Carrying the colours made famous by the 2015 Melbourne Cup hero Prince Of Penzance, Spirit Of Gaylard scored a fighting win in the Listed TAB Trophy (1800m) at Flemington.
After failing to gain a run in the Victoria Derby, the 3yo son Puissance De Lune (Ire) was aided by a pefectly timed ride by Jordan Childs.
He defeated a rallying Blushing Tycoon, who came within a half-head of giving Written Tycoon a stakes-treble on Cup Day.
The Shamexpress filly Maracana was a half-neck back in third.
Spirit Of Gaylard was named in honour of Rob Gaylard as noted by winning trainer Mitch Freedman.
“Rob played a big part in racing whether it be with the apprentices or doing all the work behind the scenes,” Freedman said.
“He’s probably not seasoned enough to do it (the Derby) yet, but we thought we’d try and get there and if we got the right conditions, then we’d have a crack at it.
“As you’ve seen today he put them away quickly. He’s a really nice horse. He’s got a lot to learn but he’ll make a nice stayer and we look forward to the future with him.
“We’ll see how he goes towards the autumn. He’s still a bit of a baby and we’re looking forward to what the future holds.”
Making just his fourth start, Spirit Of Gaylard broke his maiden over 1500m on a heavy track at Bendigo on October 21.
Purchased by Phill Cataldo Bloodstock (BAFNZ) / Mr M Freedman for $120,000 out of the Berkley Stud draft at the 2020 NZB Karaka Yearling Sale Book 2, Spirit Of Gaylard is the lone winner from two to race out of the 5-time winner White Dove.
A daughter of High Chaparral (IRE), White Dove was purchased by Berkley Stud / Pinhook Bloodstock International (FBAA) for $32,000 at the 2018 Inglis Great Southern Sale when carrying the future stakes-winner.
White Dove has a yearling filly by War Decree (USA) and was covered by the son of War Front again last season.
Spirit Of Gaylard becomes the third stakes-winner for Swettenham Stud’s Puissance De Lune (Ire) who stands at a fee of $19,800 (inc gst) after covering a career-high 155 mares last year.
