Lightly raced 5yo GARZA BLANCA (I Am Invincible x Mousai) claimed his maiden stakes win on Saturday 30 November at Caulfield in the Listed Doveton Stakes over 1200m. The Melbourne day had begun with persistent rain and all eyes were on the track conditions as Garza had never shown a liking for soft or heavy ground. While the ownership group might have been concerned the calm words of trainer Ciaron Maher should have been enough to settle the nerves. "I think he has a class edge on them today and while I know he would run better on top of the ground he will handle the track okay today" was the Mounting Yard message.
In a small field of six after scratchings, Garza Blanca was smartly away under Craig Williams. Craig elected to take a sit in the one-one position behind the leaders through the early part of the race and he was quickly into a good rhythm. Once the field turned for home Craig angled out into clear air and he quickly reeled in the leader It'sourtime. The two settled down to fight it out with Garza always looking in command of the race. The sectionals were strong throughout with Garza recording 22.86 for the final 400m on the heavy track. Williams commented after the race "I just wanted him to perform like he did in his trial. I knew we had the horse to win the race and he is so competitive when racing amongst horses. There are lots of options for him going forward".
Garza Blanca took his record to 15 starts for four wins and five second placings and over $425,000 in prize money. Connections and trainer were rewarded for their patience with the talented son of I AM INVINCIBLE becoming the stallions 111th Stakes winner. Still the track record holder for the 1200m at Cranbourne the future continues to look very bright for this lightly raced sprinter.
A Queensland campaign beckons with connections set to target the Magic Millions carnival in January.
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