Redoute’s Choice colt aims higher
Redoute’s Choice ‘s gloriously bred 3YO son Altius signalled his classic intentions with a slashing run for second in Listed company at Flemington today.
The handsome, scopey colt won his first two starts, most recently at Geelong on 20 August, before lining up in today’s VRC Henry Bucks S. (Exford Plate) 1400m LR for 3YOs on a Slow7 track at Flemington, where he settled towards the rear of the field. Jockey Damien Oliver steered him wide around the turn and the colt responded with a powerfully sustained finish to snatch second placing on the line, 1.75 lengths from the winner Hollowlea and and a short half-head in front of Censor.
Altius whose name comes from the Olympic motto: Citius, Altius, Fortius (faster, higher, stronger), is the second black type performer for Redoute’s Choice in Australia so far this season, after 4YO mare Sister Madly (ex Jade Tiara by Bureaucracy) ran 3rd in last weekend’s STC Sheraco S. LR.
Bred and raced by Frank & Sally Tagg, Garry & Leone Moffitt and Frank & Marie Meduri, Altius is a three-quarter brother to champion Elvstroem and G1-placed filly Hveger, and half-brother to three-time G1 winner Haradasun – all from the 1995 AJC Oaks G1 winner and magnificent broodmare Circles of Gold. Altius is trained by Tony Vasil, who also trained Haradasun and Elvstroem.
He is one of four early season winners from Redoute’s Choice’s 2007 crop who are clearly on target for black type assignments this spring. The others are:
Light Brigade (colt ex Winning Belle by Zabeel) – 1st, 1200m, Wyong, 3 September; trained by Gai Waterhouse
Maraaseem (filly ex Warm Smytzer by Zabeel) – 1st, 1300m, Bendigo, 19 August; David Hayes
Achievements (colt ex Rubitoff by Rubiton) – 1st, 1200m, Sandown, 4 August; and 5th, VRC Henry Bucks S. LR today; Peter Moody
A fifth 3YO, the gelding Rekindled Interest (ex Rekindled Affair by Rainbow Quest; trained by Jim Conlan) finished strongly for fifth in today’s VRC Danehill S. 1200m G2, following a similar performance for fourth in Listed company two weeks ago. Both runs indicated he will be suited by longer races.
The reigning champion sire of Australia, Redoute’s Choice stands at a 2010 fee of $176,000 (inc. GST).
