Pinnacle Prince emerged as a future Stakes winner for Vinery Stud following a last-to-first victory at Randwick on Boxing Day.
The Brett Cavanough-trained colt had favourite punters on tenterhooks before he produced a potent finish to defeat Shanaya (I Am Invincible) and Toro Toro (Time For War). He went out at even-money when racing first-up in the Highway Hcp (1100m) after a promising winter campaign.
Pinnacle Prince (3c Hinchinbrook – Crossyourheart by Show A Heart) had won a Scone maiden on debut in July and was then runner-up to stablemate It’s Me at Randwick before going out for a spell. It’s Me stayed in work and went on to capture the $1.30 million Kosciuszko in October.
“I thought he would be too good for It’s Me that day at Randwick,” Cavanough recalled. “They are both very nice horses and I’m lucky to get two of them at the one time.”
Champion jockey James McDonald said Pinnacle Prince was superior to his rivals and that was reflected in the sectional times. He was the only horse at the meeting to break 34s for the final 600m (33.64s) despite being eased down on the line.
Cavanough is likely to give him another hit-out in a Highway next month before getting ready for the Country Championships in the autumn. He trains Pinnacle Prince for Vinery partner Greg Perry after bidding failed to go north of $100,000 at the 2019 Inglis Easter Sale.
“He’s very lightly raced. Greg is patient so we can look after him and try and pick the right targets.”
Perry bought his dam Crossyourheart (NZ) for $480,000 at the 2014 Inglis Bloodstock Sale. She won a Karaka Million and NZ Bloodstock Classique RL and had already foaled Ming Dynasty Hcp Gr.3 winner Swear (Redoute’s Choice) who is now standing at Spendthrift Farm.
Crossyourheart’s latest delivery is a colt by More Than Ready (USA) born in October.
Cavanough and Perry have combined to win country features like the Skellatar Sprint and Aberdeen Cup with Star Boy. The speedy son of Pluck (USA) has also been runner-up at Listed level in the Ortensia Stakes at Rosehill and Ramornie Hcp at Grafton.
Vinery is gearing up for the first of its 2021 sales at the Gold Coast Magic Millions on January 12. It’s recent winning Group 1 graduates include Farnan, Russian Revolution, Aristia and Begoodtoyourmother.
That tradition will continue with 22 yearlings heading to the Gold Coast. Vinery will be conducting on farm parades on December 29, 30, 31, and January 2 and 3. Parades will commence at the Gold Coast (Stables H & I) from January 6. Contact Adam White for more information on 0414 800 918.
