September 4 – Fastnet Rock mare Lagerphone might have been a very naughty girl at the barriers, but she may well make amends at stud, judging by her stunning first foal.
This Magic Albert filly, born last Friday night, is impressing everyone at Yarraman Park and elicited the comment from bloodstock consultant James Bester that “she’s as classy a first foal as I’ve seen anywhere – a real little athlete with a lot of quality and great physique, like both her mum and sire, both superb individuals.”
Owned by Atlantic Jewel’s part-owner ‘lucky Laurie’ Macri, Lagerphone fortunately earned ‘black type’ before an aversion to race-day barriers saw her barred from racing. “
“John O’Shea told me he’d win a really big race with her,” explained Bester, who had bought the Fastnet Rock mare as a yearling.
“That wasn’t to be but on the basis of her physique and intrinsic ability, as well as the Fastnet x Success Express cross that begot Sea Siren, I advised Laurie to buy out partners and breed from her. Looks like his decision to do just that may pay dividends!”
Macri and Bester have had a long and fruitful association, starting with Virage de Fortune and encompassing the likes of Von Costa de Hero, Banc de Fortune, Downhill Racer, Cecconi, Beauty School, etc.
“Laurie loves Fastnet,” said Bester. “I’ve talked him into three Fastnet fillies so far – unbeaten Group I Guineas winner Atlantic Jewel, beautifully-bred Listed stakes-winner Upon This Rock (“will I build my broodmare band”) and Listed stakes-placer Lagerphone. If the other two produce ‘types’ like this first foal, Laurie will be ‘lucky’ indeed!”
