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Royal Ascot in mind after Trapeze Artist dazzles in All Aged

Trapeze Artist: future uncertain but options include a trip to Royal Ascot
Trapeze Artist: future uncertain but options include a trip to Royal AscotCredit: Getty Images

Report: Australia, Saturday

Randwick: Schweppes All Aged Stakes (Group 1) 7f, turf, 2yo+

A decision on Trapeze Artist's (Gerald Ryan/Tye Angland) future is now imminent after the colt completed a stunning Group 1 double at Randwick.

The TJ Smith Stakes winner provided a fitting finale to the Sydney autumn carnival by adding the All Aged Stakes to his impressive record.

Bert Vieira, the managing owner, now has to weigh up the merits of the $13 million Everest and a possible trip to Royal Ascot against the riches already on offer should Trapeze Artist head to stud.

"I have no idea, honestly," he said. "Obviously I've had a lot of offers. I will make some firm decision on Monday, and hopefully we will make the right decision for him."

Trainer Gerald Ryan and jockey Tye Angland hope the Snitzel three-year-old races on and Vieira, who said the stud loomed after the TJ Smith triumph, offered the duo a glimmer of hope.

"I would love to race him in The Everest, to be honest, it is exciting," he said. "If I did that it means I can't breed him this season, I'll have to run him in a few more Group 1s and then maybe take him to Ascot and breed him next year. That's my option."

Quizzed about his gut feel, Vieira replied: "Butterflies, my gut is churning at the moment. Watching him up the straight, the last hundred he had it, he lost, and he's got it."

The 13-10 favourite spirit nabbed Le Romain late to win by a head while Showtime was third.

Ryan was also anxious for a decision after watching Trapeze Artist eclipse Paratroopers' 2006 race record of 1m 21.54s with a time of 1m 20.33s.

"I've done my job, he's won his three Group 1s this season," he said.

Also on Saturday

Randwick: Moet & Chandon Champagne Stakes (Group 1) 1m, turf, 2yo)

Seabrook (Mick Price/Damien Oliver) has shown she might be the toughest of this season's two-year-olds, claiming the Group 1 Champagne Stakes at Randwick after running in both the Golden Slipper and ATC Sires' Produce Stakes.

The three races make up Sydney's juvenile triple crown and the Mick Price-trained filly has stepped out in all three after missing the cut for the Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield, her home track.

She was ridden by Damien Oliver and gave him his 110th Group 1 win, more than any active rider in Australia and second only to the late George Moore, who retired with 119.

Damien Oliver: second win in race after success on Alinghi in 2005
Damien Oliver: gained a 110th Group 1 win, which is more than any active rider in AustraliaCredit: Michael Dodge

Price said: "It's fantastic. She's done a good job and she's thrived in Sydney. She's a sound filly, a clean-winded filly. She goes straight to the paddock and will be set for the Thousand Guineas."


Randwick results


Caulfield: Listed Anniversary Vase 7f, turf, 2yo+

The imported Fastnet Tempest (David and Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig/Craig Williams) returned to the form he showed last spring with a narrow win at Caulfield.

Arriving with the international runners for last year's Melbourne Cup carnival, Fastnet Tempest raced for William Haggas, winning at Flemington on the final day of Cup week.

Saturday's victory in the Listed Anniversary Vase was his first in three starts following his transfer to Lindsay Park.


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