Running double for cast-offs at Ascot

Rejuvenated stayer New Spice completed a running double for cast-offs when he caused a $110 upset in the Tattersall’s Cup at Ascot on Saturday.

Perth’s leading owner-breeder Bob Peters culled New Spice (Old Spice) in 2006 and he also discarded Grey Monarch (Verglas) in 2010.  The latter won LR Carbine Club Stakes 40 minutes before New Spice saluted at Ascot.

Part time trainer Elva Van Merwyk was all smiles when New Spice scored after stealing a break on the corner.  “He’s back to his old self,” she said.  “He had lots of issues with legs problems and we almost lost him to colic.”

Van Merwyk purchased New Spice for $18,000 from Peters Investments.  In his younger days, the gelding had won the LR Melvista, Northerly and J C Roberts Stakes at Ascot and he also claimed the City of Dandenong Cup at Sandown while under the care of Brian Mayfield-Smith.

New Spice is an older half-brother to this year’s G1 WA Derby winner Dreamaway.  Their dam Legal Consent is a Danehill half sister to G1 winner Miss Margaret.  The mare has a yearling filly by More Than Ready that sold for $410,000 at the 2011 Gold Coast Magic Millions.  .

New Spice is one of 23 stakes winners for Kaoru Star sire Old Spice who died in February 2003.  Peters stood him at Clairefontaine Stud and raced the majority of his Group 1 winners including Spectrum, Old Nick, Old Comrade and Natasha.

One notable exception was Wendy Green’s 1998 Melbourne Cup winner Rogan Josh.

The only other Old Spice still active is 11 year-old gelding Old Mystique.  A younger brother of Rogan Josh, he won at Grenfell in September.