Funtastic Makes it 22 Group 1 Winners for More Than Ready

Mark Smith - Sunday July 1

Wow, you just can't keep the legend More Than Ready (US) down and what a day he had Stateside on Saturday.

Not long after his 2yo son Sir Truebadour took his record to two from three starts with a 2-length romp in the Grade III Bashford Manor Stakes at Churchill Downs, his 4yo son Funtastic made his first stakes win count when grinding out a victory in the Grade 1 United Nations Stakes on the turf at Monmouth Park.

That makes it 22 winners at the highest level for the Vinery veteran who makes his 18th trip to Australia this spring.

Advertisement

The outsider of Chad Brown's 4-horse entry in the United Nations Stakes, Funtastic seemed to shock everyone other than his trainer when downing stablemate Money Multiplier by half a length.


"I was pleasantly surprised but not shocked," Brown told The Blood-Horse.

"I knew it would be a tough race and the owner Mr. (Goncalo Borges) Torrealba deserves all credit. He was sure this horse could stay a distance of ground in grade 1 class.

"I was thinking about the Manhattan (June 9 at Belmont), then decided to run in a long allowance race at Belmont, and if he ran well, then maybe the United Nations would be a better race for him. Then as this race approached, I thought this wasn't going to be easy, either. Mr. Torrealba said, 'I want to run. Let's just see how he stands.'

"Antonio (Gallardo) rode a wonderful race to take the initiative coming out the race. He used his horse a little bit to get position and then backed it down enough to carry him all the way. I thought it was a really, really superb ride. It was his first grade 1 win, and I was so happy to be a part of it. He's really a top rider.

"He (Funtastic) is an outstandingly bred horse. He's a half to (2005 Horse of the Year) Saint Liam," Brown said. "I know he was a dirt horse, but Funtastic was bred in the purple and had a right to be a grade 1 horse on some circuits."

Funtastic advances his record to 4 wins, 2 seconds and 1 third from 9 starts with earnings of $384,943.

This is a family really on the move as Funtastic is also a half-brother to another three stakes winners headed by the Grade II-winning Giant Causeway mare Quiet Giant who is the dam of reigning Horse of the Year Gun Runner (Candy Ride).

Advertisment
More Reading...
Carlyon Stakes To Baraqiel – Second SW For Snitzel
Successful in the Group 2 McEwen Stakes (1200m) last time in, Sniztel’s 7yo son Baraqiel continued his outstanding record at the Moonee Valley circuit, resuming to win the Listed Carlyon Stakes (1000m) first up, highlighting potential Group 1 spring aims.
Sterling Express Wins G2 Foxbridge Plate
Sterling Express stepped up to Group level for the first time in Saturday’s Gr.2 Waikato Stud Foxbridge Plate (1200m) at Te Rapa, and a stunning last-to-first performance showed that he belongs.
Winning Return for the Best in Australia - Via Sistina
Set to be crowned Australia’s Horse of the Year for last season, the mighty Fastnet Rock mare Via Sistina (IRE) returned on a rain soaked track at Randwick on Saturday to win the $1million Group I ATC Winx Stakes (1400m).
Wuddzz Caps Fine 24 Hours For Dwyer
Handy stayer Wuddzz came with a well-timed run under Tim Clark to land the Gold Coast Turf Club Trophy (2400m) at Randwick.
Wootton Bassett Juvenile G2 Double
Wootton Bassett (GB) featured in Ireland overnight at The Curragh with two stakes-winning juveniles, Constitution River taking out the the Group II Futurity (7f), while the Group II Debutante (7f) went to the filly Composing, who comes from the family of Amelia’s Jewel.
Third Black Type Win For Snitzel’s Lazzura
A member of the Waller team to hold a dual acceptance leading into Saturday’s Randwick meeting, it was the Group 3 Show County Quality (1200m) where 4yo Snitzel mare Lazzura came out on top, recording her third black type victory.
First Black Type Victory For Nellie Leylax (IRE)
Not a bad way to break through for your first Australian victory as the Annabel and Rob Archibald trained Nellie Leylax (IRE) cleared out by more than two lengths to claim the Group 3 ATC Premier’s Cup (2000m) at Randwick.
Unbeaten Run Continues For Autumn Glow
Resuming off the back of two solid barrier trials efforts, Chris Waller’s Autumn Glow (The Autumn Sun) stepped up to open company for the first time, with the $1.8m yearling purchase extending her unbeaten run to five with victory in the Group 3 ATC Toy Show Quality (1100m) at Randwick.
Jenni Lets Loose At The Valley
Smart staying mare Jennivamoose recorded her third victory at The Valley when winning the Simpson Construction Handicap (2500m) in similar fashion to her previous victory at the venue.
Sires With Winners - Saturday August 23
Here is the full list of 106 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.