Two unraced sons of Snitzel fought out the finish of the Heineken Maiden Hcp (1100m) at Kensington-Randwick on Wednesday, and both hold entries for Group races at the Brisbane Winter Carnival.
Tim Clark was determined to take up the running on the flashy chestnut In The Congo. He was made to work for it by Tommy Berry on the heavily backed Verne.
The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained In The Congo kept up a strong gallop in the straight, skipping two lengths clear at the 200m while the Anabel Neasham-trained Verne had to wait to clear the eventual third-placed Prasiolite.
Verne reduced the margin to a half-length on the line with Prasiolite (Written Tycoon) a further three and a quarter lengths back in third.
Both graduates of the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, In The Congo and Verne hold entries for the BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Eagle Farm on May 29 and the Group 1 JJ Atkins at Eagle Farm on June 12.
“He had to do plenty of work early; things did not necessarily go to plan for him,” Bott said.
“He did a lot of work to cross and kicked clear in the straight after doing that and he stuck on well.
“We are very thankful to Henry Field and his connections for sending us this colt. He was selected by them and managed by them and we were fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to train a nice colt.
“He has a few nominations for the features in Queensland. Whether we look to going deep into the campaign there or give him a freshen-up now and look to the spring - or if he needs another race to season him up before those tough races in the spring, we will let the dust settle and have a chat with Henry and make a few decisions.”
Racing in the colours of the China Horse Club, In The Congo carries the hopes of some of the biggest names in the industry.
He was purchased by China Horse Club / Newgate Bloodstock for $350,000 out of the Newhaven Park draft at Easter 2020.
A three-quarter brother to the promising Hong Kong performer Pleasant Endeavor (Redoute’s Choice), In The Congo is the second winner from as many foals to race out of the Var mare Via Africa. (SAF).
The Champion Sprinter in South Africa in 2013-14, Via Africa won ten races highlighted by two wins in the Group I South African Fillies Sprint and the Group 1 Cape Flying Championship.
Ryan Bloodstock purchased a yearling Vancouver filly out of Via Africa (SAF), consigned by Newhaven Park, for $260,000 at Easter this year.
After missing to Not a Single Doubt in 2019, Via Africa (SAF) was covered by The Autumn Sun last spring.
