Paragon returns in fine style

A lengthy break has worked wonders for our promising three-year-old Paragon.

The homebred son of resident sire Embellish was at short odds when he resumed for trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood over 1300 metres at Tauherenikau and he effortlessly justified his support.

Paragon had finished runner-up in both of his juvenile starts, including the Listed Futurity Stakes, but was below par in a couple of runs last spring and was turned out.

The gelding thrived during his time away and an easy lead-up trial win had him in prime order for his return in the hands of Jonathan Riddell.

“He had trialled up really nicely and has strengthened and developed,” Wellwood said.“He looked terrific and we thought he would go really close.”

Fitted with blinkers for the first time, Paragon broke well to lead and when asked to lengthen stride he did so to forge clear and win by two lengths.

Paragon was purchased by his trainers out of our draft at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale for $60,000 and we remained in the ownership with our good friends Alan and Kerry Harper.

He is a half-brother to the dual Group winner and joint NZB Filly of the Year Queen Of Diamonds and their dam Love Diamonds is now the dam of nine winners.

From the Eight Carat dynasty, the daughter of Danehill is a sister to the G1 Spring Champion Stakes winner and sire Viking Ruler with their mother the dual elite level winner Tristalove.