Twelve months ago, Domesday colt Royal Symphony looked to have the world at his feet before injury brought an end to what promised to brilliant career but Domesday looks to have a ready-made replacement in the Darren Weir-trained Extra Brut.
Royal Symphony's career came to a close following a game fourth behind Winx in the Cox Plate, however, connections of Extra Brut will decide between the Caulfield Classic and the Victoria Derby after a dominant performance in Saturday's Listed UCI Stakes (1800m) at Flemington.
Ridden by John Allen, Extra Brut came from midfield to overpower Sikorsky (Pierro) by one and a quarter lengths with the winner's more favoured stablemate Savoie (Ilovethiscity), the same distance back in third. (photos Grant Courtney)
Weir said he was undecided on the race to target for Extra Brut although bookmakers were quick to promote him to the top line of betting for the Victoria Derby.
"He was very strong late – we ummed and aahed about what to do from the barrier, in the end, I was keen to him a bit quiet," Weir said.
"He (Allen) got him into a lovely spot, three-wide with cover and he travelled up and I loved the way he stretched out late.
"He'll get 10 furlongs for sure, I'm not sure about 2500m.
"The Caulfield Classic is perfect race for him.
"I guess if he drew a gate (in the Derby), relax and switch off, why couldn't he run out the trip."
Extra Brut was a $100,000 Inglis Classic purchase for Spicer Thoroughbreds from the Grange Thoroughbreds draft and was a successful pinhook for Gary Mudgway, having been bought first as a weanling at the Inglis Great Southern Sale from the Stonehouse Holdings draft for $52,000.
Extra Brut is the second winner for Dom Perion, whose breeder's include Ron Dufficy.
A 4-time winning Redoute's Choice, Dom Perion was purchased for just $6,000 by Springfield Park at the Inglis Great Southern Broodmare Sale.
She is a grand-daughter of French stakes-winner Charlotte Amalie. Dom Perion is due to foal again to his sire Domesday.
After slipping in 2015 and 2016, Dom Perion produced a full-brother to Extra Brut on September 25.
Extra Brut becomes the 18th stakes-winner for Domesday who has proven to be a popular addition for Aquis Farm at their Queensland base where he stands at a fee of $9,900.
