They could have named Knight Commander after champion trainer Darren Weir.

The Master Of Design sprinter was the fourth winner for Weir at Moonee Valley on Friday night and he’s only just coming good according to jockey Damian Lane.  “Darren and his team do a great job and this horse has a lovely nature.  He made the most of a good gate tonight and cruised into the race when I said ‘go’.”

Knight Commander’s victory in the After The Last At Legends Hcp (1200m) improved his record to 3 wins in 5 starts since a Kyneton maiden on debut in November.  “He lengthened nicely but did get a bit lost when we got to the front,” Lane added.  “He’s a progressive type and will be winning in better grades.”

Darley imported his dam Sharp Awakening (Selkirk) before selling the British-bred mare to Victorian-based Thoroughbred Racing Bureau.  Knight Commander has been her only named foal since changing hands at Oaklands in 2010.

Master Of Design sired his latest maiden winner on Sunday when Riverdance Lad lobbed at Great Western.  The Robbie Griffiths-trained 3yo started an odds-on favourite following a narrow loss at Mornington last month.

Riverdance Lad is the first foal of Waltzing Lily (Golden Snake) from a prolific winning family for Monomeith Stud’s Ross Hennessy.  Her half-brother Diggersanddealers won 10 races and was stakes placed at Caulfield.  Second dam Reel Lover (Celtic Swing) was a half-sister to 8 winners including Inspire (G3 VRC Carbine Club Stakes).

The long-weekend double book-ended a stakes-winning update for Master Of Design’s family in South Africa.  His half-sister Traceability foaled Traces (Snitzel) to a dominant victory in the LR Summer Juvenile Stakes (1000m) at Kenilworth on Saturday.

Master Of Design (Redoute’s Choice) stands at Greta West Stud and he currently leads Moshe, Toorak Toff, Skilled & Ilovethiscity among Victorian-based sires chasing Helmet for third-season honours in 2017-18.

KNIGHT COMMANDER