Blackfriars 3yo sons realising potential
Above the Peg and Yaphet were profiled as horses to follow at the start of their current preps and they’re realising that potential this month.
That said, there’s better things ahead for the 3yo sons of Scenic Lodge legend Blackfriars next season.
Above the Peg completed a city hat-trick in the Crown Perth Hcp (1400m) at Belmont on Saturday while also bringing up the 50th city win of the season for trainer Simon Miller. He launched a determined finish in the straight and, despite drifting in, nailed front-runner Savage One (God Has Spoken) right on the line.
Above the Peg (3g Blackfriars – Sky Rumba by Shrewd Rhythm) has earned a crack at black-type according to Miller and that will come in the LR Raconteur Stakes (1400m) on June 6.
“Since being gelded, he’s been running true to form,” Miller said. “That was a good win. They’ve been racing on top of the speed today but he came from a fair way off them. The Raconteur is next.”
He’s a final crop 3yo by Blackfriars and is a younger half-brother to G1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) winner Portland Sky (Deep Field). Bred by Anita Vale Stud, he was purchased for $170,000 at the 2020 Perth Magic Millions by Miller who was acting for a syndicate that includes prominent owners Barry McRostie and Fred Fairthorne jnr.
Yaphet has been sent for spell following a fast-finishing second to Jungle Magnate (NZ) in the G1 South Australian Derby (2500m) at Morphettville last Saturday. He ran a big race in defeat coming from 15th on the home-turn in the 16-horse field.
“We will give him a break instead of pressing on to the (G1) Queensland Derby,” trainer Cliff Brown said. “It’s a good time to stop. He’s healthy and well and the spring carnivals come around pretty quickly.”
Yaphet (3g Blackfriars – Snacking by Bletchley Park) had won a mile maiden at Moe in December before capturing a valuable race at Sale on Good Friday. “He’s progressing nicely and that hasn’t surprised us,” Brown admitted. “We’ve always liked him and it was good to see him run so well in the Derby.”
Brown bought him on behalf of Barree Stud owner Glen Whittenbury for $28,000 at the 2020 Perth Magic Millions. Bred and sold by Scenic Lodge, he’s the final foal of 2005 LR Burgess Queen Stakes winner Snacking.
There are no specific spring plans, however, he gives every indication of being able to run 3200m right out. A Group 1 Melbourne Cup campaign could see him line up at Flemington on November 1 against the Dan Morton-trained Alaskan God who is a son of Blackfriars sire Playing God.
Yaphet is this season’s leading earner by Blackfriars who has progeny earnings of $3.76 million. This month’s surge saw him open up a sizeable lead over Playing God ($3.34 million).
A G2 WA Derby winning prep by Alaskan God had seen the Darling View sire close the gap in April but Blackfriars now appears on track for a 12th WA title in a row.