Blackfriars stampede at Belmont

The Blackfriars bandwagon is turning into an all-out stampede in Perth.  The Scenic Lodge champion sired his 24th stakes winner when Summah’s Touch stormed to a Listed victory in the Belmont Guineas (1600m) on Saturday.

Blackfriars has sired the winners of 10 stakes races this season and he’s dominated the black-type calendar since racing switched to Belmont last month.  There have been 5 stakes races run since then and he’s won 4 of them – Moneghetti (LR York Stakes), Kerrific (G3 Belmont Sprint), Black Tycoon (G3 Hyperion Stakes) and Summah’s Touch.

Marwina mare Power Princess prevented full-house in the G3 Roma Cup on May 18.  Third home that day was WA Horse of the Year Playing God (Blackfriars).

Summah’s Touch (3f Blackfriars – Hollywood Touch by Citidancer) made it two Belmont Guineas in a row for her sire after he won it twelve months ago with Rohan.

The Adam Durrant trained filly has more Listed assignments ahead in the Belmont Oaks (2000m) on July 6 and the Belmont Classic (2200m) on July 20.  “She had been working really well,” trainer Adam Durrant said.  “She was just cruising around the corner and, once balanced, chased very hard.

“I didn’t expect her to be that forward.  The Belmont Oaks will suit her better.”

Scenic Lodge sold Summah’s Touch for $30,000 at the 2011 Perth Magic Millions and she has now earned $243,000.  Her dam Hollywood Touch has a weanling colt by Scenic Lodge sire Universal Ruler but missed to Blackfriars last year.

Scenic Lodge general manager Jeremy Smith reports there’s been a rush of bookings to Blackfriars who is just six weeks away from claiming a hat-trick of Sunspeed titles.  “Breeders considering Blackfriars for their broodmare this season should contact us as a matter of urgency,” Smith said on Sunday.  “His book will be closing shortly.”

Blackfriars (Danehill) is standing at a $20,000 (plus gst) service fee.  Associate sire Universal Ruler (Scenic) is priced at $3,500 (plus gst).