With high-profile owners on both sides of the Tasman, much is expected of Pierro’s three-quarter brother Loch Eagle and judging on his four and a quarter length romp at Newcastle, he may be ready to deliver.
It came at start four for the Kris Lees-trained son of Lonhro. Ridden by Hugh Bowman, Loch Eagle was made to work early from an outside barrier to sit outside of the leader Meerut. He took control of the race soon after turning for home.
Coming down the middle of the track, Loch Eagle defeated the All Too Hard gelding by four and a quarter lengths, with the Sebring gelding Barrichello a long-neck back in third.
After kick-starting his career with placings at Hawkesbury and Randwick, Loch Eagle failed to flatter in the Group III Spring Stakes at Newcastle last November.
“He’s very promising. He has always shown us a bit at home but has taken some time to mature,” Lees said.
“He is a nice colt with a good ownership group, so I am hopeful he can take the next step.
“I was a little concerned as the ground is very testing. First up, he had to do a little bit of work from the gate, and there was plenty of merit in the win.”
Bred by Nick Vass, Loch Eagle was a $230,000 Magic Millions purchase for Bruce Perry Bloodstock Ltd (BAFNZ) from the Newgate Farm draft.
The 3yo son of Lonhro is the second winner from as many to race out of the unraced Shamardal (USA) mare Song Street (IRE).
Purchased by James Harron Bloodstock for $450,000 at the 2013 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale, Song Street (IRE) is a half-sister to Octagonal’s best European performer, dual Group 1 winner Laverock, and to Miss Right Note (IRE), dam of champion Pierro and Group II Wakeful Stakes winner Ambience.
A sister to Loch Eagle was purchased for $190,000 by Grahame Begg Racing/Rohan J Hughes Thoroughbred Services at the 2021 Magic Millions.
After foaling a Lonhro filly last spring, Song Street (IRE) visited Tassort.
