Third
in last year's Group I BRC Stradbroke as a green lightly raced three-year-old, the
Stradbroke Handicap is firmly on the agenda again for supremely talented The
Virginian after a stunning first-up victory in Saturday's Listed BRC Chief De
Beers Handicap at Doomben.
A homebred for Stuart Ramsey's Turangga Farm, The Virginian was well primed for
his return by astute trainer Toby Edmonds posting a brilliant barrier trial at
Deagon earlier this month.
Ridden back in the field by Jim Byrne, The Virginian unleashed a sizzling finish
to charge home through the heavy going and win the 1050 metre sprint by three
parts of a length.
The Virginian created headlines in the 2016 Stradbroke when finishing third
behind Under The Louvre and Black Heart Bart as an $81 pop at only his fourth
career outing and coming off a Gold Coast Class 1 win.
"He's nominated for the Straddy so that's our plan," Edmonds said.
"I would like to go into the Stradbroke fresh if we can but if we have to
have one more run, we will."
The Virginian ventured to Victoria during the spring but finished unplaced in
two Listed starts before heading back to Queensland.
"Hopefully we can get into the Stradbroke now with that prizemoney,"
Edmonds said. "He is obviously a better horse at home, he didn't really
handle the trip to Melbourne."
With three wins from seven starts and prizemoney of $217,000, bookmakers
reacted to the Chief De Beers win by halving his Stradbroke quote from $51 into
$26.
The $1.5 million Group I Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) is scheduled for Eagle
Farm on Saturday June 10.
The Virginian is the first foal of unraced Forestry mare Redwood Dancer (USA),
a daughter of Group II winner Fiery Pursuit from the family of Group I winners
Flanders, Surfside and Air Force Blue, who stands at Coolmore Australia this
spring.
Redwood Dancer has not produced a foal for the past two years and is now in
foal to Sebring.
The Virginian is the tenth stakes-winner for Yarraman Park's Hinchinbrook, who
stands this spring ta a fee of $44,000.