The results of two stakes races in Australia on Saturday provided sheer joy for Geisel Park Stud owner Eddie Rigg and Ridgeview Park owner Phil Sloane.
Geisel Park will welcome All American this year and the strikingly handsome son of Red Ransom played his part when his daughter Yankee Rose crushed her opposition in the $1 million Inglis ATC Sires' Produce Stakes at Randwick.
If the David Vandyke-trainee should win the Group 1 ATC Champagne Stakes, All American may well have Australia's Champion 2yo.
Down at Mornington, the Robert Smerdon-trained Berisha earned a ticket into October's Group I Caulfield Cup field when he overpowered Big Memory (FR) in the $300,000 Listed BMW Mornington Cup (2400m).
The son of Al Samer came from second last under Daniel Moor to defeat Big Memory (FR) (Duke Of Marmalade) by a nose with Lucky Lucky Lucky (Lucky Owners) one and three-quarter lengths back in third. (photo Grant Courtney)
It advances the overall record of Berisha to 5 wins, 1 second and 4 thirds from 18 starts for earnings of $378,725.
From stamina viewpoint, there is a lot to like about Berisha's damline. He is the fifth named foal of the Aga Khan-bred mare Beheshta (IRE) a daughter of a stallion well known in Australia, Brief Truce, out of the Sadler's Wells mare Behariya a daughter of the Group 1 Prix St Alary winner Behera (Mill Reef), herself a daughter of the Group II Park Hill Stakes winner Borushka (Bustino).
Beheshta (IRE) has a yearling colt by Zoffany (IRE).
The 16yo mare was not served in 2014 and missed to Dalakhani (IRE) last spring.
Berisha becomes the fourth stakes-winner for Al Samer after Group III Carbine Club Stakes winner Mr Chard, dual Listed winner Underestimation and Listed winner Le Remas.
After beginning his stud career at Emirates Park, the son of Redoute's Choice was relocated to Queensland.
