With backing up in next Saturday’s $1m G1 VRC Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) a real possibility, the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott trained Surfin’ Bird highlighted her chances with victory in the $400,000 G2 MVRC Kia Ora Stud Mile (1600m).
Securing her first black type victory last time out in the $240,000 G3 MRC Evergreen Turf Vase (1600m) at Caulfield, the 5yo daughter of The Autumn Sun has added her second stakes win in as many starts, most notably both over the distance of the G1 VRC Empire Rose Stakes.
Starting the race favourite, jockey Jordan Childs went forward to eventual settle in second behind the Enver Jusufovic trained Astral Flame while second favourite Buckaroo (GB) was travelling in a mid-field position.
Full of running as she took the field into the home straight; Astral Flame went for home, but it was clear that Surfin’ Bird had more to offer as she set out after the leader, pulling herself to the lead with 200m to run.
Charging out of the pack late was the Chris Waller trained Buckaroo, failing by a half-length with the Ciaron Maher trained Another Wil a further length back in third.
Crystal Mile | Surfin' Bird The bird won! Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott are on the board as Surfin' Bird staves off Buckaroo in the Crystal Mile ?????? ?? Ch. 78/68, Foxtel 529, Kayo or via our app REPLAYS: https://t.co/HEhdpozFmy https://t.co/rolW3rR0Qi
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“She’s an incredibly tough mare now,” enthused co-trainer Adrain Bott. “She’s come a long way even this preparation so we’re proud of her and what she’s been able to do getting to this level at weight-for-age against these open class horses.”
“They were breathing down her neck late and she’s tough and kept finding.
“She got a bit warm today and this carnival 12 months ago, she was starting odds-on favourite in group three mares grade and wasn’t able to deliver on the day.
“In 12 months time she’s been able to strengthen, mature, physically and mentally she has put together a big performance on the big days. “
Asked if she will back up next Saturday in the G1 Empire Rose Stakes, Bott indicated that it would be a hard race to miss.
“Very (open to it). That was the race we really wanted to target for the preparation so she’s set for her grand final.
“There are a couple of other ways and options that we could look at but the group one has to be the biggest attraction.”
“How tough and tenacious she is. She’s obviously very fit and forward at this stage of the preparation and doesn’t need to do much more. She’ll have a nice, easy week and kick up her heels and I’m sure she’ll be ready to rock-and-roll.”
Unbeaten on the mare, jockey Jordan Childs felt it was a very similar performance to her last start black type victory.
“She’s in the zone, this girl, at the moment and credit to Gai and Adrian and the team here in Melbourne,” said Childs. “They do a great job with these horses.”
“It was pretty much copy and paste of what happened at Caulfield. She just jumps well, puts herself in a nice forward spot. I was cantering a long way from home and it was just about pressing the button at the right time.
“She really extended and relished the mile. She’s definitely a horse with a bright future. She’s heading the right way and does everything right. She’s just really locked in at the moment.
“You can see her right now, she’s got her ears pricked, looking around so she’s a very happy horse.”
With seven wins (twice at black type level) from just 12 starts, with earnings of $908,725, the well-related Surfin’ Bid looks an outstanding purchase with her trainers, Bruce Slade’s Kestrel Thoroughbreds and First Light Racing going to $120,000 at the 2023 Magic Millions Strawberry Hill Stud Unreserved Dispersal.
The Makybe bred Surfin’ Bird was originally secured from the draft of Milburn Creek (as agent) at the Magic Millions yearling sale for $280,000 by Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Racing and Kestrel Thoroughbreds.
Surfin’ Bird is the best of two winners, from three runners out of the winning Big Brown mare Summer Surf, a half-sister to G1 Golden Slipper winner and exciting young sire Farnan as well as the dual Listed-winning, G1 Golden Rose fourth placed Sandbar – all out of the G3-winning Street Cry mare Tallow.
Surfin’ Bird’s is one of 25 stakes performers for Arrowfield Stud’s The Autumn Sun who is standing at a fee of $137,500 (inc. GST) this season.
