Madam Kisses is a first-crop daughter of Rommel and the 6yo mare is going as well as ever for trainer Donna Riordan.
That was evident at Belmont on Wednesday when she powered home to catch Swim Through (Patronize) in the 7Plus App Hcp (1200m). Better known for her prowess at 1000m while with Bernie Miller, she changed yards last year and is now more settled and experienced stretching out to 1200m.
“She can still be a bit tricky but Joey (Azzopardi) knows her inside out and we’re lucky to have him,” Riordan said. “She wasn’t travelling on the bridle over 1000m so we decided to step her up to 1200m. She’s only small but has a short, sharp kick.”
Madam Kisses (Photo / Western Racepix) was bred by Mogumber Park from Lisetta (Bletchley Park) who was a city winner for Harvey Crossman’s Lima Syndicate and trainer Paul Jordan.
Her latest foal is a 2yo gelding named He’s Our World by Kelstar Park sire Hi World (High Chaparral) who stands with Kelly Davis in York.
“It’s good to see her bounce back,” Azzopardi said. “She’s been working well and letting rip at home. She been run off her feet over 1000m and is better on top of the ground. She might even get out to 1400m down the track.”
Rommel’s first crop has an 80% strike-rate headed by RL Magic Millions WA 3YO Trophy (1200m) winner Pixie Chix and G2 WA Derby (2400m) runner-up Pale Rider who is now winning races in Hong Kong for trainer Benno Yung.
His latest 2yo crop is up and running with Maythisbetheone an impressive Lark Hill trial winner on Tuesday morning. She is trained by David Harrison and led home a Rommel quinella by three-quarters of a length from stablemate Pure Hearted.
Maythisbetheone was bred and sold by Ridgeport Farm for $100,000 at this year’s Perth Magic Millions. She’s the second foal from Faerie Whisper (Snitzel) and is a full-sister to Desert Whisper who has won at Pinjarra and Belmont this season. Ridgeport owner Santo Guagliardo also has a Rommel yearling colt out of Faerie Whisper at his burgeoning stud in Waroona.
Rommel (Commands) stands at Ridgeport Farm for $6,600 alongside Ducimus (Snitzel) at $5,500. Both fees (inc GST). For bookings or more information, contact Marge Ojapold (0497 478 231), Grant Burns (0410 683 470), Steve Hoare (0409 987 970).
