Takeover Target aims to defend the King Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot

Takeover Target has Royal Ascot in his sights

May 30, 2007

The world's leading sprinter, Takeover Target (Celtic Swing-Shady Stream by Archregent), stormed into Royal Ascot contention with a thrilling victory over three-year-old filly Gold Edition to win the AU$650,000 (Rs.2.18 crores approx) Carlton Draught Doomben 10,000 (Gr.I) over 6 ¾ furlongs (1350m) at Doomben Racecourse.

Takeover Target took aim at long time leader Gold Edition in the straight and ran her down to win by half a length in a time of 1minute 18.55 seconds, which was just a shade of the track record.

His manner of winning suggests that he is in better shape than when he last went to England and won.

The eight year old Takeover Target earned his rating as the best sprinter in the world of 2006 with victories at the highest level in Australia, England and Japan and with over AU$4 million in earnings has become the most successful sprinter in Australian racing history.

Takeover Target was bought by Joe Janiak, a taxi-cab driver, for AU$1,450 as an unraced four-year old. Janiak, who has since become a full time trainer, saw something in him and has somehow managed to turn him into the current top sprinter in the world.

Takeover Target will join fellow top Australian sprinters, Miss Andretti, Magnus and Bentley Biscuit, in England next week and they are expected to contest the Group 2 King Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot on June 16.

Takeover Target, who won this race last year will be hoping to defend his title in a bid to add further glory to his rags to riches story.