The Cressfield brand is synonymous with premium quality and there has been a changing of the guard at this boutique Hunter Valley farm with the retirement of some of their star older matrons to make way for the younger mares, while on the track exciting mare Passive Aggressive has emerged as a serious sprint star of the future.
At Inglis Easter in 2020, Cressfield sold Fastnet Rock filly Passive Aggressive for $500,000 and the full sister to Group I placed multiple Group winner Missrock has been a slow burn success story.
Handled patiently by Grahame Begg, Passive Aggressive won her first four starts through May and June last year in succession, culminating with her first stakes win in a Listed race at Flemington.
Fourth at her only start in the spring, Passive Aggressive reappeared in the Group II ATC Challenge Stakes at the start of March and produced an explosive performance to defeat $6.6 million earner Eduardo and Everest winner Giga Kick.
That victory puts her in an elite bracket of sprinters and she will get the chance to prove her stripes again this Saturday in the $3million Group I ATC TJ Smith Stakes at Randwick.
The Cressfield Inglis Easter draft features a close relation to Passive Aggressive with Lot 245, a Deep Field filly, the first foal from Misstook, an unraced full sister to both Passive Aggressive and Missrock, who was purchased as a broodmare prospect for $2.3million in 2019 and sent to stud in the UK.
It’s a family packed with Black Type tracing back to dual Group I winner Lady Jakeo and the Deep Field x Fastnet Rock cross is proving very successful with 22 winners from 24 starters headed by Group winners Quantum Mechanic and Big Parade.
“She is a very strong, well developed filly, with a lovely shoulder and good depth to her girth,” said Stud Manager Liesl Wickson.
“Short cannons and a good nostril make this filly look the athlete and she has a wonderful temperament and professional attitude that bodes well for the track.
“Given her similarity to her Group performing close relations, we can’t ask for much more from a first foal.”
Click to see the full draft with additional highlights below featuring comments from Stud Manager Liesl Wickson.
Lot 31 Colt Snitzel x Artistry, by Shamardal (USA)
Third foal of multiple Group III winner Artistry from the family of Champion 3YO Filly Samantha Miss.
A very late foal that is quickly catching up to his peers in both size and strength. He has a lovely loose walk, is well- marked and looks an athlete. With his great overstep and flashy appearance, he is a colt that will catch the eye from afar.
Lot 201 Filly I Am Invincible x Listen Here, by Elusive Quality (USA)
Half-sister to Group I MRC Caulfield Guineas winner Shooting to Win, Group II winning champion sire Deep Field and stakes-winner Zaniah from stakes-winning blue hen Listen Here.
A compact filly with a good length and strength to her hip. This filly is more forward than her siblings have been at a similar stage and presents well. She is a racey type whose family needs no introduction and whose pedigree holds immense residual value.
Lot 242 Colt Zoustar x Miss Leonidas, by I Am Invincible
First foal of brilliant Group II winning sprinter Miss Leonidas, that was twice Group I placed in the ATC The Galaxy and MVRC AJ Moir Stakes.
Stamped by his sire, he has great bone, strong physique and a very purposeful walk. This is another first foal that we are extremely pleased with, who seems to tick all of the boxes. He has a ‘can do’ attitude and will thrive in a racing environment.
Lot 341 Colt I Am Invincible Secret Agenda, by Not a Single Doubt
Third foal of Group I SAJC Robert Sangster Stakes winner Secret Agenda, a seven time winner of over $1.5million in prizemoney, and a sister to the dam of brilliant Group III winner Enthaar.
A very strong, thick set colt with a great constitution. Broad across the hips, big sloping shoulder and with well sprung ribs. He is a great walker who covers a lot of ground and looks a readymade racehorse with a pedigree to match.
Lot 412 Colt Snitzel x Thump, by Red Ransom (USA)
Third foal of multiple Group winner Thump, whose wins include the ATC Surround Stakes, now elevated to Group I status. Her first two foals are both smart metro winners.
A sensible colt with good shoulder and girth, and a lot of presence. He is another clever colt whose attitude stands him in good stead for the racetrack. With his great overstep and looks that will demand an inspection, we expect to be parading this colt a lot at the sales.
