When you see Darby Racing, Bjorn Baker and a blue hen, how can that mix not produce a winner?
Opening his account with a facile victory at his second start at Wyong on Thursday was Capitalist gelding Shirvington, who made every post a winner in the 1100m maiden to win by nearly three lengths with Ash Morgan in the saddle.
The three year-old has been handled patiently with just one race start last year when fifth in a 900m maiden at Newcastle last April, but was well primed with a couple of recent barrier trials including a second to Written Gold (3g Written By x Five Card Charlie) , who made a winning debut at Wyong in the previous race.
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Shirvington was a $140,000 Magic Millions purchase from the Attunga Stud draft for Darby Racing/Deburgh Equine and is the eighth winner from eight to race from exceptional producer Mabkhara, whose best offspring are headed by Group II winner Olentia (Zoustar mare), Group III winner Wandabaa (Wandjina mare), stakes-winner Malkovich (Choisir gelding) and Group III placed Seewhatshebrings (Sebring mare).
Wandabaa was sold for $800,000 at the 2022 Inglis Digital August Boutique Sale for Australian Bloodstock as a broodmare prospect, while Seewhatshebrings also made $800,000 in the 2022 Inglis Chairman’s Sale, so it’s very much a female family on the up.
The Star Thoroughbreds owned mare Olentia is still racing, but as a multiple Group II and Group III winner, her owners should be looking forward to a very big payday when it’s her turn to head back to the sale ring as a breeding prospect.
Bred by Bob Hannon, Shirvington is the second last foal from Mabkhara, who comes from the Nasmah / Asawir branch of the Easy Date family that features Group I winners Rewaaya and Sense of Occasion.
Mabkhara died in 2023 and her final foal is a yearling filly by I Am invincible.
Capitalist sired four winners on Thursday including a winning treble at Wyong, which has put him over 100 winners for the season!
