Blackfriars didn’t stop for a breather after securing another WA Sires’ title on August 1 – the Scenic Lodge champion has started his quest for an 8th crown in career-best form.

He’s a Top 10 Australian sire with 31 individual winners and $1.15 million in prizemoney after a regulation double at Belmont last Wednesday and a new winner in Victoria on Saturday.

Our Zariah (4m Blackfriars – Timeless Tenby by Tenby) won her maiden at the Murtoa Cup meeting for Michelle Payne.  Racing second-up this season, she camped outside the leader and held sway in the straight to score by a nose from Encavage (NZ) in the Samios Plumbing Plate (1600m).

She is the third winner for Payne in the training ranks and the runner-up is prepared by her brother Patrick.  “Go Zari,” the Melbourne Cup champion tweeted.  “Very proud of our girl and all my team at home.”

Now based at Nottingham Farm in Ballarat, Payne trains the Sunspeed-bred mare (pictured) for David Grant.  A $16,000 buy out of the Krisman Park draft at the 2015 Perth Magic Millions, she is a full-sister to The Tenby Friar who won up to 1500m in Perth and was also stakes-placed for owner Des De Largie.

An older half-brother – Silver Sun (Scenic) – won in Adelaide and was placed in the G1 Hong Kong Derby.

Scenic Lodge stands Blackfriars for $12,000 beside Snippetson ($6,000), Universal Ruler ($3,500) & Dash For Cash ($2,500).  All fees (plus gst) and are subject to discount structures.  For further details, contact Jeremy Smith on 0419 943 356.