The spring Classics await Drago who gave a sign of his staying potential at Rosehill on Saturday, posting a victory that reinforced trainer Anthony Cummings’s belief in where the colt’s future lies.
Cummings thought enough of Drago to begin his career in the Group Two Pago Pago Stakes in March and he subsequently posted fourth placings in the Group One Sires’ Produce and Champagne Stakes.
Drago - Photo by Steve Hart
Based on those solid performances, Drago was sent out as $1.35 favourite in the Juvenile Stayer (1800m), and although Tim Clark allowed Ideal Guide ($4.20) to set up a break, he was no match for his rival over the final stages.
Drago strode clear by four lengths with Devil Miss ($51) holding third, another 1-1/4 lengths away.
“Dad is always ambitious but I think the colt will go to the paddock now and not to Queensland,” Cummings’ foreman son Edward said.
“Now that he’s won this, it’s an easier transition to a race like the Spring Champion Stakes.
“He’s got some prize money now to get him into those races in the spring and a two-year-old win on his resume is good to have for him as a future stallion prospect.”
Drago is by Danehill Dancer out of the Galileo mare Snapdragon.
Stablemate Fiveandahalfstar ran in the equivalent race a year ago and came back in the spring to win the Victoria Derby.
Sidelined with injury until the spring, Fiveandahalfstar proved the Derby win was no fluke with his win in last month’s Group One BMW (2400m) at weight-for-age.
