The Oak Stud-based U S Navy Flag (USA) enjoyed an outstanding Sunday with the return of racing to Ellerslie. Fortunate Son (NZ) from the Andrew Forsman stable followed on the back of So Naive (NZ) saluting in the second for the juveniles.

Contesting the Bent Down On One Knee Ben Masters 3YO over 1500 metres, ridden by Joe Doyle, Fortunate Son stuck hard against the rail, predominantly controlling the race as the competitive field entered the home straight.

Credit to the Ellerslie course, the winner looked possible to come from anywhere, with Tulsi (The Autumn Sun) and The Weapon (NZ) (Shocking) making runs out wide as Talisker (NZ) (Embellish {NZ}) came from the centre. However, Fortunate Sun kicked hard as Tulsi and Talisker filled second and third.

Fortunate Son is from the Pins mare Pinstripe (NZ). She is a half-sister to Firebolt (NZ) (Stravinsky {USA}), a victor of the G2 Shannon S. and the G3 Lord Mayor’s Cup. His third dam, Kailey (NZ) (Festal), won six races, including the G1 Railway.

The gelding was a NZ$70,000 purchase by Aspen Thoroughbreds from the draft of Curraghmore at the 2022 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale.

- TTR, Australia & NZ