Dream finish for Scenic Lodge at Ascot

Trainer Michael Lane and in-form jockey Kyra Yuill closed the curtain on a successful Ascot season with a Scenic Lodge-sired double on Saturday.

They combined with flying filly We’ve Got Dreams (Universal Ruler) in the Perth Racing At Home Hcp (1000m) and comeback galloper Kia Ora Star (Blackfriars) in the Glenroy Chaff Hcp (1800m).

Kia Ora Star was the 100th winner for Yuill this season putting her in the Australian Top 10 for 2019-20.

“Kyra reckons We’ve Got Dreams is the fastest horse she’s ever ridden out of the barriers,” Lane said following her first-up victory over Dew West (Alfred Nobel) and Amelia’s Contraire (Hinchinbrook).  “We were confident going into the race with that gate speed.

“She’s much stronger since coming back into work.  She’s very sharp and has had an uninterrupted prep.”

We’ve Got Dreams (3f Universal Ruler – Hidden Dreams by Key Business) is a homebred for Canal Enterprises owner Peter Capararo and had completed a winning treble at Albany, Bunbury and Ascot late last year.

Universal Ruler was also on fire during the last month of the Ascot season siring 7 individual winners – Week We’ve Got Dreams, Fuhrer, Stella Door, Looks Like Magic, Angelic Ruler (LR Sheila Gwynne Classic), Rock’n’ruler and Altani.

Kia Ora Star had last saluted the judge at Pinjarra in July 2018 but Yuill got first run in the straight and that helped him hold off late closers Laufey (Frost Giant) and Porphyrio (War Chant).

“He’s had leg problems but is much sounder now and will be winning more races over more ground,” Lane revealed.  “He’s been building towards a win and we decided to roll the dice and go forward from the outside gate.  Kyra settled in the running line and made the most of his short kick in the straight.”

Blackfriars sired Kia Ora Star from LR Belmont Oaks winner Kia Ora Miss (Jeune).  He was bred and sold by Scenic Lodge for $25,000 at the 2015 Perth Magic Millions to a syndicate managed by Aaron Chircop.

His older brother Kia Ora Koutou earned a Group 1 placing with third in the 2015 Victoria Derby but went amiss after finishing an unplaced favourite in the 2016 Perth Cup.

UNIVERSAL RULER