Captivant’s early promise was on full display at today’s Waipa trials when Capital Express stormed to victory in Heat 4. The Paul Pertab-trained 2YO colt impressed early, showcasing the speed and class expected of his G1 Champagne Stakes-winning sire in a performance that marked him as one to watch.
Making his first official appearance, Capital Express dictated the pace from the outset, leading the field comfortably from the jump with Jasmine Fawcett aboard. He put the hammer down at the 150m mark, powering clear to score impressively, four lengths ahead of his nearest rival.
Trainer Paul Pertab was thrilled with the performance from a colt that he earmarked early as something special.
“He’s been a promising colt all the way through, very strong, an extremely good eater, and very trainable. He’s probably one of the better colts I’ve had in my care for some time,” Pertab said.
“Today didn’t surprise me. His performance was typical of the work he’s been doing, which has been well above average. Physically, he’s very forward, well-balanced and has good bone.
“He’s the only Captivant I’ve got at the moment, but if they’re all like him, everyone will be lining up for them soon.”
Bred by Windsor Park Stud, Capital Express is the first foal out of Express Dreams, a race-winning daughter of Shamexpress. She is out of Angel Dreamer (USA), a sister to G1 Newmarket Sun Chariot Stakes winner Majestic Roi, dam of German Champion 3YO Miler Noor Al Hawa and stakes winner Majestic Jasmine.
A Book 1 purchase for $75,000 at Karaka this year, he was from the draft of Windsor Park Stud and bought by his trainer, Paul Pertab.
Capital Express’s victory marks the first trial winner for Captivant, a precocious 2YO in his own right who recorded the second-fastest G1 Champagne Stakes win in history as well as winning the pre-Christmas Victory Vein Plate (1000m) and placing second behind Anamoe in the fastest ever running of the G1 Caulfield Guineas.
From the famed Ride The Rapids family, Captivant is by Written Tycoon’s best son, Capitalist, and stands at Kia Ora Stallions for a fee of $19,800 (inc GST) this season.
If you’d like to discuss mating your mare with Captivant this season, please contact Allison Sedgwick on +61 407 768 846.
