Blackfriars sprinter Feisty Leo has made an instant impact in Singapore winning two-from-two for trainer Mark Walker.

Feisty Leo (4g Blackfriars – Speed School by Royal Academy) had won twice in Malaysia earlier this year before joining Walker’s stable.  He scored a last-to-first victory at Kranji on September 16 and doubled up with another flying finish to claim the Panasonic LED Stakes (1200m) on Sunday.

A $26,000 buy at the 2010 Perth Magic Millions Autumn Sale, Feisty Leo was initially prepared by Ipoh based Chong Keng Leong and Walker got him thanks to Malaysian trainer Richard Lines.  “I was spelling a few horses in Malaysia at the property managed by Richard’s wife Sandy,” Walker revealed.  “She recommended the owners talk to me.

“His form up there was good and I was quite taken with him.  He’s a very laid-back sort of horse and I think he will get better over more ground, probably even up to a mile.”

Feisty Leo is the only foal from Speed School who died earlier this year.  The family was developed by the late Sir Ernest Lee-Steere at Limestone Park and includes the Cheraw stakes winners Sunshine Sally (G2 Reisling Slipper Trial) and Jack Attack (LR Hawkesbury Gold Cup).

Cheraw’s WA Derby winning son Belele sired G1 Toorak Hcp winner Penghulu from the same family.

Feisty Leo helped Champion Sunspeed stallion Blackfriars break through the 600 wins barrier.  The Scenic Lodge sire has won the last two Sunspeed sires’ titles and his overall record stands at 191 winners of 603 races at a 56% strike rate.

Scenic Lodge stands Blackfriars (Danehill) for a $16,500 (inc gst) service fee alongside Universal Ruler (Scenic) at its Muchea stud.

– Karl Patterson

FEISTY LEO
Blackfriars sprinter wins again at Kranji