Grey day for Galileo in Stradbroke Hcp

Galileo has dominated this year’s European classics siring the winners of the English Derby, French Derby and Irish 2000 Guineas and his brilliance extended to Australia on Saturday when Linton scored an amazing victory in the G1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm.

Linton (6g Galileo – Our Heather by Centaine) ghosted along the rails under Nick Hall to deny Buffering who looked all set to claim his first victory at the elite level.  “It’s a special moment,” stable spokesman Troy Corstens said.  “He’s the kindest horse.  Everyone at the stable loves him.”

Corstens revealed he wanted to set the grey for the Australian Cup earlier this year but was over-ruled by trainer John Sadler.  “All credit goes to John because he picked this race out 12 months ago and it’s come off.  He’s an absolute marvel and so is the horse.”

Linton is the 35th Group 1 winner sired by Coolmore Stud champion Galileo but only his third in Australia after Sousa (2008 Spring Champion Stakes) and Niwot (2012 Sydney Cup).

Linton was originally raced by Lloyd Williams to win the G2 Herbert Power Stakes but changing hands after finishing last in the 2011 VRC Turnbull Stakes.

Sadler elected to keep Linton in shorter events and his four wins for the new stable have all come at distances of 1600 metres or less.  He has now won 7 races from 24 starts with prizemoney in excess of $2.07 million.

Williams had purchased Linton for $275,000 from Lyndhurst Farm at the 2008 NZB Ready to Run Sale.  His dam Our Heather comes from a well known stakes family that features Group 1 winner Sharvasti.

Our Heather (NZ) foaled a Monaco Consul filly last September but the 14 year-old mare was put down in January.