It was a case of Kiwis sticking together when the Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained Sierra Sue (NZ) (Darci Brahma) landed the Gr.2 Rose of Kingston Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on Saturday under an economical ten out of ten ride by jockey Michael Walker.
Horse, trainers and jockey all started their careers in New Zealand and Sierra Sue has quickly fashioned a successful record in Australia, with Saturday’s win her fifth in seven starts and most important to date.
“Wow, we had the gate not in our favour and we thought let’s just give her an economical run and he (Michael Walker) was cool, calm and collected and just found the right path through, and she showed that fifth gear and just put them away,” Natalie Young said.
“She’s had seven starts now, that’s her fifth win and a second. She’s just been versatile and for a mare that has been in the barn she’s shown so much class all the way through and she just loves the three weeks between runs and keeping fresh.
“We thought we might head to the Tristarc (Gr.2, 1400m)in a couple of weeks, but the way she won you’d almost have a crack at the Empire Rose (Gr.1, 1600m) at the end of the month and just really space the run out and tackle that Group One fresh.“
Walker believes the mare is destined to make the grade at the elite level and will be suited stepping up in trip.
“I was just lucky enough that I had the horse underneath” Walker said.
“I told the connections that she, other than Tagaloa, she’s the best they’ve got. She’s x-factor, she’s a Group One horse in the making.
“She did it all into the Oaks in Adelaide at the end of her prep. She came back, first-up the other day, and won easily and I was very confident today until the draw came out.
“I’ve said since I sat back on her this preparation, a mile or 2000 metres Group One fillies and mares races, she’s right in there. She’s top class, I promise you.
Sierra Sue was originally sold out of Ardsley Stud’s 2019 New Zealand Bloodstock May Sale draft for $2,000 to Te Aroha trainer Peter Lock.
A trials winner in New Zealand for Lock, Sierra Sue was purchased privately by a prominent group of Australian owners, headed by developer, hotelier and horseracing identity Aziz “Ozzie” Kheir through eagle-eyed bloodstock agent Phill Cataldo.
“I bought her after she won a trial at Te Aroha in impressive fashion,” Cataldo said.
“She’s a big, scopey mare with a great action and it is really pleasing to see her go on and perform so well for her new connections.”
Sierra Sue is the 48th Stakes winner for high class sire Darci Brahma, who stands for $15,000 + GST
