Two Nagambie studs treasured Precious Gem’s Group 1 breakthrough in the Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) on Saturday.

The Caulfield mare had won a Group 3 at her home track before travelling interstate for a career-high victory in Adelaide.  “You can never be confident going into a Group 1,” trainer Henry Dwyer said.  “But I was quite relaxed mainly because the horse looked so well, it’s a credit to the stable.”

Precious Gem (6m Econsul – Gem Of Gems by Peintre Celebre) was bred by Millford Thoroughbreds which fronts Hughes Creek between Nagambie and Avenel.  Owners Richard Kerry and Jarrod Byers operate in the 320-acre property and their first Group 1 winner was bred in association with Lauriston Park’s Chris Bakker.

Her dam Gem Of Gems was bred at Seven Creeks Estate by Denis Marks who owned Hall Of Fame mare Let’s Elope.  He bred and raced the Melbourne Cup winner’s son Ustinov and stood him at Millford Thoroughbreds between stints in New Zealand.

Swettenham Stud owner Adam Sangster also had an interest in Saturday’s race over and above the fact it honours and maintains the memory of his trail-blazing father.

Gem Of Gems was floated from Millford to Swettenham last November – it’s only a couple of kms – and now she’s positive to Sangster’s Group 1 shuttler Toronado.

Hoofnote:  Precious Gem will go under the hammer as Lot 528 during the Magic Millions National Sale at the Gold Coast on June 1.  She is a full sister to Singapore black type performer Happy Money and hails from the family of Group 1 winners Turffontein, Alynda, Penny Gem and Hit the Roof.

PRECIOUS GEM