O’Reilly colt shines in Group One
The late O’Reilly earned posthumous Group One honours today when his son Grunt reigned supreme in the Australian Guineas at Flemington. He stamped himself as a colt of the highest quality with his fourth consecutive win to remain undefeated this preparation.
“He got into a good spot and he still had to tough it out, he’s a beautiful, big Flemington horse,” trainer Mick Price said. “The only race I would go forward to is the Rosehill Guineas, but I am mindful that he is going to make a really good four-year-old.
“I wouldn’t worry if I put him out, he still hasn’t furnished yet. I think this horse has got 2000m in him, he might have 2400m or two miles even. He is a really good colt.”
A $220,000 Karaka purchase by astute Bloodstock agent Cameron Cooke and trainer Mick Price, Grunt is from the family of Waikato Stud’s exciting young sire Ocean Park and was ridden by Damien Oliver. “We had a lovely run and when I pulled him out and asked for an effort he fought them off,” he said. “He’s a magnificent specimen and deserved a Group One.”
The Corner with Garry Chittick
Well, it was finally our turn. Mary and I shared in the joy of winning a race; we were there, of course. We could have settled in, in front of the TV – not driven the 50 minutes each way, but the emotions are entirely different.
Read More
Smart Love too smart this start
Smart Love (Savabeel ex Relentless Desire) made a winning return at Te Rapa on 14 September, storming home by 3.3 lengths. Racing in Garry Chittick’s colours, the four-year-old mare impressed for Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott after two solid trials.
Read More