3 minute read
Royalzel impresses in the Taj Rossi Series Final
Arrowfield Stud’s Snitzel (Redoute’s Choice) sired his 110th stakes winner when Royalzel (2 c ex Royal Tithe by Show A Heart) carried topweight of 59kg to win the Taj Rossi Series Final (Listed, 1600m) by three lengths. It was the 43rd juvenile stakes winner for the son of Redoute's Choice (Danehill) that includes Group One winners Sizzling, Estijaab, Sword of State, Summer Passage and Invader.
Jockey Ben Melham was the beneficiary of the forced absence of Craig Williams at Flemington when Williams was stood down from riding at Flemington during the week by Racing Victoria's Health Officer with the jockey having ridden at the Eagle Farm meeting in Brisbane last Saturday. The Greater Brisbane area was declared a 'red zone' during the week and Williams, along with a number of trainers, were forced into isolation.
Melham guided Royalzel, the $3.50 favourite, to a three-length win from Whatafox (Foxwedge) with Celtic Glory (Toronado) a head away third.
"Firstly, I have to make mention of Craig Williams," Melham said.
"Unfortunately, he couldn't ride but I believe he had a part in the planning of this horse's preparation. Thanks to him.
"He looks to have a good turn-of-foot but he's had a few solid runs on heavy ground but Gary's very good with his two-year-olds and they were proven right again today.
"I watched his replays and I was very confident that the horse would run well.
"I did have it in the back of my mind that he'd had a solid first prep, but he's a beaut, little horse though. He's very straightforward, got a lovely attitude and a good turn-of-foot."
Melham said he doubted how much further Royalzel could go, distance wise, saying the two-year-old son of Snitzel maybe a little too brilliant at this stage of his career.
"But who is to say that as he matures, he's got the natural ability there, and Gary knows what he's doing," Melham said.
"He'll certainly be a contender in the spring."
Royalzel was winning his third race of his five race career for trainer Gary Portelli. Withdrawn from the Covid-19 affected 2020 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale, Royalzel is first stakes winner for his Group Three winning dam Royal Tithe (Show A Heart), winner of the Ken Russell Memorial Classic (Gr 2, 1200m).
Snitzel is currently sitting fourth in the leading sires table in Australia by earnings and he is second in the table by stakes winners having sired 13 in Australia this season, just one behind Fastnet Rock (Danehill). He will stand for a fee of $165,000 (inc GST) this season.
