So Swift gave Cornerstone Stud sire Barely A Moment his biggest win in a pulsating finish to the G2 Sandown Guineas (1600m) on Saturday.
The Warrnambool based gelding split runners in the straight to defeat Niagara and Galah in a thrilling three way photo.
So Swift (3g Barely a Moment – Theophania by Scenic) was purchased by trainer Bill Wilde for $40,000 from the draft of Ampulla Lodge at the 2010 Adelaide Magic Millions.
Co-trainer Symon Wilde said the stable give the winner a strong each way chance. “When we drew a good gate and got Craig Williams, we thought we’d have a shot at the stumps,” he said. “His Hamilton run was pretty impressive. He picked them up very quickly with a great turn of foot.
“At the time, we bought him, I don’t think the Barely a Moments were quite fashionable. He’s a beautiful walker and I think he was the dearest horse Dad’s ever bought.”
So Swift initially sold as a foal for $7,500 at the 2009 Inglis Great Southern weanling sale. Ampulla Lodge owner Steve Jostlear kept a share in the partnership that includes Warrnambool committeeman Ashley King.
So Swift will now be most likely sent for a spell with the autumn in mind. He is a brother to Adelaide placed filly Elancer. Second dam Zip Me Up was a G3 winner of the WATC Queen’s Plate.
The winner was the first at stakes level for Barely a Moment. The Cornerstone resident has sired 34 winners including the brilliant Peter Moody trained Moment In Change.
Barely A Moment was a G1 winner of the VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes and he returned as a spring three year-old for seconds in the Ascot Vale Stakes, Caulfield Guineas and Sandown Guineas.
A son of former Vinery shuttler Gilded Time, he more that made up for that frustrating preparation at four with back-to-back G1 victories in the Dubai Racing Club Cup and Toorak Handicap at Caulfield.
Barely a Moment has been well patronized at Cornerstone Stud and stands for a $6,050 (inc gst) service fee.