For the third Saturday in succession the late Tavistock (Montjeu) sired a Group 1 feature winner.
The sequence, which began with the Epsom Handicap (Gr 1, 1600m) won by Ceolwulf, was continued with the Livamol Classic (Gr 1, 2040m) won by Snazzytavi then completed with Ceolwulf's devastating run to deny the warm fan favourite Pride of Jenni (Pride of Dubai) in last Saturday's King Charles III Stakes (Gr 1, 1600m) at Randwick.
Here we are, nearly five years after Tavistock's tragic loss and we keep being reminded of the New Zealand industry's great loss. Almost three months into the new season Tavistock sits top of the New Zealand sire listings and fifth in Australia.
Now a four-year-old, Ceolwulf, from that last small crop by Tavistock, looks like the new star on the scene. He first came into focus last autumn when second, beaten three-quarters of a length in the Rosehill Guineas (Gr 1, 2000m) and by a long neck in the Australian Derby (Gr 1, 2400m), both to champion Riff Rocket (American Pharoah).
His Epsom-King Charles III double has stamped him as something out of the ordinary and he appears to have inherited Tavistock's turn of foot. The one question remaining is whether he can take this form to Melbourne for his first attempt left-handed. However, Saturday’s Cox Plate (Gr 1, 2040m) is not on the agenda. It's also too soon and his connections have elected to wait until next year for that challenge. The tight and tricky track that is The Valley has undone many a challenge, especially f irst up.
Although his stellar form has been over 1600 metres (under handicap conditions and at weight-for-age), there is no doubt about his getting the added 440 metres required in the Cox Plate. No, the only doubt is the Melbourne way of going and we may find out at Flemington, perhaps in the Champions Mile (Gr 1,1600m) or the Champions Stakes (Gr 1, 2000m).
Ultra brave Pride of Jenni did all she could in her tenacious second, fighting off a strong challenge from My Oberon (Dubawi), but Ceolwulf's storming finish was well-timed and too late for her to respond.
Saturday's Randwick mile saw the mare very wide early and she didn't reach her customary position in front until they had travelled 300 metres. Past the 600 metres her lead over Major Beel (Savabeel) was two lengths but there was a large gap to the third runner, My Oberon, heading the pack.
She extended her lead short of the straight and held it past the 300 metres. My Oberon's challenge was bravely repelled at the 100-metre mark but that's when the complexion of the race changed markedly.
Meanwhile, Ceolwulf had extricated himself from a rails spot back of midfield from the 400 metres. Out in the centre of the track he took his time winding up but when he did the response was electric. His last 150 metres was especially quick to run Pride of Jenni down. Assuming she had anything left in the tank, any response would have been too late as he was travelling like the wind.
A Ceolwulf-Pride of Jenni Cox Plate match race is off the table but a certain Mr Brightside (Bullbars) will ensure that the race will lose none of its excitement. Mr Brightside is as tough as nails, can race on pace and knows The Valley like the back of his hoof.
As for Pride of Jenni, by all accounts she will be at The Valley on Saturday for the Cox Plate. Yes, she is extremely tough but backing up for such a test is a huge ask.
