3 minute read

Country’s leading stallion stands out on Sir John Monash Stakes honour roll.

Many races have a reputation as a 'stallion-making' event.

The Caulfield Guineas has stood the test of time as a race coveted by those with a stallion prospect, there is no more significant race on the Australian calendar for breeders than the Golden Slipper with the Coolmore Stud Stakes and Golden Rose not far behind.

Not many Group 3 weight-for-age events have proven as good a launching pad to stud success as the Sir John Monash Stakes, which will be run at Caulfield this Saturday.

The 1100-metre sprint counts not only Australia's premier stallion – I Am Invincible – on its honour roll, but also proven producer Reward For Effort and emerging sires Lord Of The Sky and Supido.

The race named after the Australian army legend was the last of five wins for I Am Invincible, who started his career with a five-length win at Warwick Farm when trained by Toby Edmonds.

The son of Invincible Spirit narrowly defeated Gran Sasso in the Monash Stakes with the previous year's Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes winner Orange County back in third.

Then in the care of Peter Morgan, the 2009 Monash Stakes was I Am Invincible's first start after finishing second to champion sprinter Takeover Target in the Group 1 The Goodwood in Adelaide, having won the Group 3 Irwin Stakes at his previous start.

He has gone on to prove himself one of Australia's great stallions.

After standing for $11,000 in his first season at Yarraman Park Stud, where he remains, 'Vinnie' will this season command a fee of $302,500.

That's more than he earned during his racing career, which ended after 13 starts and stakes of $270,050.

The rising 19-year-old thrown a Monash Stakes winner, Voodoo Lad, who was a subsequent Group 1 winner, along with many others who have won at the highest level, including multiple Group 1 winners Home Affairs, Imperatriz, Brazen Beau, Loving Gaby, In Secret and Viddora.

He last year won a maiden Australian Champion Sire award, a title he will successfully defend this season.