When a young stallion has two winners and two placegetters amongst his first five runners from limited opportunities it is time to sit up and take notice!
That is the very promising early record for Cliff's Edge, the Bombora Downs based stallion who has served only small books of mares but whose progeny are showing that they have what it takes.
Such as the very talented Nick Ryan trained Winnasedge who won two of his first three starts, impressing his rider Luke Currie who has nice things to say about the three-year-old.
"He is still learning but the motor is there. He is going to make a really nice horse."
Rounding up his rivals when saluting at his Mornington debut in early September (defeating the subsequent Moonee Valley winner Brandjam), Winnasedge did a bit wrong at Sandown at his second start but was still strong to the line finishing on the heels of the placegetters.
Backing up just over a week later, the bay was widest turning in an 1100m contest at Bendigo - finding the line in the style of a horse with plenty more to give.
"Nick Ryan knows a nice horse and he has an opinion of this one," Luke Currie said and part owner/breeder Ross Holburt was also happy.
"I think he might be a little bit special," he enthused, adding that he was pleased to see him win on a back-up... "his father was a very tough horse and it looks like he has inherited some of his traits."
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Also displaying good talent is the Greg Eurell trained filly Escarpa, another Cliff's Edge to make a winning debut - charging home from the rear in a Bendigo maiden in late August.
"She travelled really keenly throughout and I just had to wait for room," said jockey Craig Williams. "I thought she was really good and she will only benefit from today's experience."
"She has always shown really good ability and a really nice turn of foot," added the stable's Jim Mason, "and that was a really competitive maiden."
This week saw an impressive jump-out performance by the Shawn Mathrick trained Marilyn's Edge who showed good speed in an 800m heat on Monday morning and she too is a Cliff's Edge worth following.
As are his two placegetters Just Cliffy (unlucky not to win a race during his winter campaign) and Verona Rupes who ran a bold second at his debut for Patrick & Michelle Payne on Monday.
Still to come for Cliff's Edge is the Wangaratta jump-out winner Acantilado as well as the promising I Will Shine who impressed renowned judge John Foote (who also spotted Cliff's Edge as a yearling) enough for him to lay down $210,000 for him at the Magic Millions.
That horse was bred by Andrew Wilson who had so much faith in Cliff's Edge that he bought him to stand at Bombora Downs; buying nice mares in support... including I Will Shine's dam Shine On Anna whose daughter See You In Heaven is a five time Group winner.
Andrew's family race under the Wilawl Go Racing banner; the part owners of the Melbourne Cup winner Prince Of Penzance also proudly part of Cliff's Edge's career; one which saw the son of the multiple Gr.1 winner Canford Cliffs win eight races.
Amassing amassed over $1.1 million in stakes in a career that spanned three seasons, Cliff's Edge won four Group races over a variety of distances from 1300m to 2000m. Competitive in Group 1 company, he was known for his toughness in a finish.
"Wilawl Go Racing had a 10% of him when he raced and mum was the managing owner," Wilson said, supporting Cliff's Edge when he was originally sold to the late Eric Buttler's Rangal Park Stud.
Upon that Euroa farm's closure, Cliff's Edge made his way to Cornwall Park which also closed down and the horse was on the market.
"I decided to make an offer which was accepted and we had expressions of interest around Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia," Andrew said - happy to keep Cliff's Edge close to home.
"He has been such a good horse to us and I've always believed in him as a stallion. His attitude is magnificent and he is passing that on to his progeny which is half the battle."
"You need a horse with a smart brain, a willingness to work - to try and be tough, and that is Cliff's Edge."
An ideal stallion for the owner/breeder, Cliff's Edge hails from an outstanding international family, one which produced the champion mare All Along (American Horse Of The Year, Hall Of Fame Member and Arc winner), Coolmore Stud's Gr.1 Phoenix Stud winner Little Big Bear and the recent Gr.1 Prix Morny winner Whistlejacket; one of the most promising two-year-olds in Europe.
Standing a stallion has been an educational experience for Andrew Wilson who noted that "Bombora Downs have been great and have really supported me. They have taken really good care of Cliffy and the are in consistent contact, assisting me and as a first time stallion owner."
"I didn't buy him to make money," he continued, "I just wanted to secure him to repay what he has done for us and help support his future and ensure his long term welfare. If he can contribute to the Victorian breeding industry by offering a cost effective stallion proposition with a good strike rate of winning progeny for breed to race owners then he’s doing a fantastic job!"
