There was a touch of inevitability in the Sydney air today — and a touch of brilliance too — as Transatlantic once again stamped his class on Australian racing, storming home to claim the $1 million Five Diamonds Prelude at Randwick.
Barely a fortnight after his career-defining win in the Toorak Handicap (G1) at Caulfield, the Tony Gollan-trained star made light work of a quality field, cruising to victory by an effortless 2.2 lengths. The chestnut son of Snitzel looked every bit the professional as he eased down near the line, ears pricked, leaving spectators and rivals in no doubt about his growing dominance.
Calm Confidence and Class from Transatlantic
From the moment the gates opened, there was a calm assurance in the way Transatlantic travelled. Jockey [insert name if known] kept him well within striking distance, and when asked for an effort turning for home, the response was instantaneous.
For trainer Tony Gollan, it was another sweet moment in what’s been a glittering spring campaign. Purchased for $360,000 from the Segenhoe Stud draft at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale, Transatlantic has now earned close to $1.9 million from eight wins in 21 starts — and his career shows no sign of slowing.
Segenhoe’s Peter O’Brien could hardly hide his pride.
“He was a beautiful yearling but just needed time,” O’Brien recalled. “John Foote rated him very highly, and Tony’s patience and confidence in this horse have been spot on. He’s proving exactly what we believed he could be.”
The gelding will now take aim at the $2 million Five Diamonds at Rosehill on November 8, where anticipation is already mounting for another show-stopping performance.
Inglis Graduates Shine at Moonee Valley
While Transatlantic stole the headlines in Sydney, Inglis graduates were equally dominant on Cox Plate Day at Moonee Valley.
In the G3 Red Anchor Stakes, the John O’Shea and Tom Charlton-trained Napoleonic (by Wootton Bassett) produced a dazzling performance from the rear of the field. Under the calm hands of James McDonald, the colt swept past his rivals to win with ease, completing a remarkable Easter graduates trifecta alongside Live and Ornithology.
Bred by Bill Frost and purchased for $360,000 from Widden Stud, Napoleonic has now won three of his six starts.
“He’s got a great brain and he’ll only get better with racing,” co-trainer Tom Charlton said. “He’s a lovely, quality colt.”
Salty Pearl and Von Hauke Add to Cox Plate Day Highlights
There was further cause for celebration when Salty Pearl (Tagaloa) captured the G2 Fillies Classic, bouncing back just a week after a close second in the Thousand Guineas. Ridden by Ben Allen, the grey filly showed grit and flair to find a late opening and sprint clear in the final strides — a richly deserved Group victory for trainer Ciaron Maher.
Purchased for $75,000 at the Classic Yearling Sale, Salty Pearl has become a shining example of Maher’s ability to place and polish emerging talent.
“She’s had a beautiful prep,” Maher said. “Winning a Stakes race on Cox Plate Day — it doesn’t get much better.”
Meanwhile, Von Hauke (Savabeel) continued his consistent run of form with victory in the G2 Crystal Mile, pushing his earnings to an impressive $950,000. Bought by Cliff Brown for $190,000 from Stonehouse Thoroughbreds, the Waikato Stud-bred gelding rewarded his connections with a polished, determined win.
The Road Ahead for Transatlantic
With confidence high and momentum on his side, Transatlantic now heads to Rosehill for the Five Diamonds, where another million-dollar prize awaits. On current form, few would bet against him continuing his remarkable run.
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