Julius Sandhu-trained five-year-old mare Gentle Steel (Alabama Express) became the eighth stakes winner for her sire when crossing the line 0.4 lengths in front of Dance To The Boom (Exceedance) in the Listed Alinghi Stakes at Caulfield. Another length away in third was Photograph (Blue Point {IRE}).
“It’s a huge result, not just for the stable but the connections, the staff, the horse more importantly because it sets her up now it ticks one box so we go back home and just make sure she recovers well and there’s probably another race for her in spring and it kind of sets her up for the future which is huge for the owners and for Maluka Thoroughbreds,” Sandhu said.
“It’s a confidence booster for everyone in the stable. We know this game is hard, you go around in circles, the good, the bad and the ugly. And when the good times come along, it’s important to sit down and take a deep breath and celebrate with the people who do all the hard work when we get there. I’m lucky. I’ve got a good team around me and you’re only as good as your people.”
Winner of six of her 12 starts and over $330,000 in earnings, Gentle Steel was withdrawn as a yearling by Maluka Thoroughbreds. She is one of three winners for Calmante (Street Cry {IRE}) who is an unraced half-sister to Group 3-placed Calming Influence (Commands) who is the dam of Group 1 winner Caballus (I Am Invincible).
Written for TTRAusNZ
