A plan formulated when Epimeles made a winning debut at Sandown-Lakeside on March 27 paid off when the son 2-year-old son of Dundeel kept his unbeaten record intact in the Listed Anzac Day Stakes (1400m) at Flemington.
Ridden by John Allen for Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young, Epimeles had the favourite Feroce in his sights at the 300m and went straight on by before holding the challenge of the Churchill (IRE) colt Narbold by one and three-quarter lengths with the Ardrossan gelding Yaldi back in third.
After his debut win, Natalie Young identified the Anzac Day Stakes as a suitable target for the Seymour Bloodstock colour bearer.
John Allen said the son of Dundeel can win a good race in the spring.
“He was very professional today. He has a great attitude and relaxed beautifully; he is a very exciting horse,” Allen said.
“He was always travelling well and responded every time I put him under pressure.”
Ohukia Lodge/Mark Pilkington Management (FBAA) purchased Epimeles from the Evergreen Stud Farm draft for $130,000 at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
He is the first foal of the winning Redoute’s Choice mare Apicius, a three-quarter sister to the Champion Griffin in Hong Kong in 2014-15, Thewizardofoz and a half-sister to stakes winner Oz Empress (Exceed And Excel) and Group III-placed Key (Exceed And Excel).
Apicius is a daughter of Vanilla Empress (Lonhro), a half-sister to multiple Group III winner Argentia (Frankel) out of the Champion 3YO Filly in NZ. Champion Older Female & Stayer in NZ, 4-time Group 1 winner Princess Coup (Encosta de Lago).
Apicius has a yearling colt by So You Think, who left the ring unsold at the Adelaide Magic Millions after failing to find a buyer willing to meet his $50,000 reserve.
After foaling an Ole Kirk filly last spring, the daughter of Redoute’s Choice was covered by Maurice (JPN).
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