22 Jan 2022Sword Of State did us proud at Ellerslie with a dashing first-up victory over 1200 metres in our sponsored race – the G3 Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy.
The son of Snitzel enjoyed an outstanding juvenile campaign from Jamie Richards’ stable last season when he won four of his five starts, including the G1 Sistema Stakes to earn champion two-year-old honours.
Sword Of State found it tough going during a three-start Sydney spring campaign last year and the colt was then spelled. Off the back of a lead-up trial outing, he won as he liked in his Ellerslie return under 60.5kg.
“He’s obviously a quality colt - things didn’t go his way in the spring, but he’s back with a vengeance,” Richards said.
Sword Of State jumped well from the inside gate for rider Opie Bosson to lead before settling in second spot and was on the leader’s quarters at the top of the straight. He surged to the front soon after and strolled home by 1.5l.
“It was a good, positive ride by Opie and he let the speed go before he popped off and it all worked out perfectly,” Richards said. “We’re thrilled to win the sponsor’s race!”
Bosson said the three-year-old’s racing manners were impeccable and was confident of victory a long way from home.
“He raced beautifully and he towed me into the race nicely. I didn’t go for until the 150-metre mark really and he ran straight to the line, which is what you want to see in a colt,” Bosson said.
Sword Of State was purchased by Te Akau’s David Ellis for A$600,000 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale and is the first foal of the Encosta De Lago mare In The Vanguard. She was a juvenile winner and runner-up in the Gr.2 Sweet Embrace Stakes.
We increased our holding in the colt last year to ensure he would stand at Cambridge Stud at the end of his career.