Hardy three-year-old Stylish Secret will ensure trainer Mick Nolan can savour his 70th birthday celebrations after a strong win in the MRC Chairman’s Club Handicap (2400m) at Caulfield.
The diminutive son of Sweet Orange has taken his connections on an enjoyable ride with his three victories to date, with Saturday’s triumph the gelding’s first since landing the Derby Trial last spring.
Ridden by Craig Williams, Stylish Secret came from just beyond the speed to run down Verona Rupes.
From 15 starts, Stylish Secret has won on three occasions and is twice placed, advancing his career earnings to A$260,725.
A skilled horseman with years of experience as Mick Price’s right-hand man, Nolan relaunched his training career and secured stables at Mornington a couple of years ago.
“My first runners I had at Moone Valley, Flemington and Sandown all won, and I have been cranky that I have had to wait four starts for a win at Caulfield, but I have got the whole four now,” Nolan joked.
“It’s unbelievable. We have a great bunch of owners. it’s what racing is all about, a cheap horse, look at these people you couldn’t get them any happier could you.
“I was nervous because I thought it was going to be the end (of preparation run), but he is such a tough little horse, he’s only 420kg and 15 hands, and he just cops the work, he is an amazing horse.”
Nolan praised the ride by Craig Williams and said he was looking forward to celebrating tomorrow by
‘Drinking about 10 stubbies too many’.
“All the owners are going to be there and you only get to 70 once in your life, so it will be good fun,” he said.
Stylish Secret was purchased in New Zealand by part-owner Helen Thomas off Gavelhouse.com for just $2,300 as a weanling.
A highly-acclaimed journalist, broadcaster and author, Thomas was on the hunt for a staying type and sought the advice of long-time friend, the late Deane Lester, one of Australia’s most respected form students.
“Deane (Lester) did suggest that I have a look on Gavelhouse because it is a really great website to find horses, particularly broodmares and young horses,” Thomas said.
“I jumped on and lot number one was this happy, little horse – he looked like a bit of a ragamuffin as a weanling.
“He was by Sweet Orange out of a Savabeel mare called Scarlett Secret and bred and raised at Windsor Park Stud.
“Daqiansweet Junior by Sweet Orange was doing really well at the time, and I thought, here’s a horse that is certainly bred to be a middle-distance horse, if not a fully-fledged stayer and wouldn’t it be good to grow him up and have a bit of a fun with him.
“A month or two after I bought him, his half-brother won a trial and was sold to Australia and that’s Unseen Ruler (winner of six races).”