Former Queensland galloper Hey Elvis was beaten a nose in his stakes debut at Del Mar on Wednesday.  The Clang gelding just failed to pick up front-runner Liberian Freighter (Bertrando) in the Listed Harry F. Brubaker Stakes over 1700m.

Hey Elvis (6g Clang – Queen Of Song by Manshood) won five races in Australia and he was also beaten a nose by Something Anything at G2 level in the 2008 Villiers Stakes at Randwick.

Hey Elvis had won twice in claiming races before stepping up to black-type company yesterday.  After his initial victory, the gelding was claimed by California trainer Doug O’Neill for $32,000.

Hey Elvis was a very impressive winner for his new stable at Del Mar on July 25.  He earned a high Beyer Speed Figure of 96 for a two length victory over a mile.  He powered through the final 400m in 23s under leading rider Rafael Bejarano.

“He’s got tons of class but had some bleeding issues in Australia,” O’Neill said.  “A couple of sessions in the hyperbaric chamber has also done him the world of good.”

Hey Elvis is by Willowbend Stud resident Clang and his dam Queen Of Song won 8 races in Brisbane before retiring to stud.  She has been covered by Clang five times in the last six seasons.  After Hey Elvis, she foaled Sweet Sound who was Gold Coast maiden winner in April.  Her new-season two year-old is a colt named Brother Elvis and she also has a yearling filly by Clang.

Clang has sired Group gallopers Black Pirhana, Calaway Gal and Clangalang among 308 winners at a 61% strike-rate.  He has been based at Willowbend since 1997 and will cover his next book of mares at a $5,500 service fee.