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Confrontational takes out Geelong Classic on Wednesday and could be supplemented for the Derby

Wednesday’s Geelong Classic (Listed, 2200m) was taken out by by the Jason Warren and Dean Krongold-trained Confrontational (3 c ex Zastava by Encosta De Lago) who provided his late Arrowfield Stud-based sire Redoute’s Choice (Danehill) with his 175th stakes winner. 

The Tom Dabernig and Ben Hayes-trained Azaly (Dundeel) finished second, beaten a length, with three-year-old filly Vilanculos (Crowded House) a close third and connections of the winner might now pay the late entry fee for the Victoria Derby (Gr 1. 2500m). 

"Early doors he did a lot wrong in his earlier starts but we've done a lot of work with him at home and Noel has been terrific on this horse teaching him to settle,” said Krongold. 

"Stepping up to the 2200 metres, he's relished it and really found the line well. It looks like he's in for a bright future.”

Bred by Gerry Harvey, Confrontational was bought by Jason Warren Racing and Peregrine Bloodstock for $250,000 at the 2019 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale from the draft of Havey’s Baramul Stud. He has now won twice and placed four times from eight career starts.  

The colt is one of three winners out of winning Encosta De Lago (Fairy King) mare Zastava who is herself a daughter of the stakes placed Zabeel (Sir Tristram) mare Zastov. 

Redoute’s Choice’s leading earner so far this season is Redouble and he is currently sitting in second place in the leading broodmare sires table in Australia by earnings and his final crop are now two-year-olds with the son of Danehill (Danzig) having covered 45 mares in 2018.