Snitzel colt superb in the Rubiton

“He’s a very special colt and he’s got Group 1 written all over him” – that’s Craig Newitt’s verdict on Lofty Strike who returned with a course record-breaking victory in Saturday’s $300,000 Rubiton S. 1100m G2.

The Oakleigh, the Newmarket and the T.J. Smith all offer opportunities for the big-striding colt to emulate Snitzel’s earlier sprinting sons Trapeze Artist, Redzel and Russian Revolution.

Trainer Julius Sandhu said, “He is such a mentally strong horse and he is so competitive. He does everything right back home and it doesn’t matter what work you give him, he goes back and eats up well.”

LOFTYYY! 🗣

What a return from the Julius Sandhu-trained sprinter 😍@craig_newitt pic.twitter.com/zRPUMCJnqc

— Racing.com (@Racing) February 11, 2023

Lofty Strike won his 2YO debut then took out the Blue Diamond Prelude G3 almost exactly a year ago, and last Spring added a Group 3 third and a solid 4th in the Coolmore Stud S. G1. After six starts his earnings exceed $600,000.

Bred by George Altomonte’s famous Corumbene Stud, Lofty Strike was purchased for $280,000 at Magic Millions by property developer Paul Lofitis’ Lofty Thoroughbred Group.

He is the second foal of Champion 2YO Filly Overreach (by Exceed And Excel), whose three wins included the 2013 Golden Slipper G1. She is a full sister of Group-winning sprinter Standout and closely related to 2009 Blue Diamond G1 winner and sire Reward For Effort.  

Corumbene has retained Lofty Strike’s younger sisters, 2YO filly Excess (by Snitzel), in training with Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott, and her yearling filly Ninette (by Zoustar). Overreach also has a filly foal by Capitalist and is in foal again to Snitzel.

Corumbene is also the breeder of three other stakeswinners by Snitzel: Menari, Empire of Japan & Samantha.

Snitzel has yearlings on offer at Inglis Classic, Inglis Premier and a stellar collection of 24 colts & 16 fillies at Inglis Easter.