Lot 976

Lot 1047

Sibling To Slipper Winner Set For Debut

Maybach, a full brother to Golden Slipper winner and top Widden Stud stallion Sebring, is set to make his debut in the Cabra-Vale Diggers Plate (1400m) at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.

The 3YO colt, who is trained by Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott, was purchased for $1.3 million by a syndicate comprising his trainers, Aquis Farm, Blue Sky Bloodstock & Dermot Farrington at the 2017 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale from the draft of George Altomonte’s Corumbene Stud.

Altomonte was also the breeder of Sebring who won 5 of his 6 starts including the Gr1 Golden Slipper and Gr1 Sires Produce Stakes. His only loss was to champion filly Samantha Miss in the Gr1 Champagne Stakes.

Maybach and Sebring are both by More Than Ready out of the good producing mare Purespeed (Flying Spur) who is also the dam of Gr2 Ajax Stakes winner Pureness.

2019 Magic Millions Preview – Bluebloods

In the Thoroughbred breeding industry the word longevity is rarely used positively unless accompanied by its counterpart, success. Such a truism can be said of George Altomonte’s Corumbene Stud at Dunedoo. With the 40th anniversary of the stud’s inception on the horizon, George and his team can look back with pride at the quality of horses to have come off the farm, and look forward with positive expectation that amongst the crops to follow will be many horses of the same ilk.

Most studs dream of breeding a Golden Slipper winner. Corumbene has bred two and raced another that was placed third, a remarkable achievement given the farm focusses on quality over quantity. Corumbene bred Sebring and sold him out of the Magic Millions Gold Coast ring back in 2007 and then won the Slipper in 2013 with their homebred filly Overreach. A Corumbene – Magic Millions purchase in Hasna had previously been placed in the Slipper before winning the AJC Sires’ Produce and the Champagne Stakes. Corumbene also bred and sold the Blue Diamond Stakes winner True Jewels while they bred and raced the Gr.1 The Metropolitan winner Heart Ruler.

To read the complete piece written by Glenn Latham by clicking the below image.

Single Bullet breaks drought with some help from above

The enigmatic Single Bullet produced a scintillating performance to storm home from last and take out the Chandon S Sprint (1000m) to break a 594-day winless drought.

The son of Not A Single Doubt has always shown above average ability, taking out the Group III Pago Pago as a two-year-old but had failed to return to the winners’ stall in 11 subsequent runs until Saturday’s remarkable last to first victory.

Trainer Gary Portelli suggested it wasn’t just the drop back to the 1000m distance that got the gelding across the line, indicating he may have had some help from above.

“That was good, that was the Single Bullet that we see at trials and trackwork,” Porterlli said. “It is just a thrill to see him back.

“After his last run I saw him pulling and carrying on over 1200m and I just gave up on the fact that he just can’t get a solid six furlongs.

“I thought, we’ll back off find a race and just aim at it and we had him spot on.

“I have to put out a special mention to one of the part-owners, unfortunately he passed away, Gary Powell. He loved this horse. He lived and breathed this horse and I’m sure he is watching up in heaven.

“This win wasn’t all my doing obviously – I hope his family have taken something out of today.”

Tommy Berry picked up his second winner for the day aboard Single Bullet ($8.50), riding a patient race at the rear of the field before storming down the outside to sweep to the lead and defeat Revenire ($2.70) by three quarters of a length, with Beacon ($5) a further length back in third.

Single Bullet (Not A Single Doubt x Cheetara) was sold to Gary Portelli Racing at the Magic Millions National Yearling Sale for $150,000 with the Group 3 winner’s earnings just shy of $400,000 for connections.

Copy: Racenet.

Menari to Newgate

Group One performer Menari (Snitzel) is the latest signing for Henry’s Field’s Newgate Farm after a deal was struck on Tuesday with the sprinter’s managing owner George Altomonte. He will add considerable quality to the Hunter Valley nursery’s stallion roster following a successful career.

“We are committed to standing the very best and fastest sons of champion sires, and Menari,
an incredibly brilliant son of Snitzel, certainly fits this mould.” – Bruce Slade, Newgate

Menari will be the fourth son of Snitzel to join the Newgate roster, following Sizzling, Wandjina and fellow first season sire Russian Revolution. He will stand for $27,500.

“We are committed to standing the very best and fastest sons of champion sires and Menari, an incredibly brilliant son of Snitzel, certainly fits this mould. He is the horse that we have consistently rated as the most talented colt of his year and the most desirable stallion prospect of his generation,” said Newgate Farm General Manager, Bruce Slade.

Trained by Gerald Ryan, Menari raced in black type company in seven of his eight outings. He was successful on debut as a 2-year-old before he finished runner-up in the G3 Canonbury Stakes and fourth in the G1 Golden Slipper.

On his return last season, he won the G2 The Run To The Roses off the back of a Listed victory in the Rosebud Quality and finished third in the G1 Golden Rose. He subsequently suffered an injury to his near fore tendon.

At the time of retirement, Menari was being set to represent Max Whitby’s group in $13 million Everest at Randwick on October 13.

Newgate and partners SF Bloodstock, China Horse Club, and Kingstar Farm have pledged support of over 60 mares to the stallion, who retires on the eve of the 2018 breeding season. George Altomonte will retain a significant portion of the horse.

“Menari is a machine. He’s got the blood, looks and blinding speed. He’s what
Australian breeding is based upon.” – Michael Wallace, China Horse Club

Menari is a son of the stakes-winning mare Isurava (General Nediym), who has also produced the Group 3 placegetter Sweet Ava (Snitzel). The headline act in the family is the former champion stayer and multiple Group 1 winner Tie The Knot (Nassipour {USA}), whose mother Whisked(Whiskey Road {USA}) won the One Thousand Guineas.

Copy: Paul Vettise, TDN Australia and New Zealand

Impressive Win For Omar

As a brother-in-blood to recently retired star colt Menari, it must have been a tough decision to geld this son of Snitzel.

Gerald Ryan trained Menari to win the Group II ATC Run to the Rose last year and place in the Group I ATC Golden Rose and while Omar might not be quite that good, he did look promising when returning from a break to win easily at Kembla on Thursday.

A hot favourite when making his debut at Rosehill back in January, Omar ran last of eight and featured in the stewards report for a variety of unruly behaviours and was then sent back to the paddock.

This time he did everything right for James Innes Jr, jumping straight to the front and cruising along under his own steam before skipping clear to win the 1000 metre dash by two lengths.

A homebred for Corumbene Stud as is Menari, Omar was entered for the 2017 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale but withdrawn and is the first foal for brilliant Group II winner Ichihara, a full sister to stakes-winner Isurava, the dam of Menari.

Ichihara has another Snitzel yearling colt and will foal again to the champion sire this spring.

The Everest loses sprint star Menari to injury

The ‘Ferrari’ is staying in the garage and will miss The Everest.

Gerald Ryan’s star sprinter Menari was ruled out for the spring on Wednesday morning after he sustained an injury to his near fore tendon during a track gallop a day earlier.

 

“He had a jump out on Tuesday and after he cooled down we noticed a bit of swelling when he was in his box,” Ryan said. “These things happen in racing and I’ve been around long enough to know that. You can’t do much about it.

“It’s entirely up to the owners now as to what we do with him. They can retire him or give him another six months to get right.”

Menari, the winner of the Rosebud Stakes and Run to the Rose last spring, was one of the favourites to take out the $13m Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick on October 13.

James McDonald was set to ride him in the big race and he was feeling very confident about the horse’s chances.

“He was coming along enormous. James rode him in work last Friday morning and said he was the real deal,” Ryan said. “He jumped out on Tuesday morning with three other mates and he went really, really well.

“We haven’t seen the best of him, that’s all I know.”

The Snitzel four-year-old has only had eight starts in an injury-plagued career and he was on the comeback trail after he was ruled out of the autumn carnival with a fetlock injury.

“He’s a big horse and a big-striding horse so he’s probably more prone to injury than smaller horses,” Ryan said.

It’s not just McDonald that rated Menari as one the best horses in Australia.

In the past six months more than one jockey has ridden Menari in track work and given him the ultimate compliment of saying he’s the best sprinter in the country.

“One might say it, but when three are saying it and they’re three well-known, leading jockeys, you respect their judgment,” Ryan said.

Menari’s stablemate Trapeze Artist is the $4.50 favourite for The Everest.

Menari’s injury now opens the door for another horse to gain a run for slot holder Max Whitby. Two horses, Kementari and Nature Strip, are the third and fifth favourites for The Everest despite not having a spot in the race yet.

News: The Daily Telegrapgh

Menari confirmed for $13m race

Brilliant young sprinter Menari has been confirmed as the ninth starter in the $13 million The Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick this spring.

Slot-holders Max Whitby and Neil Werrett have been in negotiations with Menari’s owner-breeder George Altomonte for some weeks now and reached an agreement late on Thursday afternoon.

Menari, trained by Gerald Ryan, joins stablemate Trapeze Artist in the field for The Everest, run at Royal Randwick on October 13.

“Neil and I really believe in Menari, we have been wanting to get this horse for the Everest for a few weeks now,’’ Whitby told The Daily Telegraph.

“Menari’s a high class colt by Snitzel, he’s about to turn four years of age and we feel the best is yet to come from him.

“We have a lot of faith in his trainer, Gerald Ryan, and George Altomonte is understandably very proud of this horse and we are relieved to have secured him for our Everest slot.’’

Menari hasn’t raced since he was beaten as favourite into third behind Trapeze Artist in the Group 1 Golden Rose last September.

He has since undergone a minor throat operation but Ryan said the colt is back in work at his Rosehill stables and looks in great order.

“Menari has always been a big colt but he is grown heaps during his break,’’ Ryan said. “He would be 17 hands and weight about 610kg.’’

Ryan said Menari will have two barrier trials next month and is likely to resume in the Concorde Stakes on September 1.

“I haven’t given Menari any really serious gallops yet but he is building up nicely in his training,’’ Ryan said.

Other confirmed Everest runners are Redzel, In Her Time, English, Brave Smash, Shoals, Santa Ana Lane and Irish sprinter US Navy Flag.

Trapeze Artist remains favourite for the world’s richest turf race at $4.50 with TAB Fixed Odds while Menari is now into $15.

G1 Kranji Mile to Corumbene Bred Southern Legend

Hong Kong came back, saw and reconquered at Singapore’s return to International racing on Saturday night when its two contenders Southern Legend and Horse Of Fortune stole the quinella in the $1.5 million Invitational Group 1 Kranji Mile (1600m).

The former British colony have been a long-time supporter of Singapore races during the time the former Group 1 Singapore Airlines International Cup (2000m) and its sister sprint feature, the Group 1 KrisFlyer International Sprint (1200m) were staged for 15 years at Kranji.

It was only in the latter years that they really hogged the limelight in the two showpieces with Military Attack (2013) and Dan Excel (2014 and 2015) in the last three SIA Cups and Lucky Nine (2013 and 2014) and Aerovelocity (2015) in the last three KrisFlyers, which was also taken by Sacred Kingdom (2009) and Green Birdie (2010) in earlier renewals.

Billed as the best horse in the 13-horse field all week, Southern Legend, who was given an international rating of 115 points, is the latest name from Sports Road to add its name to the Kranji roll of honour. Even if technically, it was not an International Group 1 race yet, it had all the makings of one, and it sure felt like déjà vu when the red Bauhinia flag picked up where it had left off.

Jumping smartly from marble one, Southern Legend, a Not A Single Doubt five-year-old prepared by Kranji frequent flyer Caspar Fownes, was bustled up by ace jockey Zac Purton to hold down his pole position given there were a few vying for that spot when the gates crashed back.

Once up there in the driving seat, Purton turned off the power to sleep mode, with his mount never turning a hair even when Maximus (Troy See) came cocking a snook to the visitor midrace.

The Alwin Tan-trained galloper continued on his cheeky run as he took a stab at glory just before the corner when he was the first greet the judge, but Purton was unimpressed, still letting Southern Legend bowl along on a long rein.

Horse Of Fortune had in the meantime popped off the fence to jostle for a run as he collared Maximus three wide while Circuit Land (Alexis Badel), the tough-as-nails Chairman’s Trophy winner was aiming to replicate the same searching run out in wide territory.

They were in for some sight.

As Southern Legend niftily cut the corner at the point of the turn, he effortlessly ambled back to the lead. Purton redid his reins, threw out the anchors – and accidentally, his whip, but it would not matter – the Hong Kong galloping machine was set in full flight.

Behind, the wheels were spinning amidst the chasing pack. Horse Of Fortune looked one-paced but was still holding sway in the battle for second place. Among the locals, the top picks like Infantry (Vlad Duric), Elite Excalibur (Michael Rodd) and Circuit Land were struggling to conjure up their usual dash.

Southern Legend was already out of reach as he romped in by three lengths from Horse Of Fortune for a Hong Kong 1-2 that many had already forecasted after they respectively drew gates one and two at the barrier draw on Thursday night.

 

Showing the benefit of a ground-saving run in the box seat, Tan’s third runner (after Infantry and Maximus) beat Clarton Super (Azhar Ismail) to third place by a neck. The Tan Kah Soon-trained galloper also picked up a bonus for being the second local runner past the post: $50,000.

Sent out as the even-money favourite, Southern Legend clocked the smart time of 1min 33.79secs for the 1600m on the Long Course, only 0.51 second outside the record established by Magneto in 2014.

Singapore Horse of the Year Infantry made a genuine bid at the 400m mark, but he was eventually outrun and took fifth place another three-quarter length away.

The disappointments were Elite Excalibur (11th) who never showed any hint of his customary turn of foot and Donna Logan’s New Zealand multiple-Group 1 winner Volkstok’n’barrell (Craig Grylls, 12th), who was, however, making his Singapore debut in the Kranji Mile.

Fownes, who had missed only one day of trackwork (Wednesday to head back for the Happy Valley meeting) since Monday, was at his fourth Kranji triumph after Green Birdie and Lucky Nine.

“He’s a real dude this horse. He was chilled throughout his stay here and has really enjoyed himself,” said Fownes.

“He was a fit horse. We made sure he had enough work and he trialled prior to coming to Singapore.

“He’s a versatile horse who can handle any type of going and obviously any direction as well, as we saw tonight (they go the other way in Hong Kong).

“I’m very happy for the connections because I had to convince the owner (Boniface Ho Ka Kui) to come here. I told him horses travel good these days, it’s a lot easier, just like for us, humans.

“Travelling can only do them a world of good.”

Prize presentation for the winning connections, with owner Boniface Ho (holding the trophy), trainer Casper Fownes, jockey Zac Purton, Chairman and CEO of Hong Kong Jockey Club Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges and President and Chief Executive of Singapore Turf Club Mr Chong Boo Ching (on the right side of the stage).

When asked about Southern Legend’s future plans now that he has an offshore win under the belt, Fownes said he would target the gelding for the Internationals on his own turf, the Longines Hong Kong International Races in December.

“He’s pretty much done now. We are going back to Hong Kong on Monday morning and enter quarantine,” he said.

“He’s come a long way since the start of his prep. He will come out and improve a bit further from that and he will be set for the December Internationals when I bring him back.”

As for Purton, that purple patch he had struck in Hong Kong seems to know no boundaries. He currently lies in second place only six winners off perennial leader Joao Moreira, who begins a two-day suspension next week, opening the final run to the wire wide open.

“It’s great to ride in Singapore. It’s a special place and it’s even better when you win,” said Purton who was at his second big-race haul after capturing the $1 million Group 1 Singapore Guineas (1600m) aboard Mr Clint earlier, and already boasted one SIA Cup (Military Attack) and one KrisFlyer (Aerovelocity) to his name.

“I had a lovely position in the lead. I was only a bit worried when they came across three deep to put a bit of pressure on us.

“But he was not overracing and had a nice rhythm to his action. At the 400m, I gave him a squeeze and he picked up really well.

“I knew I had the race won when I looked at the screen and nothing was coming.

“I ride a lot of Caspar’s horses at home. We’ve been teaming up very well and it’s great to ride a winner for him overseas.

“Things are going well for me back home as well. The winners are coming, but I need more winners, it’s never enough.

“Recently Joao has not been riding for a few trainers, and it’s freed up a few more opportunities for us. We’ll see how the rest of the season goes, it should be interesting.”

Tony Millard, trainer of the runner-up, was gracious in defeat, accepting they got beaten by a better horse.

“He ran a great race, but Caspar’s horse was the class horse and he was just too good for them,” said the South African handler who has been training in Hong Kong for 19 years.

“He got a bit of bumping at the top of the straight, but no excuse, I’m still very happy with that run. He’s seven now, but he still ran above his class, that’s all you can ask for.

“He’s as honest as they come. It was a great experience, and I hope to come back with another horse next time.”

News: Singapore Turf Club

Images: Singapore Turf Club and Hong Kong Jockey Club

Listed Silks Stocking For Anatola

At the Gold Coast in Queensland, Vinery Stud’s champion shuttler More Than Ready (Southern Halo-Woodman’s Girl, by Woodman) added a black-type success when 5YO Australian-bred mare Anatola (More Than Ready-Wager, by Flying Spur) let down with a brilliant turn of foot to score a dominant win in the $150,000 Listed Silk Stocking (1200m) for fillies & mares, defeating Test The World & Sylpheed.

Trainer Mark Newham said Anatola’s win had earned her a shot at better grade races during the winter.

“I knew when she got to the front and had her ears pricked she’d be hard to run down,” Newham told Racing Queensland Webnews.

“I’ll look at all options now and hopefully she can stretch out to 1350 metres so we can aim a little higher.”

A homebred for George Altomonte’s Corumbene Stud, Anatola improved not only her broodmare value but also her record to 6 wins and 7 placings from 18 starts for $313,225 in earnings.

She is out of the Gr2 winner and Gr1 Blue Diamond runner-up Wager and hails from the family of Gr1 Blue Diamond Stakes winner True Jewels.

Lot 20

Lot 43

Lot 75

Lot 99

Lot 173

Lot 302

Lot 500

Lot 501

Sugar Bella Tops Off Another Successful Day

In a long and successful career on the track, Hula Wonder won 13 and placed in 16 of her 61 starts while banking almost $500,000 including a pair of Group III’s in Melbourne.

The now pensioned daughter of Hula Chief proved equally reliable in her second career at stud but she may well have saved the best for last.

With Jason Collett in the saddle, the Kris Lees-trained Sugar Bella motored home from last to earn a maiden stakes win Saturday’s Group III Wenona Girl Quality (1200m).

The 4yo daughter of Not A Single Doubt scored by a short head from Fastnet Rock mare Miss Que who was half a length in front of Perizada (Shaft).

Sugar Bella advanced her record to six wins from seven starts with earnings of $247,440.

She has already proved an excellent investment on her $135,000 purchase price out of the Corumbene Stud draft at the 2015 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

“I gave up after 100 metres,” Lees told AAP.

“The plan was to be behind the leaders. To his credit Jason (Collett) left her alone and coming round the corner I started to get my hopes up.

“I know she has an electric turn of foot and was either going to just get beaten or win.”

Sugar Bella became ineligible for the Provincial Championship series but that failed to damp enthusiasm of her connections with valuable black-type against her name.

“The owners were keen to get a stakes win with her,” Lees said.

“She is a high-quality mare and can go on to even better races but we will let the dust settle on this win before a decision.”

Sugar Bella is the eighth and final foal of Hula Wonder who won the Group III VRC The Gillette Stakes and Group III MVRC WH Stocks Stakes, which was a race won by her dam Natural Wonder (Aurilandy).

Equally tough and talented as her daughter, Natural Wonder won 12 and placed in 14 of her 46 starts in Melbourne including three stakes races.

Natural Wonder had just three foals while Hula Wonder had eight foals before time was called on her career in 2015.

All six of her eight foals to reach the track were winners. Before the emergence of Sugar Bella, the Listed winner Wily Jimmy was her best.

The son of Dehere banked over $330,000 from a record of seven wins and 6 places from 38 starts.

Corumbene has retained one daughter of Hula Wonder, the talented Sydney winning Danehill Dancer mare Kylie who had a yearling by the Cox Plate hero Adelaide (IRE) make $140,000 to the bid of Gerald Ryan at this year’s Magic Millions.

Sugar Bella becomes the 53rd stakes winner for Not A Single Doubt who was represented by another first-time stakes-winner on the day, Happy Clapper’s half-brother Not A Single Cent who broke his maiden in the Group II VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes.

More Slipper hopefuls step out at Rosehill

Eight weeks out from the Golden Slipper, several more hopefuls will put their hopes on the line at Rosehill but the titleholder will miss a scheduled gallop at the track.

She Will Reign was to have a race day outing on Saturday ahead of her next appearance two weeks later but a minor issue with a fetlock will keep her at home,

Omar, one of five first-starters in the 10-horse field for the 2YO Plate (1100m), is the early favourite based on two encouraging barrier trials.

Like all trainers with two-year-olds at this time of year, Gerald Ryan has the Slipper as a goal but he is not getting ahead of himself with 358 youngsters still in the mix after second declarations.

The colt is a three-quarter brother to Menari, fourth in last year’s Slipper on a heavy track.

He is also from the family that produced superior stayer Tie The Knot but the Snitzel influence is evident.

“He is a pretty quick horse as you would expect from a Snitzel and his mother Ichihara was also fast,” Ryan said.

“Unlike Menari he is only 15.3 hands, also more like Snitzel.

“I don’t know how far he will get but he is showing the right things at home.”

Omar was retained by his breeder, Corumbene Stud’s George Altomonte, who also races Menari and another potential Slipper contender Sweet Ava.

The filly has won her only start and is a full sister to Menari out of Ichihara’s sister Isurava. The pair’s dam Cut A Dash is a three-quarter sister to 1990 Thousand Guineas winner Whisked, the mother of Tie The Knot.

“Sweet Ava is a big filly, about 16 hands, and is more like Menari but is also a filly we think might get 1600 metres later,” Ryan said.

Omar was at $2.80 with the TAB on race eve ahead of the Chris Waller-trained Pembroke Castle at $3.50.

Ryan said Menari, who has not raced since he ran third to stablemate Trapeze Artist in the Golden Rose in September and subsequently had a tie-back operation, was working well to his return in the Group One Galaxy (1100m) on March 24.

“He has been back in the stable for five weeks and has gone even time this week for the first time,” he said.

Menari’s Little Sister Makes Winning Debut

Punters threw their lot behind Menari’s little sister Sweet Ava, who was making her career debut in the TAB Com Au plate (1200m) at Canterbury on Friday and she didn’t disappoint.

Trained by Gerald Ryan, the George Altomonte homebred sat outside the pacesetting Diamondsandjewels in the run and travelled sweetly to the home turn.

When Kerrin McEvoy pressed the button the response was not immediate as Diamondsandjewels was clinging stubbornly to the lead.

Over the last 100 metres, Sweet Ava began to assert her superiority.

The daughter of Snitzel came away to defeat Diamondsandjewels (Sepoy) by a short-neck with China Horse Club’s $500,000 Sebring filly Eawase three-quarter of a length back in third.

“She’ll go to the paddock Monday morning and have a couple of weeks out,” Ryan said

“We will see how she comes back later in the autumn. I don’t think she’s a Golden Slipper-type – more a Sires’ Produce or Champagne type filly.

“She’s still learning. It’s the first time away from Rosehill and she’s still got a few little quirks to iron out but she’s going the right way.”

A full sister to Group II ATC The Run to the Rose winner and Group 1 Golden Rose third Menari, Sweet Ava is the sixth foal of the General Nediym mare Isurava, a sister to Group II Magic Night Stakes winner Ichinhara and Listed Gold Stocking winner Au Chocolat out of winning three-quarter sister to Group I One Thousand Guineas winner Whisked the dam of the champion Tie The Knot.

After missing to Hinchinbrook in 2015, Isurava foaled a Not A Single Doubt filly on November 2.

News from Breednet

Lot 9

Lot 42

Lot 107

Lot 253

Lot 445

Lot 481

Lot 525

Lot 605

Lot 672

Lot 778

Lot 885

Lot 969

Altomonte Happy To Keep Hold Of Menari As Studs Circle

Owner-breeder George Altomonte is in no rush to sell short-priced Golden Rose Stakes (Gr 1, 1400m) favourite Menari (Snitzel), arguably the hottest stallion prospect currently racing in Australia, despite fielding offers to secure the valuable colt.

The Gerald Ryan-trained three-year-old, who is the $2.00 favourite for the $1,000,000 race, has won the Rosebud (Listed, 1100m) and The Run To The Rose (Gr 2, 1200m) at both starts this campaign after heavy tracks hindered his autumn two-year-old campaign.

San Domenico Stakes (Gr 3, 1100m) winner Pariah (Redoute’s Choice), who was runner-up to Menari in The Run To The Rose, is the second favourite at $6 ahead of unbeaten Ciaron Maher-trained colt Merchant Navy (Fastnet Rock) ($8.50).

Altomonte revealed to ANZ Bloodstock News yesterday that stud farms had already expressed interest in buying the son of Snitzel (Redoute’s Choice), who is out of General Nediym (Nediym) mare Isurava, a Listed-winning juvenile.

“I talk to the people because I know most of them. I have been contacted by six or seven studs who have an interest in him, and I will be fair to all of them when the time comes, but the time has not come yet,” Altomonte said.

“I just want to race him at the moment.”

The Corumbene Stud proprietor believes Menari, who has drawn barrier 11, is entitled to be the favourite for the Golden Rose Stakes, with a maiden Group One win vital for the colt’s stallion value.

“I look at the times of horses, which is my way of assessing them, and I think Menari’s times are pretty good,” he said.

“In The Run To The Rose, he broke the race record, and his times are better than anything else in the race.”

The wide barrier, as was the case when Menari took out The Run To The Rose, can only enhance the colt’s winning chances, according to Altomonte.

“You need a bit of luck because he is such a big horse, he is a big strider, but once he gets into a rhythm and goes, you can’t slow him down again,” he said.

“If there is daylight in front of him, he will go. If we were on the inside I’d be more worried because he could get stuck in behind traffic and that is not him.”

Trainer Gerald Ryan is also confident Menari can score a breakthrough Group One victory tomorrow.

“You can use his speed or he can sit back, and he’s got a terrific turn of foot,” Ryan said.

Menari’s development as a three-year-old is not a surprise to most observers, least of all Altomonte, who said the colt’s two-year-old career could have been enhanced on dry tracks.

Menari was successful at his first start in January, defeating the Group One-placed Taking Aim (Choisir), and then struck trouble at his second start when runner-up to Pariah in the Canonbury Stakes (Gr 3, 1100m).

He was also demoted from third to fourth in the Golden Slipper Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m) after causing interference to Tulip (Pierro), before being spelled after an unplaced run in the ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes (Gr 1, 1400m) on 1 April.

“I reckon he would have won the Slipper if it had been a dry track,” Altomonte said.

“I know it is a big thing to say, but he can’t handle the wet.”

When Menari is retired to stud, Altomonte said it is his intention to keep a stake in the colt.

The owner has also retained Menari’s two-year-old sister Sweet Ava (Snitzel), who is also being trained by Ryan, while Isurava is due to foal to Not A Single Doubt (Redoute’s Choice) in late October before a return date with Snitzel.

“I would keep an interest in him (when I do sell him),” added Altomonte.

“The bloodlines are pretty good and I was very much a General Nediym fan, but he had some bad experiences when he stood at stud because he was moved around a bit.

“He didn’t really get going until he went to Widden Stud.”

Altomonte also confirmed slot holders in the $10,000,000 The Everest (1200m) had been in contact with him about having Menari run in the lucrative race at Randwick on 14 October.

“I am just going to see what happens on Saturday first, then we will have a think about The Everest next week,” Altomonte said. “There is also the Manikato Stakes and the Coolmore Stud Stakes in
Melbourne that he could head to, if he didn’t go to The Everest.”

Ryan said Menari could be capable of matching it with the older horses in The Everest despite the race bringing Australia’s best sprinters together.

“I’m not a big rap on three-year-olds at this time of year against older horses, but looking at him, he’s a big strong horse, he’s 570 kilos, he carries 53 (kilos) and he can run the sectional times,” Ryan said.

“If you’re going to have a three-year-old colt have a crack at the older horses, perhaps he’s the one.”

Menari … The Rose May Turn To Gold

We caught a glimpse of it last month in the Rosebud – maybe even as far back as the debut in January – but it took just 1 minute and 8.59 seconds for Menari to stake his claim as the rising star of Australian racing with a brilliant victory in Saturday’s Group Two Run To The Rose over 1200m at Rosehill Gardens.

The Corumbene Stud bred and raced/Gerald Ryan trained colt was sent out a $2.30 favourite and didn’t disappoint, easily despatching his rivals, including Pariah, who was fresh from an impressive performance in the Group Three San Domenico Stakes just two weeks ago.

It certainly appears that Menari might be something right out of the box and, not surprisingly, the cause of much excitement for Corumbene’s principal, George Altomonte.

“I’ve had high hopes for him (Menari) from the day he was born,” Altomonte points out, “he’s such an eye-catcher and a natural athlete.

“Lovely, big horse too. Great stride and once he gets into that cruising speed, is proving hard to catch.

“And one of the best attributes of the horse is his temperament – he’s such a placid horse for a colt.”

Altomonte confirmed that Menari would next start in the $1 million Group One De Bortoli Wines Golden Rose Stakes at Rosehill Gardens on 23 September – for which he was rapidly installed as pre-post favourite after Saturday’s win – but was non-committal as to further spring plans.

“There was a lot of talk on Saturday about Menari tackling the ($10 million) The Everest (14 October) after the Golden Rose, but I haven’t had anyone approach me about that race as yet, so only time well tell on that one,” Altomonte reveals.

“But, while I haven’t had any calls about the Everest, I’ve fielded plenty of calls from just about every major NSW stud farm!”

Little wonder. A 3YO colt by Champion Sire, Snitzel, Menari is out of the stakes winning General Nediym mare, Isurava (also raced by Corumbene), in turn a full sister to Group Two winning 2YO, Ichihara, and half sister to Queensland stakes winner, Au Chocolat … and, just to top it all off, Menari is closely related to 13-time Group One winner, Tie The Knot.

Altomonte is also looking forward to the eventual racetrack appearance of Menari’s 2YO full sister, Sweet Ava, who is likewise in work with Gerald Ryan.

“She (Sweet Ava) is a very nice filly and Gerald has a big opinion of her,” Altomonte adds. “She’s likely to trial in the next month to six weeks and we’ll see how she progresses from there.

“We don’t like to rush our young horses along though. We normally bring them in for a week or two to the stable, then back to Corumbene for a while, then to the pre-trainer and maybe back again to the trainer for a few weeks.”

Whatever Corumbene’s approach, it’s clearly working as home-breds include Golden Slipper winner, Overreach and Champion 2YO, Hasna.

Perhaps they’ll add another Group One winner to the Corumbene honour roll after the Golden Rose?

HOOFNOTE: Altomonte puts a lot of thought into the naming of his racehorses and Menari is no different: “Menari’s mum, Isurava, is by General Nediym, which has that military theme to it, so we named Isurava after a little village on the Kokoda Trail in New Guinea. Menari, in turn, is named after another small village on the track.

News: Aushorse Marketing

‘Menari The Ferrari’ Revs Past Rose Rivals

Menari further cemented his claim as Sydney’s benchmark three-year-old sprinter with a dominant display in the $200,000 Group Two Run To The Rose (1200m).

The scratching of Siege Of Quebec afforded Josh Parr the opportunity to roll forward and sit outside the leader Perast before working through his gears to hold off the chasing Pariah.
It was Parr’s third Group Two victory of the day having already won the Theo Mark Stakes on Deploy, who broke another track record, and the Stan Fox Stakes on Gold Standard, however, the jockey’s signature grin was that touch wider when he fronted the media to speak about Menari.

“Look at the size of the horse. It is just phenomenal to ride an animal like this. His turn of foot is second to none,” Parr gushed.

“I banged him up outside of the leader simply because of the draw. I had to make a decision. I couldn’t come out half-hearted and linger around at the risk of being posted wide so I decided to go forward.

“What a phenomenal day. I drove here with my Dad and I said, I can ride three winners today and I’ve only got three rides. My Dad is a very quietly spoken man. He replied with, ‘let’s hope so’.”

The hulking three-year-old son of Snitzel will now tackle the $1m Group One Golden Rose on September 23 for which he is now the $2.60 favourite with TAB.

“I think his ability will take him a hell of a long way with the 1400m however there are a few little things in his game which says to me he’s a 1200m horse but don’t write him off in the Golden Rose just yet,” Parr said.

Gerald Ryan didn’t flinch when tossing Menari’s name alongside his sire Snitzel, Snitzerland and Rubick, before revealing his recent trackwork was as good as he has ever seen from one of his horses.“The way he worked last Friday morning, I reckon there’s only been two other horses I’ve clocked sectionals as quick as him and that’s been Chautauqua and All Too Hard when they were flying. He burnt the track,” Ryan said.

Despite not yet having a spot confirmed in The Everest, his win prompted TAB to also wind Menari’s odds in from $11 to $6 for the $10 million sprint feature and although Ryan said he has little doubt that Menari could do it, the Golden Rose comes first.

“It’s entirely up to George (Altomonte). When I mentioned it to him he said get over the Group One first and then we’ll worry about it after,” said Ryan.

Meanwhile, Blake Shinn still holds hope that Pariah can turn the tables on Menari over 1400m when they clash again in the Golden Rose while Kementari pleased Kerrin McEvoy in finding the line to run fourth.

“He travelled beautifully but Menari had 1kg difference. In saying that, full credit to the winner he was too good on the day, but level weights at 1400m in the Golden Rose, it’s going to be an exciting race,” said Shinn.

McEvoy said of Kementari, “I was just guided by how he jumped and had a decision to make as to whether I went forward or came back and get some cover. He couldn’t have done much more, no doubt he’s going to be suited by 1400m and further.”

News: Brad Gray Racing NSW

Wide Draw No Barrier To Menari Support

Despite having drawn the outside barrier of the 11 runners in tomorrow’s Group 2 The Run To The Rose (1200m) at Rosehill Gardens, the Corumbene Stud-bred and race favourite Menari has continued to tighten in markets over the past 48 hours, coming in from $2.80 to $2.40. Pariah is solid at $3.20, ahead of Godolphin’s Kementari who has been nibbled at to close up to $4.60.

The Godolphin-trained runner will have a red-hot Kerrin McEvoy in the irons from barrier 7, while Josh Parr is going to have to find a way to slot Menari in with cover somewhere, without leaving him with too much to do in the straight.

A winner of the Listed Rosebud at Rosehill Gardens at his most recent start where he defeated Siege Of Quebes by a length and a quarter, the Gerald Ryan-trained Snitzel colt Menari looks to have an undeniable chance to record back to back black type wins.

Jessamin on track to black-type success

Winning debutant Jessamin reignites her quest for black-type on her racing record when she resumes from an extended at Warwick Farm.

The three-year-old enjoyed a dream introduction at the Sydney track in November, and although co-trainer Adrian Bott thought the Magic Millions 2YO Classic was a viable target in January, Jessamin instead headed for the paddock.

“She had a good long spell after having a slight setback early on. She just needed a little bit of time,” Bott explained, ahead of Wednesday’s TAB Rewards Handicap (1200m).

Bott, who trains in partnership with Gai Waterhouse, trialled Jessamin at Randwick on August 21, where she placed third behind Tangled and All Too Sweet over 735m.

“She did a few things wrong but I think she’s a quality filly for us going forward,” Bott said.

Jessamin beat Memento by three-quarters of a length on debut, a filly who made the jump up to Group company in the Magic Night Stakes and Champagne Stakes during autumn.

Bott has the same aspirations for Jessamin, the $5 second favourite with the TAB behind the Kris Lees-trained Intrinsic ($2.25).

Jessamin is raced by prominent breeder George Altomonte after she was passed over at the Magic Millions Yearling Sales.

“Obviously retaining a filly like this to race, it’s crucial we can enhance her value by getting some stakes success so she can be an asset as a broodmare,” Bott said.

Debut Victory for Golden Slipper Sister

Being a full sister to Golden Slipper winner Overreach, there was high expectation surrounding the debut of three year-old filly Marishka at Canterbury on Wednesday and she more than delivered for connections with an impressive performance.

A homebred for George Altomonte’s Corumbene Stud, Marishka has been given time to mature by Peter and Paul Snowden and that decision looks like paying off.

An eye-catching trial winner at the start of the month, Marishka was sent to the post a hot favourite with Blake Shinn in the saddle.

She was a touch slowly away, but recovered well and when asked to chase down the leader Shudabeen in the straight, she kept coming with a big finish to win the 1100 metre maiden by a long neck.

“It was a very pleasing effort as she didn’t begin well, although had a lovely run in transit,” said Paul Snowden.

“She’ll gain a lot out of this as she’s never really been off the bridle at home, so it’s all a learning curve for her. She has plenty of upside.”

By champion sire Exceed and Excel, Marishka is a full sister to Group I ATC Golden Slipper winner Overreach and the highly talented colt Overreach, who had just one start for Peter and Paul Snowden finishing second to Vancouver in the Group III ATC Canonbury Stakes before being retired to Widden Stud due to injury.

She is the fourth winner for Snippets mare Bahia, a half-sister to Group I winner and sire Reward for Effort, who is also by Exceed and Excel.

Bahia produced another colt by Exceed and Excel last spring and is due to foal to the Darley heavy hitter, who stands at a fee of $110,000.

News from Breednet

Rosebud Victory Starts Menari’s Climb

A lot of good horses have been bred by Corumbene Stud over the years.

Overreach and Sebring were both Golden Slipper winners. True Jewels won a Blue Diamond. Heart Ruler, Hasna, Wager, Bennetta … it’s a long list.

Another homebred in Menari didn’t add to the silverware as a 2YO, despite showing plenty of early promise, but is certainly off to a flying start at three via a hugely impressive performance in Saturday’s Listed Smithfield RSL Rosebud over 1100m at Rosehill Gardens.

So impressive in fact that trainer, Gerald Ryan, didn’t mince words post-race, declaring the colt worthy of a start in the $10 million Everest at Royal Randwick on 14 October, even though all 12 slots had been purchased by the end of March.

“He’s a very good horse isn’t he,” Ryan enthused, indicating that Everest ‘slot holders’ have already been enquiring as to Menari’s plans.

The dominance of Menari’s Rosebud victory, overhauling the previously unbeaten Siege of Quebec with an explosive turn of foot, has installed the colt as a $9 equal favourite for the Group One Golden Rose on 23 September. However, with the Golden Rose and Everest three weeks apart, Ryan is confident his lightning fast charge could tackle both.

“I have an inkling that Menari is a sprinter and I wouldn’t be frightened of taking on open class horses at weight for age (Everest) with him. He’s a big, strong colt … an exciting horse. We’ll just play it by ear,” Ryan adds.

“I was happy to see the horse win so well … you just like to see them come back and do it.”

Menari has now won two of his six outings, including a second in the Group Three Canonbury Stakes and a fourth in the Group One Golden Slipper behind She Will Reign.

Racing in the all familiar orange, brown spots and white sleeves of George Altomonte, Menari has always been a star waiting to happen according to his breeder/owner: “He (Menari) is a very good horse and just ran into that terrible, wet weather last autumn,” Altomonte recalls. “He just can’t handle the heavy tracks but definitely showed what he was capable of in the Rosebud.”

Founder of the hugely successful Alto Group in Sydney and racing horses since 1971, Altomonte cites fillies like Overreach and Champion 2YO, Hasna, among his favourites, but has a real soft spot for Menari.

“He (Menari) has still quite a bit more to do but if the tracks keep dry I’m confident he’ll end up being a very successful racehorse. I raced his mother (Isurava) as well … I had a lot of horses trained by Jack Denham and Isurava was one of the last horse’s he trained.”

Corumbene Stud’s Manager, Toby Frazer, was also confident Menari would put his best hoof forward in the Rosebud and shares Altomonte’s faith in the rising star.

“He (Menari) was doing so well spelling at the farm, we sent him back to Gerald’s two weeks early,” Frazer reveals. “I’m not surprised he ran the way he did in the Rosebud.”

Frazer has had a long association with not only Menari, but also with his mother – the stakes winning General Nediym mare, Isurava – and with the granddam, Cut a Dash (Whiskey Road).

“We bought Menari’s mother, Isurava, at the 2005 Magic Millions Nationals and she was the best weanling in the sale,” Frazer explains. “She turned out to be a very good racehorse too and won a stakes race in Queensland but went in the wind and wasn’t much good after that. Even worse after the operation, but she’s turned out to be a good broodmare.

“Corumbene also purchased Isurava’s dam, Cut A Dash, and she’s been a great old broodmare as well with eight winners, including one we bred in (Group Two) Magic Night winner, Ichihara.

“Her last foal, a So You Think filly, has just turned two and is called Eternity. She’s with Ron Quinton, while there’s a 2YO brother in blood (from Ichihara) to Menari, called Omar … so, you can say we’ve got plenty from Menari’s family to represent the farm!”

Frazer points out that Corumbene has around 120 horses at its Dunedoo, NSW showpiece – “although that number varies from time to time” – and reckons it puts an extra spring in your step when the Menaris come along.

“He (Menari) was a lovely foal,” Frazer recalls. “I’m not sure where that big white blaze comes from but he was very athletic from day one and has a lovely nature.

“He was entered for the Gold Coast Magic Millions but I said he was too good a colt to sell so George decided to keep him. It’s great when it comes out in your favour.”

Greater still if Menari is able to climb Everest.

News: Aushorse Marketing, Image: Lisa Grimm

Listed Rosebud To Menari

Less than a fortnight after landing his first stallion Premiership, Snitzel has put up his first city treble of the new season, including Menari, a dashing winner of the $150,000 The Rosebud 1100m LR at Rosehill.

He is the second son of Snitzel to win The Rosebud, following Thronum’s success last year, and the 65th stakeswinner on Snitzel’s lifetime record.

Menari, carrying equal topweight of 60.5 kg, jumped marginally best of the field but as Siege Of Quebec and Perast moved forward on his inside, Josh Parr eased him back towards the rear. Taken wide round the home turn, he balanced up quickly, took control of the race at the 200-metre mark and won by 1.3 lengths from Siege Of Quebec with Trekking a further length away in third.

Watch Menari win the ATC The Rosebud LR.

Trainer Gerald Ryan, recording his 13th stakeswinner by former stable star Snitzel, can justly feel that his assessment of Menari as an unlucky 2YO has been vindicated.

The $1 million Golden Rose G1 on 23 September is the obvious target for him, but Ryan believes he’s also a genuine prospect for The Everest. Whichever way Menari goes, the San Domenico S. G3, also over 1100 metres on 26 August is his likely next start.

Josh Parr said, “He’s an exceptionally talented horse. I know it sounds a little bit arrogant but I was so confident his ability could overcome the bias of the track today.

“He’s as good as anything I’ve sat on. I won’t say any more.”

Menari is the fifth foal and second winner out of 2YO stakeswinner Isurava (by General Nediym), a sister to Group 2 winner Ichihara, from the immediate family of Group 1 winner Whisked and her champion son Tie The Knot.

Corumbene Stud has also retained Menari’s year-younger full sister Sweet Ava, and Isurava is foaling this Spring to Not A Single Doubt.

Menari supplied the final leg of Snitzel’s Rosehill treble, following the Waterhouse & Bott-trained Arbeitsam’s defiantwin over 1800 metres, and The Pharoah’s success over 1350 metres for owner-breeder Ottavio Galletta and Gerald Ryan.

News from Arrowfield Stud

Menari Primed for Big Spring

Trainer Gerald Ryan is confident that richly talented colt Menari (Snitzel- Isurava, by General Nediym) can start to fulfil his undoubted potential when he opens his spring campaign in tomorrow’s Listed Rosebud (1100m) at Rosehill Gardens.

The George Altomonte-owned 3YO show glimpses of brilliance during his juvenile season when a luckless second to Pariah in the Gr3 Canonbury Stakes, and fourth (he was third past the post but relegated on protest) behind star fillies She Will Reign, Frolic and Tulip in the Gr1 Golden Slipper.However, wet tracks dulled his explosive acceleration which meant he wasn’t seen at his best.

“He has definitely grown and is a lot stronger again. He is not ‘colty’ and seems to be focused too,” Ryan told racingnsw.com.au. “He has always been a big horse but has started filling into himself. He is 16’2 hands high and weighs about 570-odd kilograms.”

Ryan added: “His trackwork has been solid but he is not an over worker. There is a lot of hype about him so to see him back on a good track we’ll see if that hype is warranted.”

After Saturday, Menari will run second-up in the Gr3 San Domenico Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill on August 26 but beyond that, Ryan is keeping his options open.

“At the moment we’re just treating him like a sprinter because he is going to have two 1100m races and then we’ll play it by ear from there,” he said.

Menari is a $3 second favourite with Tab for the Rosebud behind unbeaten colt Siege Of Quebec at $2.90.

Lot 152

Lot 223

Lot 1973

Lot 1933

Lot 2059

Lot 2148

Lot 2249