Three in a Row for Brutal (NZ)

Three in a Row for Brutal (NZ)

Exciting colt Brutal (NZ) (O’Reilly), a graduate of the 2017 Premier Sale at Karaka, extended his perfect record to three out of three in Saturday’s A$120,000 Listed Antler Luggage Plate (1400m) at Flemington.

Bought for $220,000 by trainers Hawkes Racing, Brutal began his career with an impressive five-length win at Caulfield in July.

He stepped up to stakes level and won again in last month’s Listed McKenzie Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley, and on Saturday he mastered an extra 200 metres for his second black-type win.

Ridden by Dwayne Dunn, Brutal led from the outset and fought back bravely after being headed in the straight to win by a half-head.

"It's his first prep and he's going to be a hell of a horse in the autumn,” co-trainer Wayne Hawkes said.

“He's not the fully furnished racehorse, but he's had three starts for three wins. He's won a stakes race over 1400 metres at Flemington, so for where he is at this stage of his career, it doesn't get any better."

Brutal has so far earned A$201,200 in prize-money for owners R & C Legh Racing Pty Ltd, Pulitano Thoroughbreds Pty Ltd, B & C Thoroughbreds Pty Ltd, Mr S J Bates, Mrs D L Bates, Mr H J Chapman, Mrs J S Willis, Mr D V Russo and Gurners Bloodstock Co.

From the final crop of O’Reilly, Brutal is a son of the stakes-placed mare Alberton Princess (NZ) (Golan). The colt’s full-sister Talaria (NZ) (O’Reilly) is also a stakes winner.