Snitzel Colt Amur Makes Winning Debut at Moonee Valley

Mark Smith - Saturday December 24

A rare Godolphin homebred by Snitzel, strapping chestnut Amur made a winning career debut in the Ladbrokes Mates Mode Hcp (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

Ridden by Damien Oliver for James Cummings, Amur camped on the speed set by Hellara. Oliver set the son of Snitzel alight at the 400m, and he was strong to the line to defeat another debutante in the Shalaa (IRE) filly Chill The Krug, who came from last to go down by a half-length.

Amur strong on debut (image Reg Ryan/Racing Photos)

The favourite Cantolago (Per Incanto) was the same distance back in third.

“He is a big, strong, playful colt who still has a bit of improvement in him,” Oliver said.

“He found a nice position and gave me a good ride. He is just a bit big and raw going to the start.

“I felt I would be fighting out the finish, but I wasn’t sure I would win.”

Amur is the first foal of the Animal Kingdom mare Leopard, the black sheep in a revered Godolphin family.

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Leopard is the lone non-winner from the first eight foals of the blue hen Essaouira (Exceed And Excel).

With siblings like Astern, Alizee, and Tassort, Leopard finished an inglorious last at Kembla Grange and was quickly whisked off to stud.

 Leopard has a yearling filly by Brazen Beau and foaled a filly by Dubawi’s champion son, Too Darn Hot (GB), on September 20.

Amur is the fourth 2yo winner for Snitzel this season in Australia (he also has two in New Zealand).

The Arrowfield Stud champion joins I Am Invincible and Better Than Ready on that mark, with Spirit Of Boom setting the pace with five.

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Race Result - Ladbrokes Mates Mode Hcp 1200m

Moonee Valley Track: Good(4) Time: 1:11.4
1
Amur
- 2c Snitzel (AUS) x Leopard (AUS) (Animal Kingdom (USA))
Tnr: James Cummings Rdr: D Oliver 59
2
0.5
Chill The Krug
- 2f Shalaa (IRE) x Earth Angel (AUS) (Animal Kingdom (USA))
Tnr: T Busuttin & N Young Rdr: D Moor 57
3
1.0
Cantolago
- 2f Per Incanto (USA) x Lago Rider (AUS) (Encosta De Lago (AUS))
Tnr: Ben & J D Hayes Rdr: Jamie Kah 57
4
1.2
Hellara
- 2f Hellbent (AUS) x Jawhara (AUS) (Exceed And Excel (AUS))
Tnr: D T O'Brien Rdr: John Allen 56.5
5
3.2
Miss Rubydoo
- 2f Rubick (AUS) x Aiden Sea (IRE) (Danehill Dancer (IRE))
Tnr: Andrea Leek Rdr: Beau Mertens 57
6
3.4
Devils Delight
- 2c Hellbent (AUS) x Ammirata (AUS) (Nadeem (AUS))
Tnr: P Stokes Rdr: J Mott 59
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