BLUEBLOOD GETS THE "JUMP" ON HER RIVALS

TUESDAY: August 12, 2025: SHE could easily have gone to the breeding barn without racing – and now has won three of her six starts.

Leading Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup kicked off the new season at home today when blueblood Sunset Park ($3.60 favorite) led throughout and ran her rivals off their legs in the Clarendon Tavern Benchmark 64 Handicap (1800m).

The now five-year-old mare began quickly, jumped the crossing soon after the start and then gave her opposition the “jump”.

She was never in danger thereafter and had two and a half lengths to spare at the post over runner-up Jacob’s Time ($6), who tried valiantly to match her.

Fellow Hawkesbury trainer Peter Green, who drove a $51 winner (Rogervalerio Lombo) at Menangle yesterday, ran third with Avion Fury ($11).

Sydney businessman Adrian Whittingham purchased the unraced Sunset Park online at a UK sale, and races her under his Cross Park banner.

She is a daughter of Sea The Stars, regarded as one of racing’s greats who won six Group 1s in the same year (2009), beginning with the 2000 Guineas and Epsom Derby and concluding with France’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Godolphin offered Sunset Park at the broodmare sale, but also stated that she could be bought as a racing proposition before embarking on a breeding career – and Whittingham chose Widdup to train her.

Sunset Park was the trainer’s 400^th career winner when successful in a Provincial Benchmark 64 Handicap (2000m) at Hawkesbury in February, and followed up on an excellent first-up fourth in an unsuitable 1300m Midway Benchmark 64 at home on July 20 by adding to her record in style.

“I could have run her on the Kensington track tomorrow over 1800m, but today’s race looked a perfect set-up for her,” Widdup said this evening.

“Sunset Park is a lovely mare and enjoyed being able to take up the running.

“I’m sure she is going to take further improvement from this race and, now that she has won again, deserves her chance in town next.”

Meanwhile, Widdup is pleased with Nashville Jack’s progress since his first-up city success, and is hoping to double up with him at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.

The talented three-year-old will contest the Listed The Rosebud (1100m), with Jason Collett again his rider.

Only seven three-year-olds initially were nominated for the race, but the ATC received an extra four when entries were extended.

Nashville Jack, at only his third start, convincingly won a 2YO Handicap (1100m) at Royal Randwick on July 26 when resuming.