Southern hemisphere Classic winner for Iffraaj

A winner two starts back of the G2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas followed by a last start third at G3 level, exciting Iffraaj colt Turn Me Loose became the first G1 winner in the southern hemisphere for his sire, winning the New Zealand 2,000 Guineas over a mile by three lengths at Riccarton Park.

Jumping from the middle of the line as the gates opened, the Opie Bosson-ridden colt went forward to travel in second position behind race leader Vinnie Eagle.

Always appearing to have the leader covered, Bosson asked the Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman-trained colt for his effort before the home turn and he bounded clear, surging to the line to achieve his third victory from only six starts.

Bred in New Zealand by George and Maryanne Simon of Mana Park, Turn Me Loose is the first Stakes winner out of the Danehill mare Indomitable, a three-quarter sister to the Singapore G1 performer Martial Art (Tiger Hill).

Later in the day, the G2-winning four-year-old Iffraaj mare Fix continued her consistent form, finishing second in the Legacy Lodge Sprint at Te Rapa, New Zealand.

Iffraaj has sired 23 Stakes horses in 2014 including G1-winners Rizeena and Benvenue with four further Group winners including top-sprinter Hot Streak. Iffraaj will stand the forthcoming season at Dalham Hall Stud at a fee of £22,500 Oct 1st, Special live foal.