Stallion Status on The Line at Doomben

Won in the past by the likes of Spirit Of Boom (Sequalo), Epaulette (Commands), Bel Esprit (Royal Academy) and Falvelon (Alannon), who all went on to have successful stud careers, Saturday's $1 million Doomben 10,000 sees three potential stallions prospects of the future aiming to tick off that elusive Group 1 victory and ensure a lucrative life at stud. Mark Newnham's Splintex (Snitzel-Acquired, by O'Reilly), a last start winner of the Gr3 Hallmark Stakes, has all the right credentials to prove successful at stud, but a win on Saturday by the Josh Parr-ridden 4YO would seal the deal. Snowden Racing's 3YO colt Wild Ruler (Snitzel-Gypsy Robin, by Daaher) is another in the same position. Initially the plan was to spell the colt after his last start win in the Gr2 Arrowfield Stud Stakes (see below), but when the announcement was made that Nature Strip (Nicconi) would bypass the race, connections felt it was the opportune time to try and add that elite level score for his extensive ownership group which includes Newgate Farm, China Horse Club, Go Bloodstock, Winstar Farm and Glenlogan Park Stud. The final entire of the 11-horse field is multiple stakes winner Graff (Star Witness-Dinkum Diamond, by Keep The Faith), who will be having his first start for the Tony Gollan yard. With a very good first up record, highlighted by success in the Gr2 Caulfield Sprint last campaign, the Aquis-bound 5YO has shown Group 1 ability in the past, having finished third in the Golden Rose and fourth in both the Black Caviar Lightning and Newmarket, as well as fifth in The Everest.