It goes without saying that Saturday races in Sydney and Melbourne run at distances further than 1600m are invariably won by imports or Kiwi breds and an import that won at Randwick on Saturday that was purpose bought as a yearling from Europe to race in Australia looks to be a horse on the up.
A lightly raced five year-old gelding by Caulfield Cup winner Durston’s sire Sea the Moon, Aramco (IRE) kicked off his career in Australia with the Price Kent stable winning a maiden at Geelong in December 2022 by five lengths.
He won a further three races down in Melbourne including a pair of Flemington victories before he was transferred into the care of Chris Waller mid year.
Aramco was having his second run for Waller in the Benchmark 88 event over 1800m and despite racing in a wayward fashion over the final furlongs when he laid out for Sam Clipperton, he was much too good and will only get better over further.
Aramco was bought from the Tattersalls October Book 2 Yearling Sale by Blandford Bloodstock for 90,000 guineas and runs for ARAMCO Racing.
He has plenty of pedigree to back him up being a half-brother to multiple Group winner Vadream and stakes-placed Midream and Mirage Hero, so he is the only one among four winners for his dam Her Honour that is yet to gain Black Type.
Her Honour is a placed half-sister by Shamardal to top class stayer Big Duke, who won multiple Group staying races in Australia and was three times Group I placed. Also on the page are Epsom Derby winners Harzand and Hurricane Lane as well as current Group I winners Big Rock and Emily Upjohn.
There will be plenty of interest to see where Aramco goes next and what the spring may hold for this up and coming import.
