Rejuvenated Snippetson sprinter Gemma’s Son brought up a feature weekend double for Scenic Lodge in the $350,000 Bluff Knoll (1099m) in Albany on Sunday.
Gemma’s Son settled behind speed merchant Acromantula (Written Tycoon) with jockey Shaun McGruddy set to pounce into the straight for a convincing victory over fast-closers Oscar’s Fortune (Rich Enuff) and Laced Up Heels (Toronado).
Universal Ruler had sired the first-leg for Scenic Lodge with Aztec Ruler in the LR Bunbury Stakes (1400m) on Saturday.
Albany’s inaugural slot race lured a large crowd to Percy Spencer Racecourse and they weren’t disappointed when Gemma’s Son (Photo / Western Racepix) rekindled the sort of form that ignited black-type victories in the 2020 Magic Millions 2YO Classic and 2021 Magic Millions 3YO Trophy at Pinjarra.
He had banked over $1 millions for trainer David Harrison before being transferred to rookie conditioner Embroja Lee Altieri who was in tears as McGruddy brought the powerful chestnut back to scale.
“I love this horse and I’ve ridden him since he was broken in,” she said. “He’s always been my favourite so it was fitting that he’s my first winner. I was a bit surprised David let me train Gemma’s Son but I guess he was rewarding my hard work over the years.
“He’s been a really good mentor and a really good boss. It was really nice to get this win for him as a part-owner in such a big race.”
The Ram Racing Syndicate also celebrated the victory in their trademark black cowboy hats. It was their second win as slot-holders after claiming the first edition of the $4 million The Quokka with Overpass at Ascot last year.
Snippetson sired Gemma’s Son from Princess Gemma (Dr Fong) who won at all four Sydney tracks up to 2000m before Scenic Lodge general manager Jeremy Smith bought her for $16,000 at the 2014 Inglis Broodmare Sale.
Princess Gemma was pensioned, aged 22, after foaling a Snippetson filly last August. The foal is from Snippetson’s final crop – he died in January 2023.
Snippetson’s current 2yo crop includes unraced gelding Scenic Boom who won a barrier trial at Lark Hill on Monday for Pearce Racing. He was sold by Scenic Lodge for $30,000 at the 2023 Perth Magic Millions and is the first foal of Scenic Charm (Universal Ruler) who is a half-sister to LR Boulder Cup (2300m) winner Red Blast (Universal Prince).
It gets better a generation down the page. His second-dam Classy Charmer (Regal Classic) is a half-sister to 2009 Australian Horse of the Year Scenic Blast (Scenic).
