Roaring Success for Growl
16 October 2006
New Zealand Bloodstock graduate Growl (Montjeu x The Lions Roar) produced a classy win in the $201,000 Group 2 Winning Edge Presentations Stakes (2400m) at Caulfield on Saturday to gain himself automatic entry into the $2,500,000 Group 1 BMW Caulfield Cup. Touted by trainer David Hayes as the best chance of his four runners in the race, Growl overcame a wide barrier draw to win by one-and-a-half lengths in the hands of Craig Williams.
Bred by Windsor Park Stud, he'll be looking to emulate fellow Windsor Park Stud-bred Might and Power (Zabeel x Benediction) who won seven Group 1 races including the Caulfield Cup. Now the winner of six races from nine starts, Growl started as favourite on Saturday and is building a versatile track record with his wins ranging from 1200 metres to 2400 metres. His entry into the BMW Caulfield Cup, one of the world's richest 2400m handicap races, sees the four-year-old gelding set to carry the light-weight of 49kg.
Growl was purchased by Mr BK Ma at the 2005 Karaka Premier Sale for NZ$360,000. A full brother to Growl will be offered at the 2007 Karaka Premier Sale.
The Lions Roar (Western Symphony x Winter Solstice), herself a multiple Group performer, is also the dam of dual Listed winner Leeu (Volksraad).
Third place-getter in the race was Growl's stable-mate and former New Zealand trained mare, Purde (Bahhare x Dupre). Bred in partnership by her NZ trainer Ross McCarrol with Russell Hyams, and Noel Nicholson, Purde is the first foal of the Masterclass mare, Dupre, and has won on four occasions including the Group 3 SAJC Auraria Stakes (1800m).
Purde will be represented by a half brother at the up-coming Ready to Run Sale in November. On account of Sebas Farm, the gelding is by Stark South - the sire of Group 1 winners Hail and Bodie.