Petrol Power had too much gas for the opposition in today’s $100,000 WATC Placid Ark S. 1200m LR, his second black-type success in an eight-start career.
The 3YO son of Snitzel settled comfortably just behind the leaders, challenged on the turn and proved too strong for Sujet, winning by a neck with Guardlock 1.75 lengths back in third. Sujet, having his first start, was the race favourite following three impressive trial wins, most recently a 6.75-length romp at Belmont.
Bred by Oakland Park Stud, Petrol Power strengthens Snitzel’s position at the head of the Australian 3YO Sires’ table, and as the leading Australian-based sire on the General list. It’s a remarkable performance for a stallion with only five crops in play and around half the runners fielded by his nearest rival Fastnet Rock.
Petrol Power, who won the WATC Supremacy S. LR as a 2YO, was a $240,000 purchase from the 2012 Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale and is trained by Jim Taylor for owner Sam Trimboli. His dam Diamonds and Dust (by Charnwood Forest) is an unraced half-sister to Group 2 winner Burrito, from the family of last season’s 2YO Group winner Direct Charge (by Charge Forward).
Snitzel is the sire of five stakeswinners this spring, including Cox Plate G1 winner Shamus Award and 2YOs Oakleigh Girl & Golconda. He is one of four sons of Redoute’s Choice among Australia’s top 25 sires by progeny earnings this season. The others are Stratum, Bradbury’s Luck and Not A Single Doubt.
The 2014 Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale offers 39 opportunities to buy a Snitzel yearling, including four fillies and a colt in the Arrowfield draft.