Having remained undefeated in four prior starts during the Spring including victory in the G1 Epsom Handicap to starts back, Bernardini four-year-old Boban lined up in the final G1 of the Flemington Spring carnival, the G1 Emirates Stakes on November 9.
Settling mid-field in the run, the Chris Waller-trained gelding came around the home turn with plenty to offer and once a gap appear he set out after the leaders, claiming the race by a narrow half-neck margin from last start G3 winner Smokin’ Joey.
The first horse in 27 years to claim the G1 Epsom Handicap and the G1 Emirates Stakes in the same season, the two big mile races of the Spring, Boban’s victory took his career earnings past $1.2 million, after initially being purchased as a Magic Millions yearling for $100,000.
Out of the G1 Australian Oaks-winning Kenmare mare Kenbelle, a half-sister to the G2 Todman Slipper winner Auranch, Boban was bred by Mr A B and Mrs R R Thomas. Covered by Bernardini once again last season, Kenbelle is due to foal a full relation to Boban in the coming few weeks.
The progeny of Bernardini have been experiencing a stellar period in Australia with fellow four-year-old Toydini claiming the G3 Newcastle Newmarket as well as the G2 Crystal Mile, while three-year-old filly Forever Discreet won the Listed Morphettville Guineas.
Standing at Darley Kelvinside at a fee of $33,000 (inc. GST), Bernardini is the sire 23 Stakes winners highlighted by seven individual G1 winners.
