Trainer Clinton McDonald could barely contain his delight as he wrapped his arms around Rosberg in the winner’s stall at Moonee Valley. Jockey Jamie Mott returned to scale with a grin, and the crowd gave a ripple of applause for a debutant who had just turned a Listed race into his personal stage. For McDonald, the victory stirred memories of Weekend Hussler, the seven-time Group 1 hero once trained by his father Ross.
Inglis Stars Shine in Spring Lead-Ups
The McKenzie Stakes 2025 produced one of the day’s defining moments when Rosberg, a $750,000 Inglis Ready2Race purchase, swept from near last to score in breathtaking fashion. Bred by SF Bloodstock and Blake Sandblom and pinhooked by Shane McGrath, the Deep Field colt had plenty stacked against him — a tough run in transit, a field packed with early-season sprinters of promise — but he surged clear with authority.
“This colt is special,” McDonald said, comparing his raw ability to Weekend Hussler. “We paid big money for him, but the owners will be rewarded in spades. He’s done it the hard way and still found another gear.”
McGrath was equally effusive: “Fair play to Clinton, he’s put his heart on the line with this horse and been vindicated today. Jamie let him balance up and the way he hit the line, you have to look to the spring with real enthusiasm.”
Rosberg is now earmarked for the G2 Danehill Stakes on October 4 before his main spring assignment, the stallion-making G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes on Derby Day.
Alpha Sofie’s Atlantic Jewel Success
Not to be overshadowed, Alpha Sofie made a winning debut for Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman in the Listed Atlantic Jewel Stakes for three-year-old fillies. Previously trained in Queensland by Jason Edwards, the Capitalist filly was sent south in prime condition and wasted no time rewarding her new yard.
Bred by Dan and Linda Alford and Mary Anne Holland, and bought by Tosh Murphy’s Munetos for $150,000 at the Classic Yearling Sale, Alpha Sofie is now firmly on the path to the G1 Thousand Guineas.
“This is the first foal we’ve bred from a Capitalist mare, and to see her win like this is a super day,” Alford said. Coleman added: “The Edwards stable did a wonderful job with her early. We’re just the lucky ones to see her progress. She’s a naturally athletic filly and the Thousand Guineas Prelude is the next logical step.”
Angel Capital and Affirmative Action Impress
The day also showcased the return of Angel Capital, who cruised to victory in the Listed Chautauqua Stakes. The Harry Angel entire, bred by David Peacock and now in the Chris Waller stable for Yulong, extended his record to five wins from eight starts and looks poised for higher spring company.
Earlier, Angel Capital had been purchased by Upper Bloodstock and partners for $400,000 at the Premier Yearling Sale before being secured by Yulong. His smooth first-up success suggests a Group 1 target awaits in coming weeks.
Across the Tasman, Affirmative Action (Yes Yes Yes) stamped himself as one to follow with victory in the Listed Colin Meads Trophy at Ellerslie. Bought for just $40,000 at the 2023 Australian Weanling Sale, the colt gave Odyssey Bloodstock and breeders Marquee Stud reason to dream big.
Together, these results highlighted the influence of Inglis graduates on both sides of the Tasman, with spring’s marquee races now firmly in their sights.
The three Listed triumphs underlined the remarkable depth of talent graduating from Inglis sales in recent years. Each of Rosberg, Alpha Sofie and Angel Capital signalled not just immediate quality but genuine Group 1 potential as the spring carnival gathers momentum. With Affirmative Action also breaking through in New Zealand, the weekend provided a clear reminder of how widespread the influence of Inglis graduates has become. Owners, breeders and trainers alike will be buoyed by the performances, which set the stage for an enthralling next chapter as the season’s major races draw closer.
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