Fernvale horseman Darrel Graham has boosted his stocks.
Several new additions have recently joined his stables including the very promising New Zealand juvenile Star Of Montana from the stables of Barry Purdon.
The Art Major gelding will arrive on Friday and be spelled immediately with connections looking at several features next season including the Victoria Derby series.
A winner of two races during his rookie term, Star Of Montana qualified for the recent Gr.1 $150,000 Emerald on Jewels day but did not go to the post following a disappointing effort in his last start.
He finished towards the rear in the Gr.1 $156,000 New Zealand Sires Stakes at Addington on May 18.
“He looks like he’s nice horse with good upside but will spell before coming back as a three-year-old and being set for Derby classics, the Victoria Derby is the first major assignment. Dean (Shannon) bought him at the yearling sales for good money and placed him Barry for his education and early racing, we’ve enjoyed dealing with Barry since buying Five Card Draw several season ago.” Graham said.
Back in 2010, the Graham/Shannon combination headed to Melbourne and finished third behind Courage To Rule and Sir Lincoln (Royal) in the Victoria Derby with another ex-Kiwi in Lanercost.
The Courage Under Fire colt went on to claim both the Tasmanian and Australian Derby classics.
Also joining the stable are Montana Chief and Machitelli.
Like Star Of Montana, Montana Chief arrives from the Victorian stables of David Miles following four starts during his maiden series.
The Art Major youngster is a last start winner at Kilmore back on May 15.
Dean Shannon also owns Montana Chief.
Machitelli, a former New Zealand three-year-old filly was recently purchased by Jodie Foster and will make her debut at Albion Park tomorrow (Thursday) at Albion Park.
The Mach Three filly finished 6th at Oamaru on May 20 at her most recent start but draws the inside gate in her Queensland debut.
“I think she’ll prove hard to beat, we toyed with the idea of starting in the Redcliffe Oaks but thought this was a better option for her at this stage. Hopefully, we’ll get a chance in races like the South East and Queensland Oaks next month.
“Montana Chief has arrived in great order and looks a nice type; he kept improving throughout the season and hopefully keeps improving with time. We’ll be looking at some better races with him next season too.”
Graham currently sits second in the state premiership with 105 winners while having 108 winners overall following some victories in New South Wales.
Chris Barsby | RQ Web News | June 6