Stars Align for Scenic Lodge

An early treble on the Kalgoorlie Cup card cemented across-the-board leads for Scenic Lodge ahead of next weekend’s season-opener at Ascot.

Blackfriars mare Pretty Friar won the first-leg in the Goldfields on Saturday and she was followed by Universal Ruler geldings World Ruler and Staralign.

Arion lists Blackfriars and Universal Ruler as one-two on three WA sires’ ladders this season.  Blackfriars (16 winners of 20 races and $882,305) leads from second-placed Universal Ruler (13 winners of 16 races and $472,295).  Fellow Scenic Lodge stallion Snippetson is third for prizemoney ($436,270).

Staralign jumped a short-priced favourite in the Raglan Drilling Hcp (1400m) and did the job in smart company.  He tracked old-timer Majinika in the box-seat and then levelled up and ran away from front-runner Watto’s Fury

“He had a good form-line and is a nice horse,” winning rider Willie Pike said.  “We beat Startthefriar last month and he came out and won the Hannans.  He was carrying 60kg today and timing his run is really important.  You don’t want him hitting the front too early.”

Staralign is the third winner from Leenornie (Oratorio) following the Blackfriars fillies Halldora and Nenya.  The trio were bred Geraldton-based Glen Kettlewell and their dam foaled a first-crop colt by his Group 2 winner Leonardo Da Hinchi in August.

Kettlewell and his wife Jan retained Staralign and he was initially with trainer Vaughn Sigley.  After further stable transfers, he’s now raced by a syndicate that includes leading owner Andrew Inglis.

Scenic Lodge stands Universal Ruler and Snippetson for $8,250 service fees alongside Dash For Cash at $2,200.  All fees (inc GST).

UNIVERSAL RULER