Winner: Ironstein (Zabeel-Gentle Genius)
Race: SCTC Caloundra Cup LR (2400m)
Sold for $250,000
Sale: 2007 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Vendor: Strawberry Hill Stud
Buyer: Brian Jenkins
Owner(s): I Burford, Strawberry Hill Stud (Mgr J Singleton), M McKeough, D McKeough, A Margan & D North
Earnings: $254,450
Trainer: Gerald Ryan (Rosehill)
Long term Cup plans are on the agenda for progressive stayer Ironstein following his impressive win in today’s $202,000 listed Caloundra Cup (2400m) at the Sunshine Coast.
A $250,000 graduate of the 2007 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Ironstein made it three straight wins in his first run in Queensland.
Prior to the Caloundra Cup he scored impressive back to back wins at Rosehill when partnered by top Sydney apprentice Blake Spriggs.
This time around seasoned Queensland senior rider took the mount and he rode the four-year-old brilliantly.
The gelding shot to the front shortly after straightening for home after racing just off the speed throughout the mile and a half contest.
While the margin was being cut near the line by kiwi stayer Tinseltown, the neck victory was an impressive one.
Winning trainer Gerald Ryan said the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups could be a major goal for the son of Zabeel – but it won’t be in 2010.
“There was some talk about him running this spring but he won’t go,” Ryan told AAP.
“I won’t be surprised if the two Cup races are on his agenda next season when he’ll be a six-year-old.”
“When he first came to me from Melbourne he had no form and had a bad reputation.”
Ryan said connections were now looking at the possibility of running Ironstein next in the Grafton Cup.
“Ever since Jim Cassidy rode him and put half a wrap on him when he ran third at Rosehill we picked out the Caloundra and Grafton Cups,” Ryan said.
“All the boys (who own him) are looking forward to him running at Grafton and now they’ll have a bit of confidence.”
Ironstein, by champion Cambridge Stud based sire Zabeel, is the first foal of the former outstanding race mare Gentle Genius.
The Danehill mare won at stakes level but is best remembered for almost beating the champion Sunline in a Group One Coolmore Classic.
Sadly Gentle Genius died last year.
PICS – Dan Costello.
