Woodside Park Stud did not have to wait long for the first dividend on their 2019 recruit Foxwedge, whose progressive daughter, Alassio, opened her stakes account in the Group III Robrick Lodge Triscay Stakes over 1200 metres at Randwick.
Ridden by Tim Clark for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, Alassio defeated the favourite Manicure by a head, with the lightly raced five-year-old mare making the most of the perfect lead-in race, when finishing a strong third in the Group 2 Breeders Classic behind Champagne Cuddles at Warwick Farm the week before.
"We thought the back-up would suit her and being back on a firm surface helps," Bott said post-race. She was in for the fight, and that's what we wanted to see. She has shown she is up to the class now."
While her jockey Tim Clark was also buoyed by her fighting spirit on her home track.
"She came in rock-hard fit," he said. "She is an honest mare, and I was proud how she dug in late. Last week was a great result for her, and this is even better."
Purchased by Gai Waterhouse and Julian Blaxland for $50,000 out of the Emirates Park draft at session two of the 2015 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, Alassio advances her record to 5 wins, 1 second and 1 third from 9 starts with earnings of $241,065.
Alassio becomes the 12th stakes-winner for Foxwedge, and the timing of the win has been ideal for Woodside Park Stud which recently secured the Fastnet Rock stallion, having spent his first seven years at stud at Newgate Farm.
Foxwedge has been represented in recent weeks by Alassio, Kiwi Group Two winner Volpe Veloce (also a Group One winner) and Charleise, who finished third in the Listed VRC Talindert Stakes at Flemington.
With 35 stakes-horses and counting and his oldest progeny now five-year-old's, including Group 1 winner Foxplay, and English-based mare Urban Fox, there is an exciting future ahead.
A delighted Woodside Park General Manager Commercial, James Price, points out there has been considerable interest in Foxwedge since they announced he would be shifting south.
"He's arrived on farm and really enjoying his new surroundings," Price enthused. "I've been getting a lot of calls from breeders, especially after Saturday with Alassio and Charleise, who I understand is heading toward the (Group Two) Percy Sykes in April.
"Foxwedge is a Group 1 winner who produces impressive stock that captures buyers' attention. Coupled with this, his ability to get stakes horses (8.5 per cent) will ensure his stock commands not only local but international appeal."
"A fee for Foxwedge hasn't been determined yet, but it will be south of the $20,000 mark."
Prominent Victorian businessman Eddie Hirsch, who purchased Foxwedge, is also excited about the move south to reap the VOBIS rewards.
"We thought he would be a perfect fit for Victoria and the VOBIS Scheme with his ability to get running two and three-year-old's," Hirsch said.
Australia's champion second season sire Foxwedge will join Woodside Park Stud in for the 2019 breeding season alongside champion sire Written Tycoon, Deep Impact's dual Group 1 winning son Tosen Stardom, Invincible Spirit's highest rated two-year-old, Cable Bay and Written Tycoon's fastest son at stud, Rich Enuff.
