From autumn to spring, Linebacker’s back with a bang
The last time we saw Super Seth’s son Linebacker on race day, he was toppling boom colt Broadsiding in the Gr.1 Randwick Guineas during Sydney’s autumn carnival.
Fast forward to spring and, with three trials under his belt – including a win over The Everest hero Ka Ying Rising last Tuesday – his return was always going to draw attention. Initially set for the Gr.1 Epsom Handicap (1600m), plans were adjusted after a minor ankle sprain ruled him out of the Bill Ritchie Handicap (1400m). “It wasn’t serious, but it needed rest,” co-trainer Tom Charlton explained.
Those revised plans led to the Gr.3 Silver Eagle at Royal Randwick, where Linebacker lined up as a red-hot favourite despite drawing the outside barrier. Partnered once more by Zac Lloyd, who was aboard for the Randwick Guineas triumph, the four-year-old showed his class, storming home by 2.63 lengths.
His focus now shifts to the A$10 million Golden Eagle on 1 November at Royal Randwick.
Bred by GSA Bloodstock, Linebacker was secured from Haunui Farm’s draft at the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale for $160,000 by John O’Shea and Suman Hedge Bloodstock. He is the third foal from the unraced Oasis Dream mare Garden Of Swans, who is due to foal to Super Seth this season.
Super Seth continues to rewrite the record books. He is the only New Zealand-based sire to produce four Group 1 winners in his first two crops. Across Australasia, only Danehill (six) has bettered that tally, while he now equals his broodmare sire Redoute’s Choice (four).
Super Seth is fully booked this season at a fee of $75,000 plus GST.
The Corner with Garry Chittick
The writing of my Corner started many years ago, motivated by an irritation that I felt needed scratching. It was never my intention to make my commentary regular; neither did I intend to reinvent the direction of racing administration. It is both disappointing and ironical that what should be a simple, straightforward business provides a regular need for comment.
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Ocean Park’s With Grace seals NZ Cup berth
South Auckland mare With Grace secured her berth in next month’s Gr.3 Martin Collins New Zealand Cup (3200m) at Riccarton when extending her winning sequence to four with victory in the Baker Tilly Staples Rodway 2100 at Te Rapa on Labour Day Monday.
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