Trainer Brent Stanley will be sweating on a wildcard entry for the $5 million All-Star Mile with the Sebring gelding Violate following his fighting win in Saturday's Group III Shaftesbury Avenue Stakes (1400m) at Flemington.
Having his first run in 20 weeks, Violate was obliged to race three-wide the trip under Michael Walker before he wore down the game Streets of Avalon (Magnus) by a long-neck with three-quarter of a length back to Zebulon (All American) in third. (image Grant Courtney)
Narrowly beaten in the same race 12 months ago, Violate added the Group III success to his win in the Listed VRC Sofitel Stakes over the same track and distance last September.
"He deserved that so hopefully he can get a run in that race (the All-Star Mile) in a couple of weeks' time," Stanley said.
"He showed how good he is. He had the toughest run, three-wide with no cover and was the first to put the peddle down and was getting away from them on the line.
"If they don't pick him (for the All-Star Mile) those that finished behind him shouldn't be in it either. He'll be peaking in two weeks and a mile is perfect for him.
"He got beaten a nose in this race last year and has been beaten a whisper in a couple of Group II's and was fourth in a Group 1 and he has seriously been unlucky a hell of a lot of times, he's a good horse and proved it.
"It's his second preparation since being gelded and you'll see a very consistent racehorse now."
A $70,000 Inglis Easter purchase for Cloud 9 Thoroughbreds from the draft of Turangga Farm, Violate advances his record to record of 4 wins, 5 seconds and 4 thirds from 31 starts with earnings of $469,600.
Bred and offered for sale by Turangga Farm, Violate is the best of two winners from Shantha's Girl, an unraced Redoute's Choice daughter of Group I VRC Emirates Stakes winner Sky Cuddle.
A three-quarter sister to Group III winner and multiple Group I placed Champagne Cuddles, Shantha's Girl was sold for $155,000 at the Turangga Farm Dispersal to Olly Tait's Twin Hills.
She has a colt foal by Triple Crown hero American Pharoah (USA) and was bred back to Pride Of Dubai.
Violate becomes the first stakes-winner for Sebring following his tragic death at Widden Stud last Saturday.
