The 4-year-old Snitzel mare Vienna Princess scaled new heights when she came with a barnstorming finish to capture Saturday’s $1,000,000 Silver Eagle (1300m) at Randwick.
Rich prize for Vienna Princess (image Steve Hart)
Ridden by Kerrin McEvoy for Chris Waller, Vienna Princess launched down the centre of the track to defeat the Headwater gelding Strait Acer by a length, with the Street Boss (USA) gelding Pericles a half-neck back in third.
The winner of the Twilight Glow Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield last November, Vienna Princess advances her record to four wins and four seconds from 15 starts with earnings of $979,150.
“She’s come good,” Waller said.
“She’s shown us ability in previous preparations but hasn’t really done it back-to-back.
“So after a good first-up win, I just wanted to see her run like that, but she probably exceeded my expectations.
“It’s an amazing race day, as this spring is unfolding; what a day today.
“In a few weeks, the west gets their chance to shine out at my home track of Rosehill. It just brings people to the races. I’m just so proud to be a trainer in Sydney and racing is in a good place. We should all be very proud of it and keep it going.”
Kerrin McEvoy said he had little luck on the daughter of Snitzel at his only other ride on her.
“She’s great, she’s so willing, brilliant to ride her,” he said.
“I’ve only ridden her once and never got out on her at Rosehill so it was nice to get the job done today.
Vienna Princess (image Grant Courtney)
“She got a little bit further back than we thought, but Chris (Waller) gave me good confidence he said ‘she’s in good form’. There was a bit of heat early, so I just filed in and got a little closer at the halfway mark in the three-wide line with some cover, and I knew I was going to finish well. That’s what she did; she’s very game.”
A $400,000 Magic Millions purchase for Magic Bloodstock and Associates from the Baramul Stud draft, Vienna Princess, like Alligator Blood, was bred and sold by Gerry Harvey.
She is the first foal from Graciousness, a winning half-sister by Street Cry (IRE), to Group I winner and sire Casino Prince, as well as Group III winner Tagus and stakes-winners Lord of the Land and Metallurgical.
Graciousness is also a half-sister to the dams of Group I winner Prince Fawaz and young Coolmore stallion Best of Bordeaux.
Graciousness has a 2-year-old Written Tycoon colt named First Settler, a $750,000 purchase for Yu Long Investments/Mick Price Racing & Breeding at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Graciousness has a yearling brother to Vienna Princess and foaled a Zoustar colt on September 25.
