Fastnet Colts First and Second in G2 Skyline Stakes
Juveniles by Champion sire Fastnet Rock have been racing up a storm this season and he produced the quinella in the Group II ATC Skyline Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday with O’President (3c Fastnet Rock x O’Marilyn, by O’Reilly) defeating Hilal (2c Fastnet Rock x Salma, by Encosta de Lago).
Prepared by Chris Waller, O’President broke his maiden at his second start scoring by four lengths at Canterbury on January 29.
Partnered by Tim Clark in this much tougher assignment, O’ President was sent forward from a wide gate and controlled the race throughout.
He kicked clear down the running and held off a late challenge from Hilal to win by a length and a quarter with Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner Shaquero a modest sixth.
“There’s no better rider of front runners that Tim Clark and they left him alone in front so he could dictate,” said Chris Waller.
“It was a comfortable tempo for the horse and he showed a good turn of foot and was strong to the line.
“He’ll go on to the Slipper.”
A $520,000 Inglis Easter purchase for James Bester Bloodstock from the Kia Ora Stud draft, O’President has two wins from three starts and has won nearly $150,000 for his big syndicate of owners headed by Coolmore and various partners with Kia Ora Stud retaining a small share in his ownership.
Broken in and educated at Coolmore, O’President is a full brother to metro winner Fifteen Aria and is the second winner from Group I winning 2YO Filly O’Marilyn, a half-sister by O’Reilly to Group I winners Headturner and Anacheeva as well as Group II winner Kroner from blue hen Monroe Magic.
O’Marilyn produced a colt by Fastnet Rock in 2020 and was then covered by Justify (USA).
O’President is the 170th stakes-winner for champion sire Fastnet Rock, who has just two entries for Inglis Premier, click to see them.