Champion sire Playing God has a 3yo team with potential heading to the Ascot summer carnival and it just got stronger with his Belmont debut winner All Play.
Facing the starter for the first time on Wednesday, All Play looked very promising, albeit with a few rough edges, when powering home for Shaun O’Donnell in the Crown Perth Hcp (1000m). After firming into a $2.80 favourite, the win wasn’t unexpected but it did confirm he won’t be back at the midweeks anytime soon.
“He had shown plenty of ability at home and I thought only inexperience would beat him today,” trainer Trevor Andrews said. “He’s still a bit new and needs to relax but he’s a very nice horse going forward.
“Shaun couldn’t him slow enough at the trials. He was running on nerves so we fitted a crossover noseband and that helped.”
All Play (Photo / Western Racepix) tracked the leaders in the running line and finished over the top of Gold Vancouver (Vancouver) and Playing Games (Playing God). Stewards reported the Playing God filly also raced greenly in the straight.
All Play (3g Playing God – Castle Keep by Oratorio) was bred by Mogumber Park and Ridgeport Holdings owner Santo Guagliardo who kept a share after he made $110,000 the 2022 Perth Magic Millions.
He’s a younger half-brother to flying mare All Show (I’m All The Talk) who is back in work with Andrews after recovering from a colic attack.
Their dam Castle Keep was subsequently sold to Nelson Thoroughbreds for $25,000 at the 2022 Inglis February (Early) Digital Sale and was covered by Darley Victoria sire Brazen Beau last year.
Andrews was non-committal when questioned about a possible start for All Play in the $100,000 Max Simmonds Stakes (1000m) at Ascot on October 14. “We will see how he pulls up but we’re in no hurry. He does lack experience but there’s nowhere to hide at this time of the year.”
Playing God’s 3yo division is headed by Group-placed Ascot winner Investmentstrategy (Neville Parnham), Lord Vampi (Pearce Racing), Rope Them In (Steve Wolfe) and Lord Shiva (Adam Durrant).
Among his fillies, Playing Games (Meryl Hayley) looked the winner at the top of the straight before she was claimed by All Play on Wednesday and Janny (Team Williams) is bred to make the grade for owner-breeder Bernie Williams.
Playing God stands for a $33,000 service fee at Darling View Thoroughbreds this season alongside second-season sire Splintex ($11,000) and newcomer Lightsaber ($6,600). All fees (inc GST).
