Homesman a Class Above in Feehan Stakes

Mark Smith - Saturday September 7

Could the War Front gelding Homesman (USA) be the horse to earn an elusive win in the Cox Plate for Lloyd Williams? Judging on his dominant display in Saturday's Group II Feehan Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley, the answer is an emphatic yes.

Winner of the Group 1 Underwood Stakes at Caulfield last September, the handsome 6yo gelding was making his first start since being edged out by Best Solution (IRE) in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup.

Advertisement

Given a positive ride by Ben Melham, Homesman (USA) tracked Trap For Fools to the 600 metres before taking up the running and there was no catching him in the straight.


Runner-up to Magic Consol in last year's Feehan, Homesman (USA) defeated the 5yo Magnus gelding Mahamedeis by two and a half lengths with the imported Azamour gelding Best Of Days (GB) a nose back in third. (images Grant Courtney)

Part-owner Nick Williams said the son of War Front is on a mission to claim one of the rare jewels of Victorian racing to evade the Williams family.

"He was terrific today and there would be nothing in racing that would mean more to us than getting our hands on a Cox Plate, we've tried many times and come up short and he is certainly heading the right way," Williams said.

"Benny gave him a ten out of ten ride it was absolutely terrific.

"He won the Underwood last year en-route to the Caulfield Cup. Since we've had him in this time the Cox Plate has been his aim and with a bit of luck we will defend the Underwood the maybe the Caulfield Stakes before returning to the mighty Valley for the Cox Plate.

"We've got to win one before they change this iconic racecourse. I love it here, I believe it is one of the greatest places to watch racing, you're right on top of the action, it's magnificent.

"He's a very versatile horse, you can ride quietly or forward, you can do anything with him. All's good so I hope he pulls up well and hope he can go on for a great campaign."

Homesman (USA) is a three-quarter brother to stakes-winner US Army Ranger who placed in the Group 1 July Cup, Group 1 Prix de la Foret and the Grade 1 Inglewood Hcp at Hollywood Park.

He is one of nine winners from 11 named foals of the Red Ransom (USA) mare My Annette who is a three-quarter sister to the top-class stallion Dynaformer and a half-sister to stakes-winner White Bridle.

The subject of Thursday's Best On Breeding, a more in depth analysis of Homesman's pedigree can be found here.

Advertisment
More Reading...
One to Watch – Kembla
Group I ATC Champagne Stakes winner Nepotism is not the only talented two year-old winner by Brutal this season that was bred and sold by Gilgai Farm.
Sires With Winners - Monday May 5
Here is the full list of 20 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
War Front's Homesman Out Toughs Them in Underwood Stakes
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.
Best On Breeding
The Group II Feehan Stakes (from 2005 known as the Dato' Tan Chin Nam Stakes) has been a good horses race and over the years boasts a roll call of the some of the nations best.
Cambridge Stud Welcome Hello Youmzain First NZ bred SW
Lucy In The Sky delivered a memorable result on multiple fronts with her historic success at Riccarton.
$650,000 Stay Inside Filly Sets Inglis Weanling Sale Alight
The first session of the Inglis Australian Weanling Sale on Monday produced a new overall record price for this sale when a filly by Golden Slipper winner Stay Inside sold for $650,000.
$650,000 Stay Inside Filly Sets New Record at Inglis Weanling Sale
A new record price for the Australian Weanling Sale was set at Riverside today when a Stay Inside x Sheidel filly offered by Noorilim Park sold for $650,000.
Most expensive yearling of 2018 sells at Keeneland
A colt by War Front from the family of Hall of Famer Rags to Riches became the most expensive Thoroughbred yearling to sell anywhere in the world to date this year when he commanded $2,4 million from Coolmore’s M V Magnier during Tuesday’s second session of the Keeneland September Yearling Sale.
One to Watch – Curragh
He’s a Coolmore homebred blueblood, but sired by Darley’s champion stallion Dubawi and Officer opened his stakes account overnight at The Curragh winning the Listed Tetrarch Stakes (1m).
Westbury Stud Announce 2025 Fees
Westbury Stud is pleased to announce the 2025 service fees for its high performing stallion roster, providing breeders with an accessible source of proven bloodlines at excellent value.