First Winner from First Runner for Cluster

Mark Smith - Sunday Nov 18

A ground-saving ride by Craig Newitt paved the way for Gee Gees Darl to make a winning career debut in a 1000 metre maiden at Hobart on Saturday to credit Laurnek Stud's first season sire Cluster (Fastnet Rock) with his first winner from his first runner.

Tracking the early speed after making a quick start, Gee Gees Darl defied a betting drift to defeat Fitzwilliam (Wordsmith) by half a length with a further length back to Gee Gees Punter (Wordsmith).

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Gee Gees Darl (pictured as a yearling ) was a $45,000 purchase by Paul and Elizabeth Geard from the Alva Stud draft at the 2018 Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale.

The striking black filly is the fourth foal and the third winner from as many to race out of the 6-time winning Tough Speed mare Speedy Sky who placed in the Listed Tasmanian oaks and Listed TRC Stutt Stakes.

A highly talented son of Fastnet Rock, Cluster won three races including the Group II ATC Theo Marks Stakes and placed in the Group II MVRC Stutt Stakes and Group III ATC San Domenico Stakes in a career restricted to 12 starts.

He covered 68 mares in his first season and stands this year at Laurnek Stud for an unchanged fee of $6,600 inc GST

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