Kentucky
Derby winner Animal Kingdom (USA) added a fifth Australian winner to his tally
at Flemington on Saturday when two year-old colt Royal Phoenix shared a dead
heat victory with the promising Andaz, a full brother to Group II winner
Arinosa.
The Chris Waller trained Andaz was a Breednet 'One t Watch' when he scored on
debut last month, so we know he has ability, so Royal Phoenix did a good
job to match strides with him and share
this win over 1100 metres.
Trained by Team Hawkes, Royal Phoenix was a $240,000 Magic Millions purchase
from the Arrowfield draft and is a half-brother to Macau stakes-winner Sparta.
He is the second winner for Commands mare Helena Girl, who comes from the
family of West Australian Group I winner Island Morn.
With five Australian winners to his credit headed by stakes-placed Lord Cecil,
Animal Kingdom has made a pleasing start to his stud career for Arrowfield
Stud.
He did not shuttle to Australia last year but is due back this spring at a fee
of $27,500.