Trapeze Artist Colt Wins G2 Stutt Stakes

Tara Madgwick - Friday September 29

The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained Griff stamped his credentials for the Group I MRC Caulfield Guineas when scoring a stylish victory in the Group II MVRC Stutt Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley on Friday night.

Griff wins the G2 Stutt Stakes - image Grant Courtney

A last start winner of the Listed VRC Exford Plate, Griff appreciated the step up in trip to 1600m and was strong to the line for Mark Zahra after jumping quickly to take a position in the run. He used his tactical speed to good effect and finished off with a flourish to beat promising Justify (USA) gelding Verdad by half a length.

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“He obviously goes to the Guineas from here and a mile is his go,” said Mark Zahra.

“He’s good because you can use his speed or take a sit on him like I did the other day, so he’s versatile and that will take him a long way.”

Griff was an $80,000 purchase from the Widden Stud draft at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale and runs for Shaun Griffiths. He has the overall record of three wins from seven starts with prizemoney topping $342,000 and the $3million Caulfield Guineas next month looms large on the horizon.

Griff is on his way to the Caulfield Guineas - image Grant Courtney

Bred by Widden Stud in partnership, Griff is the second winner from as many foals for the Group III placed Sebring mare Chateau Griffo, who has changed hands several times, the most recently earlier this year when selling for $75,000 on Inglis Digital in February. She has a yearling colt by North Pacific and was covered last spring by I Am Immortal.

Griff is the first stakes-winner for Snitzel’s champion son Trapeze Artist, who stands at a fee of $55,000 this spring.

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Race Result - Entry Education Stutt Stakes Gr2 1600m

Moonee Valley Track: Good(3) Time: 1:36.00
1
Griff
- 3c Trapeze Artist (AUS) x Chateau Griffo (AUS) (Sebring (AUS))
Tnr: C Maher & D Eustace Rdr: M Zahra 57
Trapeze Artist
2
0.3
Verdad
- 3g Justify (USA) x Whistle Baby (AUS) (Magnus (AUS))
Tnr: R Griffiths & M De Kock Rdr: Beau Mertens 57
Justify
3
1.6
Autumn Angel
- 3f The Autumn Sun (AUS) x Angel Of Mercy (AUS) (Hussonet (USA))
Tnr: P G Moody & Katherine Coleman Rdr: W Egan 55
Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale $0
Seller: Arrowfield Stud, Scone
Buyer: Passed in - $ 150,000
4
2.0
Limburg
- 3c Justify (USA) x Maastricht (NZ) (Mastercraftsman (IRE))
Tnr: M, W & J Hawkes Rdr: D Oliver 57
5
3.2
Mojave Desert
- 3c I Am Invincible (AUS) x Fine Bubbles (AUS) (Casino Prince (AUS))
Tnr: C J Waller Rdr: B Shinn 57
6
4.0
Fistsoffury
- 3g Dundeel (NZ) x Star Via Strada (USA) (Street Boss (USA))
Tnr: M, W & J Hawkes Rdr: Jye McNeil 57
7
4.4
Make A Call
- 3c Extreme Choice (AUS) x To Dubawi Go (AUS) (Dubawi (IRE))
Tnr: P & P Snowden Rdr: John Allen 57
8
4.6
King Of Fighters
- 3c Street Boss (USA) x Go Straightandhard (AUS) (Medaglia D'oro (USA))
Tnr: M Price & M Kent Jnr Rdr: Damian Lane 57
9
6.3
Invincible Shield
- 3c I Am Invincible (AUS) x Pierro Moss (AUS) (Pierro (AUS))
Tnr: L & T Corstens Rdr: Craig Williams 57
10
6.5
Bulawayo
- 3c Fiorente (IRE) x Sense In The City (AUS) (Street Sense (USA))
Tnr: Pat Carey & Harris Walker Rdr: R Mc Leod 57
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