Trish Dunell
Group One winner Age Of Fire will take his place on the Cambridge Stud stallion roster at the conclusion of his racing career.
Te Akau principal David Ellis has confirmed the son of Fastnet Rock has been secured for duty by the farm’s incoming owners Brendan and Jo Lindsay, in partnership with the three-year-old’s current ownership syndicate.
Trained by Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards, Age Of Fire will be the latest member of the stable to head to Australia when he departs for Sydney next week to join stablemate Melody Belle, who runs in Saturday’s Gr.2 Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) at Randwick.
Te Akau also has Embellish in Melbourne with the Savabeel colt to open his Gr.1 Australian Guineas (1600m) campaign in this weekend’s Gr.3 C. S. Hayes Stakes (1400m) at Flemington.
He will also stand at Cambridge Stud, to be taken over by Brendan and Jo Lindsay in April, at the end of his racing days.
Age Of Fire significantly boosted his stallion profile when he won the Gr.1 Levin Classic (1600m) at his latest appearance.
“As an athlete, this colt is one of the very best,” Te Akau principal David Ellis said. “He is as good a moving horse as you will ever see, athletic and strong. He floats over ground with a terrific action, has a superb attitude and most importantly he possesses a real will to win.
"With his pedigree, being by Fastnet Rock out of a Galileo mare, I expect him to be a sensation at stud and I wish Brendan and Jo Lindsay all the very best with him.
“He has a huge future and will have the very best opportunity at Cambridge Stud.”
Age Of Fire will trial at Taupo on Thursday ahead of his Australian debut in the Gr.2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday week.
“All going well it will be on to the Randwick and Rosehill Guineas,” Richards said. “He’ll then head toward the Derby if his form warrants it.
“He is a very exciting colt and we’re looking forward to Sydney with him.”
With Embellish and Age Of Fire to be racing on alternative weekends in Melbourne and Sydney, stable jockey Opie Bosson will guide the pair’s Australian fortunes. – NZ Racing Desk
