An Arrowfield treble at Sha Tin
John Messara was at Sha Tin to witness Able Friend’s majestic Champions Mile victory, and enjoyed the bonus of three Arrowfield-sired winners on the card.
Thewizardofoz, a 3YO son of Redoute’s Choice and multiple Group 1 winner Princess Coup, made an eye-catching debut over 1200 metres, powering clear in the straight to win by 3 lengths under a hold for Joao Moreira. Thewizardofoz, whose dam is in foal to Snitzel, is trained by John Size for owner Martin Siu Kim Sun.
Moreira also did the honours on Manhattan Rain’s 3YO son Bear-Pop, who broke his maiden over 1400 metres for owner Au Ping Lam and trainer John Moore.
Bear-Pop, from Valadon, a Woodman half-sister to Group winners Valourina & Media, was a $260,000 buy for George Moore Bloodstock from Highgrove Stud at the 2013 Magic Millions Sale. Valadon is due to foal to Redoute’s Choice this Spring.
The Autumn has been very fruitful for Manhattan Rain, also represented by stakeswinners Manapine (Flemington), Ondina (Morphettville), impressive Sydney winner Mr Manhattan and 2YO winner New Summer Night, as well as the $700,000 La Bamba colt sold at the Inglis Easter Sale.
Charge Forward completed the treble with a 1600-metre win, courtesy of his 4YO son Charity Kingdom, who raced in Australia as Seguidilla for Matthew Sandblom, James Harron & Henry Field and was sold after a strong maiden win at Wyong in November 2013.
Charity Kingdom, bred by Newhaven Park, has now won twice this year for trainer Manfred Man and owner Lee Yuk Lun. His dam, Jig Time Lady (by Zeditave) has a weanling colt by Smart Missile.
The trio of Arrowfield-sired winners were part of an outstanding day at Sha Tin for Australian-breds. All but one of the 11 winners on the programme, including the sensational Able Friend, carry the Australian suffix.
