After five seasons at Blue Gum Farm, champion miler Canford Cliffs (IRE) did not receive an invitation to return in 2017, which, true to form, marked a resurgence in his fortunes.
Last week his imported son Wall of Fire (IRE) finished second in the Group II Herbert Power Stakes and on Saturday at Caulfield, the Darren Weir-trained Cliff's Edge booked his ticket for the Victoria Derby when leading every step of the way in the $350,000 Group III Ladbrokes Classic (2000m).
Ridden by John Allen, Cliff's Edge dominated from the front, running out a comfortable two and three-quarter lengths winner over Tangled with Main Stage a further two and a quarter length back in third. (photo Grant Courtney).
"He's got a great racing style," Weir said.
When you can train him like you can at home, the soundness of the horse, you are able to make him tough.
"He copes with the work really well and that's why he loves bowling along out in front, he relaxes so well."
"His last run toughened him up. Getting back to Caulfield where he dictated and kicked away on the corner, it was always going to be a
"I suppose you'd have to have a throw at the stumps (in the Victoria Derby) the way he went today".
Second last time out in the Listed UCI Stakes at Flemington, Cliff's Edge advances his record to 4 wins and 2 seconds from 8 starts with earnings of $449,810.
A $60,000 purchase by Darren Weir Racing / John Foote Bloodstock from session two of the 1016 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, Cliff's Edge is the tenth foal of the Snaadee mare Simulation whose 8 wins ranged in distance from 1100 metres to 3000 metres.
Her previous six winners included the speedy Delago's (Lad) Delago Brom) who was stakes-placed in the Listed VRC Maribyrnong Trial Stakes.
Simulation's unraced dam Wodgina (USA) (Verbatim) is a half-sister to the grand
Simulation died in November last year. Her final
Cliff's Edge (pictured as a yearling) is the eighth stakes winner for Canford Cliffs (IRE) and his first in Australia.
