Two-year-old Commands colt Skilled became the fifth G1 winner for his sire on Saturday, posting a truly magnificent performance to land the Champagne Stakes at Randwick.
Settled in fourth position, Skilled travelled well throughout the one-mile contest and accelerating down the middle of the track, battled superbly with Sasa close to home and crossed the line a head in front. Divorces, by fellow Darley stallion and first-season sire Domesday, came with a fantastic late run to take third and become the first G1 performer for her young sire.
Skilled has now won three of his six starts and was beaten just a short head in the G1 Sires’ Produce Stakes two weeks ago. Bred by Woodlands Stud, he is out of the G2-winning Quest For Fame mare Dextrous.
Also on Saturday, Jakkalberry, a four-year-old son of Storming Home recorded his first Group win when running out the impressive winner of the G3 Premio Ambrosiano in Milan.
Previously third in the Derby Italiano, Jakkalberry was bred by Azienda Agricola Allevamento Deni and is a half-brother to G2 winner Awelmarduk.
Storming Home is now sire of six individual Black type winners and a further two Stakes-performers.
