"Blake" wins in a breeze

Brilliant recent Horsham 2yo winner Im Sir Blake had the team at St Fort cheering.

The exciting youngster, Alta Christiano NZ - Jupiters Darling (Dream Away NZ), was foaled and later educated at the Moama property.

"I bought the broodmare Jupiters Darling, who was in foal, at a sale held by breeder Robert Watson," Tony said.

"I always liked the foal -- he was sensible and willing to learn, gaited up well, and showed me early days that he had some dash."

Im Sir Blake was one of a handful of youngsters put through a "ready to run" sale at Shepparton last July by Tony and his business partner Pooba Govender.

The pacer, now owned by Danny and Leroy O'Brien, was sent out at $2.30 favorite at Horsham on the Strength of eye-catching winning trials at Melton and Maryborough.

Driver Michael Bellman was content to sit in the death seat after working across from a wide draw and Im Sir Blake was most impressive.

He went to the wire in 1.55-9 for the 1700-metre trip, which included a slick 28.6 first quarter, followed by 30 sec, 28.7 and 29.3.

Nearly 50 live foals were born at St Fort last year and 100 mares were put in foal. Tony said his main aim was to work with the youngsters he was breeding at St Fort each year and turn them over.

And Im Sir Blake certainly promises to be an outstanding advertisement.

"I'm very confident a few more of the stock that we've sold will hit their straps when they get to the racetrack soon," Tony said.

Hoofnote: Proud mum Jupiters Darling remains at St Fort and is in foal to Auckland Reactor this season.

Youngsters thrive in the peace and open spaces of St Fort