Last season at two, Menari and Dracarys showed plenty of potential without adding to Snitzel's record haul of stakes winners, however, it took just a few weeks of the new season to right that situation.
Seven days ago Menari captured the Listed Rosebud at Rosehill Gardens in the manner of a future
topliner .
Then at Randwick on Saturday' the million dollar colt Dracarys opened his stakes account in the $150,000 Group III Up And Coming Stakes at Randwick.
Apprentice Andrew Adkins settled Dracarys just off the pace set by topweight Trapeze Artist.
He took control 250 metres out before coming under attack from the Sebring colt Gold Standard who had missed the start noticeably.
Dracarys was strong to the line defeating Gold Standard by a long head.with the Godolphin colt Sanctioned (Teofilo) another two and a quarter lengths back in third. (photos Steve Hart)
Run in blustery conditions, the son of Snitzel set a new standard for the 1300m at Randwick, stopping the clock at 1min:14.76secs lowering the record of 1:15.08 posted by Charlie Boy last year.
Trained by Peter and Paul Snowden, Dracarys made just three starts last season.
Following a first-up win at Warick
Farm he finished fifth, beaten just two and a half lengths, in the Group II Skyline Stakes at Randwick before closing the season with a second behind Assimilate at Randwick.
"It's all about finding his niche and how far he wants," Paul Snowden said.
"Compared to last preparation he's a completely different animal.
"All he wants to do is relax and work with you. That's where we're attacking his preparation, to see if he can get up to a mile.
"We're very happy seeing what we've been seeing at home. We thought he could win today from a decent draw and a good ride.
"He price tag suggests his going to be good. He was doing it on raw ability in his first preparation and what we're seeing now is a much more relaxed horse who keeps buildings into his races and hitting the line strongly."
Bred by Arrowfield Stud and Jungle Pocket Pty Ltd, Dracarys was purchased by James Harron Bloodstock for $1,000,000 at the 2016 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
He is the first foal of the stakes-winning Elusive Quality mare Nocturnelle whose six wins included the Listed Angst Stakes at Rosehill.
A half-sister to the stakes placed Seduced (Encosta de Lago) and Catch Your Eyes (Encosta de Lago), Nocturnelle is a daughter of the Group III Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes winner Dama de Noche (Snippets).
Nocturnelle has a 2yo Redoute's Choice filly that was purchased by Shadwell Australia for $650,000 at this year's Inglis Australia Easter Yearling Sale.
After slipping in 2015, Nocturnelle was bred back to Snitzel last spring.
Dracarys becomes the 66th stakes winner for Arrowfield Studs reigning champion sire Snitzel.
