Niblick showed he was on track for a lucrative spring carnival when he resumed from a break with a strong win in today’s listed Paris Lane Stakes (1400m) at Flemington.
Trained at Mt. Macedon by Robert Hickmott for Nick, Lloyd and Suzy Williams, Niblick settled off the speed before coming with a strong run in the straight to hit the front and race clear.
At the post Niblick ($4.40-$7), with Steven King up, held a length and a half margin over Rockpecker ($21-$26), while the favourite Utah Saints ($3.90-$4-$3.80) was a further half head back in third place.
“In the autumn he had problems with his feet – a foot abscess I think it was – and he put in a few indifferent runs,” Nick Williams reported post-race.
“I think we’ll the best of him over the spring.”
“We just wanted to get him back to the track and get him back winning – he’s done the job today – it’s all good.”
“He’s a pretty smart smart horse and it was a good win. Hopefully he will be in for a good spring,” Williams added.
Winning rider Steven King was suitably impressed with the performance from Niblick and like Williams felt he was in for a good campaign.
Purchased as a yearling from the draft of Swettenham Stud for $220,000 at the 2008 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Niblick is now the winner of six of his 13 starts with earnings of over $245,000.
Niblick, a gelded son of Encosta de Lago, is a half brother to the Group Two Sandown Guineas winner Moon Dragon.
They are two of five winners produced by the stakes performed Sir Tristram mare Leica Vista – a half sister to the Group One Australasian Oaks winner Leica Smile.
Niblick’s second dam Leica Western, a daughter of Best Western, was a Group Two, Group Three and listed race winner.
Other stakes winners in the family including Redding, Heptonstall, Dansino, Zagreb, Eclaire Mystic and Leica Jewel.
Winner: Niblick
Breeding: Encosta de Lago-Leica Vista (Sir Tristram)
Race: VRC Paris Lane Stakes LR (1400m)
Sold for: $220,000
Sale: 2008 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Vendor: Swettenham Stud
Buyer: Nick Williams
Earnings: $245,625
Owner(s): NC Williams & Mr & Mrs LJ Williams
Trainer: Robert Hickmott (Mt. Macedon)
