
3.5
Welsh Legend
- 6m Camelot (GB) x Onethingatatime (AUS) (Catcher In The Rye (IRE))
Tnr: C J Waller Rdr: J Ford 53
4
3.6
Youth Spirit
- 4h Camelot (GB) x Rocana (GB) (Fastnet Rock (AUS))
Tnr: G Waterhouse & A Bott Rdr: Tim Clark 54.5
5
3.7
The Frontman
- 4g Makfi (GB) x Imposingly (AUS) (Zabeel (NZ))
Tnr: C J Waller Rdr: J R Collett 54.5
6
3.8
Surf Dancer
- 5g Lope De Vega (IRE) x Beach Belle (GB) (Invincible Spirit (IRE))
Tnr: G Waterhouse & A Bott Rdr: Rachel King 55
7
6.8
Southern France
- 7g Galileo (IRE) x Alta Anna (FR) (Anabaa (USA))
Tnr: Matthew Smith Rdr: K Mc Evoy 59.5
8
10.6
Spirit Ridge
- 7g Nathaniel (IRE) x Tates Creek (USA) (Rahy (USA))
Tnr: Mark Newnham Rdr: J Parr 57
More Reading...
Skyman (GB) a Class Above in Bernborough Plate
The Chris Waller-trained Skyman (GB) continues to be a grand money spinner for connections, adding a third stakes success in Saturday’s $200,000 Listed Bernborough Plate (1600m) at Doomben.
Juvenile Trial Watch – Warwick Farm
A busy set of trials at Warwick Farm on Thursday morning featured five heats for juveniles with winners including unraced youngsters by Zoustar, Hellbent and Bivouac.
Skyman Looking to Continue Go Racing Winning Run
Go Racing’s Albert Bosma is resigned to the fact that Skyman is out of the chase for the lion’s share of the $650,000 summer series bonus, but he is hoping they can get their hands on some of the minor bonus cash up for grabs.
One to Watch – UK 2YO
Super interesting winner at Newmarket on Thursday was a Godolphin homebred two year-old colt by Wootton Bassett (GB) that won on debut and is on track for Royal Ascot.
New SW The Autumn Sun – Matusalem Wins Albury Cup
Several of the big Sydney stables dispatched runners south on Thursday for the $200,000 Listed Albury Gold Cup (2000m) and it was Chris Waller who got the cash with tough four year-old gelding Matusalem.
Skyman Edges Stablemate Oscar Zulu in Rowley Mile
Chris Waller had five of the eleven starters in  Thursday’s $165,000 Listed Pioneer Services Rowley Mile Rowley (1600m) at Hawkesbury and supplied the quinella.
Sires With Winners - Thursday April 17
Here is the full list of 45 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Debut Winner for Ole Kirk
Ole Kirk unleashed another debut winner at Wyong on Thursday when Tiberius carried the Darby Racing colours to victory in a 1000m open maiden beating older rivals to become the tenth winner for his sire from just 17 starters!
Kingman Colt New Favourite for G1 Newmarket 2000 Guineas
It’s been a strong start to the Euro flat season for Juddmonte Farms horses and a Kingman colt they purchased as a weanling  for 530,000 euros has claimed favouritism for the upcoming Group I Newmarket 2000 Guineas with a powerful win overnight in the Group III Craven Stakes (1m) at Newmarket.
Tattersalls Craven Breeze Up Sale - New Record Price - Yulong, Too Darn Hot Feature
The Tattersalls Craven Breeze Up Sale eclipsed its previous records for highest price, average and turnover with the second session headed by the 1,750,000 guineas sale of a colt by Havana Grey to Amo Racing and a further three lots realising in excess of 500,000 guineas.