Long Leaf (Fastnet Rock) confirmed his potential as a Group One prospect when running a very good fourth in the Gr.1 ATC Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday.
In a race won by rank outsider El Dorado Dreaming, Long Leaf flew home the last 200m and finished only 1.4 lengths off the winner.
Jockey Kerrin McEvoy was pleased with the run and indicated Curraghmore's $750,000 New Zealand Bloodstock graduate could appreciate a step up in distance.
“It was a nice run, he presented to join in as we approached the furlong but just levelled out the last bit, we’ll see how he pulls up and maybe press onto the mile,” McEvoy said of the Lindsay Park trained colt.
From a family that improves with time, and by a sire that was champion sprinter at three, Long Leaf looks like he will only get better with maturity for his ownership group that includes Coolmore and Sir Peter Vela.
At Morphettville Belle Du Nord (Reliable Man) made her Australian debut in the Listed Laelia Stakes (1600m).
The three-year-old filly who was foaled down at Curraghmore had to overcome a wide barrier and was dropping back in distance.
Belle Du Nord hit the line well pleasing connections, with trainers David and Emma-Lee Browne saying she would take improvement from the run heading to her next start.
