Exceed And Excel's Standout Remains Unbeaten

Mark Smith - Saturday September 28

A full-brother to Golden Slipper winner Overreach and to Widden Stud's young stallion Outreach, highly promising colt Standout kept his record at a perfect three for three when fighting off Cosmic Force in Saturday's Listed Heritage Stakes at Rosehill Gardens.

Ridden by Tommy Berry for trainer Gerald Ryan, the striking chestnut son of Exceed And Excel raced midfield on the fence before getting a split between Dirty Work and Cosmic Force in the straight.

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Rock hard in condition, Standout held the challenge of Cosmic Force (Deep Field), who was having his first starts since finishing midfield as favourite in the Golden Slipper, by a half-neck with Pandemic (Sepoy), who was doing his best work at the finish, a length back in third. (images Steve Hart). 


Tommy Berry said he has had a good opinion of Standout since he first came to the Ryan stable.

"He is a full-brother to Overreach who I won the Slipper on and he comes from a great family," Berry said.

"It's always an honour to put these colours on for George Altomonte, he's a great breeder, massive supporter of the industry and great to see him get another good horse.

"He used to be very keen but Gerald and the girl that rides him at home have done a massive job in getting him to switch off so full credit goes to them.

"I think 1200 metres sees him out because he is so brilliant but I'll leave that to Gerald."

Gerald Ryan said Standout bis likely to have one more running before being spelled.

"We've nurtured him this far and we aren't in a hurry with him," Ryan told Racenet.

"He might only have one more. There's the Roman Consul or the Brian Crowley.

"I really think this horse will come into his own in the autumn. He's a big horse and those big horses get better as they get older.

"He won't be going to Melbourne. He'll stay at home."

A three-quarter brother to Chatswood Stud's successful stallion Reward For Effort, Standout is the fifth winner from six to race from former smart Snippets mare Bahia who was undefeated in four starts.

Bahia produced another colt by Exceed and Excel last year but will have no foal this year after missing last spring.

Standout becomes the 163rd stakes-winner for Darley Stud's flagship stallion Exceed And Excel.

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