A huge payday for the honest Spill The Beans gelding Ellsberg following a course record-breaking win in the $2,000,000 Five Diamonds (1800m) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.
Ridden by Tommy Berry for Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou, Ellsberg led at every call at his first try at the trip to defeat Sibaaq (GB) (Dark Angel) by a head with Laws Of Indices (IRE) (Power) a further one and a quarter length back in third.
Second and third are in the Annabel Neasham stable, which had better luck in the Champion Stakes at Flemington with the winner Zaaki (GB) and runner-up Mo'unga.
Sterling Alexiou said he was confident Ellsberg would run the trip.
“We always had a bit of a gut feeling that he’d run it, Alexiou said.
“I thought it was a pretty solid gallop and he sustained a bit of pressure and was strong enough late.
“He is really stepping up this preparation. We always thought he was a pretty handy horse, but he’s gone to a new level this preparation and has earned the owners a lot of prize money this prep, so it is great for everyone.
“The stable is going great guns at the moment. Just thrilled for everyone.”
Berry said he was confident shortly after the start.
“He got into such a lovely rhythm for me. He quickened at the right time before the corner,” Berry said.
“I thought I’d try to get a few of them off the bit. The only thing I was worried about was how firm the track was.
“He didn’t feel as comfortable as what he did last Saturday when I galloped him on the grass with a bit of juice in it. It just shows how tough he is. I could have gone another furlong and held that second horse off. 1800m is probably not his trip, but his quality got him over the line
"Full credit to Gerald and Sterling. Gerald said to me maybe ten years ago you will ride a G1 winner for me one day. It’s not a G1 Gerald, but it’s close.
“Gerald was a massive supporter of my brother. I didn’t ride a lot for Gerald, but Nathan did. I think Nathan’s first ride in the Slipper was for Gerald so he’s been a big part of our careers. I don’t ride them all the time, but obviously very happy to get the call up to ride this guy and once again my manager did a great job finding the right one.”
Coming off a win in the Group 1 Epsom Hcp, Ellsberg advances his record to nine wins, six seconds, and four thirds from 24 starts, with earnings $3,306,250.
Bred by Hillside Downs, Ellsberg was a $50,000 pinhook for Segenhoe Stud out of the Kitchwin Hills draft at the 2018 National Weanling Sale. Gerald Ryan Racing shelled out $280,000 for Ellsberg from the Segenhoe Stud draft at the 2019 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Ellsberg is the most expensive yearling by Aquis Stud’s short-lived son of Snitzel.
He is the only winner from three to race out of the winning General Nediym mare Lady Liberty, who Aquis Farm sold for $8,500 Inglis 2020 June (Early) Online Sale.
Suman Hedge Bloodstock (FBAA)/Gerald Ryan Racing went to $160,000 to secure a full-brother to Ellsberg out of the KBL Thoroughbreds draft at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Myrtle House/Edward Cummings went to $50,000 to secure Love Of Liberty’s Divine Prophet filly at the Magic Millions in January.
Love Of Liberty has a yearling Shamus Award colt and missed last spring.
