Wanted wages War

It’s been a huge 24 hours for Eliza Park International’s glamour stallion, Wanted.

First War Point got the money at Geelong on Friday, while Winesearch got all the gold labels at Morphettville on Saturday.

Interestingly, both were first up after having previously had just the one outing:  War Point racing greenly in the Listed St Albans Stakes in March, while Winesearch’s layoff was even longer – his debut at Morphettville in January not without its moments.

Trained by Mick Price and handled superbly by Craig Newitt, War Point jumped from the widest gate and after claiming the lead in the straight, held on like granny’s tooth for a gutsy win.

Purchased for $220,000 at the Inglis Melbourne Premier from the draft of breeder, Kornong Stud Farm, War Point is out of the Secret Savings mare, Dushanbe, who has now produced Singapore Group winner Holy Empire and Fastnet Rock’s 4-time winner, Cape Clear, plus a full brother to War Point in October last year.

Unlike War Point, Winesearch had the rails barrier but appeared to dwell when they let them go.  He was momentarily held up for a run turning for home, but once clear, they weren’t going to catch her.

Winesearch is the out of the stakes winning Last Tycoon mare, Vestey, also dam of another stakes winner in Rutherford Eagle.

Tony McEvoy clearly has a lot of options with Winesearch who was bred by Vintage Bloodstock and also races in its colours.  And if you’re wondering about the name, Vintage Bloodstock is owned by Robert Hill-Smith, one of Australia’s pre-eminent wine makers.  Looks like he’s made another good one too!

Wanted (Fastnet Rock) won a Newmarket Hcp into a headwind at Flemington and Eliza Park International will stand him for $33,000 in 2014.