First Australian Stakes-Winner for War Pass

Sydney – Widden Stud’s ill-fated shuttle sire War Pass (USA) posted his first Australian stakes-winner on Saturday when promising colt Never Can Tell overpowered hot favourite Whittington to win the Listed ATC Canonbury Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday.

A winner on debut for the Anthony Cummings stable over the same course and distance back on October 27, Never Can Tell was tuned up with a recent trial and despite jumping from the outside in a field of 10 always looked a threat in running.

He stalked the leader Whittington and when asked to challenge by his rider Peter Robl did so with enthusiasm, forging clear to win by half a length with talented Sebring colt Criterion working home into third.

“We’ll wander along towards the Slipper and find a nice race for him along the way,” said Anthony Cummings.

“He was pretty foolproof today. He took a lot out of his first preparation, where he was quite green.”

A homebred for Gooree Stud, Never Can Tell is the fourth winner for stakes-winning Storm Bird mare Chalee (USA), who comes from the family of stakes-winners Swiss Echo, Better Than Ever and Be Positive.

Chalee also has a yearling colt by War Pass, so connections will be doubly pleased to see Never Can Tell come out and hit the ground running.

War Pass is the fourth stakes-winner worldwide, but first in Australia, for former Champion US 2YO War Pass, who died suddenly in Kentucky after shuttling to Australia for just two seasons.

His final Australian yearlings are being offered at sales this year.