Snitzel sires 104th stakes winner.
Arrowfield Stud-based stallion Snitzel (Redoute's Choice) sired his 104th stakes winner as his son Immortal Love (3 g ex Loveyamadly by Bel Esprit) prevailed in a close finish in the HDF McNeil Stakes (Gr 3, 1200m) at Caulfield on Saturday and thus retaining his unbeaten record in the process.
Trained by Michael Price and Michael Kent Jnr, the three-year-old gelding flew home to clinch victory from the jaws of defeat, beating Flying Award (Shamus Award) by a nose, while last season's Blue Diamond Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m) winner Tagaloa (Lord Kanaloa) was the same distance away in third.
"I knew that I was going to have two colts at the back because of their gates (Our Playboy and National Choice) but I would have thought that he (Immortal Love) must have been slow out, I was trying to watch three at once," said Price.
"Anyway, he did a great job. You can add about three lengths to his form if it does rain."
Price said the colt would now be aimed at the Caulfield Guineas (Gr 1, 1600m).
Raced and bred by United Syndications, the gelding is out of Listed winner Loveyamadly (Bel Esprit), who the syndicator purchased for $60,000 at the 2010 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale.
Loveyamadly is a half-sister to Group 3-winning trio Lite'n In My Veins (Henrythenavigator), Hi World (High Chaparral) and Ducimus (Snitzel).
Further back this is the same family as Group 3-winning pair Tuscan Sling (Danehill Dancer) and Kiwia (Reset).
Loveyamadly's two-year-old is called Lovestoned (Not A Single Doubt), while in 2019 she produced a colt by Capitalist (Written Tycoon) and has most recently been covered by Rubick (Encosta De Lago).
Snitzel, who was crowned Australia's champion sire for the fourth time last season, will stand the upcoming breeding season for a fee of $165,000 (inc GST).