Defcon has marked himself as an exciting colt ever since his impressive win at Randwick’s first official 2YO barrier trials, taking his heat out in the fastest time of the entire morning. His first two starts, both in Group races, were full of credit. He was second in the Group 3 Canonbury Stakes after making up a huge amount of ground on a heavy 10 track, and put up a similarly creditable effort when second in the Group 2 Silver Slipper Stakes after being forced to sit three wide for the majority of the race.
It was, therefore, very pleasing to see him take out the $275,000 Group 3 Black Opal Stakes at Canberra in tremendously exciting fashion after missing the break, coming from last to first in the manner of a horse who is rapidly improving with every run. His closing sectionals were amongst the fastest of the day, confirming the visual impression.
Naturally he is now assured of a start in the Golden Slipper should he head in that direction and we will see how he comes through the race over the next few days and discuss with Peter and the owners before making a final decision. Wherever he goes, Defcon looks a most exciting prospect.
Defcon was a $340,000 James Harron Bloodstock yearling purchase at the 2015 Inglis Melbourne Premier yearling sale from Eliza Park International on behalf of owners Newgate Farm, Matthew Sandblom, Belinda Bateman, Fergus & Delia Doyle, John & Fran Ingham, Donna & Rob Love, and Kevan Wacey. Defcon is by the evergreen stallion Choisir, who has demonstrated with the likes of Starspangledbanner in Australia and Olympic Glory in Europe that he is very capable of getting colts with top-class ability.