Redoute’s Choice cashes in with Lankan Rupee

Lankan Rupee hit the ground running in October and he has kept right on with the job, culminating with today’s dominant victory in the $135,000 MRC Kevin Heffernan S. G3 over 1200 metres.

The 4YO son of Redoute’s Choice and Estelle Collection (by Stravinsky) won two of his first three starts this season, including the VRC Century S. LR on Oaks Day at Flemington, nine days ago.

Today he faced a more serious test, over 1200 metres, in Group 3 company. Lankan Rupee met the challenge, and then some, settling well behind the early leader She Can Skate, before charging to the lead and a 2.3 length victory. It is his fifth win from 12 starts and takes his earnings close to $330,000 for owner-breeder Muzaffar Yaseen and trainer Mick Price.

A father-and-son quinella was completed by Hot Snitzel (by Redoute’s Choice’s son Snitzel), who did well to secure second placing after missing the start and racing without cover. Snitzel’s 2YO daughter Golconda had taken out the MRC Merson Cooper S. LR earlier on the Caulfield card.

Mick Price said of Lankan Rupee, “I thought he was really good today. He was there to see if he could run a strong 1200m and he did.

“It opens up a lot of options for him and it probably puts him in the paddock for the autumn now.

“We will put him out and let him furnish again and then have a crack at the autumn.”

Mr Yaseen also has a younger sister to Lankan Rupee, named Timeless Choice, in the Price stable. Estelle Collection foaled a filly by Manhattan Rain in September and has visited Redoute’s Choice again this spring.

Redoute’s Choice has enjoyed an exuberant spring in Australia, with four Group winners (Aussies Love Sport, Dystopia, Girl Gone Rockin’ and Lankan Rupee) boosting his lifetime record to 108 stakeswinners.

The champion son of Danehill and his sons Snitzel and Stratum fill three of the top ten spots on the Australian General Sires’ list. The 2014 Magic Millions Gold Coast catalogue features five colts and seven fillies by Redoute’s Choice, four of them offered by Arrowfield.