Kingman (GB) might be shaded by his headline-hogging Juddmonte stablemate Frankel (GB), but he provided a timely reminder to Australian fans that he is a top-class stallion in his own right when the unexposed King Colorado struck in the $1,000,000 JJ Atkins Stakes (1600m) at Eagle Farm.
In a battle of the bluebloods, King Colorado scythed between runners under Jason Collett to defeat the Dundeel x Miss Finland filly Miracle Of Love by a length, with the Dundeel colt Tannhauser a further one and a quarter length back in third.
King Colorado arrived in utero with his dam More Aspen (USA) and races for a syndicate, including his breeder Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum.
Foaled and raised at Segenhoe Stud, the Ciaron Maher & David Eustace-trained son Of Kingman (GB) arrived in Brisbane off a debut fourth at Kembla Grange on April 26 before breaking his maiden over 1400m ay the same track a month later.
The Maher and Eustace stable celebrated an 11th Group 1 win of the season.
“He’s really well bred, he’s a son of Kingman,” Maher offered.
“He’s just started to do things right. I know it was only a maiden win last start, but early on in his trials, he used to do things wrong. He used to light up and switch off.
“We thought he would run the trip. We had a roll at the stumps.
“Jason Collet, an unbelievable ride. He was back further than I thought. I was cursing him early, but the team did a fantastic job. This year has been unbelievable, and I’m very proud of them.”
King Colorado is the first foal born in Australia for stakes-winning More Than Ready import More Aspen (USA), a half-sister to stakes-winner Jade Master and granddaughter of Group I winner Northern Aspen, whose dam is legendary Fall Aspen.
Fall Aspen produced nine stakes-winners, including Group 1 winners Timber Country, Fort Wood, Hamas, Northern Aspen and Group II winner Bianconi (USA), the sire of Nicconi.
King Colorado is the 63rd stakes-winner for Kingman (Invincible Spirit) and is his seventh Group 1 winner.
Kingman (GB) stands at Banstead Manor Stud for a fee of £125,000.