If you are out inspecting weanlings ahead of the Inglis Australian Weanling Sale this week expect to see some lovely horses with the ff in a diamond on their shoulder and it was in the winner’s circle at Hawkesbury on Saturday when talented mare Churchill’s Choice won the $250,000 Group III Hawkesbury Gold Cup (1600m).
Bred and retained to race by Kevin Hill, Churchill’s Choice was foaled and raised at Fairhill Farm (Click to see their draft for the Inglis Weanling Sale) before heading to the stables of Nathan Doyle.
The daughter of Churchill (IRE) showed immediate talent and won her first three starts before stepping up to Black Type racing.
Competitive without winning, she was second in the Group II BRC Queensland Guineas last year and second in the Group III Newcastle Stakes in March, so was knocking on the door of a big race win after a freshen up.
Regan Bayliss charted a wide passage on Churchill’s Choice, bringing her right down the outside of the track to score a half length win at odds of 25-1.
"She actually finished second in the (Group 2) Queensland Guineas this day last year," Doyle said.
"She's been probably a bit frustrating because she's always had the ability but never won a stakes race and it's great for her owner Kevin Hill who has been quite crook up in Brisbane.
"Hopefully it's a pick me up for him."
Churchill’s Choice has the overall record of four wins and two seconds from 15 starts with prizemoney topping $460,000 and connections may now look to another Cup race.
"I think the Scone Cup in two weeks time works well," Doyle added.
"We won't do much in between with her and go in fresh like today."
Churchill’s Choice is the best of five winners from six foals to race from She’s Choice, a winning Choisir daughter of stakes-placed She’s First Class from the family of Group I New Zealand Derby winner Hail.
She’s Choice has a weanling full sister to Churchill’s Choice to follow and was one of 75 mares covered last spring by the great So You Think before his sad passing.
Churchill’s Choice is the 34th stakes-winner for Coolmore shuttler Churchill, who remains on the Ireland roster at a fee of €15,000.
