Redoute’s Choice posts second stakeswinner in England

3YO colt Tazahum became the second English stakeswinner for champion sire Redoute’s Choice by winning the one-mile Sandown Heron S. LR early this morning (Australian time), two weeks after Elzaam‘s Carnarvon S. LR win at Newbury. Tazahum is Redoute’s Choice’s 75th individual stakeswinner worldwide – with 16 black type winners this season alone.

Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum races both colts, after breeding Tazahum (ex Huja by Alzao), and purchasing Elzaam (ex Mambo in Freeport by Kingmambo) at the 2009 Arqana August yearling sale. They represent an outstanding result for the nine runners from Redoute’s Choice’s small crop conceived to northern time in Australia four years ago. Elzaam was also born in Australia, while Tazahum was foaled in the United States.

Trained by Sir Michael Stoute, Tazahum was ridden by Richard Hills who held him up at the back of the field until the two-furlong mark, then drove him forward on the stands’ rail. The colt found plenty in the final furlong to chase down the favourite Fury and pip him in the last stride.

Tazahum, from a Group-placed sister to multiple European Group winner Maraahel, has now won three of his four starts, including his 2YO debut last September.

The next target for both Elzaam and Tazahum is likely to be next month’s Tercentenary Royal Ascot meeting.

Redoute’s Choice will stand the 2011 southern hemisphere season at $137,500 inc. GST.