The John Wheeler-trained youngster left no excuses for his rivals in Saturday’s
Gr.3 Phoenix Park Classic as he bombed the start and then had to cover extra
ground before racing away for a commanding victory.He is a grandson of the Centaine mare Fleur De Chine, who won three races as a two-year-old, including the 1996 edition of the New Plymouth event.
She went on to finish fourth at her next appearance in the Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes and that’s the race Wheeler has tagged for Irish Flame.
"I turned him out for three or four weeks after his first run, being by Zed he’s still quite immature but he’s good enough to have a go at the Sires’ Produce at Awapuni,” Wheeler said.
Fourth on debut on the course last month, Irish Flame was tardily away before rider Dylan Turner sent him around the field 600 metres from home.
The gelding revelled in his work and shot away 250 metres from home to score by a decisive length and a half at odds of 15-1.
"He’s a good horse and I thought he was my best of the day,” Wheeler said.
"He went super, it was a very strong effort as he did a lot wrong and still had a fair bit to spare at the finish.”
Icebomb came from second last to finish second and Aquamosa took third money from the well-supported Sophie’s Choice.
Irish Flame is the eighth stakes-winner for Zabeel stallion Zed and comes from the family of Group I winners Roman Emperor, Tully Thunder, Black Mamba and company.– NZ Racing Desk .
