Swettenham graduate’s Group 2 success is Pure Joy

Tough two-year-old Swettenham graduate, Pure Elation was victorious in grand style at Randwick when taking out the $600,000 Group 2 ATC Percy Sykes Stakes.

Runner-up to Estijaab in the Group 2 ATC Reisling Stakes before scoring an easy maiden win at Warwick Farm, the Peter and Paul Snowden trained filly started favourite and demonstrated her ability with a decisive long length win in the 1200 metre sprint.

Swettenham Stud’s Operations Manager, Jason Robinson believes that the filly already showed her class when part of Swettenham 2017 Inglis Premier draft.

Being a $320,000 purchase for Paul Moroney Bloodstock, she certainly attracted the quality judges from a strong buying bench.

“She was just a lovely, well put together filly as a yearling, a very nice mover, and being a standout grey, she was certainly a draft favourite,” Robinson said.

“She got plenty of attention with her dam being very well known through the Melbourne Racing Club program. Everyone knew her story, and it’s now so pleasing to see that story continue.”

“But most importantly, she had a great temperament that helped her to take everything in her stride. That temperament has allowed her to get so deep into her two-year-old preparation and succeed at Group 2 level. The comments that Snowden has been making, only show that she will continue to flourish,” Robinson said.

The remarks from Snowden claiming the filly is as tough a juvenile as he has prepared, are indeed worth taking note.

"She could be the best filly we have trained," trainer Peter Snowden said.

"She ambled up to them today, put a gap in them and still floated around, so there is a heap of upside to her. I think she is an A-grade filly in the making."

Pure Elation runs for Sir Owen Glenn's Go Bloodstock, who raced star galloper Criterion. She has now won two of five starts earning over $550,000 in prize money with regular Go Bloodstock jockey Michael Walker full of praise for the owner's latest smart horse.

"She's the real deal, I'm telling you. Sir Owen, we've got another good one, boss."

A daughter of I Am Invincible, Pure Elation is the first foal of Hussonet (USA) mare and former smart juvenile, Members Joy, a talented listed-winning galloper and a gallant twice runner-up in Group 2 company.

Sold at the Inglis Chairman’s Sale last year in foal to Toronado (IRE) to Newstar Partnership, Members Joy demanded the princely sum of $500,000 and was covered by Flying Artie last season.

“I have not seen her Toronado colt myself, but have heard from reliable sources that he is an outstanding type, and although I am not privy to its movements, he would certainly have the pedigree to make Easter or be a standout buy at the Magic Millions on the Gold Coast,” Robinson said.

“It’s fantastic to see another Swettenham graduate hit the ground running at two, and additionally wonderful to see the mare’s pedigree continue to be on the rise. I look forward to her Toronado colt adding further black type success to the family.”