Keep Control credited Independent Stallions sire Denon with his first stakes winner in the Listed Hill-Smith Stakes (1800m) at Morphettville last Saturday.

Keep Control (3c Denon-Out In Style by Brave Regent) is prepared by Ballarat trainer Darren Weir and he won at Swan Hill in September as a stepping-stone to the black-type victory over 1800m.

He is the fourth winner from as many to race for Out In Style.  She has also produced Like It Is (Distorted Humour), a four time Group winner in Melbourne who was also placed in the G1 BTC Doomben 10,000.  Out In Style has an unraced two-year old filly by Rakti.

Denon shuttles from Italy where winners from his first two crops arrive at regular intervals.  His winners in September were Chiari (2), Borromea, Love Potion, Brissago and Figlio Della Luna.

Denon is Australia’s only son of Pleasant Colony, a four-time G1 winner best known for his success in the Kentucky Derby.  He sired 77 stakes winners at a 73% winners to runners strike rate.

Denon was bred by the Niarchos family and kicked off his career with a two length victory at Longchamp.  He followed up with a G3 win in the Prix de Fontainebleau and then finished a close-up third in the G1 French 2000 Guineas.

Transferred to the United States, he developed into an outstanding G1 performer on turf winning the Hollywood Derby, Charles Whittingham Hcp, Invitational Stakes and Manhattan Handicap.  He wasn’t far away when fifth behind High Chaparral in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf.

“Denon was a horse gifted with finishing speed,” said Paolo Crespi who stands Denon in Italy.  “He was a model of consistency, racing at the top level without a single interruption.”

Denon is one of 9 winners produced by the G1 Phoenix Stakes winner Aviance (Northfields).  She is also the dam of G1 Moyglare Stud Stakes winner Chimes Of Freedom who, in turn, is the dam of Lindsay Park sire Good Journey.

Denon’s third dam Best In Show is one of the greats of the breeding world.  She foaled Kentucky Oaks heroine Blush With Pride and the Group winners Gielgud, Malinowski and Monroe.  Her Australian descendants include Redoute’s Choice, Xaar, Hurricane Sky and Umatilla.

Denon stands for a fee of $11,000 (inc gst) and return business will ensure he covers over 100 mares again this season.