Widden Stud Move on Blue Diamond Contender

On the eve of the $1million Group I MRC Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield, Widden Stud have announced they have secured an interest in exciting colt Of The Brave, a son of sire sensation Starspangledbanner.

Of the Brave in full flight.

A brilliant winner on debut of the Listed MRC Inglis Debutant Stakes in the spring, the Mark Riley trained colt tuned up for his first Group I assignment with a sensational all the way win in the Group III MRC Blue Diamond Prelude, a race won in past years by the likes of Danzero, Flying Spur, Lonhro, Bel Espirit, Beneteau and Sepoy.

Is it a stallion making race? These results would certainly suggest so.

“We believe he is a very exciting young horse to be involved with going forward given his outstanding looks, strong pedigree and raw speed,” said Antony Thompson.

“His sire Starspangledbanner was an exceptional racehorse that had the rare constitution and natural ability to achieve Group I success in both hemispheres as a world champion sprinter as was his sire Choisir.

“This could be an influential global sireline of the future and we hope Of The Brave could develop into an important stallion for Widden.”

An attractive yearling that made $170,000 at Magic Millions making him one of the top sellers from the first small crop of Australian bred foals by Starspangledbanner, Of The Brave has a superb speed pedigree.

He is a three-quarter brother to $1million earner and Group III winner Eloping and Group II placed Jesse’s Girl being one of four winners from terrific producer Runaway Jesse, a daughter of Golden Slipper winning sire Rory’s Jester.

Of The Brave has done everything asked of him to date and there is every reason to believe this super talented colt can go on to replicate the success of his sire, Starspangledbanner.