Quickfire Treble For Soldier Of Fortune
Flying Fortune (4f Soldier Of Fortune - Turbo Linn, by Trubo Speed) kicked off a quickfire treble for Soldier Of Fortune on Saturday when running out an impressive winner of the bumper at Haydock.
Fourth at Listed level on her second start, the Peter Bowen-trained mare got off the mark next time out and was sent off second favourite to follow up at Haydock. Ridden in touch by Sean Bowen, she led from three furlongs out and was pushed clear a furlong later. Drawing further clear thereafter, she kept on to well to win by seven lengths, with another 17 lengths back to the rest of the field.
Bred by Cathal Ennis and owned by Fortune N’Fame Fillies, Flying Fortune provides a smart update for her two-year-old full-brother who fetched €67,000 as a foal.
Just five minutes later at Hexham, the John McConnell-trained Stadium Talk (5m Soldier Of Fortune - Dotchenka, by Astarabad) made a winning rules debut in the mares’ bumper.
Successful on her second start for Cormac Doyle at Ballinaboola, the daughter of Soldier Of Fortune subsequently joined McConnell’s string and was sent off favourite on Saturday. Making all under Ben Harvey, she was shaken up at the two furlong marker and was ridden when challenged inside the final furlong. Digging deep, she prevailed by half a length on the line, with the front pair finishing 15 lengths clear of the field.
Owned by the 119 Partnership, Stadium Talk was bred by Thomas James, who has a three-year-old by Walk In The Park and a yearling by Vadamos.
Meanwhile, at Hexham, Soldierofthestorm (5g Soldier Of Fortune - Fiddlededee, by Beneficial) built on two promising runs in bumpers to make a winning start over hurdles under Jonjo O’Neill Junior.
Placed on both his starts in bumper, Jonjo O’Neill’s charge was sent off a short-priced favourite for the two mile maiden hurdle and raced prominently throughout. Leading after the third last, he drew clear on the run-in to win by six and a half lengths with ease.
Bred by Mrs Ann Bond and owned by Tom Bond, Soldierofthestorm is a full-brother to stablemate Stay If U Want To (Soldier Of Fortune), who finished fourth on debut last month.