Legend Of Condor too smart in Victory Vein Plate

Tom Walter - Saturday October 14

Gerald Ryan's two-year-old Legend Of Condor exhibited all the qualities of a top class juvenile when winning the Victory Vein Plate (1000m) at Randwick on Saturday.

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Legend Of Condor wins the 2017 Victory Vein Plate (1000m) at Randwick. Photo: Steve Hart

Following a two-length trial win at Rosehill on October 3, Legend Of Condor ($4.80) stepped out for his debut start and didn't put a foot wrong.

Sent to the front by jockey Josh Parr, the son of Not A Single Doubt relaxed beautifully in the lead before repelling the challenge of Peter and Paul Snowden's Spin ($4.60 fav), which had the benefit of race experience after finishing fourth in the Listed Breeders' Plate (1000m) a fortnight ago.

Legend Of Condor held a half neck margin over Spin on the line while Stunts ($21) finished a further 1-1/2 lengths away third.

"He's bombproof. Right from the word go when he was bought in Melbourne he's been a professional," Ryan said.

"This was his first time away from Rosehill today and he's been so easy to deal with, such a quiet horse.

"Josh (Parr) has had a rap for him for quite a while and reckons he's the best two-year-old he's ridden this year."

Legend Of Condor, a $520,000 yearling at the Inglis Premier Sale in Melbourne, was one of nine Sun Bloodstock purchases last season entrusted to Ryan.

"It's great for Sun Bloodstock, they've really supported me this year – they've put a lot of money into it so it's good for them to have a nice horse," Ryan said.

Ryan said a Melbourne campaign this spring would be considered for the colt but revealed he is favouring the spelling paddock, with a view to focussing on next year's autumn carnival in Sydney.

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