News!

8yo-WIN NUMBER 10.
16th Febuary 2010.

There was a little more breathing space on the line this time around than what there was last time when Bella’s Bro gave all owners a heart attack scoring in a close finish but his latest win at Morphettville on Saturday Feb 13 was never in doubt and the horse seems if anything to be actually improving as he is getting older. Jumping well from an outside stall jockey Clare Lindop soon had Bella’s Bro in his favourite roll out in front and although challenged in the straight by Naratel the “old fella” found plenty and won pulling away on the line to win convincingly by a length and three quarters. It was a 10 out of 10 ride again by Clare and the two seem to have forged a terrific relationship on the track where Bella’s Bro seems to enjoy Clare letting him do his own thing rolling along in front rather than being held up behind traffic. The addition of the blinkers has also renewed the racing spark in him and he is currently enjoying his most successful prep to date. His latest win brought up his 6th Adelaide Metropolitan success which has now taken his career earnings to just over $193,000.

 

Atkins Photography.
P O Box 898 Kent Town SA 5071
04 0904 2468 contact@atkinsphotography.com.au

 

BELLA’S BRO-WIN NO 9.
9th Febuary 2010.

The photo tells the tale but grand old galloper Bella’s Bro did manage to notch up his fifth Adelaide Metropolitan success when he literally fell in at Morphettville Saturday 30th January. Ridden an absolute treat by leading jockey Clare Lindop the post couldn’t come quick enough for the now 8yo who led from barrier to box for a most exciting win. Softened up in the lead by He’s Here Clare never panicked at any stage of the race and kept the old boy rolling along before making the winning move just before the turn by kicking and setting up a commanding lead whilst the others were off the bit chasing. Merlot Now challenged hard in the concluding stages but Bella’s Bro hung on for a most deserved win. Bella’s Bro has been a grand galloper for his loyal syndicate and trainer Leon Macdonald is to be complimented on his handling of the horse over a long period of time. Bella’s Bro record currently stands at 49 starts for 9 wins,12 seconds and 4 thirds for total stakes of $173,820.

 

 

COMIC COMPOSER BOLTS IN.
12th January 2010.

3 YO Stravinsky gelding Comic Composer showed that his first two excellent runs were no fluke by bolting in at Kilmore on Tuesday 12th Jan. Starting from an inside gate jockey Craig Newitt had the horse always travelling well in the box seat throughout before gaining an important split on the turn. From there Comic Composer showed a good turn of foot to win running away and eventually being eased down on the line to win by just on 4 lenghts.It was a sweet victory for the syndicate who had endured many months of agony after the horse tried to jump out of the plane en route to Australia early on and arrived needing urgent medical attention. Comic Composer spent many months in a box recovering from operations to both hocks and much credit goes to Werribee Equine and to Eliza Park for the time and effort that went into the rehabilitation of this horse-both did an outstanding job and are to complimented on their professionalism throughout. This is also a great advertisement for the upcoming NZ yearling sales as Comic Composer is only the second horse that we have purchased from NZ (Our Gold Bullion being the first and is a winner of 3 races) making it 2 winners from as many purchases. We will be off shortly to hopefully purchase our third winner from New Zealand and would welcome any member to contact myself with a view of getting involved in our next NZ Syndicate. Comic Composer is now a totally sound galloper and the syndicate is expected to enjoy some fun and further success with this horse. He is definitely to be followed over the next month or so and his next race is planned for the city shortly.

 

OUR GOLD BULLION-WIN NO 3.
27th November 2009.

Our Gold Bullion showed that his recent win at Sale was no fluke by saluting yet again at Mornington on Friday 27th November to notch his third career win. Perfectly ridden by Craig Newitt the 4yo settled and travelled well throughout and then challenged the well supported Kincaple on the turn before drawing away in the concluding stages to win convincingly. Our Gold Bullion has had 6 starts this time in for 3 wins and 2 seconds and is a most consistent and improving galloper. He has been deliberately taken along slowly through his classes by his owners who have been patient and are now rewarded with a tough sound galloper. Our Gold Bullion’s record currently stands at 9 starts for 3 wins and 2 seconds for overall prize money of $30,700 and is a stayer going somewhere and will relish the increase in distance which is being planned for his next couple of runs. This guy is to be followed and is thought of as a nice Country Cup type in the making.

 

 

 

OUR GOLD BULLION WINS CONVINCINGLY.
13th November 2009.

Promising Pentire gelding Our Gold Bullion was most convincing at his latest win at Sale and looks set to have a promising staying career ahead. Most consistent this time in, Our Gold Bullion has improved at each of his 5 runs this prep and his recent win was most impressive. Aided by a superb ride by jockey Craig Newitt who had the 4yo perfectly positioned going out of the straight the first time it appeared that only bad luck was going to beat him however that was not to be the case as Craig secured a saloon passage through and Our Gold Bullion took the run and sprinted clear to win pulling up by a length and a half on the line. The win was a great advertisement for our upcoming NZ staying syndication that we are currently forming as this horse was purchased at the 2007 NZ Select sales for only $60,000 AND with prize money earned of $20,000 his owners are now on the way to recouping their outlay. Our Gold Bullion will be left to go through his classes this prep before a more ambitious program is likely to be set later next year!

 

 

OUR GOLD BULLION BREAKS THROUGH.
12th October 2009.

Staying horse Our Gold Bullion broke through for a well deserved win at Wangarratta Friday and showed his army of supporters that the faith everyone placed in him may pay dividends in the future. Purchased for $60,000 at the New Zealand Karaka sales this outstanding looking son of most underrated sire Pentire is just starting to find his way now after some typical staying immaturity problems early on. His effort Friday was very good in that he got involved in an early scrimmage just going out of the straight the first time before slotting to about 5th/6th in the run. From there jockey Dale Smith had the 4yo always travelling well and although he looked as though he would pick them up and spit them out in the straight his immaturity made it a battle for Dale who just got him there on the line. This horse will be taken along slowly this prep in an endeavor to allow him to learn his craft but appears a very nice horse particularly for next prep when these types of stayers seem to hit their straps!

 

ROYAL CHARADES WINS AGAIN.
2nd May 2009.

Most improved mare Royal Charades gave her army of supporters another Metropolitan win on Saturday May 2 when the 4yo showed immense intestinal fortitude to overhaul the Lee Freedman trained Brazen Hussey on the line in a driving finish. Beautifully ridden by inform apprentice Nick Hall who brought up his first Metropolitan winning treble in the process the gun apprentice had Royal Charades beautifully placed coming to the turn and only needed luck in the straight to be right in the finish. That he got on straightening and Nicholas drove Royal Charades through a narrow gap and aided by the horses obvious will to win got up right on the line. Royal Charades has had an outstanding campaign winning 5 of 6 this time in including 3 Metropolitan successes and takes her overall record to 7 wins and 2 thirds from only 13 runs and has career prize money to date of $132,718.00.Royal Charades has now earned a nice rest and goes to the paddock with her brood mare career all parceled up. She will be given the chance to earn Black type in the Spring and on what she has showed over the last couple of months it is something that appears well within her grasp. The ride is not yet over the Royal Charades army of supporters!

 

 

BELLA’S BRO-WIN NO 8.
21st April 2009.

In fading light at Morphettville on Saturday April 18 evergreen galloper Bella’s Bro notched up win number 8 for his syndicate in a very brave effort. Carrying the steadier of 58kg Bella’s Bro led all of the way and was assisted no doubt by a superb front running ride by South Australian leading female hoop Clare Lindop.Not rushing to lead Clare worked over nicely in the first 600 meters of the race to lead and from there dictated terms in front before taking off just before the turn in “catch me if you can” tactics and those tactics proved the decisive factor in the race as Bella’s Bro was never going to get run down in the straight and scored by three quarters of a length from Al Mahara with Green Machine third. This was a very well deserved win for Bella’s Bro (the now 7yo) who has been a model of consistency this prep having run 4 seconds and a third from his previous 7 runs this campaign. Bella’s Bro’s record now stands at 43 starts for 8 wins, 11 seconds and 4 thirds for total prize money of just over $151,000 and is doing a fantastic job for his army of owners!

 

SECOND METRO WIN FOR ROYAL CHARADES.
31st March 2009.

Most improved mare Royal Charades chalked up her second metropolitan win from only three city starts when she won pulling up on the line at Caulfield March 28.Beautifully ridden by in form jockey G.Boss the mare jumped well before Bossy decided to take a sit and his decision to track Joyeuse into the race just before the turn proved to be the right move as on straightening he peeled off her back to make his run. The mare let down superbly and won with something in hand running the very good time of 1.09.81 in the process. Royal Charades has now built up an impressive record of 12 starts for 6 wins and 2 thirds for prize money of $90,000.She will now have a little freshen before tackling a similar mares race over 1200 meters at Caulfield at the beginning of May.

 

CITY SUCCESS FOR ROYAL CHARADES.
25th Febuary 2009.

Lovely 4yo mare Royal Charades certainly earned a crack at city success after two most impressive country wins recently and in a hard fought effort didn’t let her army of supporters down at Sandown on Feb 25. Ridden perfectly to instructions by apprentice Nick Mehmet the mare was well placed up on the lead and was bumped at the turn and tackled hard in the straight by Choisism but fought long and hard to stick her big neck out to score in a driving finish. Royal Charades is starting to create an imposing record particularly over 1000 meters where she has had 6 starts over that distance for 5 wins and a third for overall prize money of just over $46,000 which is an excellent result. She will continue to race in similar type races over the ensuing weeks and is definitely a horse to follow as she is clearly a most consistent galloper.

 

DAMSELFLY- 4 FROM 4.
22nd Febuary 2009.

Brilliant Flying Spur filly Damselfly made it 4 wins from as many starts when she resumed at Caulfield on Feb 21 and treated her rivals with distain in the process by winning the Sony Foundation Hcp at Caulfield pulling up on the line by 3 lengths. Jockey Corey Brown rode a superb race on the filly having her in the box seat all of the way before releasing the brakes half way down the straight and Damselfly scooted away to win most impressively. This win was on top of the three from last prep which culminated in Damselfly winning the GROUP 3 Thoroughbred Club. She was immediately spelled after that run and thrived during her break coming back a bigger and stronger filly. Her time of 1.03.11 was excellent and she ran a quicker last 600 than that of the Oakleigh Plate winner Swiss Ace cementing her authoritative win.Damselfy will now go to either the GROUP 2 Yallambie Classic in Adelaide on Monday 9th March OR the LISTED MSS Security Stakes at Fleming ton on Saturday 7th March in an attempt to add to her already impressive record of 4 starts for 4 wins and $129,613.00 in stakes.

 

ROYAL CHARADES WINS AGAIN.
10th Febuary 2009.

Smart 4yo Royal Charades gave her many owners another thrill at Pakenham on Tuesday 10th Feb by winning most impressively the 0-78 rated race over 1000 meters. Well ridden by apprentice jockey Nick Mehmet Royal Charades settled towards the rear of the field before slowly working into the race just prior to the turn. On straightening the 4yo wobbled to the centre of the track but unwound a sustained run in the straight to score running away by a length from Annie’s Courage with Spinning Lady a short distance away third in a most impressive time of 58.44 sec. This is an excellent result for her army of owners who have been patient and now rewarded by a horse that does possess a good deal of ability. Her prize money is now starting to edge up towards the $30,000 mark and has now earned a tilt at a city race in just over a fortnight’s time.

 

 

ROYAL CHARADES BOLTS IN.
19th January 2009.

Royal Academy 4yo Royal Charades put pay to her problems of the past by bolting in first up at Bairnsdale on Saturday Jan 17 by over 6 lengths in a time of 57.49 which was only .29 outside the track record. The mare has very good ability as indicated by her excellent run on Oaks day 2007 when beaten only 2.9 lengths behind the Lee Freedman trained Gamble Me but jarred up badly on that occasion and was spelled immediately. She reappeared in the Winter of 2008 but after two disappointing runs it was clear that the wet tracks were not her go and again she was spelled. Patience was the key and congratulations to all of the syndicate members for giving her that time and everyone's patience was rewarded Saturday with her devastating win. Royal Charades will be kept to similar company for her next start with a city run dependant on a good run wherever she next goes. She is a very lightly raced mare having only had the 8 starts but is starting to build up a nice record now of 3 wins and 2 thirds and is definitely a horse to follow for the future.

 

 

 

GROUP 3 WIN FOR DAMSELFLY.
14th October 2008.

Brilliant filly Damselfly showed her first two wins were no fluke by stepping out in GROUP Company (emulating her GROUP winning Mum La Bella Dame in the process) to capture the $100,000 GROUP 3 THOROUGHBRED CLUB STAKES at Caulfield on Saturday October 11.It was an extremely emotional win for the syndicate who had earlier lost La Bella Dame (in foal to HUSSONET) on Grand Final day to a fungal infection after the mare had battled so bravely. That bravery is something that has now been passed on to her daughter and is something that she has plenty of as she was given no favors being kept three wide for the entire trip yet withstood all challenges in the straight to score by a neck from Impressive Eagle with Okaylah third. The win was just the tonic that the syndicate needed and with a CHOISIR colt remaining the syndicate have already decided to race him in honour of La Bella Dame. It is an extremely emotional game the racing industry and so many things seem to happen without explanation. This is just one of those occasions and it is as if Damselfly knows that something has happened and that it relies on her now to wave the flag for the family-a responsibility that she is currently doing admirably. Damselfly is now unbeaten after 3 starts and has earned $86,913.00 in stakes. After a nice little break now a most promising Autumn awaits for this daughter of Flying Spur!

 

 

CITY SUCCESS FOR DAMSELFLY.
2nd October 2008.

Smart filly Damselfly made it two from two when she saluted at the VRC meeting held at Bendigo on Wednesday 1 October. Beginning much better than first up the filly settled on the pace this time outside the leader Berryland who set a good speed in front. On straightening jockey Damien Oliver pushed on the accelerator button and Damselfly took over and then fought hard to defy a late challenge from the Kel Chapman trained Solchow.The time of 57.13 was indeed excellent particularly given that Damselfly had to carry 57kg.All going well Damselfly will next head to the $100,000 GROUP 3 Thoroughbred Club Stakes at Caulfield over 1200 meters to be run on October 11 in an effort to gain valuable Black type. The win was some consolation for the syndicate who unfortunately lost Damselfly's mother La Bella Dame last Saturday to complications that arose from an operation to rid her of a serious infection.La Bella Dame was extremely brave battling everything for a week and just when it looked as though everything was starting to improve it was pneumonia that cruelly saw her eventually succumb. Let's hope Damselfly can continue on for the syndicate and gain that Black type success which if achieved would no doubt have made mum a very proud lady!

 

 

 

DAMSELFLY-OUTSTANDING DEBUT.
22nd September 2008.

Beautifully bred filly Damselfly (Flying Spur x La Bella Dame) graced the track at Bendigo on Thursday September 18 and came away with a devastating win for her large army of owners. The first of La Bella Dame’s foals that was retained to race by the syndicate, the filly aided by a beautiful ride by Damien Oliver surprisingly settled back in the field but with Damien taking all the runs offered to him saw the filly show all of her mums customary finishing burst and will to win to come over the top to score by a length being eased up on the line with ears pricked. The time of 57.02 was half a second quicker than the next division of the Maiden and was under a second outside the track record which currently stands at 56.04.This filly does appear to have a big future and should be even better suited when she gets to 1400-1600 meters.

 

 

BELLA’S BRO WINS PENOLA CUP.
28th March 2008.

Ever consistent galloper Bella’s Bro won his first Country Cup Sunday by taking out the Penola Cup over 1700 meters and taking his overall stake money to over $107,000.Perfectly ridden by Chad Lever the 6yo jumped well from an inside gate before handing up the lead to Kid Dapper. Keeping off the rail Chad challenged at the top of the straight and Bella’s Bro found plenty to win by a half a length on the line from Maui who tried hard in the straight but at the end was no match for the winner. Leon Macdonald has done a terrific job with this horse since being transferred to him and Bella’s Bro seems to appreciate the Adelaide style of racing which seems to suit him. He is a horse worth following over the coming weeks where he remains very consistent when he strikes form and I am sure will add to his already impressive record over his next few runs. Congratulations to all involved!

TWO IN A ROW FOR ROYAL CHARADES.
31st October 2007.

Royal Academy three year old Royal Charades made it two in a row in a devastating win at Ballarat on the 26th October. Well ridden again by jockey Dale Smith the filly settled back from her wide draw before unleashing a powerful finishing burst to win running away by over three lengths defeating ACATABOVE who ran well for second and GAZELLA who hung on to run third. Her ability to settle back and run home showed that she is not one dimensional as she had been ridden for speed at her previous two runs and this versatility will obviously become very important as she gets stepped up into better company. She will now head to Flemington to race over the Spring Carnival on Oaks day where she will be given the opportunity to earn Black Type in the $150,000 Listed 1200 Schweppervesence Stakes for three year old Fillies.

 

ROYAL CHARADES BOLTS IN.
16th October 2007.

Royal Academy three year old Royal Charades showed that her previous run at Colac was not a true testament to her real ability by bolting in at Pakenham on October 8.Sent out a short price favorite at Colac she disappointed her syndicate of owners by running third on that occasion, however a subsequent vet examination revealed all was not quite right with the filly and with that issue dealt with prior to Pakenham the syndicate were all smiles again particularly with the $5.00 that was on offer. Royal Charades was well ridden by the United Syndication’s favorite son in Dale Smith who had the short price favorite Black Stockings covered at the turn before rolling to the front and winning by 4 lengths running away on the line. The time of 58.32 sec was also impressive as it was just under one second outside the track record. Royal Charades looks to have a promising future and most likely another suitable race will again be picked out for her in the Country over the coming weeks. With more maturity on her side a crack at some of the Autumn riches may not be beyond her next year.

BELLA'S BRO IN A THRILLER.
23rd May 2007.

Bella's Bro maintained his remarkably consistent record by managing to just hold on to score a well deserved win at Cheltenham on Saturday May 19.Superbly ridden again by apprentice Damien Robinson the son of Danzero showed great courage to hold off all challengers and hang on to win in a driving finish.

Beginning well, Bella's Bro led early with Robinson slowing the tempo, Paul Gatt on outsider Outpoint seeing the pace had slowed decided to take off and serve it up to Bella's Bro and took over with Robinson easing and taking the trail. From the 600 meter mark the pressure went on and Bella's Bro put it to Outpoint, quickly gaining that horse's measure and with Robinson going for home at the point of the turn dashing clear it proved to be the winning tactic. The second horse Merlot Now was eating up the ground but ran out of room failing by a nose. That was Bella's Bro's third Metropolitan success in Adelaide and his overall record now stands at 23 starts for-6 wins,6 seconds and 2 thirds for $91,350 in Stakes.

Atkins Photography.
P O Box 898 Kent Town SA 5071
04 0904 2468 contact@atkinsphotography.com.au

 

BELLA'S BRO WINS AT CHELTENHAM.
26th March 2007.

Ever consistent galloper Bella's Bro rewarded his syndicate of owners with an overdue win at Cheltenham on Saturday. Bella's Bro had run into some very smart gallopers in Maldivian and Lord Of The Dance at his past couple of runs and without those horses present a drop in class saw the now 5yo lead all of the way to score an impressive victory. That was only his 20th start and remarkably he has finished in the top five in 15 of those runs. His record now stands at 20 starts for 5 wins,5 seconds and 2 thirds for prize money of $66,850.00.While there are no ambitious plans at this stage for this son of Danzero it may be that a Country Cups campaign could be on the agenda later in the year!

Atkins Photography.
P O Box 898 Kent Town SA 5071
04 0904 2468 contact@atkinsphotography.com.au

THE BIG RED
21st March 2007.

United Syndications congratulates trainer Mick Price on Pompeii Ruler’s stunning win in the 2007 Darley Australian Cup. It is Mick’s biggest achievement as a trainer and United Syndications is proud of his efforts at racing’s toughest level. Mick’s success in such a time honoured Group 1 race further vindicates our decision to select him as our exclusive trainer.

We wish Mick well on his journey to Dubai with Pompeii Ruler in the coming weeks.

 

TWO IN A ROW FOR PRINCESS CAROLINA
13th February 2007.

Princess Carolina's owners again rejoiced albeit in slightly damper conditions than those at Mornington when their filly scooted home to win by
3 lengths at Colac on Sunday Feb 11.The much improved filly made it two wins from only 3 starts this preparation and was again beautifully ridden by most underrated apprentice Andrew Mallyon.This filly has taken a little longer to mature up but is now starting to show the ability that her full sister Readyforcatherine has displayed and with more upside to her (particularly after her next spell)it is anticipated that she has a nice future with more wins in store for her big band of owners.

SUCCESS AT KARAKA
5th February 2007.

After an extremely frustrating Magic Millions sale where averages leapt 30% it was extremely refreshing to know that by working hard, value was still possible in New Zealand. Gold Coast proved very difficult and value virtually non-existent with nice horses constantly making over the odds. Subsequently I along with a number of regular buyers left empty handed. Full credit however goes to Magic Millions on the promotion of their sale where overseas buying in particular strengthened thereby placing enormous pressure on the local buying market.

Gold Coast had obviously set the scene for an upward surge in sale averages as New Zealand’s Premier Sale increased 24% and the Select Sale went up an incredible 44%.Value was however achievable and we were indeed fortunate to secure an outstanding PENTIRE Colt for $60,000.He represented outstanding value for our upcoming Staying Syndication as he is from a proven Sire of stayers.Pentire has achieved his results from a relatively small crops of foals. His 2001/02 foal crop numbered only 40 yet 4 individual Group winners have emerged.XCELLENT, PENTANE, ART SUCCESS-(all GROUP 1 Winners) and recent NZ Cup GROUP 2 winner PENTATHLON. This is a 10% ratio of Group winners to foals. A stunning strike rate! It seems obvious that by purchasing a PENTIRE yearling that you give yourself the opportunity of getting a sound, talented racehorse which can compete at the highest level.

This Colt will be left in New Zealand to be broken in and pre-trained before being brought over to Mick Price later in the year. He is an extremely athletic Colt and comes from a sire that has sired 9 individual Stakes performers during the recently completed 2005/06 season including GROUP 1 performers PENTANE, XCELLENT, ART SUCCESS, PENITENTIARY and WAITOKI DREAM. Standing for $NZ 20,000 plus GST PENTIRE has sired 16 Stakes winners in total with the best probably yet to come as he has his biggest books coming through as now yearlings and two year olds. He himself was a tough and classy campaigner who won eight races including England’s WFA ‘Championship” the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes-(both GROUP 1) at Leopardstown.His durability as a racehorse is now shining through to his own progeny who have the reputation for being sound and genuine gallopers.

Further details for this syndicate are available by contacting our office on 03-97959111.

SOFT WIN FOR PRINCESS CAROLINA
25th January 2007.

Much to the delight of her many owners PRINCESS CAROLINA made up for her luckless last start second at Echuca by recording a very soft win at Mornington on January 24.The daughter of More Than Ready never looked liked losing,travelling beautifully throughout the run settling just behind the leader SHEEZA CONDOLEEZZA before young apprentice Andrew Mallyon peeled out down the side, took the lead on straightening and raced away to score impressively by three and a half lengths.

It was a well deserved win for the filly and for the syndicate who have been patient in giving her plenty of time to mature up. Desperately unlucky at her previous run PRINCESS CAROLINA was squeezed out at the start, going back to last yet finished full of running to go under just over a length in an eye catching performance that had "Back me next start" written all over her.Rumour has it that judging by the smiles all round after the race that's exactly what PRINCESS CAROLINA'S owners did-Well done to all!