Hard Spun records 20th Stakes winner

Three-year-old Hard Spun gelding Western Blaze stormed home from last on the home turn to claim the Listed Raconteur Stakes by a widening one-and-a-half lengths over 1500m at Ascot, Australia, March 30.

Allowed to find his feet in the early stages by jockey William Pike, Western Blaze began to make his move 600m from home and was the widest runner on the home turn. He came with a withering burst down the centre of the track and picked up his rivals so quickly Pike allowed him to ease down over the concluding stages.

A homebred for Peters Investments Pty Ltd, Western Blaze is out of the Marooned mare Our Millster and is a half-brother to G2 Perth Cup winner Western Jewel. Our Millster has a yearling full brother to Western Blaze but has unfortunately slipped and missed to Hard Spun in the last two seasons.

Western Blaze is the 20th Stakes winner worldwide for Hard Spun. Also the sire of Eclipse Champion Three-year-old Filly Questing and fellow G1 winner Zo Impressive, Hard Spun is standing the 2013 season for $60,000 stands and nurses.