THE huge books of mares that fashionable sires serve this century, astronomical in size compared to those looked after by champion sires of the past such as Star Kingdom, Better Boy, Wilkes and Showdown, means that their goodness can be enjoyed by far more in racing and breeding.
Coolmore Stud had plenty of reason to celebrate another excllent investment following an exciting victory by new acquisition Starspangledbanner in the Group One Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield on Saturday.
Although the crowd stood and sung their appreciation when Starspangledbanner stirred from the front at Caulfield races on Saturday, it was the Australian National anthem that they should have been rendering after the running of the historic Caulfield Guineas.
Starspangledbanner has claimed his third win from as many starts this preparation with victory in the Group 3 $125,000 McNeil Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
Starspangledbanner, who belongs to the same family as Elvstroem and Haradasun, has won first up today at Caulfield in the $70,000 Victorian Owners And Breeders Awards Handicap (1000m).