Denman's Secret Trail Opens Stakes account

Mark Smith - Saturday May 19

Peter and Paul Snowden's well-travelled 5yo mare Secret Trail scored a career highlight win in Saturday's Bright Shadow Quality (1200m) at Doomben.

In her last five starts, the daughter of Denman has started at Randwick, the Gold Coast, Rosehill, Caulfield and Doomben.

Carrying the colours of Triple Crown Syndications, Secret Trail held tough for Ron Stewart to defeat Crystal Fountain (Stravinsky) by a short-neck with O'Rachael (Northern Meteor) one and a quarter length back in third.

Advertisement

It advances the record of Secret Trail to 5 wins, 3 seconds and 3 thirds from 24 starts with earnings of $503,871.


"She's limited but she runs to her best and tries so hard," Peter Snowden told AAP.

"Ronnie gave her a perfect ride. He's ridden all around the world and I was pleased to have him aboard today because he has plenty of talent."

"There's an old saying, the harder you try the more luck you get and to her credit she always runs well but often draws bad gates or gets on the wrong part of the track.

"You need everything to go right with these types of horses and today she got a gun run and Ronnie rode her to her strengths because she's only got a short, sharp sprint."

Bred by Asco International, Secret Trail was consigned to the 2014 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale by Element Hill where she was knocked down to Champion Thoroughbreds for $120,000.

She is the first foal of the winning Secret Savings mare Trail Of Secrets who is a half-sister to Group 1 ARC Railway Handicap winner Gold Trail (Hussonet).

Trail Of Secrets was sold by Elements Hill to Paul Willetts Bloodstock for $150,000 at the 2015 National Broodmare sale when carrying a filly by Pierro.

Her yearling filly by Unencumbered was sold for $72,000 at this year's Inglis Premier Yearling Sale.

After missing to Unencumbered in 2016, Trail Of Secrets was covered by Exceed And Excel last spring.

Secret Trail becomes the ninth stakes-winner for Darley Stud's Denman who will stand in 2018 at a fee of $8,800.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Will Macdonald Joins Astute Bloodstock
Astute Bloodstock is delighted to announce the expansion of our team as we continue to meet increasing client demand and pursue our Group 1 ambitions.
Ole Kirk share headlines strong September (Early) Online Sale
A share in - and mares in foal to - reigning Champion First Season Sire Ole Kirk are joined by a bevy of quality racing and breeding stock in the Inglis Digital September (Early) Online Sale, which is now open for bidding.
Justify Mare Wins $250,000 Wyong Mona Lisa Stakes
A big field of 14 mares went around in the $250,000 Listed Mona Lisa Stakes (1350m) at Wyong on Friday and the race produced a thrilling finish with less than two lengths separating  the first eight over the line with Just Feelin’ Lucky taking the prize.
Expensive Super Seth 3YO Bolts in by Five!
Smart three-year-old Street Artist notched his first victory in impressive style when leading throughout to defeat a strong maiden field over 1000m at Mornington on Friday by nearly five lengths.
$1.65million Invincible Colt Hostility Resuming on Saturday
Te Akau Racing will hold a strong hand on Proisir Plate Day at Ellerslie on Saturday, particularly in the age group features.
Breeding To Win – 2025 G1 AJ Moir Stakes
The Valley blasts into spring G1 action with the running of the $750,000 AJ Moir Stakes WFA at 1000m, and it's always an exciting spectacle when a full field of flyers are going full bore on the turning track!
Kiwi Melbourne Cup Contender Kicks off at The Valley
Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) hopeful Mark Twain has landed in Melbourne and will commence his path towards the iconic feature at The Valley on Saturday.
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.
One to Watch – Wyong
The John O’Shea and Tom Charton stable have been running hot into spring and unleashed a talented Wootton Bassett (GB) colt at Wyong on Friday that bolted in to win by nearly five lengths.
Mitchell McKenzie Colts Showcase
All eyes will be on the $175,000 Listed MVRC Mitchell McKenzie Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday with an intriguing field of nine colts and geldings all vying for that all important first stakes win.