Blue Gum Farm stallion Elvstroem (Danehill) sired his first stakes winner after his lightly raced son Carrara, ploughed through the mud last Saturday to win the $100,000 Listed Doomben Slipper (1350m).

Just like his famous father, Carrara (2c Elvstroem-Crystal Sprite by Hurricane Sky) is trained by Tony Vasil and raced by Frank Tagg’s Arch Of Gold Syndicate, which is the same syndicate that toasted G1 success with Elvstroem and his younger half brother Haradasun.

Ridden by Nash Rawiller, Carrara began like a shot from his outside barrier and slotted in a midfield position. Turning for home and with his rivals starting to feel the heavy track, Carrara made a dash for the line and had enough in reserve to hold off fast finishing proven wet tracker Choistar by a half length.

Tony Vasil confirmed after the race that Carrara could back up this week at Eagle Farm.  “I am very tempted to head to the Sires with him on the proviso that he does well during the week and gets over the run,” Vasil said.

Vasil’s intention to back Carrara up in the G2 Sires is a deviation from his usual pattern with two-year-olds and the astute horseman said he was extremely doubtful the horse would press on to the TJ Smith Stakes (1600m) at Eagle Farm on June 6.  “I strongly believe in giving two-year-olds plenty of time to mature,” Vasil said.  “And although the TJ Smith is a G1 race I’d be more inclined to put this horse away and concentrate on the spring in Melbourne with him.”

A $200,000 purchase from the 2008 Inglis Premier Sale, Carrara was the second most expensive of the 32 Elvstroem yearlings sold at the sale.  He is the first foal for the lightly raced Crystal Sprite, a three-quarter sister to the group performed Crystal Finale and a half sister to Listed SAJC Dequetteville Stakes winner Crystal Wit (Distorted Humor)  Carrara has a yearling sister named Chieti and a weanling brother.  Crystal Sprite was served by Ill-fated Widden sire General Nediym last year.

Elvstroem has proven popular with broodmare owners since beginning stallion duties in 2005 and served a solid book of 79 mares last season.  He will stand this season at a reduced service fee of $27,500 inc gst.