The Lindsay Park team have had a week far beyond what we would call tough, but a good horse is often the best tonic and Home Affairs filly Jacaranda scored a dazzling six length debut win at Seymour on Thursday.
Facing just two other starters in the 1100m maiden, Jacaranda was not the favourite with punters preferring the Tony and Calvin McEvoy trained Godolphin entry Insolence, a daughter of Street Boss (USA).
Mick Dee and Jacaranda missed that memo and at the 100m marker blazed clear and kept going to score a facile victory.
Jacaranda is among second declarations for the Group I MRC Blue Diamond Stakes next month and is also entered for the Golden Slipper.
“I was basically just a pilot today, she did everything of her own accord,” said Mick Dee.
“She jumped well and was travelling a little bit strongly, so I just let her stride a touch to be outside the leader coming to the turn and she gave a great kick. She is still doing a few little things wrong, so there is plenty of upside.”
Jacaranda was a $300,000 Inglis Easter purchase for Tom Magnier from the Vinery Stud draft and is a half-sister to dual Group I winner Artorius, who won the Blue Diamond Stakes at two, and this season’s Group winning 3YO Sixties.
Bred by respected breeder Greg Perry, Jacaranda is the sixth winner from six foals to race from unraced Redoute’s Choice mare Gracie’s Lass, a half-sister to Group I VRC Darley Classic winner Delectation from US stakes-winner Grace and Power.
Vinery Stud offered the current yearling from Gracie’s Lass this week at Magic Millions and the colt by Pinatubo (IRE) was purchased by Anthony Freedman Racing/Julian Blaxland Bloodstock for $120,000.
Gracie’s Lass produced a colt by Pierata last spring before going to Toronado (IRE).
Jacaranda is the fourth winner for Home Affairs joining Group II winner Kinnaird, stakes-placed Harvey Wallbanger and exciting colt Guest House with additional stakes horses I’m Ya Huckleberry and Internal Affairs.
