Australia’s new racing star makes a Deep Impact

PROFONDO is the Italian word for deep or profound. It is also the name of an outstanding talent in Australian racing, a son of Deep Impact (Sunday Silence), who won the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes on just his third start.

He was partnered to this first Group 1 success by a jockey enjoying his own breakthrough Group 1, Irishman Robbie Dolan.

The three-year-old Profondo first made an impact when he was sent to the Magic Millions Sale. A striking colt, he sold to trainer Richard Litt, acting for owners Ottavio and Wendy Galletta, for Aus$1.9 million.

Connections were encouraged to go to such a sum as they had raced Castelvecchio to win the Rosehill Guineas and run second in both the Spring Champion Stakes and the Cox Plate. Selling for a tasty sum, they could afford to reinvest.

When Profondo made a winning debut, hopes were high that the Gallettas and Litt had a possible star. However, they suffered disappointment when the colt was beaten next time out in the Group 3 Gloaming Stakes, Profondo ducking under pressure and throwing away a likely victory. Sold by John Messara’s Arrowfield as a yearling, it would come as no surprise were the colt to make his way back there in due course. Arrowfield bought Castelvecchio.

Racing hierarchy

To win a Group 1 in such style on just his third start has catapulted Profondo to the top of the racing hierarchy in Australia. He is the most talked about horse in racing down under, and the world would appear to be at his feet. He is by an outstanding stallion, has quality looks and conformation, has proven racing ability, and an appealing damline.

He is the first foal out of the Group 3 winner Honesty Prevails, a daughter of Redoute’s Choice (Danehill). The mare’s second produce, a newly-turned two-year-old son of Shalaa (Invincible Spirit), sold back in January for Aus$1,150,000 before Profondo had even seen a racecourse.

Keep an eye on Profondo’s future career, and that of young Robbie Dolan who himself has quite a Group 1 pedigree when it comes to talent in the saddle.