Jon Snow (NZ) Adds Tulloch Stakes to Karaka Graduates’ Sydney Haul

New Zealand-breds and Karaka graduates have enjoyed wonderful success at the Sydney autumn carnival in recent years, and 2017 is proving to be no different.

Last week it was the New Zealand Derby hero Gingernuts (NZ) (Iffraaj), who cost $5000 and $42,500 in his two visits to Karaka, who flew the flag with a dominant win in the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m).

On Saturday it was another son of Iffraaj, Jon Snow (NZ), who stole the show in the A$200,000 Group 2 Power Distribution Australia Tulloch Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill.

Third behind Gingernuts in the New Zealand Derby, Jon Snow stepped out of his compatriot’s shadow with a resounding win against a field that included Group 1 Victoria Derby winner Prized Icon (More Than Ready).

Ridden by Damian Lane for Cambridge trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman, Jon Snow ploughed through the heavy track and drew away from his opposition in the last 300 metres to score by two and three-quarter lengths.

The win capped a long run of placings for Jon Snow, who since his maiden win at New Plymouth in May has run second in the Group 2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m), third in the Group 2 Great Northern Guineas (1600m), third in the Group 1 Levin Classic (1600m), third in the $250,000 NZB Insurance Karaka Mile (1600m) and third in the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m).

“New Zealand Derby form is always good in Sydney in the autumn,” Forsman said. “He's a big, gangly sort of horse. He's only just maturing now.

“He just keeps stepping up. He's so genuine and honest. He's not the most robust-looking horse but he's got a great temperament and a great constitution.”

Lane was highly impressed with his mount’s performance.

“He's got a lot of talent,” he said. “He couldn't have impressed me any more.”

Bred by RWE Moore, Jon Snow is out of the O’Reilly mare Orinda (NZ) and descends from the Moore family’s famous line that includes such illustrious performers as Solveig, Soliloquy, Greig, Soltanto and many more.

Offered by Haunui Farm at the 2015 Select Sale, Jon Snow was purchased by Forsman for $65,000. He is raced by the Zame Partnership, for whom he has now earned more than $300,000 in prizemoney.