Ready to Run Sale graduate Dad And Dave (NZ) (Time Test) almost doubled his purchase price in one hit with an impressive come-from-behind victory in the A$125,000 Listed Kevin Sharkie Launceston Guineas (2000m) in Tasmania on Wednesday night.
The Windsor Park Stud-bred Dad And Dave was offered by Ohukia Lodge at the 2024 Ready to Run Sale, where Ciaron Maher Bloodstock bought him for $55,000. He has now had four starts for two wins and $100,935 in stakes.
Dad And Dave finished fifth and fourth in the first two starts of his career in November, then took a big step forward with a three-length maiden victory over 1856 metres at Kyneton on December 11. Trainer Ciaron Maher had no hesitation in stepping him up into stakes company for the Launceston Guineas, and Dad And Dave rose to the occasion.
Jockey Eoin Walsh settled in second-last among the six-horse field, then began to improve his position out wide coming up to the home turn.
Hot favourite Crack The Shutters (Alpine Eagle) had gone to the lead and opened up a commanding advantage, but Walsh got Dad And Dave balanced up in the straight and unleashed him. He powered past Crack The Shutters and went on to win by a length and a quarter, with three and a half lengths back to third.
“He’s a very promising horse and has really come on,” Walsh said. “I have quite a bit to do with this horse, because I ride him in Ballarat quite a lot.
“I was fortunate enough to ride him in his maiden win last start, then rode him in a jumpout in between.
“Today he was a little bit awkward, still a bit green and babyish, but he did it really nicely in the end.
“He’ll most definitely eat up more distance. He’s an out-and-out stayer. He’s going to be a promising horse for a Derby.”
He is the 11th stakes-winner for Dubawi stallion time Test (GB) and is from a placed half-sister to G3 winning stayer Cismontane from the family of Group I winners Sirstaci, Nimue, Coventina Bay and Smiling Like.
| Vendor | Ohukia Lodge |
|---|---|
| Purchaser | Ciaron Maher Bloodstock Pty Ltd (Victoria) |
| Breeding | Time Test – Nymenche |
| Sale | Lot 91, 2024 Ready to Run Sale, $55,000 |
| Breeder | Windsor Park Stud Ltd |
| Owner | Ciaron Maher Racing, Mr N A Greenhalgh, Mrs M T Greenhalgh, Mr A M Penklis, Mr B Crouch, Mr D L Edwards, Mr D J Fowler, Mr D W Salmon, Mr G J P Van Ameyden, Mr H L I Williams, Mr J G Roberts, Mr P J Silvey, Mrs J Silvey, Mr M B Collins, Mr T Chan, Mr A I Hayne |
