Callanish (NZ) Extends Unbeaten Run to Eight

Fastnet Rock four-year-old Callanish (NZ) has stamped himself as a horse to follow in theautumn features as he took his unbeaten run to eight in the A$150,000 Listed Darley Seymour Cup (1600m) at Seymour on Sunday.

The Seymour Cup was the black-type debut for the Mick Price trained Callanish (ex Dancing Doll) who came into the race undefeated in seven starts and he had his work cut out for him, drawing the outside barrier in the 10 horse field.

Ridden by jockey Dale Smith, who has partnered Callanish to all eight of his wins, the son of Fastnet Rock was taken to the front from the outside barrier and responded well to hard riding in the straight, holding off the challenges of Over Quota (Testa Rossa) to win by half-a-length.

According to Mick Price, Callanish has proven a tough horse to train and he has been brought slowly through the grades, but he looks to have a great deal of ability. Sunday’s Seymour Cup was Callanish’s final test this preparation and he will be spelled and brought back in the autumn with the Group 1 Doncaster Handicap a possible target.

Price purchased Callanish, a half-brother to Group 3 winner Hofmeister, from Gordon Cunningham’s Curraghmore Stud for $320,000 at New Zealand Bloodstock’s 2010 Karaka Premier Sale.

Bred by Gordon Cunningham and Hallmark Stud, Callanish is raced by Plan B, Mr G Sturesteps, Mr Rob Harding, Mr S Tsalikidis, Mr L Bartle, Mr P Gorst, Mr J Kilgour, Ruby Bloodstock, Murumba Racing & Mr M Bisetto and has won just shy of A$250,000 in stakes from his eight victories.

Callanish is the 38th stakes winner for his sire Fastnet Rock who had a highly successful weekend with his son Hvasstan taking victory in the Group 2 Norman Robertson Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday.