News

Estijaab the one for Emirates Park

10th Mar 2018

When His Excellency Nasser Lootah of Emirates Park arrived at last year’s Australian Easter Yearling Sale, he did so with the intention of buying “two or three quality fillies’’.

But one look at the Snitzel x Response filly – who now races as Estijaab - in Arrowfield’s draft, and those plans changed immediately.

“She was our number one filly by far but we had to give up a few others to buy her,’’ Emirates Park’s Bryan Carlson said.

“She was the only one we bought. She took the budget.’’

Estijaab’s narrow but gritty win in today’s Group 2 Reisling Stakes at Randwick assured her a start in the $3.5m Golden Slipper in a fortnight, the race which her connections have been eying off ever since they paid $1.7m for her.

Estijaab led in a trifecta of Inglis graduates in the key Slipper lead-up, defeating Pure Elation (I Am Invincible) and Sister Sledge (Uncle Mo).

“Today was all about just winning, it wasn’t about by how much,’’ Carlson said.

“She’s not used all her reserves today, despite probably overracing a little early. Now she’s into the Slipper so we’re extremely happy.

“Hopefully she can win the Slipper. Either way, myself and the Lootah family will be back at Easter in a few weeks to try again.’’

The 2018 Australian Easter Yearling Sale is at Riverside Stables from April 9-11, where there are 64 progeny of Snitzel catalogued.

To view the catalogue, CLICK HERE.

Arrowfield’s John Messara has been far from surprised by Estijaab’s racetrack performances, which has seen her race three times for two wins and a narrow second.

“She was a glorious yearling and has furnished into a wonderful 2YO,’’ Messara said.

“Estijaab becomes Snitzel’s 23rd individual Australian Stakes winner this season – with five months still remaining in the season, this is a sensational feat.’’