Master Of Design mare Polyxena has been a model of consistency for owner-breeder Manny Notaras since a winning debut in Canberra this time last year.

Polyxena has only been out of place once in 8 starts for trainer Rob Potter and she saluted again with a two-length victory in the Procurement Professionals Hcp (1280m) at Thoroughbred Park on Thursday.

Notaras and his wife Jenny have been keen supporters of the Victorian industry. And coming down from Canberra to visit their mares is easier than the drive to the Hunter Valley.

Polyxena is the final foal of Bang Goes Lang (Langfuhr) who won three races in Adelaide and earned black-type when runner-up in a LR Dequetteville Stakes. Her older half-sister Huntingdale High (Military Plume) retired with an unbeaten record after winning a LR Mona Nursery at Caulfield.

Master Of Design sprinter Cranbrook landed his third win this prep lumping 62kg in the Goodstone Group Hcp (1009m) at Devonport last Saturday.

Champion jockey Craig Newitt diffused the weight with a one-out, one-back ride from a wide gate. He angled the favourite three-wide on the corner and then defied the late challenge of Bedrock Dreams (Bon Hoffa).

“To carry 63kg including the vest was a mighty effort and he will be competitive when he going up in grade,” Newitt said. “He had to dig in for the fight today and stuck his head out when it counted.”

Cranbrook was a $34,000 buy for Denise Martin and Star Thoroughbreds at the 2015 Tasmanian Magic Millions. Bred at Toolora Lodge by Ken Breese, he’s the first foal of Sandown winner Il Sogno (Elvstroem). Second-dam Tickle My (Perugino) won 11 races up to Group 2 level in a Sunline Stakes at Moonee Valley.

The Leanne Gaffney-trained gelding has been a quiet achiever with 6 wins and 6 placings from 22 starts. “He’s been great this time in,” Gaffney said. “He keeps getting the job done and loves his racing.”

Master Of Design (Redoute’s Choice) is based at Greta West Stud for a $3,300 service fee.  There have been 73 individual winners of 166 races from his first three crops for earnings over $5.15 million.

CRANBROOK