Monday, 26th October 2026
All enquiries - Gary Knowles 0406 599 773
Early signs suggest a strong future for Capitalist’s sire-son Captivantat stud, with his juvenile son Vantorix putting in a commanding performance on debut at Taree. The two-year-old gelding proved too sharp and too professional for older rivals in the National Thoroughbred Week Maiden Plate (1005m), scoring by 2.5 lengths in a display that never looked in doubt. Prepared by Jenny Graham, Vantorix had turned heads at the trials and carried that same strut of confidence on race day. His composure and acceleration set him apart, particularly given the age gap to most of the field. “Beating the older horses the way he did as an early two-year-old, and then just easing down to the line, was very impressive,” Graham said. “He’s a very smart horse, and whatever we do next will be about looking after him.” The trainer also credited the emerging influence of Captivant’s progeny, noting that they seem to inherit their sire’s mental edge. “Captivant’s progeny are sharp and switched on and Vantorix has that natural professionalism you love to see in a young horse,” she added. Bred by Dr Richard McClenahan, Vantorix is the fifth foal from Miss Loren, herself a Listed placegetter, and is a half-brother to Gr3 San Domenico Stakes winner Raging Force. Initially sold at the Inglis Australian Weanling Sale, he was later secured by Graham from the Mullaglass Stud draft at the 2025 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale. The win moves Captivant into equal-second on the Australian First Season Sires list by winners, a promising start for a stallion who showed elite juvenile form himself. Captivant won the Gr1 Champagne Stakes in near-record time at two, and ran Anamoe to a narrow margin in a record-breaking Gr1 Caulfield Guineas at three. A grandson of growing sire-of-sires influence Written Tycoon, and part of a proven Group 1 family featuring Crown Prosecutor and River Dove, Captivant stands at Kia Ora Stallions for $19,800 (inc GST). He will be represented by yearlings at both Magic Millions Gold Coast and Inglis Classic.
