Sharp 'n' Smart is not the only exciting son of Westbury Stud's Redwood (GB) to be racing in Australia this season.
The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained St Lawrence (NZ) extended his unbeaten record to four when winning the Joe Brown Handicap (1800m) at Sandown Hillside on Boxing Day.
St Lawrence ($1.50 favourite), ridden by John Allen in the benchmark 70 handicap, raced outside the leader Wetakemanhattan ($41) and wore down his on-pace rival to prevail by a long neck.
“It was definitely more workmanlike than it was the last start but you can only keep winning,” Allen said of the son of Redwood.
“The stronger tempo last time where he had the sit he was explosive whereas today we didn’t go that quick and it turned into a sprint up the home straight.
“He was always doing enough to hold on and I always felt I was going to win even though it was not as impressive looking as the last start.
“There’s still plenty to work with and he’s a nice horse pushing forward. It’s good to keep his winning sequence going.”
Maher was trackside to witness the victory and indicated that St Lawrence would have his runs well spaced due to his light frame.
“He is ticking up through the grades, it was pretty soft in the end,” Maher said. “He looks a stayer for the future.”
“Will Bourne (Maher’s bloodstock manager) is here. He struck up the deal between Gerry Harvey, Luke McDonald, Ozzie Kheir and John (O’Neill) – It’s a fantastic ownership group.”
St Lawrence was bred by Harvey and was originally trained by Andrew Forsman when racing three wide without cover throughout yet prevailing by a long neck at Hastings over 1400 metres on April 16.
Bourne struck the deal to acquire St Lawrance following that debut win. He won two jumpouts at Cranbourne in August and September prior to winning a 0-64 Handicap (1325m) at Geelong by a length on September 15.
St Lawrence has then won his past two outings at Sandown Hillside with Allen in the saddle.
A half-brother to Group Three winner Marroni and a three-quarter brother-in-blood to talented Sydney trained staying mare Pink Ivory, St Lawrence is the grandson of multiple Group One winner Lotteria. - NZ RAcing Desk
