| Carnival Fun Continues |
|
The Aquanita stable are regular visitors around the country; Caulfield trainer Tony Vasil being a constant at the three day Swan Hill Carnival over the Queens Birthday weekend. Over the last eight years Vasil has enjoyed considerable success at Swan Hill. Two years ago he was leading trainer however his success with three horses all having their first race start sets him apart. In 2003 a two year old colt named Elvstroem (Danehill x Circles Of Gold) stepped out onto the Swan Hill track for his debut. The youngster, well supported started at even money didn't let the favourite backers down winning by a length. The colt would mature into a spring classic winner taking out the VRC Derby of the same year. He would retire three seasons later with ten wins against his name and $5 million in stakes. History has a way of repeating itself and in 2006 a colt named Haradasun by a Kentucky Derby winner (Fusaichi Pegasus x Circles Of Gold) took to the sports in the same race as his older half brother. It is fair to say that Haradsun was slightly more impressive first up as he ambled to a ten length victory. His spring was soured by an injury yet he returned in the autumn to claim two Group Ones in Sydney against older horses. He would retire with seven wins and nearly $3 million in stakes. The year Elvstroem was victorious prize money was of $7,000, for Haradasun he took the main share of the $8,000 on offer. The Swan Hill club recognizing the importance increased prize money and renamed the race the Elvstroem Classic. This year another well bred colt from the Vasil stable was entered in the Elvstroem Classic. He to was well bred (Redoute's Choice x Cirles Of Gold) being a three quarter brother to Elvstroem. Leading rider Damien Oliver who had never ridden at Swan Hill was convinced to take the ride. In typical fashion "Ollies" first sight of the track resulted in a victory. His second for the day being on the Vasil trained Altius, the colt with the well connected family. In keeping with the tradition laid out before him Altius managed to win the same race won by his brother's years before. Slightly more workman like than his siblings, Altius won with enough authority to prick his ears and give Damien time to sit up for the photo. In a career spiked with highlights this is a remarkable piece of history for trainer Tony Vasil to be involved in. The owners have also had a great ride, not to mention Brian "Battling" Baldwin who has looked after all three in his role as groom. The story doesn't end there as a full brother to Haradasun has begun pre training, maybe with the prospect of running at Swan Hill in twelve months time. Even those who dare to dream sometimes have to pinch themselves. Happy Racing The Aquanita Team |
|
April Winners
Black and Bent
Mooney Valley, 2500m Eclair Mystic Caulfield, 1200m Persian Star Mooney Valley, 2040m Jackpot Eagle Farm, 1600m Sharada Ballarat, 1200m Lockhart Road Bendigo, 1000m Brombed Out Geelong, 1112m Eclair Mystic Flemington 1400m Animated Ipswich, 1020m Lough Rea Ipswich, 1020m Huckleberry Dane Toowoomba, 1200m Life to the Full Caulfield, 1200m Beyond Pardon Caulfield, 1400m Fancy Pants Cranbourne, 1500m Black and Bent Sandown, 3300m Johanski Sandown, 1400m Sharada Ballarat, 1200m Veewap Sandown, 1300m Thanks to Racing & Sports and Slickpix for use of images in the Aquanita Form guide Slickpix TVN Authorised Racing Photographer Contact: Ross Holburt (03) 9354 5754 www.slickpix.com.au Racing and Sports Thoroughbred racing, breeding, form guides and sporting news. Contact: Gary Crispe (02) 6288 4080 www.racingandsports.com.au If you are interested in advertising in the Aquanita Form guide please contact Sam on (03) 9573 3744 or via e-mail sam@aquanita.com.au E-Mail: sam@aquanita.com.au Web Site: www.aquanita.com.au |
|
visit www.betfair.com.au |