The Champagne Stakes on Saturday is the second last Group 1 of the Sydney Autumn Carnival and Clarke Bloodstock will be represented by 4 runners. Each of them will start the race at double figure odds but they are all rock hard fit and well placed to run a strong 1,600m at Randwick.
5. I’ve Bean There - 2g Spill The Beans x Bring Me Love
Purchased from the 2020 Magic Millions March yearling sale with Stuart Kendrick and Krew Racing.
Stuart and Nathan Kendrick have a knack for finding value in the yearling market and I’ve Bean There is a great example of this talent. This gelding is coming from a different form line to all of the other horses in the race but he was a very strong winner at Eagle Farm over 1,400m last start when weaving through the field from the back of the pack. It would be a fairytale to see a cheap yearling purchase win a Group 1 two-year-old race and he is in there with a genuine chance.
6. Maurice’s Medad - 2c Maurice x Presslist
Purchased from the 2020 Magic Millions Gold Coast yearling sale for $250,000 with Bjorn Baker Racing.
A very athletic colt that is honest and consistent. He will put himself in the picture early and will race prominently from a favourable draw. Rachel King knows him well and if he can get the race run to suit he is a good each way chance.
8. Akahata - 2c Pins x Holiness
Purchased from the 2020 Inglis Ready To Run sale for $100,000 for Bjorn Baker Racing.
This colt is a very laid back horse with a great attitude and constitution. He was not suited by the tempo of the race in the Fernhill Handicap last Saturday and will appreciate a strong gallop tomorrow. Craig Williams rides from an outside gate. He will get back in the field but should find the line strongly.
11. Wolfburn - 2c Snitzel x Alice’s Smart
Purchased from the 2020 Inglis Easter yearling sale for $400,000 with Bjorn Baker Racing.
The up and comer of the field. Wolfburn is still a maiden and has taken a while to learn the racing caper but he is tough and progressive. I think he will benefit from finding the rail and will race on speed. He is by a champion sire and gives every indication he will run a strong 1,600m. Big odds but definitely not out of the race.
There are 54 individual owners across the four horses and we wish them all the best of luck. There is no bigger thrill than having a runner in a Group 1 as an owner, trainer or bloodstock agent.
