Flamberge raises the bar at Caulfield

Fresh from been named 2013-14 Victorian Breeders of the Year, David and Jenny Moodie claimed their first Group win of the season with Flamberge on Saturday.

The Contract Racing homebred sprinted to a convincing victory in the G3 The Heath (1100m) at Caulfield.

Flamberge (5g Exceed and Excel – Razor Blade by Blazing Sword) sat in the sweet seat and then opened the throttle for a third Group 3.  He had won the Standish Hcp at Flemington and Sebring Stakes at Rosehill earlier this year.

“He raises the bar every prep and this could be his best yet,” jockey Vlad Duric said after the first-up victory.  “He really tries hard and is so genuine.”

Flamberge is the third Contract Racing stakes winner from Razor Blade following Sunburnt Land (G2 MRC Caulfield Sprint) and Curtana (Listed VRC Red Roses Stakes).  The mare’s last two foals are an unraced 3yo colt named Durendal (Medaglia D’Oro) and a unnamed 2yo colt by Hard Spun.

The Moodies go way back with the family.  Razor Blade is a daughter of Blazing Sword who won two stakes races at Flemington in days when Contract Racing’s colours were carried by Harry White.

Blazing Sword (Marscay) retired to stand at Craigielea Stud at Kilmore and sired Contract Racing mare Arctic Scent to a Group 1 triumph in the 1996 Caulfield Cup.