Talented Peltzer gelding Buccleuch won three races in succession as a winter juvenile culminating with a win in the Listed VRC Taj Rossi, but then he went virtually missing for a year before bouncing back with all guns blazing at Sandown on Saturday.
Buccleuch started just twice in his three year-old season for sixth placings behind quality horses Sass Appeal and then Observer in the Group II MRC Autumn Stakes with his trainer Patrick Payne pulling up stumps with him in February.
Given a good long break, Buccleuch won a recent trial and went out favourite for the Benchmark 74 event over 1400m with regular partner Billy Egan in the saddle.
Buccleuch was explosive, dominating the race and galloping clear to win by four and a half lengths.
Buccleuch has four wins from eight starts with prizemoney topping $280,000 and Billy Egan has ridden him in all of those wins.
“He didn’t come up last prep and had a bit of a throat issue, but he’s come back this preparation super and full credit to the boss and the work he’s done. The owners have been patient and hopefully he can get back to his best form now, which he should,” he said.
Bred and retained to race by Sandy Tait, Buccleuch was foaled and raised at Twin Hills Stud and is the second winner from stakes-placed Fastnet Rock import Golden Fastnet (Fr), a half-sister to Group III winner Wind Chimes (GB), who is also at stud in Australia.
Wind Chimes was sold through Inglis Digital last year for $305,000 in foal to Wootton Bassett (GB) to Ben Kwok, who will no doubt take a keen interest in the return to form of Buccleuch.
Golden Fastnet sadly died in 2024 and her last two foals are unnamed youngsters by Hallowed Crown and Prized Icon.
Buccleuch looks a bright prospect for So You Think’s speedy Group II winner Peltzer who stands at Twin Hills this spring at a fee of $11,000.
