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The all-conquering Emma Stewart stable achieved yet another milestone winning all seven heats of the Nutrien Equine Classic Series run at Melton on Friday afternoon.
In fact, they produced the quinella pair in five heats and a 1-3 finish in another division from 15 stable representatives!
Knight Fury Dan and Cardigan Dan, a pair of two-year-old colts raced by Danny Zavitsanos, Warren Viney and Warren Stewart, set the tone for the day in leading most of the way for decisive victories at their first appearances.
Frolicnearthesea, one of two winners for Jamie Durnberger’s Summit Bloodstock, sat parked throughout to capture the two-year-old fillies’ heat on debut.
The other Summit Bloodstock winner was the three-year-old filly Iveseenheavenslight, the reigning Vicbred champion, who led from pillar to post. The filly is co-owned by Aaron Bain Racing.
The Highlight Reel, winner of the Nutrien Equine Classic as a two-year-old last season, and Cigano, a pair of Poster Boy colts raced by Stewart’s partner Clayton Tonkin, won their respective divisions, while the Somebeachsomewhere three-year-old filly Beach Diamond made it two for two with a very impressive score in her heat.
Woodlands Stud’s sires produced three of the seven heat winners in Cardigan Dan and Frolicnearthesea (both by Downbytheseaside) and Ivseenheavenslight (by Bettor’s Delight).
Beach Diamond, bred by Wagga studmaster Jake Stockton’s Wingate Farm, fetched the highest price of the seven heat winners garnering $62,500 at the inaugural Sunshine Stars sale at the Gold Coast in 2023.
The next highest price paid was $50,000 for Iveseenheavenslight, bred by Bruce and Vicki Edward’s Durham Park Standardbreds. Cardigan Dan, brought out by Benstud Standardbreds, realised $45,000, Knight Fury Dan (Lauriston Bloodstock) made $37,500, Cigano (Wayne and Eliza Hamilton) sold for $22,000, Frolicnearthesea (Woodlands Stud) was knocked down for $14,000 and The Highlight Reel (the late Les Johnson) fetched $10,000.
