Talented Victorian staying prospect Methuselah will head home for the VRC St Leger after scoring a dominant win in today’s listed $100,000 Tasmanian Derby (2200m) at Elwick.
Prepared at Mornington by John McArdle, Methuselah downed local gallopers Barysh Quest and Colonial Gold – both from the Gary White stable.
The win completed a two year long range plan for connections after they purchased the son of Savoire Vivre for $30,000 at the 2010 Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale.
Closely related to a former Tassie Derby winner, Methuselah was sent south for his place in history following a strong win at Ararat over 2000 metres on January 16.
Three starts earlier he looked a horse to follow when successful in a 1400 metre maiden at Cranbourne.
A great advertisement for the Tasmanian Yearling Sale, Methuselah led home a perfect one-two result with two sale graduates in the feature staying event.
Methuselah is one of two winners, from two to race, for the winning mare Dazzling Vintage.
A daughter of Weasel Clause, Dazzling Vintage is a full sister to the Tasmanian Derby winner Father Floyd.
Methuselah is therefore a three quarter brother to the stakes performed, five time winner Love the Moment – another classy galloper by Savoire Vivre.
McArdle completed a magical Tasmanian Sale double when Snippetson three-year-old Kid Kobe won the $30,000 Carbine Club Plate.
A $26,000 buy at the 2010 sale, Kid Kobe is stakes placed and now a multiple winner with earnings over $68,000.
It was also a double for Jarrod Todd.
Six yearlings by Methuselah’s sire Savoire Vivre are catalogued for this month’s Tasmanian Yearling Sale at the Inveresk Showgrounds in Launceston.
One of those catalogued, a chestnut colt from the stakes winner Gehenna like the Derby winner hails from Armidale Stud.
That youngster, catalogued as lot 64, is a half brother to Vickers – the Flemington winning day of today’s impressive Victorian winner Tanqueray Lady.
The 2012 Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale will be held on February 21. To view the online catalogue click here.
Winner: Methuselah
Breeding: Savoire Vivre-Dazzling Vintage (Weasel Clause)
Race: TRC Tasmanian Derby LR (2200m)
Sold for: $30,000
Sale: 2010 Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale
Vendor: Armidale Stud (As Agent)
Buyer: Redgum Racing
Earnings: $75,325
Owner(s): Redgum Racing Syndicate, S Petrevski, L Petrevski & Bevcan Syndicate
Trainer: John McArdle (Mornington)
