The Chris Waller trained Shamardal (USA) filly Sweet Fire powered home from
back in the field to win the 1500 metre maiden against the colts by more than a
length at her second start.A $450,000 Inglis Easter purchase from the Kia Ora Stud draft, Sweet Fire is the most expensive yearling from the last crop of Australian bred foals sired by Darley's top class sire Shamardal, who no longer shuttles to Australia.
She is a half-sister to South African superstar Igugu – a four time Group I winner – and Group III winner Honorius being the fourth winner from four foals to race from Zarinia (IRE).
The current yearling from Zarinia is a Fastnet Rock filly that will be offered by Kia Ora Stud at the 2015 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale as Lot 253.
Kia Ora actually sold Igugu at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale in 2009 for $65,000 and have another top class draft headed south to Melbourne for the Victorian showcase sale that starts this Sunday. Click here to see what they will offer.
Bart and James Cummings are thinking Group I ATC Australian Derby for the half-brother to their dual Group I winning filly Norzita, who broke his maiden over 1900 metres.
A three year-old Mastercraftsman (IRE) gelding, Nazir proved too strong at his
third start, forging clear as favourite to win by a length."He just keeps improving every time he goes around," James Cummings said. "Look at him today, did a little bit wrong on the turn but then knuckled down strongly and fought hard when challenged.
"The most important thing is to give him a run at 2400-metres before the Derby.
"That will give him a better grounding when he comes up against horses that have had more racing.
"The foundation and work is all there."
Nazir was bought by DGR Throughbreds at the Inglis Ready 2 Race Sale from the Lyndhurst Farm draft and is a half-brother to Group I ATC Vinery Stud Stakes and Flight Stakes winner Norzita as well as Kiwi stakes-winner Hollows being the fourth winner from well-bred Quest for Fame (GB) mare Visique.
Nazir is by a young sire in Mastercraftsman who has already proven his 'classic' stripes having sired French Derby winner The Grey Gatsby and English St Leger winner Kingston Hill from his first crop in the Northern Hemisphere.
