Exhilarates Back to Best in Queensland

Meanwhile, Godolphin’s lovely Snitzel mare Exhilarates has never lacked confidence, but punters had little faith in her prospects when she lined up in the $150,000 Listed BRC Helen Coughlan S. (1200m) at Eagle Farm. She started at 16/1, despite her four previous stakes victories (three at 1200 metres), excellent second-up form and her fine record in Queensland, including success in the 2019 RL Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m). Her latest black type triumph, part of another Snitzel stakes double – takes Exhilarates’ career record to 6 wins, 8 placings & $2.3 million prizemoney from 22 starts and a Group 1 start in the Stradbroke on 12 June or the Tattersall’s Tiara on 26 June is now on her agenda. Exhilarates is one of only two living foals to date out of brilliant dual Group 1 winner Samaready (by More Than Ready), who was bought by Coolmore at the 2020 Inglis Chairman’s Sale for $1.8 million and duly delivered a Snitzel colt.  Snitzel has celebrated five stakes-double days in Australia this season, on 19 September (Taikomochi & Snitzkraft), 3 November (Exhilarates & Snickerdoodledandy), 27 February (Four Moves Ahead & Sword Of State), 6 March (Wild Ruler & Vulpine) and now 29 May. His 2020/21 achievements include 12 winners of 18 Group & Listed Races, $16.6 million global progeny earnings and 84 yearlings sold for an average $478,000. Snitzel’s 9 lots at this week’s Magic Millions National Yearling Sale will be offered by Arrowfield, Baramul, Kitchwin Hills, Milburn Creek, Yarraman Park & Yulong.

Exhilarates loves Queensland (pic: Steve Hart)