Black type for Bernardini at Doomben

Melbourne younger Boban unleashed a powerful burst for a stunning victory in the LR Phoenix Stakes (1350m) at Doomben on Saturday.

Boban (2c Bernardini – Kenbelle by Kenmare) was sent north by trainer Anthony Freedman after an impressive win at Sandown in April.  He was unlucky in the LR Hampden Stakes a fortnight ago but made amends with an eye-catching win over highly rated filly Hoss Amor second-up at the Brisbane winter carnival.

“He was pushed off the track last time and had no cover,” assistant trainer Ash Yargi said.  “The boss has a good opinion of him and now we will go on to the Sires’ Produce Stakes and then the T J Smith.”

Boban is by exciting young Darley shuttler Bernardini and was purchased for $100,000 at the 2011 Gold Coast Magic Millions.  His dam Kenbelle won the 1996 AJC Oaks and she has foaled six winners from seven to the races.

Bernardini has sired 14 stakes winners and Boban is his first in Australia.  Bernardini (A P Indy) stands for a $150,000 fee at Darley’s Jonabell base in Kentucky.  The cost of a serve in Australia this year will be $55,000.