Reigning champion sire Snitzel has made a quick start to the new season and he looks to have a top prospect in the Tony McEvoy-trained Azazel.
Winner of the Inglis Banner when making his career debut at Moonee Valley back in October last year, Azazel finished second in the Listed Blue Diamond Preview and was fourth in both the Group III Maribyrnong Plate and Group III Blue Diamond Prelude to round out his juvenile season.
He made his seasonal debut in Saturday's VRC Members' Pavillion Handicap (1000m) at Flemington and to the surprise of his trainer proved too strong for the early leader Wait For No One in the closing stages. (photo Darryl Sherer).
"My one concern was that it might be a bit short for him at this stage in the prep," McEvoy said.
"He'd pleased me in his jumpout here down the straight but he's a bigger, stronger colt this time in and we've got big plans for him.
"The Caulfield Guineas is the race we have in mind but it's a long way away and he will take a lot of improvement from this race today.
"When he gets out to 1400 (metres) and beyond then I think we will see a good colt."
"We'll go to the Mitchell McKenzie (Stakes) next. He's won at the Valley and it's a nice progression to 1200m and a Listed race so it will suit him well."
There was much interest in the first run of the Frankel colt Frankel My Dear who showed he has a future when finishing strongly into fourth place just a length and three-quarters from the winner, which delighted his trainer Robbie Laing.
"I wasn't really expecting him to win but he's run as I thought he would, so very happy with the
A $310,000 purchase by McEvoy Mitchell Racing Pty Ltd at the 2016 Inglis Premier Yearling sale, Azazel was bred by Arrowfield Group Pty Ltd and the Aga Khan Stud.
He is the third foal of the unraced Linamix mare Allariza (IRE) a sister to French stakes winner Alnamara the dam of the Group III winner Alnadana (Danehill Dancer) who was runner-up in the Grade 1 Beverley D Stakes at Arlington Park.
Allariza's granddam Thawakib (Sadler's Wells) won the Group II Ribblesdale Stakes and is the dam of the champion Sakhee whose eight wins include the Group I Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
A yearling Not A Single Doubt colt out of Allariza (IRE) was purchased by Aquis/McEvoy Mitchell Racing/Blue Sky Bloodstock for $500,000 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale in January.
Allariza (IRE) was covered by Olympic Glory (IRE) last spring.
