Blumstien impressed local trainer James Moore despite defeating a field that lacked depth in the Access Insulation Maiden Hcp (1400m) at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday.
The All Too Hard 3yo was fronting the starter for the first time and was never really challenged after sprinting to the lead shortly after leaving the gates. He went out a $20 longshot but won more like a short-priced favourite from Pow Now (Neorealism) and Bold Rouge (Under The Louvre).
“That didn’t surprise me,” Moore claimed in the enclosure. “We’ve paired him against everything in the barn and he’s just burned them. He travelled sweetly and is a better horse in front. He’s a good type and will keep furnishing so we will take it one race at a time for now.”
Blumstien was initially purchased at the 2022 Gold Coast Magic Millions by trainer Michael Costa who later transferred to Dubai. “He’s probably the best quality colt I’ve ever purchased,” Costa declared after parting with $310,000. “He’s one of the most beautiful walkers on the complex and I really wanted him.
“I’m a big fan of All Too Hard. You’re every chance of getting a Group horse with an All Too Hard and we had to fight to get this one.”
Blumstien (3g All Too Hard – Crimson Cash by Lonhro) was bred by Grant Briscoe at Kirks Bridge Farm in Baerami and is the only foal to race from a half-sister to Canberra Black Opal Stakes (LR, 1200m) winner You’re Canny (Canny Lad).
Winning jockey Cejay Graham is another convert after taking no prisoners in the lead. “That was a good test first-up over 1400m in the (Heavy 10) conditions. He felt confident in front and gave a good kick in the straight. He kept responding and seems to have pulled up well.”
Hard Reyva had earlier landed the first-leg of an All Too Hard double for trainer in Stuart Kendrick in the Coast Store Hcp (1200m). He was bred by Vinery partner Greg Perry from Zareyva (More Than Ready) who is a half-sister to Karrakatta Plate (Gr.2, 1200m) winner Luke’s Luck (Show A Heart).
The All Too Hard – More Than Ready cross has generated 50 individual winners headed by Group 1 stars Wellington and Forbidden Love.
The Vinery sire landed his first double on the weekend when stablemates Little Baia (James Squire Hcp) and Ita (Kia Evening Star Hcp) were successful at Canterbury’s Friday evening meeting for trainer Bjorn Baker.
Bundle of Charm can also make it a brace for All Too Hard in Hong Kong this month when he steps out in the in the Singapore Pools Hcp (1200m) at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. The John Size-trained sprinter won the Azalea Hcp (1200m) at Sha Tin on February 4.
All Too Hard has 8 yearlings entered for Melbourne’s Inglis Premier Sale next month including the Vinery colt (as agent) from More Than Ready mare Kotys (Lot 336). Second-dam Afleet Esprit (Bel Esprit) won the MRC Thousand Guineas Prelude (Gr.2, 1400m) for Lindsay Park in 2015.
Hoofnote: More Than Ready sired his 225th Stakes winner on Saturday when Minnesota Ready surged to a three-length victory in the Colonel Power Stakes (LR, 1100m) in New Orleans. He’s the second new black-type winner for the Vinery legend this month following Saddle Up Jessie (SW 224) in the Heavenly Prize Stakes (LR, 1600m) in New York on February 10.
