Caulfield Guineas to Long John in Australia

Starting the race favourite off the back of an excellent third in the G3 Guineas Prelude two weeks back, three-year-old Street Cry gelding Long John became the 14th G1 winner for his sire when he recorded a half-length victory in the G1 Caulfield Guineas on October 12 in Australia.

Jumping away from the inside barrier, jockey Kerrin McEvoy pushed the Peter Snowden-trained gelding forward to take up an advantageous position, settling in fifth on the rails. Mid-way through the race when the runs started, McEvoy eased Long John off the rails and by the time the field had rounded the home turn, Long John was in front and heading for victory.

Holding off the late charge of Divine Calling to record his fifth victory from just seven starts, Long John became the second Caulfield Guineas winner for his sire after the victory of the Mark Kavanagh-trained Whobegotyou in 2008. Street Cry also became the first stallion since Sea Anchor (Beechcraft 1983 and Red Anchor 1984) to sire multiple winners of the G1 contest, while it was the second victory in the last three years to progeny of the Darley stallions after the victory in 2011 by Exceed And Excel's son Helmet.

Having his fourth run this time in, connections mentioned post-race that Long John may head towards the G1 VRC Derby via the G2 AAMI Vase at Moonee Valley, but a decision is still pending.

Out of the Night Shift mare Hosiery, herself a three-quarter sister to the Stakes place Mielleuse and a half-sister to the Hong Kong-G1 Hong Kong Gold Cup winner Masked, Long John is a half-brother to the Listed Breeder’s Plate winner Ribald, a son of Darley stallion Strategic.

The sire of 67 Stakes winners including 14 at G1 level highlighted Zenyatta, Shocking and Seventh Street, two of Street Cry's sons; Street Boss and Street Sense, will stand alongside their sire in the coming breeding season.