Tropical Squall will become the latest high-profile Yulong Investments recruit to race under the green and white colours when she resumes in this Saturday’s Group 1 Winx Stakes at Randwick.
The four-year-old was purchased privately by the Yuesheng Zhang-owned operation prior to her most recent trial and will kick-off her spring campaign in the $1 million event over 1400 metres.
Already a two-time Group 1 winner, having won the Flight Stakes (1600m) last spring and the Surround Stakes (1400m) earlier this year, Yulong general manager Vin Cox is excited about seeing Tropical Squall resume alongside another Yulong-owned mare Via Sistina.
“She just turned four, she’s got plenty of racing ahead of her, she’s already a dual Group 1 winner, so she’s a nice mare to own,” Cox said.
“There are some nice races around for her, so we’re hoping that we can build on an already impressive race record.
“She’s a valuable mare, comes from a great family and we’re really happy to have her.”
By Prized Icon out of the Fusaichi Pegasus mare Squalls, Tropical Squall won a 900m trial at Rosehill on July 23 before victory in a 1000m trial at the same venue on August 6.
A spring plan for Tropical Squall will be determined after the Winx Stakes, but the goal for Via Sistina is firmly established with Chris Waller directing the daughter of Fastnet Rock towards the $5m Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley on October 26.
Saturday’s race will be the shortest race Via Sistina has contested and her preparations have included two soft 1000m trials in Sydney.
“I doubt she’s screwed right down to be ready first-up, I’d be surprised because she’s got some larger targets in mind,” Cox said.
“But I think the stable is pretty happy with the way she’s ticking over.”
Via Sistina is second favourite for the Winx Stakes, which attracted 11 nominations, behind her stablemate and defending champion Fangirl.
Zougotcha, Atishu and Riff Rocket are among others from the Waller-stable entered, alongside Ciaron Maher’s Tatt’s Tiara runner-up Semana and VRC Oaks winner Zardozi.