First Australian Stakes-Winner for Calyx

Tara Madgwick - Friday January 24

Kingman son Calyx (GB) shuttled to Coolmore for just two seasons and got his first Australian stakes-winner at Launceston on Friday night when talented gelding Likeakalix turned the Listed Launceston Guineas (2100m) into a procession.

Sent out a hot favourite, the Leanne Gaffney trained Likeakalix had won two of his previous three starts on synthetic tracks and had nor trouble transferring that good form to the grass when galloping away to win by more than four lengths under David Pires.

Advertisement

Likeakalix was a $30,000 Magic Millions Tasmania purchase from the Armidale Stud draft for his trainer and has never missed a place in six starts with three wins and three placings netting over $113,000 in prizemoney.

Likeakalix was a $30,000 Magic Millions Tasmania purchase from Armidale Stud.

He is the best of two winners from Like a Song (IRE), who was bought by I Katz for $15,000 at the 2021 Inglis Broodmare Sale when in foal to Calyx with Likeakalix the result of the mating. She is an unraced half-sister to Group III winner Ladys First. 

Likeakalix is the fifth stakes-winner worldwide and first in Australia for Calyx, who remains on the Coolmore roster in Ireland for 2025 at a fee of €12,500.

Advertisment

Race Result - Kevin Sharkie Launceston Guineas LR 2100m

Launceston Track: Good(4) Time: 2:10.69
1
Likeakalix
- 3g Calyx (GB) x Like A Song (IRE) (Royal Applause (GB))
Tnr: Ms L Gaffney Rdr: D Pires 58
2
4.3
Go Jeanie
- 3f Frosted (USA) x What A Beauty (AUS) (Octagonal (NZ))
Tnr: Liandra Gray Rdr: T Baker 56.5
3
5.5
Azonto
- 3f Stratosphere (AUS) x Ehor (AUS) (Val Royal (FR))
Tnr: Barry Campbell Rdr: A Darmanin 57
4
7.5
Garcon D'espoir
- 3g Omaha Beach (USA) x Triple Asset (AUS) (Nadeem (AUS))
Tnr: Yassy Nishitani Rdr: N Tomizawa 59
5
9.8
Don't Give Up
- 3g Needs Further (AUS) x Bet You She Rocks (AUS) (Fastnet Rock (AUS))
Tnr: S Gandy Rdr: B Muhcu 58
6
10.8
Tuskegee
- 3g Alabama Express (AUS) x High Tea (NZ) (High Chaparral (IRE))
Tnr: Barry Campbell Rdr: K Sanderson 58
7
10.8
Currencies
- 3f Gold Standard (AUS) x Aurora Miss (AUS) (Astronomer Royal (USA))
Tnr: G J Stevenson Rdr: Codi Jordan 55
8
25.3
Halen
- 3g Stratosphere (AUS) x Oxy Angel (AUS) (West Quest (CAN))
Tnr: G J McCulloch Rdr: M Ulucinar 57
More Reading...
Sires With Winners - Wednesday September 3
Here is the full list of 41 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Corumbene Stud Mourn Loss of Treasured Mare
Corumbene Stud took to Instagram earlier today to announce the passing of their much loved broodmare Bahia, the dam of Golden Slipper winner Overreach.
Melbourne Cup Ciaron Maher Stable Also in the Hunt
Earlier this week we ran a story on the Chris Waller trained entries for this year’s Melbourne Cup and today we’re taking a look at the trainer with the next biggest number of contenders and that is Ciaron Maher with 13.
River (Banking) on Dalasan
There are any number of reasons a stallion can go radio silent in their third and fourth seasons at stud.
Sunlight’s Sister Clean Energy Retired
The most expensive yearling filly sold in Australia in 2023 when fetching $2.6million for Widden Stud at Inglis Easter, Clean Energy has been retired to stud.
Debut Winner and Welcome Return
Vinery Stud’s Exceedance produced a debut winner at Moe on Thursday that started as a short priced favourite and on Saturday at Randwick we will see the return of his best performer to date.
NZB Filly of the Year Series Springs to Life with Gold Trail Stakes
One of the traditional signs that spring racing has arrived in New Zealand is the running of the first leg of the NZB Filly of the Year Series, the Group Three Gold Trail Stakes (1200m). The $150,000 race looks a little different this year in a temporary new home, but it will still give us that same first look at the latest crop of fillies vying for the coveted title.
Grail Seeker Chasing Another G1
Top quality performer Grail Seeker will be heading in a new direction on Saturday when she attempts to add to her record at the highest level.
Sires With Winners - Thursday September 4
Here is the full list of 27 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Alabama Lass Primed for G1 Moir
Tackling Group Ones on either side of the Tasman is nothing new for Ken and Bev Kelso, and they will do exactly that this weekend.