Darley stallions had a day out at Caulfield on Saturday annexing
the first three stakes races on the programme culminating with the win of Gregers
in the Group III Sportingbet WW Cockram Stakes.
The David Hayes and Tom Dabernig-trained mare raced on the
speed before fighting off the stubborn A Time For Julia long-neck with
Commanding Jewel a nose back in third.
It was the first stakes success for the daughter of Commands since her
victory in the Group III MRC Thousand Guineas Prelude almost 12 months ago. She
has since placed in the Group 1 Thousand Guineas and Group 1 Robert Sangster
Classic and was fourth behind Lankan Rupee in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate.
Hayes said the form out of the race will prove strong.
"Three very good fillies to follow for the spring," Hayes
said.
"But my girl just had the edge of race fitness on them.
"The Let's Elope (stakes) is a possible or maybe fresh
legs going into the Rupert Clarke, I don't think that will hurt her, we want
her in October and November as well, not just now."
"It's always a bit of a risk if you peak at this time
of year, you can be left with nothing."
Consigned by Lindsay Park to the Magic Millions National
Weanling Sale, Gregers was bought back by Lindsay Park Racing for $130,000.
A half-sister to last week's hugely impressive Moonee Valler
winner Girl Guide (Churchill Downs), Gregers is third and final foal of Canny
Lad mare Satnav, who is a full sister to top producer Yes She Can Cancan, the
dam of Group I winners Ofcourseican, Gimmethegreenlight and the stakes-placed
Longma.
Tragically, Gregers' sire Commands passed away on the eve of
the 2014 breeding season. The son of Danehill covered 161 mares last season so
his influence will be felt for some time to come.
