Sirius Legend, the Dundeel half-brother to Hong Kong Derby winner Cap Ferrat got his head down right on the line in the fifth at Hawkesbury to defeat the well-related Sigma, himself a three-quarter brother to Hong Kong Champion Griffin Thewizardofoz (Redoute’s Choice).
In the 1500m maiden, it was the former Tony Pike trained Group 1 New Zealand Derby third placed trained Golden Century (NZ) who started favourite, with the now Chris Waller trained gelding making his debut for his new trainer off a trial third behind Vauban and Via Sistina last week.
Going to the lead under Regan Bayliss, the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott trained 3yo Snitzel colt Sigma was untouched, controlling the race for the majority of the trip.
Tracking along in fourth position on the outside of Golden Century, the Anthony and Sam Freedman trained Sirius Legend was one of the first to make a move, commencing to make up ground before the home turn was reached.
As Bayliss upped the tempo aboard Sigma as the field headed into the home straight, Berry was in a challenging position, but it wasn’t until the last 50m of the race once Sirius Legend edged along side Sigma that he knuckled down to put his head in front and take the win.
With the 1500m clearly too short for him, Golden Century was noted working home when it was all over to take third place, just head of his stablemate Rach (Written Tycoon) who had raced handy throughout.
Purchased for $80,000 from the draft of Arrowfield Stud at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale by Bo Ho’s Legend Racing Pty Ltd, Sirius Legend is the third winner from four to the races for the Bernardini mare C'est Beau La Vie.
A half-brother to the Listed Hong Kong Derby winner Cap Ferrat, who was also placed ATC Spring Champion Stakes, ATC Rosehill Guineas and HKJC Champions & Chater Cup all at Group 1 level, the well-related Sirius Legend can also count Melbourne Cup-winning heroine Makybe Diva as a close relation.
C'est Beau La Vie’s current 3yo is a full-brother to Sirius Legend named Tutto, with the $500,000 Easter purchased colt is in the stable of Richard Litt for Galletta Construction, while the current 2yo colt by Snitzel was purchased earlier this year at the Easter sale for $750,000 by Mulberry Racing.
The mare has since foaled a colt by Snitzel and is due to foal to Dundeel this season.
The sire of 37 stakes winners highlighted by nine individual Group1 winners, Dundeel will stand this season for $88,000 (inc. GST) at Arrowfield Stud.
