Snow Prince completed a winning week for his sire Safeguard and Mogumber Park with a late charge in the Unite Resourcing Hcp (1200m) at Ascot on Saturday.
Given the run of the race behind the leader by Kesh Dhurun, Snow Prince eased off heels in the straight to level up and then edge clear of Sonoftheboss (Street Boss). Trained by Sean and Jake Casey for Maureen Daly, he has banked $511,595 with Westspeed Bonuses of $229,400.
“That was exciting and Kesh played it perfectly,” stable rep Angela Johnson said. “We thought he would be three-back on the fence and it turned out better being that bit closer when they turned the corner.”
Snow Prince (3g Safeguard – Snow Pixie by Snitzel) had won an Ascot nursery on debut in January 2023 and followed up with placings behind Super Smink (RL Magic Millions 3yo Classic) and Ripcord (LR Perth Stakes).
He’s the third and final foal from Snow Pixie. Former Mogumber-based stallion Rommel sired her first two feature winners Pixie Chix (RL Magic Millions WA 3yo Trophy) and Snowdome (G3 WA Sires’ Produce Stakes). The trio were bred by John Latham.
Rommel and Mogumber Park combined again on Saturday with Battle Commander an all-the-way winner of the Peters Investments Plate (1200m) at Ascot. Trainer Paul Jordan went in confident even though he was overdue after three city placings in seven 2yo starts this season.
“I knew he was on the ball when we were getting him ready. He’s tough and a big eater but doesn’t need a lot of work to stay fit. They put him to the sword and he didn’t get it easy in front today. I think he will get out to a mile but for now we will get ready for the (G2) Karrakatta Plate and (G3) WA Sires’ Produce Stakes.”
Battle Commander was bred by Kirsty Hanley and is a full-brother to Rommel city winners Diamond Command and Ultimate Command and a half-brother to Blackfriars hard-knocker Scintillating. Their dam Weona Lady (Lonhro) is a half-sister to the dam of Flying Missile (LR Placid Ark Stakes (1200m).
Mogumber Park sold him (as agent) for $62,500 at the 2023 Perth Magic Millions. A syndicate managed by Jordan’s wife Laura has banked $150,270 including Westspeed Bonuses of $57,200.
Safeguard holds a $50,000 lead on the WA 2YO Table and he went into the Easter break on the back of a winning double with Sorais and Well Played at Geraldton. The latter is a 4yo mare who was initially with Pearce Racing before transferring to Geraldton where she completed a hat-trick for local owner-trainer Albert Bowtell last Wednesday.