There were two Curraghmore graduates running at stakes level in Australia over the weekend, and both put in good runs to finish in the placings.
Unforgotten (Fastnet Rock) returned to Randwick on Saturday, where she was a last-start winner of the Gr.2 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m), for the Gr.1 Epsom Handicap (1600m).
The Chris Waller-trained mare made up good ground weaving through the field and finished third, less than a length behind winner Hartnell.
"It was a big run," said jockey Kerrin McEvoy.
"She had trouble with the tempo up the back and had to make up a lot of ground in the straight."
Bred in Australia by Coolmore linked Roncon, Unforgotten was sold as a yearling in the Curraghmore draft at the 2016 New Zealand Bloodstock National Sale, bringing $360,000 to the successful bid of Waller.
Sunday racing at Caulfield saw Long Leaf (Fastnet Rock) line up in the Gr.3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m)
This was his third start back this campaign and the $750,000 New Zealand Bloodstock graduate looks like he'll get 1600m after being one of the best closers in a race dominated by those on speed.
He ran the fastest last 1200m, 1000m, 800m, 600m and 400m (22.85secs) of the race to be beaten into third by three lengths.
"It was a very good run," said jockey James McDonald.
"I thought he got round the bends well, obviously he has a good record, he travelled well. He hit the line strong and I think if he's going to have a crack at a mile now is the time because I think as an older horse he will end up a sprinter."
Both Unforgotten and Long Leaf definitely look on target for bigger races in the near future.
