Swettenham Stud stallion Bianconi has been siring stakes winners around the nation and his latest black-type hopeful is Tasmanian based gelding Second Dozen.  The John Blacker trained galloper will be set for the Listed Tasmanian Guineas following his breakthrough victory at Launceston last Sunday.   

Second Dozen (3g Bianconi – Barbaloot by Rory’s Jester) hadn’t been seen since an unplaced in the Listed Gold Sovereign Stakes in February but he was good enough to win fresh after a six month spell.  He collared the leaders My Regard and Astraphobic in the straight and gave Lee Smith an easy assignment in the straight.

“That was a good effort to win first-up on a heavy track,” Blacker said.  “He still looked a bit big in the yard and will be all the better for the experience.  I will give him one more run to build up his rating and then tip him out for the summer carnival.”

The Listed Tasmanian Guineas will be run on Thursday, January 6 at Launceston.

Bianconi (Danzig) led the Victorian premiership for winners in 2008-09 (91) and 2009-10 (105).  He had already reached double figures in the first fortnight of this season and that included Rhythm In Paris who opening his black-type batting in the G3 Cockram Stakes at Caulfield last Saturday.

She is owned by John Stewart and Rob Roulston and has recovered from fetlock surgery and a foot abscess.  Despite the setbacks, she has a 6: 4-1-1 record and will be seen again in the Let’s Elope Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on September 4.  He ultimate goal is the G1 Myer Classic (1600m) at Flemington on October 30.

Up in Brisbane, Fillydelphia is flying the Bianconi flag.  Premier Queensland trainer Rob Heathcote predicted she is a filly with a future after a very impressive Doomben win at the back end of last season.  

They’ve arrived hot on the heels of Bianconi’s Group 1 winning sprinter Nicconi who is about to cover his first mares at Widden Stud.

Bianconi is by breed-shaping sire Danzig and was Ireland’s Champion 2YO in 1997.  His G1 winning dam Fall Aspen founded a dynasty of her own.  Besides Bianconi, she is also the dam of Group 1 winners Hamas, Fort Wood, Timber Country, Northern Aspen and the dams of G1 winners Dubai Millennium and Elnadim.

Bianconi was named Ireland’s Champion 2yo after scoring a G2 victory in the 1997 Diadem Stakes at Royal Ascot.  He will stand for a $10,000 fee at Swettenham in 2010.