Darth Vader To Debut

The Harold Norman trained two-year-old, Darth Vader, is set to debut this Sunday in the Meredith Kitchens QTIS Two-Year-Old Maiden Plate over 1000m at the Sunshine Coast.

Darth Vader was one of the 'colts group' that were purchased by Frankie Stockdale and Todd Blum Bloodstock at Yearling Sale's in 2016 with the aim of re-selling them at the Inglis Ready2Race Sale later on that year.

Originally purchased at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, the Lonhro was purchased by Norman for $16,000 at the breeze-up sale.

"Darth Vader is set to be the first of that group of colt's to race so we are very excited to see him on the track," said Todd Blum.

"We originally thought that another of the group that ended up in Queensland with Stuart Kendrick names Teyssier was going to be the first to debut but he was scratched so Darth Vader will kick-start the group.

"There are some exciting colt's amongst the group and to see this one at the races and Frankie had another two of them at the official trial's at Cranbourne on Friday so we should see a few more of them at the races shortly.

Darth Vader is out of the Black Minnaloushe mare, Murray Mary and was sold at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale by Supreme Thoroughbreds. Murray Mary is out of the New Zealand Champion Three-Year-Old filly and Champion Older Female Stayer i New Zealand in The Lions Roar. This makes her a half sister to Group 2 winner Growl and Listed winner Leeu.

Darth Vader will be ridden in his first start by Tiffany Brooker and has had two trials coming into the event with a fourth and third placing both at the Gold Coast.