Top Drop extends his fine record
Top Drop has proved one of the most genuine and consistent performers by Snitzel and he extended his excellent record with a solid run for second in the $150,000 VRC Always Welcome S. 1200m LR at Flemington on Tuesday.
Pictured: Top Drop after winning at Randwick on 26 December 2010. (PHOTO: Martin King, Sportpix)
Bred by Peter Horwitz from the Red Ransom mare Fine Red, Top Drop was a $110,000 purchase from the Vinery Stud draft at the 2009 Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale. His dam, now owned by Patinack Farm, has produced a full sister to Top Drop this spring.
The good-looking 4YO entire has won or placed in 11 of his 19 starts, earning more than $400,000 for his owners, the Bradley Racing Syndicate, Scott Cameron, Wayne Harrison and Norm & Carolyn Pinder, and trainer Gerald Ryan. His best efforts have been his courageous win under 60.5 kg topweight at Rosehill in September, and last season’s black type placings in the AJC Stan Fox S. G2 (2nd to Decision Time) and the GCTC Magic Millions Guineas (R) LR (3rd behind Torio’s Quest and Startsmeup).
Top Drop is this season’s leading earner for Snitzel who is represented by four other 2011/12 stakes performers: Hot Snitzel (ATC Brian Crowley S. LR), G3-placed Hollyweird and stakes-placed First Course and Snitzerland.
Snitzel is among Australia’s top half-dozen third season sires by 2011/12 prizemoney to date, and his career Average Earnings Index of 2.31 puts him in the leading three stallions from this group. His 14 stakes performers worldwide are headed by Chance Bye, Salade & Hot Snitzel, all successful at Group 2 level, and the Flemington stakeswinner Zelsnitz.