Yarradale Stud evergreen Citidancer left it late but Gavin’s Road became the first winner from his latest crop of juveniles at Northam on Thursday.

Gavin’s Road (2g Citidancer – Powerful Remedy by Palace Reign) scored by a long neck on debut in the Avon Community Maiden (1100m).  He is trained by Brett Pope at Pinjarra and came from worse than midfield to defeat the Blackfriars fillies Snowshoes and Black Dane.

Citidancer (Lomond) is gearing up for his 20th book of mares at Yarradale which is owned by Ron Sayers.  Originally based in New Zealand, his initial crop included brilliant filly Ballroom Babe.  She kick-started his stud career with G1 Sires’ Produce Stakes victories at Ellerslie and Awapuni in April 1995.  

At stud, Ballroom Babe has foaled the stakes winners Hidden Dragon (Danehill), Tahni Girl (Redoute’s Choice) and Just Dancing (Fusaichi Pegasus).

Citidancer represents the Northern Dancer sireline through English 2000 Guineas winner Lomond.  He was a top two year-olds in his own right for trainer Henry Cecil and international horseman Ivan Allen winning two-from-two at Newmarket.  He trained on for Group 3 victories in the Listed Ballymacoy Stakes and Glencairn Stakes at Leopardstown.

Ballroom Babe was the first of 28 stakes performers for Citidancer and Gavin’s Road took his individual winner tally to 229 on Thursday.  They have arrived at an outstanding 64% strike-rate.

Citidancer is rising 24 and his books have been restricted in recent years.  He stands for a $4, 400 (inc gst) service fee and will be joined by newcomers Musket (Redoute’s Choice) and Discorsi (Galileo) at the Gidgegannup property this year.