High Chaparral's Mississippi Delta Earns Perth Cup Favouritism

Mark Smith - Sunday Dec 30

The 21st of December marked the four-year anniversary of the death of High Chaparral (IRE) who continues to be a major influence in Australasia.

Not yet halfway through the season the son of Sadler's Wells is having one of his best seasons in terms of stakes-winners. His tally of 11 stakes-winners in Australia and New Zealand is second only to the runaway leader I Am Invincible (20) and equal to the dominant force in New Zealand, Savabeel.

One of those that have added to High Chaparral's haul is the Bob and Sandra Peters homebred Mississippi Delta who doubled her stakes tally when defeating her more fancied stablemate Action (Pierro) in Saturday's Listed ATA Stakes (2200m) at Ascot.

Advertisement

Winner of the Listed Tattersalls Cup at Ascot two starts ago, Mississippi Delta came in to Saturday's race off the back of a runner-up finish in the Listed Towton Cup.

The winner of that race Cappo D'Oro (Medaglia d'Oro) could do no better than third on Saturday.


Chris Parnham gave Mississippi Delta a peach of a ride. The Grant and Alana Williams-trained mare defeated the fast-finishing Action by half a length with Cappo D'Oro a length back in third. (photo thewest.com.au twitter)

William Pike rode the runner-up and he admitted to being in a bit of a quandary to which one he should ride in next week's Perth Cup.

"I would have liked to have gone past her to make my decision easier," Pike told The West Australian.

"I still think he's the better stayer but she's in-form. Winning form is good form. I don't know what to do."

A half-sister to the 2014 Group 1 Railway Stakes heroine Elite Belle, Mississippi Delta advances her record to 8 wins and 3 seconds from 14 starts with earnings of $343,065.

Also, a half-sister to the dual Listed winner Battle Emblem (Second Empire), Mississippi Delta becomes is one of three stakes-winners for the Marooned mare Mississippi Belle.

All seven of Mississippi Belle's progeny to make the track are winners.

She has a yearling colt by Safeguard that has been catalogued in the Mogumber Park draft at the 2019 Perth Magic Millions Yearling Sale.

Mogumber Park purchased Mississippi Belle through Belmont Bloodstock Agency for $72,000 at the 2015 Inglis Australian Easter Broodmare Sale.

She had a colt foal by WA Guineas winner Rommel (Commands) on October 30.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Unraced First Season Sires Trial Report
It’s been a pretty steady start to spring in terms of 2YO races and we are still waiting to see a first season sire post a winner, but there has been action aplenty at the trials which would indicate the pre-Christmas period is set to ignite.
Racing Industry Mourns Much Loved Izzy Neale
The thoroughbred racing industry is devastated tonight following news that apprentice jockey Izzy Neale, aged 22, has tragically died as the result of a race fall at Warren on Sunday.
Sires With Winners - Tuesday November 10
Here is the full list of 16 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Toronado Winner Sign of Things to Come
So You Think and Dundeel have set a high standard for sire sons of the late Epsom Derby winner High Chaparral (IRE) with Swettenham Stud’s Toronado (IRE) also showing the promise of good things to come after making a strong start to the new season with his fifth winner since August 1 at Sale on Thursday.
High Chaparral's Mississippi Delta From Last to First in Perth Cup
The late, great Coolmore stallion High Chaparral (IRE) may have celebrated more prestigious wins in his glittering career but Saturday was a real financial windfall for the son of Sadler’s Wells.
One to Watch – Mornington
A homebred for Seymour Bloodstock with an intriguing pedigree opened her account with a stylish win at Mornington on Tuesday.
Super Seth 3YO Leads Waller First Four in $100,000 Super Maiden
The $100,000 Super Maiden (1400m) at Warwick Farm on Wednesday delivered a first four for the Chris Waller stable with victory going to the well backed favourite Quarterback, who has a half-brother to be offered at the NZB Ready to Run Sale next week.
Darley Announce 2027 European Fees -Night of Thunder Soars to €450,000
It will be Dubawi central at Darley in 2027 with the legendary 24YO sire priced at £350,000, but the roster is topped by his champion son Night of Thunder at €450,000 and there are three more G1 winning sons or grand-sons of Dubawi also added to a power packed roster.
2027 Golden Slipper Entries – Sortable Sale Mail – Find Out More
The new season is nearly upon us and that means all over the country a new crop of rising two year-olds are taking baby steps in the best stables in the land with the Australian Turf Club announcing this week they had received 1881 entries for the 2027 Golden Slipper, so who is in the race?
Oaks Winner Strikes Form at Valley
Quality High Chaparral (IRE) mare Princess Jenni won the Group I SAJC Australasian Oaks last season at just her sixth start and showed she will be a force this spring when capturing the Group II MVRC Stocks Stakes at Moonee Valley on Friday night.