Sebring Suns Aims at Golden Rose

The last metropolitan juvenile race of the season in Sydney was won at Canterbury on Wednesday by talented colt Sebring Sun, , a $100,000 Magic Millions purchase for Elite Thoroughbreds from the draft of Edinglassie Stud.

Elite Thoroughbreds have just tasted success with another Sebring in Seeking Asylum, who won at Canterbury last Saturday and like that filly, Sebring Sun is also trained by Gary Portelli.

A fine second on debut at Randwick last October, Sebring Sun was thought good enough to contest some of the better autumn races finishing fifth in the Listed ATC Lonhro Plate to Haptic and fifth to Exosphere in the Group II ATC Skyline Stakes before going for a spell.

Tuned up with a  recent trial, Sebring Sun gave the promise of better things to come when dashing home from near last for Hugh Bowman to win the 1200 metre maiden by a neck under 59.5 kg.

“He had the class edge on them,” Bowman said. “I just wanted to get him relaxed and into his rhythm.”

Sebring Sun is among the first acceptors for the $1million Group I ATC Golden Rose on September 12, so connections will be pleased to have that first win out of the way as he progresses towards better company.

“There is a long way to go and this looks a fantastic season of three-year-olds coming through but the Golden Rose is the number one aim,” Gary Portelli said.

“He is something special this colt. Today’s win was a confidence builder for him and for me. I am confident he will step up when he gets his opportunity.”

Bred by Stephen Kirkham,Sebring Sun is the first winner for Soleil Royale, a half-sister by French Deputy (USA) to globe-trotting Aussie bred Group I winner War Artist.

Sebring Sun is the 12th two year-old winner this season for Sebring, who has had a huge 12 months and will finish the season in third position by earnings on the Australian General Sires List to Fastnet Rock and Exceed and Excel.

Sebring stands at a fee of $66,000 and covered 192 mares last year including Black Caviar.