Curraghmore graduates have been in top form over the last few days with Distinctive Darci (Darci Brahma) following up Unforgotten's (Fastnet Rock) record breaking Gr.1 Australian Oaks (2400m) win with a dominant victory at the Singapore Turf Club on Sunday night.
Bred by Nearco Stud, Distinctive Darci was given a superb ride by Valid Duric and was far too strong for his rivals in the S$125,000 Kranji Stakes A race over 1000m.
The Mark Walker-trained son of Darci Brahma, who was purchased by Te Akau Racing for $100,000 from Curraghmore's 2015 New Zealand Bloodstock draft, will now head to the Gr.2 Merlion Trophy (1200m) on April 27.
In Sydney Chris Waller was unfazed leading into the Australian Oaks when Hiyaam beat Unforgotten in the Gr.1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m). Waller proved he knew his horse when a fortnight later Unforgotten turned the tables in style at Randwick to claim the A$1 million ATC Australian Oaks in record time.
Unforgotten, the $4 favourite, levelled up to front runner Hiyaam at the 100m and cruised home by a length in 2:27.21, to eclipse Serenade Rose's 2006 mark of 2.28:80.
On the Gold Coast it was exciting to see Dauphine De France (Zabeel) record his second win in a row. Curraghmore will sell a half-sister weanling by Sacred Falls at the upcoming New Zealand Bloodstock May Sale.
It was disappointing that Fanatic (Shocking) had been scratched from the Gr.1 Sydney Cup due to an injury during the week. Hopefully she will be back to 100% fitness quickly.
