Benalla-based studmaster Russell Osborne has signed Flemington stakes winner Late Charge to stand at Riverbank Farm.

Late Charge is the first son of Darley shuttler Hard Spun (Danzig) to stand at stud in Australia and he retires after 4 wins in a 13 start career for trainer Wendy Kelly and Parador Park syndicator Ken King.  “He was something special,” Kelly said.  “He had that x-factor like all good horses.”

Making his debut as a late-season two year-old, Late Charge could not have been more impressive racing away, under hands and heels, to score by more than four lengths at Echuca.  Stepping quickly up in class, he swamped a capacity field by two lengths a fortnight later at Flemington

Kept in training as a spring three year-old, he finished close-up in stakes races at Moonee Valley and Flemington before coming back for a Group 2 placing in the Autumn Stakes splitting Thunder Fantasy and Rock Hero.

Late Charge was in even better form during his next preparation, winning two in a row at Caulfield and Flemington.  His victory in the LR Tontonan Stakes (1400m) at headquarters was a particularly gallant one after covering ground from a wide gate and finding plenty to hold off the closers.

“I just wanted to find a spot midfield and keep him smooth,” jockey Vlad Duric said.  “His class shone through at the finish.”

Late Charge’s dam Fantagonal (Octagonal) is from a half-sister to Group 1 winners Dr Grace (AJC Derby) and Asia (SAJC Oaks) and his first-season fee has been set at $2,200 (inc gst).

Osborne and his wife Caroline also stand Redente, Von Costa de Hero and Hillman at Riverbank.  Former resident Astronomer Royal has returned to Sun Stud after a one-off book at Benalla.

For further information on Late Charge, contact Russell Osborne on 0423 768 155.

LATE CHARGE