Converge maintains Frankel's hot streak at Eagle Farm

A fine few days for Frankel continued as he had a first Australian juvenile Group 1 winner through the impressive Converge in the J J Atkins at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

Last weekend the Juddmonte stallion sired his first Derby winner as Adayar galloped to Epsom glory, while his 15th individual top-level scorer was also his third down under.

Converge, who is Australian-bred but already gelded, represents a triumph for his owner-breeders Evergreen Stud.

His dam, the Shamardal mare Conversely, was placed three times in a season running for Henry de Bromhead and his wife Heather after being part of a Godolphin draft at the 2017 Goffs February Sale, where she was knocked down to BBA Ireland for just €6,000.

Evergreen, a Hong Kong-owned operation, bought her privately in-foal to Frankel on southern hemisphere time.

From a very good Argentinian family and out of a US Grade 3 winner, Conversely produced Converge, her first foal, on August 21, 2018 so he will not actually turn three for a couple of months.

Trained by the partnership of Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, the youngster has had a busy campaign, which included winning a Listed event at Randwick, taking third in the Group 1 Champagne Stakes and placing in several other high-class contests before streaking clear at Eagle Farm by three and a quarter lengths under Tim Clark.

Bott said: "He's such a genuine horse. He's not the biggest horse in the stable by any means, but he's got the biggest heart.

"He's the most honest horse we've got and now he's got an explosive turn of foot to go with it, so it's dangerous.

"We can really go home and dream tonight about what could be possible for his three-year-old career.

"If he continues to develop physically, and improving every time he steps out, like today, well then we've certainly got a lot ahead.”

Conversely's next foal, a Churchill colt, was sold for A$28,000 (£15,300/€17,800) at the 2020 Inglis Australian Weanling Sale.

Frankel's three-year-old daughter Hungry Heart has been a standout in Australia over the past few months, landing both the Vinery Stud Stakes and the Australian Oaks for the Chris Waller stable.

The Eagle Farm card also saw Starspangledbanner's daughter Brooklyn Hustle maintaining her productive spell in the Group 2 Dane Ripper Stakes, while Iffraaj's son Ayrton took pole position in the Gunsynd Classic.

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