Powerhouse Choisir colt Defcon had to play second fiddle to his Golden Slipper winning stablemate Capitalist during the autumn, but showed with his barnstorming win in the Group III MRC McNeil Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday that it’s now his turn to shine.
Second to Godolphin colts Tessera and Astern in his first two starts in the Group III ATC Canonbury Stakes and Group II ATC Silver Slipper, the Peter and Paul Snowden trained Defcon has always shown above average ability.
A brilliant last to first win in the Group III Canberra Black Opal Stakes was followed by an unplaced run in the Golden Slipper, but a good spell immediately after has clearly set Defcon up for a great campaign.
Tuned up with two recent trials in Sydney, Defcon was allowed to settle back in the field by Dwayne Dunn to find his feet before charging home late along the fence.
He zoomed through a narrow opening to take the 1200 metre sprint by a length and a quarter taking his overall record to two wins and two seconds from five starts with prizemoney topping $340,000.
“His turn of foot is electric,” said Dwayne Dunn.
“It’s his first time around this way and he’s handled it beautifully.
“There are better things in store for him. They’ll have a lot of fun with this horse.”
A $340,000 Inglis Premier purchase from the Eliza Park International draft for James Harron Bloodstock/ Snowden Racing, Defcon was the most expensive yearling by his sire sold in 2015 and runs for a syndicate that includes James Harron Bloodstock, Newgate Farm and partners.
“He (Dwayne Dunn) gave him a great ride,” said Peter Snowden.
“He railed perfectly and showed that 300 metre dash that he has… it’s lethal.”
Bred on the same cross as Group I winner Japonisme, Defcon is the first foal of Nuclear Force, a metro winning Encosta de Lago mare from the family of Group I VRC Oaks winner Rom’s Stiletto.
Nuclear Force is due to foal to Newgate Farm’s Foxwedge this spring.