Vaughn Sigley’s amazing run of success continued at Ascot on Saturday when he prepared a race double including the Listed Cyril Flower Stakes (1200m) with resurgent galloper Black Heart Bart.
Black Heart Bart was destined for the spelling paddock after taking out the Summer Scorcher (1000m) on New Year’s Day but returned to win the $100,000 feature in race record time.
The Blackfriars gelding, one of two runners for Sigley, clocked 1.:09:64sec., eclipsing the 1:09:69sec. that was set by Escadaire four years ago.
Stating a $3 favourite, Black Heart Bart unleashed with his trademark finish from seventh position at the turn to defeat Watermans Bay by 1 3/4 lengths.
Filling third placing was Sirezze who finished the race of strongly from near last.
Black Heart Bart, who commenced his campaign in November as a maiden, has now won five races from 16 starts including three features
There are more wins in store for the four-year-old with Sigley earmarking the Pinjarra Classic (1300m) and Bunbury Stakes (1400m) in upcoming weeks.
Black Heart Bart’s success brought about the undoing of stable mate and second elect Dawn Approach who ran fifth.
The Statue Of Liberty gelding was beaten for early speed and couldn’t find the front, ending his hopes of securing a fourth straight win.
Melbourne-bound Watermans Bay was a gallant runner-up, fighting to line courageously with 62kg on his back.
Black Heart Bart was icing on the cake for the inform Sigley after up and coming sprinter She’s A Virtue won the Magic Millions Raceday Feb 14 Handicap (1200m).
The four-year-old mare, ridden by Takahide Ikenushi, settled behind leader Bar Dreaming before grabbing the lead in the straight.
She kicked on determinedly to hold out the fast backmarkers Highly Secret and stable mate Queen To An Ace.
She’s A Virtue is building an imposing record with a nose second to Klondike Kid at Pinjarra her sole defeat in five career starts.