Ascot’s midweek meetings are a rich source for promising 3yo winners like lightly-raced gelding Without Reg.

The Rhys Radford-trained son of War Chant (USA) had finished just behind the placegetters at his first two starts at Northam prior to landing a hard-fought victory in the TABtouch Better Your Bet Maiden (1200m) last Wednesday.

Without Reg cruised in front but looked beaten at the furlong when headed by Seduce Me (Lucky Street).  In a race of many chances, Never Sober (Sooboog) and Ciscojoe (Vital Equine) were also in the mix before Jade McNaught lifted the leader to score by a half-length.

“His trial win was very good and he’s quite a racehorse,” Radford said.  “He was nice type at the yearling sales but is still maturing.  He’s probably six months away and will probably go to the paddock now.”

Radford has been in winning form recently with Playing God stablemates Comfort Me and Son Of Bacchus the best of his team at Oakford.  Yarradale Stud sire War Chant has also been successful with War Warrior (Belmont) and Hokahey (Canberra) this month while Dance Music is ready to peak in the G1 Railway Stakes (1600m) this Saturday.

Dance Music won the G3 Northerly Stakes before another good run when third in the G2 Lee-Steere Stakes (1400m).  “She tries her best and is always in the money,” Brad Parnham said after her last start.  “We’re very happy with the way she progressing towards the Railway.”

Jade McNaught was also happy with Without Reg and with her ride at Ascot.  “We had no chance sitting four-wide at Northam,” she confessed.  “When the other horse levelled up today, I thought he would run a good third.  But to his credit, he’s tough and got stuck in.  I like him.”

Without Reg was bred by Yarradale Stud manager Bernie Hamill and she sold him for $29,000 at the 2020 Perth Magic Millions.  His dam Movie Queen (Bletchley Park) also foaled War Chant’s five-time provincial winner Ladies Of London and her final foal is Paul Jordan’s 2yo colt The Great Hoya (Patronize).

The War Chant – Bletchley Park cross has a stratospheric 88% winning strike-rate.  War Chant (Danzig) is standing for an $11,000 service fee (inc GST) at Yarradale Stud.

WITHOUT REG