Aquis Farm has purchased a controlling interest in unbeaten colt Free Of Debt ahead of the G1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) on February 23.

Free Of Debt (Unencumbered) was bred and sold by Greta West Stud for $30,000 at the 2018 Adelaide Magic Millions and is unbeaten in two starts at Morphettville and Flemington.  “Aquis Farm made an offer we couldn’t refuse,” trainer Chris Bieg said. “All the existing owners are remaining in the horse although he will now race in new colours.”

Connections will have to pay a $55,000 late entry fee for the Blue Diamond Stakes. “He’s nominated for the Blue Diamond Prelude but will head straight into the Group 1 off that win at Flemington last month.

“He had one week in the paddock back home in Adelaide and has maintained his condition beautifully,” Bieg added. “After an exhibition gallop at Morphettville on Saturday week, he returns to Melbourne and will be stabled at Caulfield leading up to the Blue Diamond.”

A Group 1 victory in Victoria’s premier juvenile event will cement a spot on the Aquis Farm roster for Free Of Debt. There are 14 stallions currently standing at its farms in the Hunter Valley and Queensland.

Aquis Farm owner Tony Fung spent more than $11.60 million at the Gold Coast Magic Millions last month buying yearlings in conjunction with Phoenix Thoroughbreds and trainers Lloyd Kennewell, Ciaran Maher, Peter Gelagotis and Toby Edmonds.

Free Of Debt’s dam Stagerush (Giant’s Causeway) foaled a filly by Greta West Stud sire Master Of Design late in November and wasn’t covered this season.

FREE OF DEBT