Gingerbread Man has taken an early lead on the WA Sires’ premiership this season following Ginger Baker’s win in Saturday’s $100,000 Blue Spec Stakes (1600m) at Belmont.
The Yarradale Stud stallion flew the start when Phanta claimed the LR Belmont Newmarket (1200m) last weekend and his second-crop sprinter Gluten Free kicked in with a Kambalda Cup (1400m) victory in Kalgoorlie on Friday.
Gingerbread Man (Shamardal) was Champion WA 2YO sire and First-season sire in 2016-17 and remains value-for-money at a $5,500 (inc GST) service fee.
Ginger Baker wasn’t travelling like a Blue Spec winner when Brad Parnham had to wake him approaching the home turn. “We were in bother when he dropped the bit. He was sluggish for about a 100 metres but, once his mind was back on the job, he finished the race off really well.”
Gingerbread Man mare Ginger Flyer had stolen a break at the top of the straight but was no match for the winner. Last year’s G2 WATC Derby winner Alaskan God (Playing God) was doing his best work late to be beaten two lengths into second spot.
Ginger Baker has been in career-best form during the winter season winning four times for trainer Vern Brockman and Capel-based Greenfields Lodge owner-breeder Tony Patrizi.
“He’s a marvel and has been in work since February,” Brockman said. “I was worried he might need a break but as soon as they jumped I wasn’t concerned. He doesn’t have to get any fitter so I only give him some light work between runs
“He’s not a big horse and lifting him up in grade means he’s not carrying heavy weights.”
Scott Embry presents the Blue Spec Trophy to Vern Brockman / Photo: Western Racepix)
Brockman, 80, is in the master-class of mentors after a career highlighted by two Perth trainers’ premierships and two Group 1 Railway Stakes wins with Alpine Wind (1977) and Old Fashion (2002).
Now a 6yo, Ginger Baker’s record improved to 8 wins and 11 placings in 34 starts for prizemoney of $391,380. His dam Spring Violet (Encosta De Lago) won at the Gold Coast and second-dam Salsa (O’Reilly) won the LR Winter Championship Final (1600m) at Flemington in 2005.
Spring Violet’s 4yo mare Call Me Violet (Smart Missile) commenced her career with wins at Pinjarra and Ascot for Patrizi last December and her 3yo is an unraced gelding named Nosirrah (Snippetson) with David Harrison.
Her Long Leaf 2yo was a $40,000 buy for Brockman at the 2023 Perth Magic Millions and she returned to Gingerbread Man for a September 2 cover last year.
Gingerbread Man stands alongside War Chant (Danzig) who is priced at $8,250 at Yarradale. Fees (inc GST).
