Consecutive G3 Cups for Solzhenitsyn (NZ)

This season’s Group 1 Toorak Handicap winner Solzhenitsyn (NZ) returned to winning form on Saturday at Doomben when taking his second win in the A$115,000 Group 3 Lord Mayor's Cup (1600m).

Solzhenitsyn(St Petersburg x Tri Victory) was originally set for the Group 1 Doomben Cup at the same meeting but with trainer Robert Heathcote missing the race nomination deadline he was forced to line up in the Group 3 Lord Mayor's Cup instead.

Solzhenitsyn (NZ) will now be aimed at the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap

Despite the error, Solzhenitsyn ensured it was a successful day for his connections. Working across from his wide draw of 11 to lead at the 1000 metre mark under jockey Michael Rodd, Solzhenitsyn was under pressure from rival Transporter on the turn and the pair had a great battle down the straight with the son of St Petersburg edging clear in the final strides to win by a short neck.

The six-year-old won the Group 3 Lord Mayor's Cup last year in his black-type debut where he was also ridden by Michael Rodd.

Heathcote commented after the race that Solzhenitsyn will now be aimed at the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) where he could be joined by fellow kiwi breds including Famous Seamus who has won two listed races this preparation.

Solzhenitsyn is raced by Paul Willetts, Lawrence Nash, Cherry Taylor, Damon Gabbedy, Mr J Capo, and Mr A Watkins and has won 12 of his 30 starts for A$720,600 in stakes.

Bred by Grande Vue Lodge Syndicate, Solzhenitsyn was purchased by Paul Willetts from Murray & Eve Holmes’s Grande Vue Lodge at New Zealand Bloodstock's 2007 National Weanling Sale for just $10,000.

NZB’s 2013 National Weanling, Broodmare & Mixed Bloodstock Sale still has unsold weanlings available for purchase. Click here to view the Passed In lots or contact NZB’s Bloodstock Representative Danny Rolston with your enquiry.