Hunter Valley, November 5 – Melbourne Cup contender Sirmione catapulted into the field for Australia’s richest race with an impressive win in the Group One VRC LKS Mackinnon Stakes, a sensational result for his dam World Guide (NZ) who produced a filly by hot young sire Foreplay on October 26.
A $300,000 purchase from Murrulla Stud at the 2005 Magic Millions Yearling Sale Sirmione has now won three races and recouped costs having collected $730,875 in prizemoney for his lucky group of owners.
Bred by Murrulla Stud in partnership with Mr M Doyle, Sirmione is the second foal of the Defensive Play (USA) mare World Guide (NZ), a half-sister to Sunray, winner of the Group Three New Zealand St Leger and Rocking On, winner of the Listed Grafton Cup.
It’s a stout family featuring several strong stayers including VRC St Leger winner Headcutter and New Zealand Derby winner Great Command, so there is every reason to think that if he settles on Tuesday Sirmione will have every chance of running out the two miles.
Based at Martin Byrne’s Murrulla Stud, World Guide has a yearling filly by Magic Albert and produced this beautiful bay filly just over a week ago by Yarraman Park’s exciting young Danehill (USA) stallion Foreplay.
