It all went pear-shaped for Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) in last year’s Group 1 The Longines Sprint, when unplaced for the only time in his career, and for a worrying moment, it looked like a repeat was on the cards.
After enjoying the run of the race, Zac Purton was held in a pocket by James McDonald on Victor The Winner, but once in clear air, the son of Sweynesse put the race to bed.
The Manfred Man-trained 5yo gelding defeated the Artie Schiller (USA) gelding Lucky With You by three-quarters of a length with last year’ winner Wellington (All Too Hard) the same distance back in third.
With his fourth Group 1 success, Lucky Sweynesse advances his record to 15 wins, four seconds and a third from 21 starts with earnings of HK$70,568,900.
"I had the run inside Victor The Winner but when James went for him, he shifted in and hampered me a little bit, but he accelerated so quickly, I was able to come out across his heels and he had his chance from there – he did what he had to do. I love him,” Purton said.
A $90,000 purchase for J & I Bloodstock from the Woburn Farm draft at the NZB Ready to Run Sale, Lucky Sweynesse is a brother to Group I placed Signora Nera and is from stakes-winning Red Clubs mare Madonna Mia.
His fourth dam is the brilliant Group winning filly Beach Gown, the dam of dual Group I winning sprinter Wrap Around with other family members, including Champion 2YO Filly Fashions Afield and stakes-winners What You Need and Fashion Legend.
Lucky Sweynesse is the standout performer for the dual Group III winner, and Group 1 placed Lonhro stallion Sweynesse, who stands at Novara Park for $10,000.
