The Better Than Ready colt Chrysaor rounded out a memorable forty minutes for Chris Waller and Denise Martin’s Star Thoroughbreds when he returned to form in the $1,000,000 Group II Cincotta Chemist Callander-Presnell Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday.
In the previous race, Espiona carried the purple, white stars and cap to victory in the $2,000,000 The Invitation.
Ridden by Tyler Schiller, Chrysaor came from worse than midfield on the turn, scything between runners to defeat his stablemate Snowman (Snitzel) by a half=head with Ducasse (Trapeze Artist), a short-neck back in third.
“I can’t believe it happened,” said an excited Denise Martin.
“Amazing, perfect ride. When he trialled the other day without blinkers, he was a different horse, lovely relaxed colt.
“It was a really lovely ride so some days are diamonds. Thank you Racing NSW.
“This was the last hurrah so I didn’t want to geld him unless we had to because he does have ability. It was just such a lovely race for him today.
“I said to Chris (Waller) if he doesn’t perform today maybe geld and Magic Millions, but maybe we might have plan B now.”
With his first stakes win, Chrysaor advances his record to three wins and a thirds from 10 starts with earnings of $861,300.
A $60,000 pinhook for Lionrock Bloodstock/Bevan Smith Bloodstock from the Yarramalong Park draft at the National Weanling Sale, was hammered down to Star Thoroughbreds/Randwick Bloodstock Agency (FBAA) for $115,000 when offered by Bell River Thoroughbreds at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
He is the second winner from as many to race for the winning Choisir mare New Wings, a sister to 3-time stakes winner Religify and stakes-placed Shojiki (Redoute's Choice).
A $130,000 purchase for Yarramalong Park at the 2017 Inglis Australian Broodmare Sale, New Wings is out of a sister-in-blood to the champion Silent Witness.
In January, Vandyke Bloodstock purchased a brother to Chrysaor for $300,000 at the Magic Millions Yearling Sale.
New Wings has a yearling sister to Chrysaor and revisited the Lyndhurst Stud Farm last November.
Chrysaor is the tenth stakes-winner for Better Than Ready, who stands at $27,500 this spring.
