Powerhouse sprinter Redzel made an emphatic statement with his first-up win in Saturday's Group III Concorde Stakes (1000m) at Randwick.
Punters threw their lot behind Invincible Star who took up the early running under James McDonald but Redzel loomed as a menacing presence on the home turn.
Under a double hold by Kerrin McEvoy, the reigning Everest champion took control at the 300 metres and was untroubled to hold the challenge of Kaepernick by a length with Invincible Star a further half-neck back in third at her first start for almost a year. (photo Steve Hart).
The 6yo gelded son of Snitzel advances his overall record to 13 wins, 6 seconds and 1 third from 26 starts with earnings of $8,810,750
"It's very satisfying knowing what is in front of us. Just watching parade it's the first time I have seen him break a little bit of sweat pre-race," co-trainer Paul Snowden said.
"It shows he has a got a little bit left in the tank, he's got a little improvement to come and his coat hasn't turned yet.
"We were confident he had done enough to get by today but it's all about regaining that title.
"It was a lovely patient ride, just backing the horse's ability and knowing when to press the button.
Snowden said they will stick to last year's plan of the Concorde Stakes then The Shorts before tackling the $13 million The Everest at Randwick on October 13.
A $120,000 purchase by Triple Crown Syndications from the draft of Marquee Stud at the 2014 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling sale, after he had been secured for just $45,000 as a weanling.
Bred by Lee Fleming, Redzel is the tenth living foal of the top-class Rubiton mare Millrich.
Winner of the Group III Sweet Embrace Stakes and placed in the Group 1 Golden Slipper, Group II Silver Shadow Stakes, Group II Magic Night Stakes and Group II San Domenico Stakes, Millrich had previously produced the Group III winner and useful stallion Danerich
A sister to the dam of the talented El Roca (Fastnet Rock) Millrich died three weeks after foaling Redzel.
