All In Black’s strong win in yesterday’s 2200 metre contest was a landmark for Cloughmore in several ways. The Don Eduardo mare’s victory capped off an excellent ten days for the advisory business, was another step forward for the All In.. family and also provided further evidence for our belief in staying – bred sires.
All In Black began the roll with her victory at New Plymouth on Thursday of last week. Carrying 59kg in her first attempt over ground, she accelerated when she needed to and cruised effortlessly to the line. Friday saw Sunshine One run a game second in Macau to take his earnings within a breath of M$2.1 million and on the following day we recorded our first ever “double” at a Premier meeting with Showcause and Align to Infinity both winning at Ellerslie. Yesterday’s Group 3 victory of All In Black was backed up by another game performance by Align to Infinity on ground which did not suit him and a fast-finishing fourth by Aussieaussieaussie in the Group 3 Easter Cup at Riccarton.
The deeds of the All In.. family are well documented but All In Black became Bonnie’s Delight first female stakeswinning descendant with yesterday’s success. Her dam, the Prized mare All In Grace, had previously been represented by the brilliant juvenile All In Brawl, winner of last year’s CJC Champagne Stakes in 1:07.48. All In Black, her dam’s first foal, also has good tactical speed but clearly it was her staying ability which was a key component in her Gold Cup victory. Certainly she was at an advantageous position in the weights, but the manner in which she finished off the race should give her connections hope for further success.
All of which brings me to the recent performance of Don Eduardo. He has always been well-priced and the recent announcement by Haunui that he will stand at $7000 this coming season has to be good news for breeders. To date his fillies and mares have outshone his colts and geldings but he does appear to have some handy males which are getting better with age. In 12 months time he could well be regarded as a proven horse; the toughness and genuineness of his offspring provide further evidence that breeding successful racehorses is not simply a matter of finding the fastest stallion around.
