So You Think (NZ)

Irish bred stayer Knights Order (6g So You Think x Lamanka Lass by Woodman) led home a quinella for his sire in the Group II Brisbane Cup (3200m) at Eagle Fam on Saturday when leading all the way to defeat Carif (5g So You Think x Norzita, by Thorn Park).

Rock hard fit and running on a seven day back up after winning the Listed ATC Winter Cup at Rosehill last Saturday, the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott trained Knights Order showed serious staying talent when powering away from Carif to win by a commanding four and three-quarter lengths.

"Obviously, he was a query at the two miles but Gai said to just ride him like normal and if he doesn't run it out, he doesn't run it out, but don't try and change too much with him," said winning rider Tim Clark.

"I just allowed him to get him into that nice rhythm and he bowled along.

"It was probably a bit of a masterstroke by Gai and Adrian to take the blinkers off him. It just allowed him to relax that little bit better and he ran that out really strongly."

With seven wins from 17 starts and over $467,000 in prizemoney, Knight’s Order can now have a short break before preparing for a spring campaign.

"He has certainly gone to a new level this campaign," Bott said.

"We will give him a short freshen up and really hone-in now and see what we can come up with for the spring because I really feel he's a worthy contender and (he has) made that leap."

Purchased for 250,000 guineas by from the 2018 Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale by McKeever Bloodstock/ Gai Waterhouse Racing, Knights Order is a half-brother to Group II winner Dark Islander from good producer Lamanka Lass, who has left nine winners from 11 foals to race.

Knight’s Order is one of 12 Australian stakes-winners this season for So You Think with those stakes-winners ranging in distance from 1200 to 3200m demonstrating rare versatility that very few stallions can deliver.

So You Think has had an amazing season of success on the racetrack and his achievements have flowed through to the sale ring with five of his weanlings averaging $192,000 at the Magic Millions National Sale this week highlighted by a stunning colt that sold for $475,000.

Consigned by Erinvale Thoroughbreds, the colt from Bobine (USA) made $475,000 when bought by Irish bloodstock agent Mick Flanagan.

The colt is a half-brother to three winners highlighted by Group II winner Reelem in Ruby.

“He was a lovely horse right from the time he was born,” said John Kenneally of Erinvale Thoroughbreds.

“He’s by a fantastic stallion and we try and bring the best foals here. We’ve done that for quite a few years and I think he was an outstanding horse.”

So You Think has had a deserved fee increase for this spring and stands at $77,000.