Standout remains unbeaten, taking out the Listed Heritage Stakes at Randwick (Lisa Grimm)
“遍寻我所到过的国家，从未有一个节日庆典能够被全民所热爱，能够将全民凝聚在一起。墨尔本杯就是有这种魅力，它使我震惊不已。”
The cautious approach that has been the key to Standout’s unbeaten start to his racing career will continue despite the blueblood colt’s graduation to stakes level.
Standout advanced his record to three wins from as many starts when his superior fitness made the difference in the Listed Heritage Stakes over 1100m at Rosehill.
But any chance the photogenic three-year-old will go much deeper into the spring carnival has been quickly put to rest.
Gerald Ryan, who trains Standout for high-profile breeder George Altomonte, insists the colt is just one run away from the spelling paddock.
In ruling out the Coolmore Stud Stakes, the Group One for three-year-olds run over 1200m at Flemington on Victoria Derby day that has a reputation as a stallion-making race, Ryan said patience would continue to be Standout’s ally.
“We’ve nurtured him this far and we aren’t in a hurry with him,” Ryan said.
“I really think this horse will come into his own in the autumn. He’s a big horse and those big horses get better as they get older.
“He won’t be going to Melbourne. He’ll stay at home.”
After wins at Gosford and on the Kensington track at Randwick, Standout came from midfield in a fast-run Heritage to beat the resuming Cosmic Force, last season’s beaten Golden Slipper favourite.
He was ridden with precision by Tommy Berry, the jockey who claimed the 2013 Golden Slipper on the colt’s sister Overreach.
“It’s always an honour to put these colours on for George Altomonte, he’s a great breeder, massive supporter of the industry and great to see him get another good horse,” Berry said.
Standout’s dam Bahia has been an absolute gem for Altomonte and his Corumbene Stud.
Corumbene manager Toby Frazer said Standout had a presence about him from the day he was foaled on the upper Hunter Valley property that is home to 200 thoroughbreds.
“He’s always had a special look about him, just a good, strong horse,” he said.
“And that’s how he got his name. He was always a standout in the mob.
“We’ve given him plenty of time so he’s ready and he can’t do any more than he’s done.”
Bahia, a Snippets mare who was retired unbeaten after four stars, has had six foals to the races and Standout is her fifth winner.
Her other progeny includes Outreach who raced once when runner-up to subsequent Golden Slipper winner Vancouver in the 2015 Group Three Canonbury Stakes at Rosehill.
Outreach is standing his fourth season at Widden Stud.
Standout gave Darley Stud flagbearer Exceed And Excel his 163rd stakes winner on a day when another of his three-year-olds Bivouac landed the Group One Golden Rose over 1400m for Godolphin.
Bahia foaled another colt by Exceed And Excel in 2018 but wasn’t served last year.
