The strapping Fastnet Rock 3-year-old Subsix returned from a 15-week break as a gelding to open his winning account in the $75,000 Sportsbet Future Stars Series Heat 4 Maiden at Pakenham on Thursday night and book a place in the $300,000 Sportsbet Future Stars Series Final on February 29.
Ridden by Blake Shinn for Lloyd Kennewell and Lucy Yeomans, Subsix travelled keenly outside the leader Brier. Hitting the front on straightening, the son of Fastnet Rock was untroubled to defeat the Outreach gelding Attain by a length and a quarter, with the Impending mare Snick the same distance back in third.
It was the fourth start for Subsix, and Lucy Yeomans is hoping that gelding will be the making of him.
“The series is an excellent initiative. We wanted to come here as he is a big horse, and this track should suit,” Yeomans said.
“We have always had a big opinion of him, but he did a lot wrong as a colt.
“Full credit to the team as Lloyd and I have been at the Magic Millions, and a big thanks to the Wilson family, who have been big supporters of the stable and racing in general.
“It was a great ride by Blake, so good job all around.
“Last prep, we thought he would be a Guineas-type horse, and if he progeses enough, we can still dream of that.
Bred by Love Racing, Subsix was a $150,000 purchase for Kennewell Racing/Group 1 Bloodstock (FBAA) from the Willow Park Stud draft at the 2022 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale.
He is the first foal of the stakes-winning High Chaparral mare Express Martini, a daughter of the crack New Zealand mare Keepa Cruisin, a Group 1 winning half-sister to the champion Seachange, the granddam of current 2yo star, Storm Boy (Justify).
Few will celebrate the win more than Hallmark Stud, which will offer a Bivouac half-brother to Subsix at Karkaka (lot 49).
Moody Racing Pty Ltd / World Wide Bloodstock shelled out $150,000 for a brother to Subsix consigned by Fernrigg Farm to the 2023 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale. He has been named Bradsell and is in training with Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman.
Not served in 2022, Express Martini visited King’s Legacy in September.
