Yarradale Stud topped and tailed Saturday’s Belmont program with winners by War Chant (USA) and Gingerbread Man to complement Valour Road’s scene-stealing victory in the LR Idyllic Prince Stakes (1300m).
Playing their understudy roles perfectly, On Patrol (War Chant) and Red Fifty Three (Gingerbread Man) continued the amazing run of success for Yarradale sires and graduates since War Chant sprinters Seminole Brave and Mood Swings doubled up on the final day of last season at Belmont.
Saturday’s treble made it 13 individual winners and counting for the Gidgegannup nursery in August following Phanta, Wubin Gold, Hokahey, Kermit’s Luck, Gluten Free, Lucky’s Way, Ginger Baker, Blitz ’em Henry, Ginger Charm and Stormchaser.
On Patrol got under the guard of punters as the $14 outsider in the Perth Racing Recruiting Now Plate (1400m). He was given an easy run at the tail of a five-horse field by Jordan Turner before motoring home to win going away from front-runner Happy As Larry (I’m All The Talk).
Trained by Sean and Jake Casey, he showed ability during an initial 2yo prep last season with seconds at Belmont and Ascot plus a fourth in the LR Perth Stakes before an unplaced effort in the G3 WA Sires’ Produce Stakes.
“We looked at those replays and realised he would make a fast move before the corner and then plateau in the straight,” Sean Casey said. “I told Jordie to sit back and wait and wait until the 200m and then ride him like there’s a tiger-snake in your colours!”
On Patrol is a stablemate and full-brother to this year’s dual city winner Civvy Street and they’re homebreds for Victorian-based Brian and Joan Durran. Their dam Artie’s Belle (Artie Schiller) is now owned by Willaview Park and has a yearling colt by Playing God.
Red Fifty Three was given the run of the race by Willie Pike and responded to win the Happy 70th Birthday Rod Kemp Hcp (1200m). Like Valour Road, he’s back after twelve months on the sidelines and had opened Gingerbread Man’s account this season at Belmont on August 4.
“He’s a trier and it looked good on paper today,” co-trainer Grant Williams said. “It panned out as planned and it’s a bonus having him back fit and healthy from where he was this time last year.”
Red Fifty Three (5g Gingerbread Man – Lady Valorem by Ad Valorem) is raced by Elio and Jacqui Galante with a syndicate that has banked $275,000 including Westspeed Bonuses of $92,750.
“He had the gate, the speed and all we needed was a split and he got the job done,” Pike added. “He’s honest and gives 110%. The stable has a way of getting the best out of its horses and this one can be even better next time in.”
Bred by Yarradale’s assistant-manager Susan Hanratty, he was sold by Yarradale (as agent) for $42,500 at the 2020 Perth Magic Millions. His dam has a yearling filly by Gingerbread Man and is in foal to Splintex off a September cover last year.
Susan’s husband Davvy sold recent TBWA Winner of the Week Kermit’s Luck (Kermadec) for $50,000 through Yarradale’s consignment to the 2022 Perth Magic Millions. Davvy kept it in the family as Yarradale’s stallion & yearling manager.
War Chant (Danzig) stands at Yarradale for $8,250 alongside Gingerbread Man (Shamardal) at $5,500. Both fees (inc GST)