Bold-striding filly Tropical Squall led at every call in a 1250m Fillies Maiden at Canterbury on Wednesday to credit Kooringal Stud’s Prized Icon with his first winner.
Adam Hyeronimus made his intentions clear from the jump, taking the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained debutant through sensible fractions.
After turning back the challenge of the Rubick filly Wezza, Tropical Squall was untroubled to hold the challenge of the Written Tycoon filly Kind Words by one and a half lengths, with Wezza a half-neck back in third.
After impressing in two barrier trials, punters sent the Gooree Stud colour-bearer off as a short-priced favourite.
"It was quite an easy watch,” stable representative Neil Paine said.
“The second favourite (Wezza) put the pressure on us. The last furlong was impressive. I liked how she stretched out getting to the line.
“Gai and Adrian love the Gooree Stud horses. It’s great to get a winner in those colours.
“It’s very exciting. We will see where she aims up for the year.”
Adam Hyeronimus said the daughter of Prized Icon would take plenty of benefit from the run.
“She’s a nice, big strong filly with a lovely action and attitude, so there’s not much not to like about her.
“This was just a day out for her; she is still very green.”
Tropical Squall was a $16,000 purchase for Gooree Stud from the Bhima Thoroughbreds draft at the 2021 National Weanling Sale.
Bred by Kooringal Stud, Tropical Squall is the fifth winner from seven to race for the winning Fusaichi Pegasus mare Squalls.
A half-sister to Group III AJC Breeders Classic winner Steflara (Zabeel) out of the Group III winner Blue Storm (Bluebird), Squalls died in 2021, and Tropical Squall is her final foal.
The Gooree blood runs deep in the pedigree of Group 1 VRC Derby and Group 1 AJC Champagne Stakes winner Prized Icon (More Than Ready, who stands at Kooringal Stud for a fee of $8,800.
