The least expensive yearling purchase in the field, the Archie Alexander-trained Bound For Home took full advantage of a superb Declan Bates ride to capture Saturday’s $200,000 Group III Neds Quezette Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield.
A sly smile from Declan Bates (image Grant Courtney)
After enjoying a cosy run on the rail, Bound For Home eased out to find clear air in the straight. The daughter of Rubick was followed through by Craig Williams on Godolphin’s Exceed And Excel filly Ojai who fell a long-neck short. The Capitalist filly I'mlovin'ya was a further one and three-quarter lengths back in third.
Bound For Home made a winning career debut at Sale on May 8 before a solid third behind the exciting Deep Impact filly at Flemington in June.
“Being a bit arrogant, we thought we would get in early and hope it might be a weak Group III,” Alexander said.
“She is fit and well, so let’s get in before the better ones come out. Maybe she is one of the better ones.
“At halfway, she was out the back and in trouble. Declan was in an awkward spot, but sometimes you get lucky, and everything opened up.
“It was a beautiful ride by Dec, who knows the filly well.”
Bound For Home strikes a pose (image Grant Courtney)
Alexander Racing / Rogers Bloodstock shelled out 50,000 for Bound For Home from the Erinvale Thoroughbreds draft at the 2021 Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale.
She is the first foal of the 3-time winning Rothesay mare Homebird a half-sister to the dam of triple Listed stakes-winner Religify from the family of champion sprinter Silent Witness.
Miscellany Bloodstock purchased Homebird for $60,000 from Edinburgh Park Stud draft at the 2019 Inglis Australian Broodmare Sale when she was carrying Bound For Home.
Bound For Home a $50,000 Inglis Premier yearling
Baystone Farm shelled out $160,000 for a Toronado (IRE) half-brother to Bound For Home when offered by Erinvale Thoroughbreds at the Magic Million National Weanling Sale.
Homebird was covered by Impending last spring.
Bound For Home is the fifth stakes-winner for Swettenham Stud’s Rubick.
