A homebred for Shadwell, foaled and raised at Yarraman Park, exciting colt Ertijaal made it four wins in as many starts when he led throughout and strode clear to win the 2000 metre Group I Cape Derby at Kenilworth on Saturday by four and three-quarter lengths.
A three year-old Hard Spun (USA) colt prepared by Mike de Kock, Ertijaal had been impressive in the lower grades and looked good winning a Listed race on January 11, but his dominance here suggests he’s a colt that will win many more races.
A half-brother to Dubai Group III winner Mushreq, who was also Group I placed in South Africa and Macau stakes-winner Jazza Bell, Ertijaal is the sixth winner for stakes-placed Jeune (GB) mare Alharir, a half-sister to the dam of Group I winner Rewaaya from the family of Group I winners Snippets and Forensics.
It’s a sensational family that has been producing at the top level for quite a while now, although as a Derby winner Ertijaal is bringing something new to the table for what is generally perceived as a speed family.
Alharir has a filly foal by Shadwell’s Blue Diamond winner Nadeem, who is now at stud in New Zealand and was one of 114 mares covered last year by Darley’s Group I winner Dawn Approach (IRE), the first son of Galileo’s Epsom Derby hero New Approach to go to stud.
Ertijaal is the first Australian bred Group I winner for Darley based Hard Spun, who shuttled to Victoria for six seasons, but did not come last year and is his sixth Group I winner overall.
