Son of Iffraaj sparkles at Moonee Valley

Talented Iffraaj colt Turn Me Loose (winner of last year's G1 New Zealand 2,000 Guineas) added a fourth Stakes victory to his record on 24 October, leading all the way to land the G2 Schweppes Crystal Mile at Moonee Valley in Australia. Bow Creek (Shamardal) finished a creditable second on his Australian debut.

The four-year-old colt was making a quick return to the racecourse following his victory in the Listed Seymour Cup (also over a mile) last Sunday and took today's G2 contest in a time that was close to the track record.

Turn Me Loose was bred by well-known New Zealand race broadcaster George Simon and is the third foal to race out of the Danehill mare Indomitable, a half-sister to Stakes performer Martial Art.

His trainer Murray Baker indicated after the race that his charge will now target the $1 million G1 Emirates Handicap in a fortnight's time.

Turn Me Loose is one of five G1 winners for Iffraaj, together with Rizeena, Chriselliam, Benvenue and Wootton Bassett. This year, he has sired G2 Mill Reef Stakes winner Ribchester, fellow G2 winner Serena Miss, plus G1 performers Nathra, Magic Artist, Latharnach and Sardaaj.