Yogi stepping up in Australia

The Raise The Flag 4yr-old gelding Yogi took his record in Australia to two wins from three starts when successful over 1800m in a $35,000 race on the polytrack at Sandown on 23/11/2016. Yogi (ex Malozza), trained by Darren Weir at Ballarat, had won a 1406m maiden at Benalla on October 24 and finished second over 1600m at Echuca at his next start.

Barclay Creek, a 4yr-old mare by Raise The Flag, cleared maiden ranks over 2030m at Cromwell four days later on Sunday, the same day White Robe Lodge trainers Brian and Shane Anderton won a rating 65 1400m with Fascinate. Barclay Creek, trained by Shane Kennedy and Anna Furlong, is raced by breeders, Simon Williamson, of Twizel and his partner, Kirsty Rutherford. Barclay Creek is out of Cluden Cort, a winning half sister by Personal Escort to Cluden Creek (by Yamanin Vital), winner of the 2004 Wellington Cup (3200m). Simon took over Cluden Cort after she had produced five foals but had left nothing of account. She has also left him the winner, Four Seas. Cluden Cort has since died. Simon is now using the colours of royal blue with red spots used by his late uncle, Henry Ruddenklau, who  raced  the good winners, First Look (Winter Cup), Ocean Guard (NZ Grand National Hurdles) and Connie Lawn (South Island Breeders' Stakes). Simon's father, Ron and brother Henry are in the ownership of Londonderry Air (by Raise The Flag), recently the winner of two races from WRL and now spelling.

Fascinate, who traces to Princess Mellay, the dual NZ Cup winner, has now won three races for Parr Bloodstock Ltd and Brian and Lorraine Anderton.

Coulee was scratched at Cromwell after she required treatment for a skinned heel.