Inglis graduates dominated the feature races in Melbourne and Sydney on Saturday with seven winners saluting at black-type level.
TURFFONTEIN (Johannesburg) headlined the Inglis graduates with a Group 1 victory in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield. He was sold by Fulmen Park for $70,000 at the 2006 Melbourne Premier sale.
Trainer Anthony Cummings has been a big fan of his dam Spirit Of Grace (Dr Grace) having secured her last four yearlings at Inglis sales, including an Elvstroem colt for $140,000 from the 2009 Premier Sale.
Fastnet Rock had his first stakes winner for the new season when Lovemelikearock took the G3 Spring Stakes at Newcastle last Wednesday and he added an interstate stakes double on Saturday.
IRISH LIGHTS (Fastnet Rock) won the G3 Thousand Guineas Prelude at Caulfield for Coolmore and trainer David Hayes. She was a $230,000 yearling at the 2008 Easter Sale.
RIGHTFULLY YOURS (Show A Heart) scored a breakthrough black-type win in the Listed South Yarra Stakes at Caulfield. He is a younger brother to Heart Of Dreams who was successful in the G1 Underwood Stakes later in the day. The Mick Price trained galloper was a $55,000 purchase at the 2006 Inglis Classic sale.
STRYKER (Fastnet Rock) shed his tag as Australia’s best maiden in landing the Listed Heritage Stakes. He was a $600,000 buy at the 2008 Easter sale. The Chris Waller trained colt carries the all cerise colours of Ingham Bloodstock and was previously Group 1 placed in the Golden Rose.
LUCKY SECRET (Rubiton), took his record to 12 wins in 19 starts to take the Listed Starlight Stakes at Roasehill. He was a $220,000 graduate from the 2005 Easter Sale and has now banked close to $800,000 for trainer Tony Vasil.
MISS MARIELLE (Encosta De Lagol) went one better than her recent G2 placing in the Chelmsford Stakes when she won the G2 Hill Stakes at Rosehill. Miss Marielle was a $250,000 buy for Belmont Bloodstock at this year’s Inglis Australian Broodmare Sale.
DRUMBEATS (Redoute’s Choice) showed he was on target for the G1 Epsom next month when a fighting winner of the G2 Shannon Stakes. He was originally purchased by Woodlands Stud for $350,000 at the 2007 Easter Sale but now races for Sheikh Mohammed.