Faust (NZ) Leads From Start to Finish

Kiwi-bred stayer Faust (NZ) (Librettist) led from start to finish in the way in the Group 3 A$125,000 Channel 7 Premier’s Cup (2020m) at Doomben on Saturday.

Faust (NZ) wins the Group 3 Channel 7 Premier's Cup.

Faust was the first of three New Zealand-bred horses to win at Doomben with Karaka graduate Upham (NZ) (Mastercraftsman) winning the Group 3 Grand Prix Stakes, followed by Bohemian Lily (NZ) (O’Reilly) taking victory in the Group 2 The Roses Stakes.

Faust began his racing career with two starts in New Zealand’s Tony Pike’s stable where he placed second and third before relocating to Australia, winning fresh up. Trained by Kurt Goldman, he has now won seven of his 30 starts, including the Listed Canberra Cup earlier this year.

“I was very positive going into the race,” commented Goldman. “The horse travelled up a few days before the race and settled in terrific.

“James (McDonald) thought the horse felt as though he could go on. He was strong after the line which is a good indication that he should be able to run further.

“He has been in work for a long time and is a very tough horse.”

Going forward in the early stages for kiwi jockey James McDonald, Faust overtook Baligari (Purrealist) to lead the field as they passed the post for the first time. The tempo quickened as they approached the final corner with Faust continuing to lead with Wish Come True (Aussie Rules) travelling handy to the outside of him.

Trailing Faust, Baligari squeezed through on the rail in an attempt to overtake the front-runner but Faust kicked away from the field. The challengers could not peg back the Faust and he claimed victory by a long neck over Baligari with Jetset Lad (NZ) (Elusive City) in third place.

“The plan now is to take him home and bring him back to the Gold Coast in three weeks for the Tattersall’s Cup,” added Goldman.

Winning his seventh start, the five-year-old gelding’s prizemoney has increased to A$381,253 for owners Mr AM Cardy, Mr MD Wiener, Mr PH Green, Bizzell Scott Columbus Gamble, Solomon Lang Racing, Mr JS Hilton, Poidevin Paradice Racing, Mr D Caddis, Mr J Caddis and Mr CC Archer.

Tony Pike Bloodstock purchased Faust at the 2011 Karaka Select Sale for $36,000 from Rich Hill Stud.

Bred by Alan Galbraith, the son of Librettist is out of stakes-winner Recce (Spectacular Love), winner of the Listed KPMG Stakes, and he is a half-brother to Grand Reve (Canny Lad), winner of the Listed Chief de Beers and was runner-up in the Group 3 BTC Classic.