Above: Zousain (left), Graff (middle), The Autumn Sun (right) fight it out in a star studded 2018 running of the stallion making Group 1 Golden Rose.
Replay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTh7MRKwD7E
The Golden Rose Stakes is a Group 1 race for 3YO’s run at set-weights, over a distance of 1400m. The prestigious race is run on the fourth Saturday of September annually at Rosehill Gardens. Historically, a race that cements any winning colt his career at stud. Tomorrow, the most talented 3YO’s line up for a healthy $1,000,000 in prize money. Previous winners include horses like Ole Kirk, Trapeze Artist, Bivouac, Astern, Exosphere, In The Congo and The Autumn Sun.
Above: 5 x Group 1 winner The Autumn Sun (Redoute’s Choice) stands at Arrowfield Stud for a fee of $66,000 Inc GST. Image: Breednet.
It’s no secret that The Autumn Sun was a class above, winning the 2018 Golden Rose in freakish fashion. A super star colt in a league of his own – not only in his year, but of his generation. There were so many who contested him and didn’t even come close, but Graff – he was just a length away.
An observation in which at first look seems to be somewhat that of a negative.
To us, we see this as opportunity…
Above: Graff (Star Witness) contested 4 x Group 1’s, an Everest, won the Gr3 San Domenico Stakes and ran 2nd in the Run To The Rose, an exceptional 3YO career.
Like we’ve mentioned time and time again, during Graff’s tenacious race career, his assignment’s were clear – race the best. No matter the conditions, the field or the barrier, Graff was there. His 3YO career saw him win the Gr3 San Domenico, run 2nd in the Run To The Rose and then contest 4 Group 1’s and an Everest.
So, let’s take a timely closer look at Graff’s run in the Group 1 Golden Rose. Targeted as one of Graff’s main races for his 3YO campaign – he started favourite, like many talented stallion prospects.
“If you think The Autumn Sun’s run in the Group 1 Golden Rose was impressive, watch Graff’s run – simply brilliant!”
He jumped well and sat mid field, only to sit on the rail in testing conditions with no cover. He continues traveling well before he drifts back when forced to the outside to get a run, it was here he would utilise his explosive turn of foot. In the words of Darren Flindell “he’s just lost a half length there, Graff”. Graff hits the turn 5 wide where The Autumn Sun peels off heels and they rattle home together to hit the line all within a length of each other.
So, what would Graff be standing for if he was a length closer? It certainly wouldn’t be $13,200…
Above: Graff has let down into a magnificent stallion. Opportunity presents for breeders to visit this talented sprinting son of Star Witness at a fee of just $13,200 Inc GST.