The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained Griff stamped his credentials for the Group I MRC Caulfield Guineas when scoring a stylish victory in the Group II MVRC Stutt Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley on Friday night.
A last start winner of the Listed VRC Exford Plate, Griff appreciated the step up in trip to 1600m and was strong to the line for Mark Zahra after jumping quickly to take a position in the run. He used his tactical speed to good effect and finished off with a flourish to beat promising Justify (USA) gelding Verdad by half a length.
“He obviously goes to the Guineas from here and a mile is his go,” said Mark Zahra.
“He’s good because you can use his speed or take a sit on him like I did the other day, so he’s versatile and that will take him a long way.”
Griff was an $80,000 purchase from the Widden Stud draft at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale and runs for Shaun Griffiths. He has the overall record of three wins from seven starts with prizemoney topping $342,000 and the $3million Caulfield Guineas next month looms large on the horizon.
Bred by Widden Stud in partnership, Griff is the second winner from as many foals for the Group III placed Sebring mare Chateau Griffo, who has changed hands several times, the most recently earlier this year when selling for $75,000 on Inglis Digital in February. She has a yearling colt by North Pacific and was covered last spring by I Am Immortal.
Griff is the first stakes-winner for Snitzel’s champion son Trapeze Artist, who stands at a fee of $55,000 this spring.
