Deploy Claims Another Course Record

Exciting sprinter Deploy (5g Fastnet Rock x Crimson Reign, by Red Ransom) is soaring to new heights this spring breaking the course record for 1200 metres at Randwick when resuming from a spell last month and then breaking the 1300 metre record at Rosehill on Saturday to win the Group II ATC Theo Marks Stakes.

The Gerald Ryan trained gelding is absolutely flying at present, jumping straight to the front for Josh Parr and running right away to win by  four lengths in a sizzling 1:14:92, breaking the previous record set in 1990 by Alquoz.

Chasing him home for a gallant second was dual Oaks winner Egg Tart, who looked great on her seasonal return. “I was confident,” said Josh Parr. “He is in fantastic form at the moment and the stable has him absolutely flying. I'm pleased to get on him today. What a pleasure it is to ride these horses that are going so well. It is a great job. We can often take it for granted.” A $450,000 Inglis Easter purchase from the Torryburn Stud draft, Deploy runs for a syndicate that includes his breeder Torryburn Stud in whose colours he runs as well as Segenhoe Thoroughbreds and Stallion Racing.

Since being gelded, Deploy has jumped right out of the ground and now has the overall record of eight wins and six placings from 16 starts with prizemoney just shy of $600,000.

“He’s in great form and after he worked here Tuesday I thought he’d improved again,” said Gerald Ryan. “You wouldn’t think a horse could run a course record at Randwick and then come here and do it again three weeks later, but the horse is low flying.” Ryan is unsure of what comes next for Deploy, although the Group I MRC Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes in Melbourne over 1400 metres appeals as a possible target.

Deploy is the best of four winners from Group III winning Red Ransom mare Crimson Reign, who is due to foal this spring to Pride of Dubai.