Fastnet Rock Colt Remains Undefeated

Mark Smith - Saturday January 27

Having made the decision to bypass the Karaka Million, the Lindsay Park team has the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes firmly in its sights with the Fastnet Rock colt Long Leaf who kept his record at a perfect three for three in Saturday's Listed Ladbrokes Blue Diamond Preview (C&G) (1000m) at Caulfield.

Long Leaf carries the navy-blue silks of Coolmore and is by the same sire as last year's Blue Diamond Stakes winner Catchy.

Following a narrow victory at Morphettville at his career debut back on October 28, Long Leaf improved to capture the Listed Merson Cooper Stakes at Sandown on November 18.

Advertisement

The powerfully made bay improved again here. He was scrubbed along early by Damien Oliver to stay in touch with the speed set by Invincible Lad.

He did not shirk his task in the closing stages hitting the line strongly, a half to the good of Ollivander (Charge Forward), whose cause was not helped by the wayward debutant Robe De Fete, with Run Naan (Makfi) a length and three-quarters back in third. (photo Grant Courtney).


"He's got a great attitude and is a real talent too," Oliver said.

"He's lovely to ride, very professional and has all the makings of a quality two-year-old.

Co-trainer Ben Hayes said Long Leaf is likely to go to the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes without another run.

"He's very professional, I was thrilled the way he paraded today," Hayes said.

"He's a very exciting, an undefeated Fastnet Rock who won two races before Christmas, he's a real stallion prospect now.

"On the line, he was full of running and we think he will be better over 1200 metres and we might go straight to the Blue Diamond now."

Foaled and raised at Coolmore, Long Leaf was purchased by BBA Ireland for $750,000 out of the Curraghmore draft at the NZB Premier Yearling Sale.

He is the first winner for the winning Stravinsky (USA) mare Frustrating, a daughter of blue hen Parfore, the dam of Group I winners Terravista and Tiger Tees, as well as Group II winner Ball of Muscle, Singapore Horse of the Year and sire Super Easy and the multiple Listed Stakes winner Our Lukas.

Frustrating has a yearling filly by Fastnet Rock, which is in the Coolmore draft heading to the Inglis Australia Easter Yearling Sale.

After missing in 2016, Frustrating was one of 162 mares covered by Fastnet Rock last spring before the champion son of Danehill embarked on his jaunt back to Ireland.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Godolphin’s Lonhro Filly Proficient On Debut
From the penultimate crop of Darley’s Champion Sire Lonhro, the Ben, Will and JD Hayes trained 3yo filly Proficient started the race favourite, winning the Sportsbet Race Previews Plate (1000m) at Sandown Hillside in a fighting finish. 
King’s Legacy Filly Salutes for Yulong
The first stakes-winner for her sire King’s Legacy when winning the Group III SAJC David Coles AM Stakes (1200m) last season, Steel Trap was subsequently purchased by Yulong privately and she posted her first win in their colours at Sandown on Wednesday.
Bryce Bevan Appointed Head of Digital at Magic Millions
Magic Millions' commitment to conduct online thoroughbred auctions has received a huge boost with today's announcement that Bryce Bevan has been appointed as Head of Digital.
Promising Victory For Too Darn Hot’s Ripley
Racing in the same Qatar Bloodstock coloured silks worn to victory on Friday night by West of Swindon (Wootton Bassett) in the Group 2 Stutt Stakes, 3yo Too Darn Hot colt Ripley highlighted his future potential with a two-length maiden victory at Rosehill on Wednesday.
Almanzor Mare Chasing More Black Type
Group Two performer Mary Shan will be in search of an elusive stakes victory when she heads south to Hawera on Saturday where she will contest the Gr.3 Grangewilliam Stud Breeders’ Stakes (1400m).
Magic Trials at Caulfield Heath
Early season two-year-olds will step out this Thursday, 2 October, at the Caulfield Spring Trials presented by Magic Millions, with 800m 2YO heats following the opening trial for Group performers at 7:30am on the Caulfield Heath.
Talented So You Think Mare Goes Two for Two
So You Think is setting the pace for winners this season as we head into October and one of those promising winners is talented four year-old mare Enamorada, who made it two wins in as many starts when saluting at Sandown on Wednesday as favourite.
420k NZ Ready to Run Purchase Looks the Goods
Progressive three-year-old Sulek notched his first victory when landing the MRC Foundation Pin & Win Plate (1400m) at Sandown on Wednesday for trainer Dominic Sutton.
Sires With Winners - Wednesday October 1
Here is the full list of 49 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
First Win for Storm Boy Half-Brother by Pierro
Progressive Pierro colt Shangri La Boy is a very different horse to his older half-brother Storm Boy and while that Group winning colt is covering his first book of mares at Coolmore this spring, this fellow is on his way with an impressive maiden win at Rosehill on Wednesday.