Group One Thoroughbreds enjoyed a landmark afternoon on Saturday, with feature race victories in two different states highlighting a remarkable day for the synidcator and its owners.
The success began with Cristal Clear, who resumed in the Ajax Stakes, a $300,000 feature over 1500 metres. First up following two impressive trials, the gelding returned to his favourite track and trip at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse, with a victory set to secure his place in the $4 million Doncaster Mile on Day 1 of The Championships.
Jumping cleanly from an inside barrier, Cristal Clear showed early speed before jockey Braith Nock elected to take cover in fourth position just off the pace as rivals pressed forward on his outside. The gelding travelled strongly throughout the middle stages and was still under a hold approaching the home turn.
In the straight, the leader shifted wider which presented an inside opportunity. Nock seized the moment, guiding Cristal Clear through along the rail to take the lead at the 200 metre mark. From there the gelding dug deep under pressure and proved too tough, holding on to score by a long neck.
Cristal Clear’s Owners Following his win
The victory lifted Cristal Clear’s career earnings to $750,000, an outstanding return on his modest $50,000 purchase price.
Just 40 minutes later, Considered produced an equally impressive performance in the TAB Military Rose, extending her winning streak to six straight victories.
From a tricky draw, Considered was slightly slow to begin and struggled to muster early speed, settling second last during the early and middle stages. Approaching the 600 metres, however, the mare began to build momentum and was travelling strongly as the field turned for home.
Jockey Andrew Mallyon bided his time along the inside in the straight before a gap appeared at the 200 metre mark. Considered burst through the opening, quickly putting a couple of lengths on her rivals before holding them at bay to score by just over half a length.
Considered’s Owners Celebrating Her Win
The win improved her record to six victories, all consecutive, along with three placings from just nine starts. Her earnings now stand at an impressive $372,000, more than twelve times her $30,000 purchase price.
Both horses are now set to line up on April 4 during Day 1 of The Championships at Royal Randwick Racecourse, with Cristal Clear targeting the $4 Million Doncaster Mile and Considered heading towards the $1 million Country Championships Final.
For Group One Thoroughbreds Racing Manager Jeremiah Azzopardi, the double ranks as the operation’s finest day to date.
“This certainly goes down as the best day for Group One Thoroughbreds since its inception,” Azzopardi said.
“Cristal Clear was gallant and I was very bullish about his chances heading into the Ajax. Winning a Group 2 over 1500 metres first up is a big ask, which makes the performance even more impressive.
“You ask Considered to jump and she just responds with ‘how high’. To string together six wins in a row is outstanding and yesterday’s was arguably her most impressive given she stepped back to 1200 metres from her usual 1400.
“Both horses head to Day 1 of the Championships with plenty of confidence and a lot of excited owners behind them.”
Azzopardi was also quick to acknowledge the support of the ownership group that makes the results possible.
“None of this is achieved without our owners who trust us to source and manage the best thoroughbred athletes. Our systems were certainly on display yesterday and it was fantastic to see that rewarded on the track.”