Waikato Stud stallions had a winning influence on the two classics decided on either side of the Tasman on Saturday.  NZ Derby winner Jimmy Choux is from a mare by Centaine and Australian Guineas winner Shamrocker is by O’Reilly.

Centaine was a wonderful winner-getter for the Chittick family.  He was based at Waikato Stud for 19 years until his death in 2004.  He sired 61 stakes winners and his daughters are carrying on the job with 92 stakes winners headed by G1 winners Jimmy Choux, Legs, Amalfi, Econsul, Littorio, Vision And Power, Giovana, Cent Home, Demerger, Alamosa and Glamour Puss.

Danny O’Brien trained Glamour Puss (Tale of the Cat) for the Chitticks and she was a G1 winner at Flemington (2) and Morphettville.  He also prepares Shamrocker and she follows Master O’Reilly (2007 Caulfield Cup) among his G1 winners by O’Reilly.

Shamrocker (3f O’Reilly – Bohemian Blues by Blues Traveller) upstaged the colts and geldings with a dominant victory in the Australian Guineas at Flemington.  She benefited from a ground-saving ride from Glen Boss to defeat Bullbars (Elusive Quality) and Playing God (Blackfriars).

“She’s a very good filly and is going to be a serious racehorse as a four year-old,” O’Brien predicted.  “She loves Flemington and might even be in the Melbourne Cup.”

In the meantime, O’Brien will take Shamrocker to Sydney for a Group 1 campaign comprising the Vinery Stud Stakes at Rosehill and AJC Oaks at Randwick.

Shamrocker opened her black-type account in the G2 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes at Flemington 12 months ago and she was also runner-up to Brazilian Pulse at headquarters in the G1 VRC Oaks in November.

The Australian Guineas winner is the first foal to race of a winning half-sister to G3 Singapore Stewards’ Cup winner Fairy Tale (Shinko King) and Macau Listed winner Rock N Roll Kid (Justice Prevails).  She was a 65,000 buy out of the Valachi Downs draft at the 2009 NZ Bloodstock Select yearling sale at Karaka.

Valachi Downs sold Shamrocker’s yearling half-brother by Shinko King to Rogerson Bloodstock for $200,000 at the 2011 NZB Premier yearling sale at Karaka.