60 Stakes winners for Commands

Jumping from barrier 12 of 13, the Anthony Freedman-trained Commands filly Minaj achieved her third career victory, and first at Stakes level, leading throughout to record victory in the Listed Crockett Stakes at Moonee Valley on G1 Manikato Stakes night, October 25.

A winner by six-and-a-half lengths last time out, the Vlad Duric-ridden filly held on to defeat the fast finishing Romancingthestone, with the Tony McEvoy-trained The Messina Nymph (Commands) holding on for third.

Bred by in New Zealand by Miss C, D & L Hawkins & Llanhennock Trust, Minaj is the first named foal from the Listed-winning American-bred mare Ms Seneca Rocks, a sister to the dual Stakes winner Ms Classic Seneca, as well as a three-quarter sister to Listed winners Roundabout Jones and Rockin’ Kate.

Earlier in the night, the G2-winning, G1 Thousand Guineas third placed Gregers finished a narrow second in the G2 Fillies Classic over 1600m.

The sire of six Stakes winners so far this season, Commands tally of 60 international Stakes winners is highlighted by nine G1 winners including last season’s triple G1 winner Appearance, the Champagne Stakes winner Skilled as well as Epaulette, the winner of the G1 Golden Rose.

Commands is standing the current breeding season at Darley Kelvinside at a fee of $55,000 (inc. GST) while Skilled is standing at Northwood Park at a fee of $6,600 (inc. GST).