Switchblade Breaks Maiden

8th September 2007

Blue-blooded Fusaichi Pegasus three year-old Switchblade (3g Fusaichi Pegasus - Dane Ripper, by Danehill) broke through for his first win when saluting in the maiden event over 1200 metres at Warwick Farm on Saturday.

A $350,000 purchase for Woodlands Stud from the Coolmore draft at the 2006 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, Switchblade (pictured as a yearling) ploughed through the heavy conditions to score a good win and will doubtless be better suited over a longer journey.

Gelded after his initial preparation when placed twice from four starts in good company, the John Hawkes trained galloper looks to have a bright future although the EI outbreak is certain to restrict his aspirations for this spring,

Switchblade is the fourth foal and second winner for Cox Plate heroine Dane Ripper, a four-time Group One winner of 12 races and $3.1 million.

Fusaichi Pegasus is one Coolmore based sire not caught up in quarantine at Eastern Creek and will likely cover one of his best ever books of mares as a result.