If you are the least bit interested in pedigree there was a winner at Moonee Valley last night that really did jump off the page and he highlights the sort of quality and value that can be found in the European tried horse sales plundered in spectacular fashion by Aussie buyers in recent weeks.
Trained by Leon and Troy Corstens, Galileo five year-old Rebadge (GB) opened his Australian account with a strong finishing win in the Benchmark 70 event over 2040m.
Rebadge had four starts earlier this year in Australia that included a second at Moonee Valley and a fifth at Flemington, but looked a stronger and more seasoned horse this time around.
Purchased from the Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale last year by Hurworth Bloodstock / McKeever / Malua Racing for 130,000 guineas from the Juddmonte Farms consignment, Rebadge or Badge as he was named at that time won a minor race in France and is a half-brother to Group II winner Array and Group I placed Jubiloso as well as being a full brother to Group I placed Maximal, who came to Australia and was second in a Doomben Cup and a Turnbull Stakes.
He is the sixth winner from six to race from stakes-winning Oasis Dream mare Joyeuse, a half-sister to undefeated world champion Frankel, who is of course by Rebadge’s sire Galileo.
Rebadge is no Frankel, but he should be well capable of earning Black Type and some very good prizemoney in Australia!