Hammer Down Salutes in G.3 Cambridge Breeders' Stakes
2 May 2011
The Stephen McKee trained Hammer Down put in a tough performance on Saturday to take a well-deserved victory in the $70,000 Group 3 Windsor Park Breeders Stakes (1200m), making it a Group winning double for NZB graduates.
A solid performer on the track, Hammer Down (O'Reilly x Our Prized Rose) ran three consecutive thirds, one at Listed level behind the smart filly Magic Briar, before Saturday's win.
Now the winner of three of his 12 starts, the Group 3 win was Hammer Down's first at stakes level, taking his race day earnings to over $70,000.
Another Waikato Stud stallion, O'Reilly is also having a successful season, with Hammer Down his 49th individual stakes winner and his progeny earning a combined total of over $66 million.
Hammer Down was purchased by Bruce Perry Bloodstock from Esker Lodge for $60,000 at the 2009 Karaka Select Sale. Esker Lodge has a draft of 21 in the NZB May Sale including weanlings by High Chaparral, Pentire and Keeper.