Consistent sprinter Gytrash sprang a 20/1 surprise in the Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington to give Lope de Vega (pictured) his 10th winner at the highest level and he fits a proven pattern of success.
Gytrash is the third Gr.1 winner from 338 live foals sired by French Champion Three-year-old and dual Gr.1 winner Lope de Vega (Shamardal) in the four seasons he shuttled to Australia following Santa Ana Lane and Vega Magic.
Five-time Gr.1 winner Santa Ana Lane is also out of a mare by Fastnet Rock (Danehill) and Lope de Vega also has European Champion Two-Year-Old and shuttle sire Belardo out of a Danehill (Danzig) mare while his Gr.1 winners Capla Temptress and Newspaperofrecord are out of mares by sons of Danehill.
Gytrash is the best of two winners left by Miss Barley (Fastnet Rock), inbred 4×4 to Nijinsky (Northern Dancer) and an unraced half-sister to LR Keith Mackay Handicap at Randwick winner Strawberry Storm (Thunder Gulch), the dam of Sydney two-year-old winner Movie (Red Ransom), also placed in the LR. Ken Russell Memorial at the Gold Coast and herself the dam of Goodfella (Snitzel), winner of the LR. Brian Crowley Stakes at Randwick.
The granddam Wheatland Lady (Strawberry Road) won twice in North America and finished runner-up in the Cincinnati Trophy Stakes at Turfway Park and a sister to North American L.R. winner Strawberry A.O.K and Strawberry Girl, the dam of Gr 2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes at Trentham winner and sire Danroad (Danehill) and Gr 3 Lord Mayor’s Cup winner at Eagle Farm Strawberry Boy (Redoute’s Choice).
Inbred 3×3 to Machiavellian (Mr Prospector), Lope de Vega won the 2010 Poule d’Essai des Poulains (1600m) and Prix du Jockey-Club (2100m) and is now a permanent resident of Ballylinch Stud in Ireland where he is advertised at €100,000 in 2020.