Stakes double in Adelaide for Commands

Commands scored a Stakes double with two three-year-old fillies in Adelaide, Minaj winning the Listed Redelva Stakes and Girl In Flight winning the G3 Auraria Stakes at Morphettville, April 12.

It was the second Stakes victory for Minaj who proved too speedy for her rivals in the Redelva Stakes over 1050m. A winner of the Listed Crockett Stakes at Moonee Valley last Spring, Minaj was sent out favourite in the Redelva Stakes and, after sitting outside the leader, burst clear at the top of the straight before going on to record a comfortable victory.

Bred by the Hawkins family, Minaj is the first foal of imported Stakes-winning American mare Ms Seneca Rock.

The following race, Girl In Flight gave her sire a Stakes double with her win in the Auraria Stakes over 1800m. After settling just off the speed, Girl In Flight strode to the lead at the 250m mark and went on to record a comfortable one-length victory.

Bred by Yarradale Stud, Girl In Flight is the first Stakes winner for Machiavellian mare Rossiya, a granddaughter a multiple G1 winner Princess Karenda.

At this week’s Inglis Easter yearling sale a new record price of $600,000 was paid for a daughter of Commands when Tyreel Stud’s lot 383 was knocked down to Shadwell Australasia.