The 21st of December marked the four-year anniversary of the death of High Chaparral (IRE) who continues to be a major influence in Australasia.
Not yet halfway through the season the son of Sadler's Wells is having one of his best seasons in terms of stakes-winners. His tally of 11 stakes-winners in Australia and New Zealand is second only to the runaway leader I Am Invincible (20) and equal to the dominant force in New Zealand, Savabeel.
One of those that have added to High Chaparral's haul is the Bob and Sandra Peters homebred Mississippi Delta who doubled her stakes tally when defeating her more fancied stablemate Action (Pierro) in Saturday's Listed ATA Stakes (2200m) at Ascot.
Winner of the Listed Tattersalls Cup at Ascot two starts ago, Mississippi Delta came in to Saturday's race off the back of a runner-up finish in the Listed Towton Cup.
The winner of that race Cappo D'Oro (Medaglia d'Oro) could do no better than third on Saturday.
Chris Parnham gave Mississippi Delta a peach of a ride. The Grant and Alana Williams-trained mare defeated the fast-finishing Action by half a length with Cappo D'Oro a length back in third. (photo thewest.com.au twitter)
William Pike rode the runner-up and he admitted to being in a bit of a quandary to which one he should ride in next week's Perth Cup.
"I would have liked to have gone past her to make my decision easier," Pike told The West Australian.
"I still think he's the better stayer but she's in-form. Winning form is good form. I don't know what to do."
A half-sister to the 2014 Group 1 Railway Stakes heroine Elite Belle, Mississippi Delta advances her record to 8 wins and 3 seconds from 14 starts with earnings of $343,065.
Also, a half-sister to the dual Listed winner Battle Emblem (Second Empire), Mississippi Delta becomes is one of three stakes-winners for the Marooned mare
All seven of Mississippi Belle's progeny to make the track are winners.
She has a yearling colt by Safeguard that has been catalogued in the Mogumber Park draft at the 2019 Perth Magic Millions Yearling Sale.
Mogumber Park purchased Mississippi Belle through Belmont Bloodstock Agency for $72,000 at the 2015 Inglis Australian Easter Broodmare Sale.
She had a colt foal by WA Guineas winner Rommel (Commands) on October 30.
