Steel Zip Triumphs In Tight Finish

Veteran Deagon trainer Pat Duff continued to display his ability to find value for money yearlings with a Listed win by consistent three year-old Steel Zip in the Queensland Day Plate at Doomben today.

Duff secured Steel Zip (pictured on rails) for a meagre $13,000 at the 2009 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

“I was at the sales and specked him for $13,000,” Duff told AAP.

“When I took him home I couldn’t get many people to come in and be a partner so I kept a share myself.”

Today’s last stride win in the Listed BRC Queensland Day Plate (1350m) extends his prizemoney earnings to $167,500 at the early stage of his three year-old year.

Steel Zip was partnered by Duff’s former apprentice Mandy Radecker, adding further emotion to the exciting win.

Now a senior rider, Radecker’s previous stakes win came in 2008 aboard Fabiarna in the Listed Juanmo Quality at Eagle Farm.

Steel Zip defeated Snip ‘N’ Duck by a long head whilst Celtic Dancer was a further nose away in third place.

Duff is now likely to target Steel Zip at next months Group 3 Gold Coast Guineas (1200m) at the Gold Coast.

Steel Zip is a son of former champion Lyndhurst Stud stallion Canadian Silver.

Lyndhurst Stud will sell a large draft of yearlings at the QTIS 600 sale which commences tomorrow on the Gold Coast.

Heading them will be a strong representation by current Lyndhurst Stud star Sequalo, sire of today’s Doncaster Handicap placegetter Bold Glance.

Winner: Steel Zip (Canadian Silver – Zip)
Race: BRC Queensland Day Plate Listed (1350m)
Sold for: $13,000
Sale: 2009 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Vendor: Daandine Stud
Earnings: $167,500
Owner(s): D Duff & R Chang
Trainer: Pat Duff (Deagon)