Rising Star Puts Sire on the Map

Larneuk Stud in Victoria are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the first foals by their exciting new sire Cluster, but for his barn mate O'Lonhro the proof is in the pudding with a growing list of winners headed by exciting young stayer O'Lonera putting this young sire on the map.

A Group II winning son of champion sire Lonhro from the family of one of the hottest sires in the Hunter Valley in I Am Invincible, O'Lonhro is proving to be a reliable source of winners with his oldest progeny now five year-olds.

O'Lonhro has sired 25 winners of over $1million in prizemoney achieving a satisfying 41% winners to runners.

His notable progeny include smart winners Social Media, Big Boy Jackie, Lirabird, Je Suis Prest and Little Capri, but by far his best performer has been progressive stayer O'Lonera.

A homebred for the Alderson family trained by Cindy Alderson, four year-old O'Lonera has made rapid strides this preparation winning his past three starts at Caulfield.

The second of those wins was a commanding three and a half length victory in the $150,000 VOBIS Gold Stayers over 2400 metres.

"He's a great horse, he's got really good temperament," Alderson said following the win.

"You can do what you like with him in a race, and that helps him – especially getting out to this trip. (Nick Hall, jockey) asked him to go forward today from the inside draw, and he just switched off beautifully. Once he got clear air at the 600m, he was away.

"He's a revelation since he got to this distance range. Certainly his relaxed nature's helping him, and Nick understands him really well."

Last Saturday, O'Lonera upped the ante again leading throughout to score a bold front running win in the Benchmark 84 event over 2000 metres.

With four wins and three placings from 11 starts and prizemoney just shy of $300,000, the best is yet to come for O'Lonera, who runs again this Saturday at Moonee Valley.