Expensive Snitzel colt Doull put his opponents to the sword at his career debut over 1100m at Flemington on Saturday, a cause to rejoice for Rosemont Stud, which has heavily invested in the family.
Ridden by Jye McNeil for Anthony and Sam Freedman, Doull led at every call to defeat the Magnus debutant Magnaspin by two and three-quarter lengths, with the Rubick colt Nothing Silly a further length back in third.
McNeil said it was not the intention to lead.
“I had to go to plan B. I was hopeful we’d get the perfect run in behind the speed horses, and the speed horses stayed out wide,” McNeill said.
“When we didn’t get cover, he raced a bit fresh, so I just went with him, and I felt as though, at that point of the race, the best thing to do down the straight for the first time was give him the rail to follow. Once he got down there, he acquitted himself really well, and we saw his class.”
Stable representative Steve Adams said the son of Snitzel is likely to have a break with an eye on the spring.
“I liked the way he quickened when he (Jye) asked him to go,” Adams said.
“He looked like he got a bit lost there late. First time down the straight, obviously, but it looks like he’s got a nice action, and he’s a nice horse going forward.
“I think we’ll see him at three. He’ll probably go out for a month now, he’s had a good look at the straight now, so hopefully, there’s a good race for him in the spring.
“It’s always hard to line up formlines and go through different races, but he’s got raw talent, and he’s only going to get better with the fitness and the benefit of having a run today. I’m sure the team have a fair idea of where he sits, but he certainly feels like he has class.”
Doull was a $1,200,000 purchase for Rosemont Victorian Alliance / Suman Hedge Bloodstock (FBAA) / David Redvers Bloodstock from the Yarraman Park Stud draft at the 2021 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.
He is a half-brother to the Group III VRC Ottawa Stakes winner Aryaaf (Epaulette) out of the Listed Merson Cooper Stakes winner Bulbula (Shamardal).
In a family developed by Shadwell Stud, Bulbula is a half-sister to Group III VRC Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes winner Khulassa (Epaulette).
At the 2021 Shadwell Dispersal, Rosemont Stud purchased Bulbula for $1,350,000 and Khulaasa for the same amount, and Aryaaf for $800,000.
Bulbula has a yearling colt by Zoustar, purchased for $700,000 by Rosemont Stud/Bahen Bloodstock at the Magic Millions National Weanling Sale.
Bulbula was covered by Snitzel last spring, having slipped to Epaulette.
Khulaasa also has a yearling Zoustar colt. After foaling a Too Darn Hot (GB) filly last spring, she was covered by I Am Invincible.
Aryaaf was served by Zoustar at her first season at stud.
