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The
transformation of talented Fastnet Rock gelding Callanish from barrier rogue to
stakes-winner was completed on Sunday when he captured the $153,000 Listed
Darley Seymour Cup.
Prepared by Mick Price, Callanish has been beautifully placed on his way
through the grades winning seven on the trot before facing up to his first
crack at Black Type.
He handled the class rise as expected, leading for most of the race and then
fighting on for regular rider Dale Smith to win by half a length.
"Full credit to the horse and Mick and a big thanks to all the owners and
the people behind the scenes," said Smith, who has ridden Callanish (pictured Racepix Vic) at every
start.
"It makes the job a lot easier when we have got them, that's for sure.
"It's well documented that the horse has been a little bit awkward in the
gates. It just goes to show that a little person such as myself can get the chocolates
and get the job done."
A $320,000 purchase from the Curraghmore Stud draft at the 2010 NZB Premier
Yearling Sale for his trainer, Callanish has won each of his eight starts to
date earning $247,551 in prizemoney.
He is a half-brother to Group III winner Dancing Daggers and is from Dancing
Doll, who comes from the family of Group I winners Blevic, Universal Prince and
Universal Queen.
Callanish is the 38th stakes-winner for champion sire Fastnet Rock,
who added another new stakes-winner to his tally at Caulfield on Saturday when
Hvasstan won the Group III MRC Norman Robinson Stakes.
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