Sire sensation Starspangledbanner has been a superstar in Europe this year with his first small crop of runners and showed it will be more of the same in Australia when his two year-old son
Of The Brave (2c Starspangledbanner x Runaway Jesse, by Rory’s Jester) scored a dominant debut win in the
Listed MRC Debutants Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday.
A dashing chestnut like his sire,
Of The Brave was the quickest heat winner at Cranbourne two year-old trials last month and ran right up to that ability under race conditions.
He did everything right from gate one for Steve Baster to travel well throughout on the pace, quickening off the turn to win the 1000 metre scamper by a length and three-quarters.
“The horse is not even close to being anywhere near his best,” his trainer said.
“I think potentially he’s the best horse I’ve ever had. He’s most exciting.
“His coat hasn’t even come out yet but we ran him today because he’s just done everything so right. He’s just a natural racehorse. He’s got a great attitude.”
Of The Brave is bred to go fast being a
three-quarter brother to brilliant Group III winner Eloping and Group II placed Jesse’s Girl.
He is the fourth winner for Runaway Jesse, a half-sister by Rory’s Jester to
Group III winner All Courage.
Of the Brave is the
first Australian runner for Starspangledbanner, who has sired
seven winners in Europe this year from limited runners led by
Group I winner The Wow Signal and
Group II winner Anthem Alexandra.
The Caulfield Guineas hero in 2009, who went on to achieve global Group I success at Royal Ascot,
Starspangledbanner is covering a select book of 50 mares at Rosemont Stud in Victoria and will shuttle back to
Coolmore Ireland for his 2015 season.