Griffiths Racing News

Bel breaks through for first city win

2009-07-14T23:34:00.000-07:00

A well deserved victory at metropolitan level for Beltrois at the VRC meeting at Sale on Wednesday – the lightly raced son of Bel Esprit finding plenty to take out the Danzero at Arrowfield Handicap.

Having only his seventh start, the talented bay had only just missed out at Flemington at his previous start and he has been an exceptionally honest racehorse – not once out of the first four.

Also a Stony Creek winner back in January, Beltrois was ridden on the pace during his debut campaign – but not finishing off his races as well as hoped. This time in he has been taught to settle – a tongue tie added to his gear and his riders instructed to let him find his feet early.

That style of riding has really suited Beltrois, jockey Damien Oliver agreeing that it sees him get home better – “he finished too strongly for them today,” he said.

Beltrois is raced by Brian & Peter Donohoe (who raced Beltrois’ sire Bel Esprit), James Lillie (one of the stable’s biggest supporters), Shiranee Griffiths (Robbie’s wife), Yvonne Worthington, Brendan & Rebecca Jones, Don Healy, David McBride and Sam Hendry.

Bred by Robbie, Beltrois is out of the lightly raced Noalcoholic mare Vaingt Trois who was well regarded by the stable – bolting in at debut but racing only one more time.

At stud Vaingt Trois has done a great job for us – Apres Moi successful at Benalla and Cranbourne, Ruby Trois a triple city winner, Vaingtlago another metropolitan winner and the lightly raced French King also saluting. Not served last year, she has youngsters coming through by Dash For Cash, Not A Single Doubt and Lago Delight.

An absolutely great win

2009-07-10T00:51:00.000-07:00

An impressive debut performance by Absolute Soda at Bairnsdale on Friday, the promising two-year-old storming home from last to take out what looked to be a fairly strong maiden.

Still a bit green, the son of emerging first crop stallion Not A Single Doubt was well supported in the betting – firming in from 5-1 into 3-1.

Patiently ridden by Ivan Culliver, Absolute Soda was spied by Robbie at the Melbourne Premier – a bid of $80,000 securing the half brother to the metropolitan winners Disguise and Stratus.

Bred by Don Leahy who races some handy horses with the stable, Absolute Soda is raced by the Bevcan Syndicate, Guido Vanderwal, Stephen Pirrie, Maurie Bloom & Neil Leyden.

A good looking bay, Absolute Soda is a son of the stakes placed dual city winning Palace Music mare Effervescence, half sister to the Listed winner Hissy Fit from the family of the Champion 2Y0 Victory Vein.

Absolute Soda’s victory took Not A Single Doubt to the front in the leading first season sire chart.

In other stable news, bonny mare Kindrate has been retired – her proud owner Deane Lester looking forward to the next stage of her career. “She has done a marvellous job for me,” he said – having fond memories of the tough mare who won five races and over $150,000 in stakes.

Meanwhile Robbie is looking forward to Saturday’s Sandown meeting – the stable to be represented by three runners; Baltic Spirit, Midnight Blues and Royal Grace.

Baltic Spirit was most impressive at debut and with the stakes, the SUPER VOBIS bonus and an Inglis sale bonus, the son of Bel Esprit is running for great prize money.

“His first win was excellent and he’s come on further from that so I’d expect him to run pretty well despite the barrier,” said Robbie. “He’s shaping like a pretty good little horse.”

Another runner of interest is Danzlyum who contests the Listed Weetwood Handicap at Toowoomba. He has drawn well and is due a change of fortune.

“He’s had no luck up there at all with wet tracks and bad barriers, but I’m hoping that could all change around for him with him finally coming up with a good alley,” Robbie said.
“The good gate allow him to bounce out and get straight into a forward position without having to work hard. He could actually take a breather for once and the firmer ground will be to his liking.”

A SPIRITED VICTORY

2009-06-26T17:32:00.001-07:00

Gr.1 stallion Bel Esprit has been enjoying a great run of late and the Griffiths stable are happy to be part of the success with Baltic Spirit an easy debut winner at Bairnsdale on Friday.

Well regarded by the stable, the promising two-year-old hunted up to take an early lead and was always travelling well. Briefly challenged at the 250m, he responded by finding another gear – racing away with his ears pricked.

Still a little green, shying out slightly at the winning post’s shadows, Baltic Spirit looked to have plenty in hand and jockey Ivan Culliver – who also works him at home – was impressed.
“He was probably a fair bit better than them,” he said. “He’s a nice horse.”

Stable representative Reid Balfour was also very happy.
“We knew he’d run well,” he said. “He has not done much wrong at home - we thought he’d be hard to beat.”Baltic Spirit is one of several Bel Esprits in the stable and Balfour noted that they are easy to train – “they are naturals,” he said.

A $60,000 Melbourne Premier graduate bred by Nangawooka Park, Baltic Spirit is raced by Dennis Malcolm, Kent Williams, Marcus & Faye Ding, Keith Evans, Majorgloh Racing, Dario & Kirsten Licheni, Dominic Lopes, Gary Kilworth & William Shearer.

It was nearly a winning double for the stable with another debutant in the shape of Countess Plano beaten just a long neck in the 1100m maiden. Her future too looks bright.

'SHEE'S A PROMISING ONE

2009-06-13T21:08:00.000-07:00

Promising filly Bianshee made up for a recent unlucky defeat with an easy maiden victory at Cranbourne on Sunday.

Having only her fourth start, the daughter of Bianconi had shown good ability finishing in the placings at each of her first three – at Seymour on May 25 catching the eye with a strong late finish after being held up at a vital stage.

No worries about getting too far back this time, under the guidance of in-form jockey Luke Nolen, the three-year-old box-seating and always travelling well.

Making her run from before the turn, Bianshee joined the lead straightening, racing away over the final stages.

Stable foreman Robert Kingston was very happy.

“She found a good position, relaxed and was quite strong at the finish,” he enthused.

An extremely well related filly from the family of the multiple Gr.1 winning champion stallion Snippets and the Golden Slipper heroine Forensics, Bianshee was bred and is part raced by Don Leahy.

Congrats to Don and fellow owners , Bankers No 1 (manager P McLean), Eva McGregor, Deane Lester, James Lillie, Anthony Penglase, Mark Hunter and Robbie Griffiths.

SINGIN THE BLUES!

2009-06-10T00:05:00.001-07:00

Stable followers are cashed up after a longshot victory by Midnight Blues at Sandown on Wednesday.

Unwanted in the betting - drifting out to 20-1, the four-year-old was having only her second run back from a spell, having finished only four lengths away in Saturday class first up.

A mare who seems to save her best for Sandown (this latest success her third at the track), Midnight Blues is a four times winner from 20 starts and she has been a lot of fun for her owners Robert Crabtree, William Shearer, Craig Cowley, Peter Nikolaidis, Gerard O'Brien, Leonard Tosch & Trevor Godenzi.

Bred by Robert & Yvonne Crabtree, Midnight Blues caught Robbie's eye at the 2006 Melbourne Premier Sale - $45,000 securing the daughter of Distant Music. Thanks to the recent exploits of her family she has considerable broodmare value, being closely related not only to the Gr.1 sprinter Magnus but also to the exciting unbeaten juvenile Black Caviar.

The win came as a bit of a surprise considering Midnight Blues' previous lack of form on rain affected tracks but she had won an early trial on heavy going. And so Robbie decided to run her just to see if she should stay in work or head out for the winter.

"She has the pedigree to suggest she should handle it," Robbie said - "her mother was a swimmer."

Jockey Peter Mertens said that he was confident a fair way out - "at the turn she was travelling better than everyone else," he said. "When Take The Cash kicked I thought we were going to run second but in the last 100m she really lifted."

SHE'S SPECIAL!

2009-06-08T05:18:00.000-07:00

A special win for radio personality Deane Lester at Moonee Valley on Sunday, his favourite mare Kindrate racing away with the final event.

Ridden by Peter Mertens who owns the five-year-old’s city winning dam Quick Rate (purchased by Lester at the 1997 Winter Sale for $6,000), Kindrate was having only her second run back from a spell and her win was an easy one.

Settling last on a track suiting on-pacers, Kindrate stayed close to the rails turning, determined to find the line despite being held up at a crucial stage. Once clear she showed terrific acceleration, quickly putting 3.3 lengths on her rivals.

The winner of five of 21, Kindrate was set for this race as far back as February – “it has been a long range plan,” said Lester – “it was the only suitable race for her at Moonee Valley.”

“It is a credit to Robbie that he had her peaking for this race,” he added, “as she is not an easy horse to train.”

A daughter of the well related but unfortunately now exported Special Bond (a son of Fairy King from the Eight Carat family), Kindrate has amassed over $150,000 stakes and she boasts an outstanding record on rain affected track.

MAN WHAT A WINNER!

2009-06-01T00:42:00.000-07:00

A home-bred winner for Rick Smith at Benalla on Monday, The Woodsman breaking his maiden in fine style over 1606m.

Having had no luck at his previous outing – finishing on well for a Seymour third after being badly held up at a vital stage – the three-year-old thoroughly deserved his success.

A good looking chestnut who has always shown ability, The Woodsman was well rated by Nick Hall – getting cover midfield, hooking out at the 500m and running on strongly.

More mature this time in, The Woodsman looks ready to go right on with it now and he is bred to be a better horse as he gets older – being closely related to the Gr.1 Brisbane Cup winner Dupain and the Gr.1 VRC Oaks heroine Tristanagh.

We are hoping it is a successful start to a good week, the stable represented by three chances at Sandown on Wednesday – Kariba Kariba fitter for his first up run, the gallant veteran Corporal Nediym racing well and the three-year-old Beltrois displaying good promise.

THORN LAKE BOUNCES BACK

2009-05-26T04:14:00.000-07:00

Rising star Thorn Lake has pulled up well from his below par performance at Caulfield last Saturday, Robbie reporting that the promising three-year-old quickly bounced back after initially taking a while to recover from his run.

"He licked his bin out and he seems well in himself," he said - reporting that the chestnut in all likelihood choked down during the running.

"So far in the wash up it has been pretty much inconclusive but what we are leaning towards is that he choked down," Robbie said. "He got his head up and on the side coming to the corner and his heart rate was elevated for about 40 minutes after the race which is a sign that he didn't get enough air in."

Thorn Lake will be closely monitored over the next week - "we will take bloods to see if he has a virus... if we find no abnormalities and his work is good and his bloods are good we will possibly still have a crack at the Creswick."

That's the Listed Creswick Stakes at Flemington on June 6. On the strength of his overall record Thorn Lake is likely to be one of the favourites having impressively won two of his first four starts with placings behind potential topliners Ortensia and First Command.

WHERE THERE'S A WILL THERE'S A WINNING WAY!

2009-05-19T01:36:00.000-07:00

My Free Will is a horse who has always shown us good ability and the son of the underrated Danehill stallion Hillman (a son of Triscay who has battled fertility problems) raced away with an easy win at Echuca today.

It was his second success from three runs this campaign and he was stepping up to the mile for the first time. It was no mean feat to win the handy ratings race by two lengths – the three-year-old asked to carry 57.5kg against the older horses.
Congratulations to owners Richard & Roderick Martin, Eric & David Norman, John Graham, Peter & Susan Cusack, David Gorman, Andrew Rutherford and the Brisbane Syndicate (Andrew Rutherford) – and especially to Andrew who also bred the promising bay.

My Free Will, who has not been out of the first five in nine starts, is out of the multiple city winning Our Poetic Prince mare Princess Kara from the family of the champion sprinter Sir Dapper.

Nearly a double for the stable with three-year-old Jeuluna a game second. And we are hoping for further success on Wednesday with the stable well represented at Sandown by Nuclear Force, Kindrate, Lovablelarrikan and Rainband.

And we are looking forward to Saturday too – the promising Thorn Park taking his place in the Our Maizcay Handicap.

“He’s still got a bit to learn,” said Robbie, “but his four runs to date have been pretty exciting. I’ve been really happy with him since his win at Sandown and I can’t see any reason why he won’t run well again.”

ALL EYES ON SCION!

2009-05-17T00:58:00.000-07:00

Talented four-year-old Scion has always shown us plenty of ability and he looks to have come up extra well this time in - at Cranbourne on Sunday the bay racing away to an easy win at only his second run back from a spell.

Only just beaten at the same track first up, Scion did a great job to win over 1300m as it took a step up to 1700m to break his maiden at Sale last spring.

Bred by John Shiels and raced by him with Philip Green, Brian Hayes and Cynthia Scotis, Scion has now won three of 14 with the best still to come. Tough and consistent, the son of Rubiton has only once finished out of the first five.

Also consistent was Scion's dam Skioops who won three metropolitan races. She is a half sister to another tough performer, the stakes placed seven times winner Skilero. This is a family that improve as they mature so the future looks bright for Skion!

HE HAMMERS HOME

2009-05-11T04:07:00.000-07:00

A successful day at the office today - the office being Benalla racecourse. Great to see Hammerblow in winning form, the tough stayer too strong over 2300m. Congratulations to owner Peter Ford.

A son of Flying Spur, Hammerblow is a half brother to the American triple Group 2 winner Quest Star. His dam is a half sister to the Gr.2 mare Mariah's Storm - best known as the dam of the champion Giant's Causeway.

Other members of Robbie's team also performed well today - Pennycomequick finishing a close up third, Monsieur Oloroso an encouraging fifth and Mandeville fifth at only her second outing.

NUCLEAR FORCE HALF DOZEN

2009-05-09T23:48:00.000-07:00

Bonnie mare Nuclear Force continued on her winning way at Bendigo on Friday, reaffirming her liking of the 1000m with an easy victory – her fifth at the trip and her sixth overall.

Tough and consistent, in 21 starts amassing over $140,000 stakes, Nuclear Force was also too strong at her previous outing at Sandown – a track at which she has won four races.

An exciting future broodmare prospect, Nuclear Force is a daughter of Australia’s Champion Sire Encosta de Lago and the Geiger Counter mare Nuclear Dance, a half sister to the Gr.3 mare New Smyrna.

Bred at Blue Gum Stud and spotted by Robbie at the Melbourne Premier, Nuclear Force is raced by Gerry Ryan, the Gleneagles Stud Syndicate (manager Kevan Wacey), Maurice Sinclair, James Lillie & Colin Bell. Congrats guys… and a special mention to Kevan who reached quite the milestone as an owner – Nuclear Force his 100th winner!

Nearly a double for Robbie with stable stalwart Count To Zero run down close to home at Flemington on Saturday. What a marvel he has been – 51 starts for nine wins and 16 placings. And the winner of over six times his purchase price. With more to come!

TALENTED THORN MAKES IT FOUR

2009-05-04T03:42:00.000-07:00

Four winners in three days! And what an exciting way to finish off the weekend – the raw talent of Thorn Lake the main topic of conversation at Sandown on Sunday.

Lining up for his fourth start, the handsome NZ bred son of Thorn Park settled at the rear – taking a little time to find his feet before storming home down the outside and racing away by a soft 1.3 lengths.

“He was too good – he killed them!” enthused in-form jockey Brad Rawiller, confident that the three-year-old has plenty of scope for improvement.

“He is still learning – it takes him a bit to get into his stride but once he does he is awesome!”

“He doesn’t help himself at the start,” said Robbie, “lucky he’s got a big motor!”

An $80,000 Classic Sale graduate, Thorn Lake is out of the dual Gr.1 winning Star Way mare Nimue and he has great scope to go right on.

Congratulations to owners Nick Wilson, Simon Lovell, Peter Hutchison, Giuseppe Tribastone, Warren Ellery, Anthony Penglase, Leo Chan and the Nudgers Syndicate.

The win took Robbie to sixth position in the Victorian premiership – it was his 77th winner for the season and his 22nd metropolitan winner.

CAT STORMS HOME

2009-05-02T15:47:00.000-07:00

Continuing on with the stable’s great recent run was Cat Storm at Caulfield on Saturday, the promising three-year-old racing away to an impressive victory in the opening event.

Robbie’s 76th winner for the season (“my best year yet”), Cat Storm proved to be a class above some very well credentialled rivals – swooping out wide and looking to have a fair bit in hand on the line.

“It was nice to see him win,” Robbie said “as he has not had the best of luck this preparation.”

Caught wide from an outside gate when eighth at his previous Flemington outing over 1400m, Cat Storm enjoyed an easier run in transit this time – able to finish off much better.

“He didn’t get beaten far at Flemington,” said Robbie, “and we didn’t lose any enthusiasm for his ability. He’s got a great turn of speed – and he is still a bit of a baby.”

Confident that Cat Storm will improve further as he matures, Robbie was thrilled that a horse he spied at the 2007 Magic Millions was able to win his first Saturday city class race.

And he was happy for a group of friends who have been stable supporters for some time – Rob Cummings, Fraser Brown (one time star footballer for Carlton) and Rohan Ford.

RUNNING DOUBLE AT BALLARAT

2009-05-01T17:34:00.001-07:00

A successful end to the week with a winning double at Ballarat on Friday. And a running double at that, Rusky Ya Ya finding his best form to take out the sixth event and Flower Power just too strong in the following event.

It was a welcome return to the winners circle for Rusky Ya Ya who had not won for a while but he had been racing so well – the honest gelding not out of the first five at his previous eight outings. Honest and tough, he is a steadily maturing horse with good staying potential.

Not taking long to strike winning form this campaign was Flower Power who was having only her second run back from a spell. She has returned in fine fettle – really catching the eye with her strong late finish.

It is worth noting that she took much longer last time in to win, suggesting genuine improvement. Congratulations to the O’Briens who spied this mare as a bargain at the Magic Millions.

And good luck to the connections of all of our runners today. We are especially looking forward to our wonderfully tough pair Happy Glen and Cocinero taking their places at Caulfield.

Both exceptionally durable gallopers having their 14th and 13th runs this preparation, the pair are expected to again run well. “They both seem very happy,” said Robbie, “and you wouldn’t know they’ve had so many runs.”

SHOWING THE LOVE!

2009-04-28T01:29:00.000-07:00

So close to a winning double for the team at Seymour today, with the ever reliable Corporal Nediym at his 81st start finishing on strongly for a gutsy second and the promising Lovablelarrikan railing gamely to record his second victory from just four starts.

Raced by an enthusiastic group headed by breeder Don Leahy and also including studmaster Mike Becker (head of Independent Stallions, home to Lovablelarrikan's sire Beckett) and Winning Post's Richard Sims, the three-year-old showed guts to wear down leader Magistrates Court.

"He did a good job," enthused in-form rider Brad Rawiller who was in the winners circle on seven occasions over the weekend - "and he was just too good!"

Catching Robbie's eye at the 2007 Melbourne Premier, Lovablelarrikan is a half brother to the durable Gr.3 winner Skewiff. Another of his half sisters, the speedy but sadly ill-fated stakes placed Arena Star, was also a member of the Griffiths stable. She raced just seven times but created quite an impression - winning at Bendigo and Moonee Valley.

WEEKEND DOUBLE

2009-04-27T19:15:00.001-07:00

A highlight of any horse’s career is their maiden victory and stable fans cheered on two promising gallopers to their first wins on the weekend.

At Ararat on Saturday the well related Danehill Dancer mare Tarho showed a liking for rain affected going with an easy win over 1200m. Giving her rivals no chance, she went straight to the front and was always in control – putting a soft five lengths on them.

A half sister to a European Gr.3 winner from the family of Golden Slipper winner Prowl, she is an exciting racing and broodmare prospect for owner/breeders Limerick Lane Thoroughbreds.

Over to Moe on Sunday where My Free Will, having his first run since last December, showed considerable courage to win over 1200m. Having to dig deep over the final stages, he put on show a good will to win and it was a reward for his consistency over her first two preparations.

A son of Hillman whose promising career has been sidetracked by fertility issues, he has proven a particularly tough and reliable fellow – in seven starts not yet finishing out of the first five.

FORCE IS WITH GRIFFITHS RACING

2009-04-24T15:17:00.000-07:00

Huge few days for Griffiths Racing and I mean HUGE … come to think of it, it’s been a huge month!
Nuclear Force got the ball rolling at Sandown on Wednesday (22 April) with a command performance over 1000m then, at Ballarat on Thursday, a double with Cascabel and Monsieur Oloroso, before another victory with Midnight Crisis at Pakenham yesterday.
In fact, eight of nine runners in that three day stretch all finished with a cheque, including a close second with Slip of the Tongue at Ballarat and game third by Mr Riggs over 3000m at Sandown.
It will come as no surprise to supporters, but April truly has signaled a golden run for the stable with nine wins, seven seconds, eight thirds and five fourths: and the month still has almost a week to go.
Importantly, Rainband, Happy Glen (also third at Flemington), Cocinero and Nuclear Force all won in town, while Monsieur Oloroso notched up a double at Ballarat and Seymour.
Another couple of special mentions too with Expressmoss’ two runs in April resulting in city placings at Moonee Valley, Mr Riggs was twice placed – at Sandown and Bendigo – while Midnight Crisis has had three runs in April for a win at Pakenham and seconds at both Ballarat and Bendigo (beaten a lip).

BIT OF A GIGGLE

2009-04-12T03:39:00.001-07:00

It’s fair to say that Happy Giggle is one of the ‘sleepers’ of Australian breeding.
A Group Two winning 2YO by Rory’s Jester, Happy Giggle is firmly ensconced at Robert and Roshi Thompson’s Mornmoot Stud but, despite an impressive winners to runners strike rate and highly accessible service fee, he’s not exactly overtaxed in the breeding shed.
Griffiths Racing is a fan though, especially with the likes of Happy Glen returning to winning form at Caulfield on Saturday (11 April).
Racing in the $70,000 Bert Bryant Handicap over 1100m at the Heath, Happy Glen proved too strong for Here de Angels and Jeuneyman to record his fifth win in town and push his earnings to over the $300k mark. All up, nine wins and eight placings from 22 starts, including seconds at Group Three and Listed level in January and February.
A gutsy performer who has been ‘up’ since the end of October, he got the ball rolling with a win at Moe in November, followed (in succession) by wins at Moonee Valley, Caulfield and Flemington, a pair of seconds at Caulfield (both at stakes level), a fair effort when stepping up to Group One level in the Oakleigh Plate, a fourth at stakes level at Flemington, a second over 1000m at Caulfield and, on Saturday, a win.
There’s not a trainer in Australia who wouldn’t like a Happy Glen in his or her stable and well done to the Scales’ and Webers who are having quite a bit of a giggle with their neddy.

TALE OF THE STORM

2009-04-12T03:38:00.001-07:00

Unfortunately, Cat Storm couldn’t make it a double for Griffiths Racing at Caulfield, but gee whiz he’s a consistent performer.
Snapped up by Robbie at the 2007 Gold Coast Magic Millions, Cat Storm debuted with a second at Seymour last September, but won his next start at Bendigo and then easily accounted for opposition at Moonee Valley at the end of October.
Turned out for almost five months, Cat Storm returned in late March with a second at Moonee Valley before Saturday’s third at Caulfield.
A son of the Storm Cat stallion Tale of the Cat (sire of 53 stakeswinners), Cat Storm hails from a ‘winning’ family and appears hell bent on adding to the pedigree’s honour roll.
In hindsight, it might seem easy to pick out a Cat Storm from the rest of the bunch, but when you’re faced with a catalogue featuring some 500 yearlings – all with similar ‘paper’ credentials – this is where intuition and experience steps in.
Make sure you’re at Griffiths Racing stable on Sunday (19 April) for the open day and check out Robbie’s 2009 purchases.
Odds on there is a Cat Storm waiting in the wings.

WHAT A FLASH KID

2009-04-12T03:37:00.000-07:00

Talk about justice! Flash Kid’s win at Wangaratta on 5 April was rarely more deserved given the lead up by this 3YO son of Racer’s Edge.
A grandson of the late great Rory’s Jester (just like Happy Glen), Flash Kid has had plenty of luck in running throughout his eight start career … just none of its been good.
First start (at Sale last September) he ran a half head second, then finished second at Bendigo and third at Moe before being tipped out for a spell.
Resuming in February, he’s run third at Bendigo, third at Ballarat, second at Bendigo and second at Yarra Valley before breaking through at Wang.
From the immediate family of Moonee Valley record holder Dandy Kid (19 wins), Flash Kid has a great bunch of owners and it’s fantastic to see him finally saluting.
Based on his run at Wangaratta, it won’t be the last time his name appears on this website!

2009 OPEN DAY - SUNDAY 19 APRIL

2009-04-07T17:48:00.000-07:00

Quick … mark it down in your diary. Better still, forget the diary and get straight on the ‘Al Capone’ to Griffiths Racing (03 5995 2444) and book your pozzie for the 2009 Open Day from 11am on Sunday 19 April.
If you’re thinking about racehorse ownership – be it from ear to hoof, or part of the tail – then 1305 Ballarto Road, Cranbourne on Sunday week is definitely the place to be.
Griffiths Racing will be offering nine yearlings for your viewing pleasure, ranging from daughters of exciting sires such as God’s Own, Elvstroem, Flying Spur, Fusaichi Pegasus, Not a Single Doubt, Hold That Tiger and Black Hawk, to a colt by the highly successful Catbird.
Have a look for yourself on the website – click on the 2009 Yearlings link on the top right of this page – or phone Griffiths Racing and we’ll send you print outs of each yearling containing photos, pedigree and share information.
But do yourself a favour and wander down to Griffiths Racing on Sunday 19 April from 11am to 2pm – have a drink, something to eat and a gander at the yearlings.
It might just be the most profitable day out you ever have!
And keep one thing in mind – as you’re looking over the fence at the yearlings, think about the people who will be looking at you over the fence when you’re standing in the winners’ circle.
RSVP is essential though – please phone 03 5995 2444 by 5pm on Wednesday (15 April) to grab your spot.

YES SIR - ANOTHER GOOD WIN

2009-03-30T05:31:00.000-07:00

Sir Charlemagne has really come of age during his last two preparations and the King Charlemagne 4YO certainly looked the goods at Yarra Valley on Sunday (29 March), winning emphatically over the 1500m journey.
Sir Charlemagne, who was having his third run back from a spell, put the writing on the wall with his previous start third at Ballarat but still managed to show the juicy odds of $4.80 at Yarra Valley.
It was win No. 6 for Sir Charlemagne who strung together three on the trot last time in – all on his home track of Cranbourne. Indeed, from six runs last campaign, Sir Charlemagne won three, was second at Kyneton and flew home for third at Sandown.
Sir Charlemagne’s sire, King Charlemagne was a Group One winner in France, but didn’t do much at stud in Australia, eventually ending up in Italy, while his female side – from the second dam back – is predominantly North American black type.
Interestingly, one of his relations is New Regent who stood 14 seasons in Australia before stepping off the mortal coil in 1997. He was as mad as a cut snake and probably wasn’t missed by handlers, but he could certainly produce some winners: some of whom included AJC Oaks-G1 winner Savana City and Lord Jim.

PREMIER PURCHASES … ‘I’M EXCITED’!

2009-03-09T22:35:00.000-07:00

Robbie was on the phone last night on his way home from Adelaide.
I can’t remember him being so happy – except of course that time they had half price quarter pounders at Maccas.
This time though he was chatting about his dozen yearling purchases at the Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale and was sounding more and more like Big Kev of “I’m excited” fame.
“This is the best team of yearlings I’ve ever purchased – I’m really pumped,” he enthused.
First establishing that the main reason for his joy wasn’t just because his wife Shiranee hadn’t come after him with a meat axe for buying so many yearlings, the next question was: “Ah, didn’t you say that last year?”
“No, the difference is that in previous years to get yearlings with such good pedigrees and such nice types, I would have had to pay much, much more.
“The market downturn is really working in favour of buyers and while the quality hasn’t decreased, the price of admission definitely has.
“Before the sale had even finished I’d sold six of the 12 yearlings and whereas in previous years the yearling parade has been an opportunity for potential buyers to choose from a range of young horses, this time I reckon it will be a meeting place for owners to discuss their new purchases!
“They really are that good …”
I think that might be Robbie speak for get on the ‘eau de cologne’ sooner rather than later.
The yearlings Robbie purchased at the Melbourne Premier include colts and fillies by God’s Own (4 fillies), Flying Spur (2 fillies), Al Samer, Danzero, Dash For Cash, Elvstroem, Fusaichi Pegasus and Hold That Tiger. Photos, videos and pedigree information will be uploaded on the website by the end of the week, but in the meantime, I suggest you get on to Robbie ASAP – 0418 349 539.

LABOURING A VALLEY DOUBLE

2009-03-09T22:04:00.000-07:00

I reckon 99% of the workforce, plus the Boomtown Rats, don’t like Mondays, but Moonee Valley on Labour Day is a different story altogether.
Two of Griffiths Racing’s stalwarts in Cocinero and Avionics showed yet again that, on their day, they are harder to catch than Ronald Biggs, both scoring with considerable style over the 1200m circuit.
Cocinero, a stakeswinner and multiple stakesplaced throughout his illustrious career, has now visited the winners’ circle on nine occasions and placed a further nine times for near on $600,000 in stakes.
His sire, Encosta de Lago, has produced more successful types than Cocinero but probably none more gutsy. Great horse.
Avionics’ race career is not quite as extensive, but the daughter of Flying Spur is beginning to compile a very respectable resume with her win on Monday being her second at Moonee Valley and third overall.
A half sister to SAJC Tokyo City Cup-LR winner Terraue and closely related to Group Two winners Lions Roar and Growl (MRC Herbert Power), Avionics is testimony to the benefits of purchasing well bred fillies.
Whatever she wins from here on is a bonus as her residual value as a broodmare increases dramatically: something to always keep in mind when investing in bloodstock and certainly a factor never far from Robbie’s noggin when he goes ‘hunting’ at yearling sales.
Unfortunately, Robbie wasn’t on hand to watch the deeds of Cocinero and Avionics as even he can’t be in two places at once (unless of course we’re talking chairs at a dinner table!).
No, our intrepid trainer was in Adelaide to watch Fordee go around in the Group Two Adelaide Cup and, while the promising son of Choisir didn’t get the major prize, it was a spirited performance nevertheless. In fact, he was beaten a lip for third and surely Fordee has a Group win in him yet: particularly if he lives up to his namesake who, admittedly, couldn’t run down a well but is a Group One performer as a human being.