Snitzel’s son Petrol Power added a Group win to his excellent record when he took out today’s $125,000 WATC Sir Ernest Lee-Steere Classic 1400m G3 at Ascot in Perth.
It was the first Group win for the 3YO gelding who won the Supremacy S. LR at two, and the Placid Ark S. LR at his previous start on 23 November. His nine-start career has produced four wins, four placings and almost $400,000 prizemoney for his owner Sam Trimboli and trainer Jim Taylor.
Taylor was full of praise after today’s victory for Petrol Power’s soundness and consistency.
“He won the Initial (Supremacy) Stakes when they just turned two, then he’s run through all the good races, the Karrakatta, the Sires’ and all the other horses haven’t come back and he’s the only decent two-year-old that has, so it’s pleasing.
“There is a Magic Millions 3YO race for him in about eight weeks so he’ll probably have a few weeks off and then a lead up race to it.
“He’s a very sound horse good legged, very good boned and a couple of weeks off will do him good. He’s thrived since I’ve stepped his work up and he’s copped it so it’s good for the future.”
Petrol Power was bred by Neville & Susan Duncan’s Oakland Park Stud and purchased for $240,000 by Damien Wyer Racing from the Stud’s draft at the 2012 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale. His dam Diamonds and Dust (by Charnwood Forest) is an unraced half-sister to Melbourne Group 2 winner Burrito, and to the dams of Group winners Posadas, Collate, and Direct Charge (by Charge Forward).
Snitzel has now broken through the $4 million mark in Australia this season and remains the leading Australian-based stallion on the current General Sires’ list. His five stakeswinners since 1 August are headed by Cox Plate G1 winner Shamus Award.
Petrol Power is the 13th Group winner, and one of 40 stakes performers from the first five crops by the sensational young son of Redoute’s Choice.
Snitzel has 38 yearlings catalogued for January’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale, including four fillies consigned by Arrowfield.