The versatility and prowess of Iffraaj received another boost with the decisive, debut victory of Melt in the Listed Counties Challenge at Pukekohe, NZ, on 25 November.
Best known for his champion European miler Ribchester, Iffraaj has also produced the G1 winners Gingernuts, Jon Snow and Turn Me Loose from his New Zealand crops.
And judged by what she showed in her first appearance at the races, Melt is on the way to becoming a worthy member of the group.
After jumping cleanly and settling behind the leaders, Melt was produced at the 300m, hit the front soon after and raced clear to score by three-and-a-quarter lengths.
A daughter of the speedy mare Ticklish, a winner twice at Listed level in New Zealand, Melt is from the family of G1 VRC Derby winner Omnicorp.
Melt is owned by Andrew Fowler, who bred the filly in partnership with C J Cochrane, and becomes Iffraaj’s 56th Stakes winner.
Iffraaj, who is in second place on the NZ sires’ money list, stood the latest southern hemisphere season under the Darley Banner at Haunui Stud, NZ.
He will take up duties for the forthcoming northern hemisphere season at Dalham Hall Stud, Newmarket at a fee of £40,000 Oct 1, Special Live Foal.
