Trainers David and Ryan Balfour have found the key to St Gabriel and it’s paid off with two wins in a row at Morphettville.

St Gabriel (5g God’s Own – Not Jude’s Choice by Celtic Swing) had been reluctant to stretch out when bailed up on the rails earlier this season.  The Balfours instructed jockey Justin Potter to maintain clear running and the gelding responded with an easy three length victory on October 12.

Backing up after a seven-day break at Morphettville last Saturday, St Gabriel sat outside the leader and then established a winning break in the straight.

St Gabriel cost $35,000 at the 2010 Inglis Melbourne Premier yearling sale.  His dam is a half-sister to demoted G1 Blue Diamond Stakes winner Roedean.

Meanwhile, trainer Gary Sherer is hoping for better luck with his God’s Own mare Godspiel who was severely checked in the G3 Ladies Day Vase (1600m) at Caulfield last Wednesday.

“She pulled up sore but we’re hoping she can recover in time for Flemington,” trainer Gary Sherer said.  “Fingers crossed, she will get a start on Melbourne Cup day in a 1700 metre race for mares.”

Godspiel (4m God’s Own – Ginspiel by Singspiel) is the second foal out of a Moonee Valley winner.  Second dam Staying Alive won four races in Sydney and was G3 placed in an Adrian Knox Stakes at Randwick.

Greta West Stud stallion God’s Own (Redoute’s Choice) has sired 25 winners of $605,000 this season and is currently third on the Victorian winners and prizemoney premierships behind Bel Esprit and Reset.

– Karl Patterson

ST GABRIEL