The Snitzel colt Prost added to the embarrassment of riches from Tulloch Lodge, which is targeting the Golden Slipper, by opening his winning account in Saturday’s $250,000 Group III Arrowfield Canonbury Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill.
Ridden by Tim Clarke, Prost did the right thing by the sponsor when he held the challenge of the Pierata colt Fearless by half a length.
The Street Boss (USA) colt Traffic Warden was one and a quarter lengths back in third.
There was little between Prost and Fearless in the Group III Breeders’ Plate at Randwick last September, when Prost was third and Fearless fourth behind Espionage and Straight Charge.
Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott could have as many as ten juveniles qualify for the Golden Slipper.
“We’re in a great position, had some great support this year, and we’ve got some lovely colts, and Prost is a great example,” Adrian Bott said
“He has strengthened up and mentally we saw a real professional performance from him there. After the Breeder’s Plate, discussing the options, being a Magic Millions purchase, he had the option of going up there.
“But speaking with Kia Ora and everyone involved with this colt, we wanted to give him the right time and have a good run-up and lead-up towards the Golden Slipper.
“The nice prospect that he is, we wanted to give him the best possible chance we could and give him a nice break (after the Breeder’s Plate).”
“Obviously, today was very important for him to get some prize money and get a good win on the board. We’ve got a bit of time now to work out what the path will be and how many runs he needs. But certainly, we’ll see him again, and all roads will lead towards the Golden Slipper.
“He’s shown that right from the outset, it was an excellent run in the Breeder’s Plate. We’ve seen how that form has well and truly stood up. Then he’s come here today, performing very professionally and running class record time. That’s a very good indication of his ability.”
A $650,000 buy for Kia Ora Stud Pty Ltd/TFI /Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Racing from the Baramul Stud draft the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
The son of Snitzel is a near three-quarter brother to last year’s Golden Slipper winner Shinzo and Godolphin’s Magic Millions 2yo Classic winner Exhilarates.
Bred by Gerry Harvey, Prost is the third winner from four to race for the Northern Meteor mare Samarmeteors, half-sister to dual Group 1 winner Samaready (More Than Ready), the dam of Shinzo (Snitzel) and Exhilarates (Snitzel) and to the Group II Karrakatta Plate winner Night War (General Nediym).
In January, TFI had the final say at $325,000 for Westbury Stud’s Toronado colt from Samarmeteors at the Magic Millions.
Samarmeteors was covered by Extreme Choice in January 2023 and foaled a chestnut colt on December 19.
Prost is the 141st stakes-winner for Arrowfield Stud’s multiple champion stallion Snitzel.
