Mike de Kock has already prepared a Group 1 juvenile winner by a Vinery Stud sire and there could be another on the horizon after 2yo Banaadeer bolted in at Turffontein on Saturday.
Banaadeer is a son of Vinery champion More Than Ready and he rocketed to an 8 length victory in the Maiden Juvenile Plate (1000m). The Australian bred colt landed running, raced into the lead, kept a straight course and looked like he never came out of a strong canter, with jockey Antony Delpech looking over his shoulder fully 300m from the line.
Delpech didn’t move a finger as Banaadeer strode further and further away from five totally outclassed young rivals who were in a contest of their own for second.
“This is a smart colt,” Delpech said. “I hope I can stay on him!”
Assistant trainer Mathew de Kock said Banaadeer would be tested against more competitive youngsters to determine the depth of talent waiting to be tapped. “Banaadeer is already a professional, he knows what to do and that is very promising. Thanks to Sheikh Hamdan for giving us horses of this quality to train. It’s a privilege.”
Banaadeer was among a large number of yearlings bought under Sheikh Hamdan’s Shadwell banner at the Inglis Australian yearling sale last year. He sold for $700,000 to be the most expensive yearling by More Than Ready sold in Australia last year.
Banaadeer is a half brother to the Hong Kong stakes-winner Admiration and is the third winner produced by Provence, herself a three-quarter sister to Hong Kong International Sprint winner Inspiration and stakes-winner Lucky Unicorn.
Provence has not had a foal since Banaadeer, but was covered again by More Than Ready last spring.
The de Kock stable trained Rumya, a grey filly by Vinery legend Red Ransom, to a Group 1 victory in the 2012 Golden Slipper (1400m) at Greyville.
