First Course treat for Snitzel

First Course became the 13th stakes performer for Snitzel when he was second to the promising Collar (NZ) in Sunday’s VRC Doncaster S. 1400m LR. It was the 3YO chestnut colt’s fourth time in the frame in six starts which include his maiden win at Seymour last month.

He’s the most recent black type representative of leading Tasmanian farm Armidale Stud, owned & operated by Robyn Whishaw and her family. Bred in partnership by Robyn and Ken Breese from Short ‘n’ Sweep (by End Sweep), First Course was purchased for $90,000 by trainer Ken Keys at the 2010 Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale. Short ‘N’ Sweep is a winning half-sister to Sydney stakeswinner Blizzardly, and is visiting Snitzel again this season.

Armidale Stud is also the breeder of the marvellous mare Lady Lynette, whose VRC Blazer S. G2 victory on Sunday took her five-season record to 13 wins and more than $980,000. The Flemington win was Lady Lynette’s 7th Group or Listed stakes success.

Also on Sunday, but in South Africa, Snitzel’s 3YO son Unnanounced (ex Dialogue by Dehere) maintained his unbeaten record with his fourth win at Clairwood, this time over 1100 metres. From a half-sister to Group 1 winner Diatribe from Danehill’s family, Unannounced was bred and sold by Patinack Farm for $220,000 to trainer Charles Laird at the 2010 Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale.

Snitzel, a Group 1-winning son of Redoute’s Choice has been the second leading sire of his generation for the past two seasons.