Lynward Park has already bred a black-type winner by Fiorente (Ire) and the Bullsbrook nursery has another budding stayer by the 2013 Melbourne Cup champion named Fear the Wind.

Fear the Wind (5g Fiorente – Windana by Danehill) came from last to win the Glenroy Chaff Hcp (2200m) at Ascot on Saturday at just his second start over a staying journey in more than two years.  Lightly-raced by Pearce Racing, he’s taken a while to mature and had the good fortune to be ridden by Willie Pike who weaved through traffic and then let him down to score by more than two lengths.

He carries the same cross as Lynward Park’s homebred filly Baronova who won the LR Belmont Classic (2200m) in July 2021.

The Pearce camp and Pike were confident after Fear the Wind’s promising run behind Duchess Demerit at Pinjarra on April 12.  “He was stepping up from a mile and boxed on before hitting the line over 2200m,” co-trainer Ben Pearce recalled.  “He came through the run okay and Willie reckoned he would ride differently and let it unfold in front of him today.”

Pike was as good as his word.  “He was a bit toey at Pinjarra and took control so I was forced to ride him upside down.  He was in a better mood today and, when I snagged him back to last, he dropped the bridle and was focused for that kick in the straight.”

Fear The Wind races for a Jason Ferguson-managed syndicate that includes Lynward Park’s Troy and Chad van Heemst after they sold him for $50,000 at the 2019 Perth Magic Millions.  He’s the final foal of Windana and among her six winners are the Stakes performers Simplyirresistible and Angel Girl.  The latter is the dam of NZ Group 1 winner Southern Lord (Levin Classic).

Windana had been purchased from Collingrove Stud by agent John Chalmers on behalf of Lynward Park for $72,500 at the 2005 Magic Millions National Sale.  She was sold carrying Simplyirresistible (Royal Academy) and she has continued the line foaling four winners from as many to race including Manhattan Strip (Manhattan Rain) who won a Pinjarra maiden earlier this month for Ben and Dan Pearce.

Simplyirresistible has a yearling filly and a weanling colt from the first two crops of Lynward Park’s Snitzel stallion Bondi.