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War Front's Homesman Out Toughs Them in Underwood Stakes

Mark Smith - Sunday September 30

After disposing of the favourite Grunt as the field turned for home in Sunday's $750,000 Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield, Homesman (USA) showed true grit to turn back the challenges of Tosen Basil (JPN) and Humidor to earn his first win at the highest level.

The son of War Front gave Macedon Lodge's new trainer Liam Howley to a dream start his to his new career when he won the Listed Mornington Cup Prelude at Caulfield back on February 24 before he finished a creditable sixth in the Group 1 Australian Cup in March.

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He prepped for the Underwood with a fighting second behind Magic Consol Magic in the Group II Dato' Tan Chin Nam Stakes at Moonee Valley on September 8.


Given a positive ride by Ben Melham, Homesman (USA) defeated Tosen Basil (JPN) (Harbinger) by a short-head with Humidor (Teofilo) a half-length back in third. (photo Grant Courtney)

"He's very genuine, very honest. Ben gave him a great ride. I think 1800 metres is short of his optimum trip," part-owner Nick Willimas said.

"It's great to get a Group 1 up with him and he gets a ballot free exception to the Caulfield Cup and I'd imagine all things being equal that's where he will head.

"He will probably have another run because he is a big gro0ss horse who takes his racing well. It's just a matter of where we go. It's three weeks so he will race next weekend of the weekend after in the Caulfield Stakes.

"He hasn't put a foot wrong since we've had him. We were a little bit wary of buying him because he is by War Front and they are not known for training on as older horses. He is a super sire in America but mainly of juvenile and short-course horses but this guy is defying the trend

The former Aidan O'Brien-trainee won the Group III Gallinule Stakes at the Curragh back in May last year before finishing fifth in the King George V Stakes at Ascot.

Taken to America for the Grade 1 Belmont Derby Invitational at Belmont Park, Homesman (USA) clocked in third behind Oscar Performance.

The son of War Front is a half-brother to the dual Listed winner and twice Group 1 placed U S Ranger (Danzig).

He is out of the Red Ransom mare My Annette who is a three-quarter-sister to the champion sire Dynaformer and a half-sister to White Bridle (USA).

Homesman (USA) becomes the 19th Group/Grade 1 winner for War Front (Danzig) whose triple Group 1 winning son US Navy Flag will contest the $12 million Everest at Randwick. 

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