In The Congo Chases Stakes Victory

Highly impressive in his May 19 debut on Randwick's Kensington track, the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained In The Congo (Snitzel-Via Africa, by Var) makes his second race day appearance this Saturday when he lines up in the Listed Oxlade Stakes (1200m) at Eagle Farm. With jockey Tim Clark sticking with his mount, the flashy colt will jump from barrier 7 in the 14 strong field, which will see the clash of a host of up-and-coming juveniles including nine last start winners. Raced in partnership by Newgate Farm, China Horse Club, Go Bloodstock Go, et al, the $350,000 Inglis Easter yearling sale graduate is the second foal of the three-time Gr1-winning Champion South African mare Via Africa (Var), whose first foal, a son of Redoute's Choice named Pleasant Endeavour has won two of four in Hong Kong, while the current yearling, a filly by Vancouver, was sold to Ryan Bloodstock at this year's Easter Sale for $260,000. The form from In The Congo's debut victory has since been franked, with the Annabel Neasham-trained runner up Verne (I Am Invincible) coming out at his next start to dominate his rivals, winning by a length and three quarters.