Drakenstein Stud’s exciting new sire Duke Of Marmalade’s offspring have been in a rich vein of form recently.
So Many Shots became the third Group winner to represent Duke Of Marmalade in just seven days when the 3yo filly won Sunday’s G3 Premio Mario Incisa in Italy.
She was preceded by Venus De Milo (Group 3 Munster Oaks), and Wannabe Better (Group 3 Ballycorus Stakes).
So Many Shots, who was produced by the Lando mare Cland Di San Jore, has now won four of her five outings, having finished third in the Group 2 Italian Oaks in her only other outing.
Sire of over 20 stakes horses already, Duke Of Marmalade was an exceptional racehorse. The son of legendary stallion Danehill was named Europe’s Champion Older Male in 2004. Winner of five Group 1 races in a row, Duke Of Marmalade’s triumphs included a four length romp in the Gp1 Prince of Wales Stakes, as well as wins in the Group 1 Prix Ganay, King George, Tattersalls Gold Cup, and Juddmonte International.
Among the stars defeated by Duke Of Marmalade during his racing career were the likes of New Approach (Epsom Derby), Ask (Coronation Cup), Sixties Icon (St Leger), Finsceal Bio (Champion Filly), Zambezi Sun (Grand Prix de Paris), and Darjina (French 1000 Guineas).
Timeform described Duke Of Marmalade as “powerful looking colt who invariably impressed in appearance.” The annual gave the champion a rating of 132.
From a great family (whose members include champion sires A P Indy, Al Mufti and Raja Baba), Duke Of Marmalade is a half-brother to 2013 Group 1 Investec Derby winner Ruler Of The World.
His first year fee has been set at R100 000.
The powerful stud also celebrated the news that a daughter of their top stallion Horse Chestnut produced a winner at Royal Ascot last Thursday.
Cannock Chase (Lemon Drop Kid – Lynnwood Chase by Horse Chestnut) won the 2000m Gr3 Tercentenary Sakes. He is trained by Sir Michael Stoute and was ridden by Ryan Moore.