Les Bridge’s Celestial Legend delivered a powerful late surge to claim a stylish victory in the 2024 Hobartville Stakes at Rosehill Gardens.

2024 Hobartville Stakes winner Celestial Legend could be Group 1 Randwick Guineas bound. Photo: Steve Hart.

The Dundeel colt, improving on his fifth-place finish at Randwick, showcased his potential in the $400,000 Group 2 race.

With jockey Kerrin McEvoy timing his run perfectly, Celestial Legend ($8.50) surged to the lead with 150m remaining, securing a commanding 1.89-length victory.

Bridge expressed his high regard for Celestial Legend, comparing him favourably to his The Everest winner Classique Legend.

He believes the colt has significant room for improvement in the coming months.

The spring’s Group 1 Golden Rose runner-up Encap ($6.50), trained by Gary Portelli, finished a commendable second, while Les Vampires ($9.50) from Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott completed the trifecta.

These horses are also expected to be contenders in upcoming autumn races.

The Hobartville Stakes serves as a crucial lead-up to the Group 1 $1 million Randwick Guineas (March 9th) over the mile.

Jockey McEvoy is confident that the 1600m distance will suit Celestial Legend well, making him a serious threat in the Randwick Guineas this autumn.

Following his dominant win, Celestial Legend’s odds for the Randwick Guineas have firmed significantly, placing him second favourite at $4.50 through Ladbrokes behind Chris Waller’s Militarize ($3.50).

The last three-year-old to achieve the Hobartville Stakes – Randwick Guineas double was The Autumn Sun (2019).

Celestial Legend now sets his sights on replicating this feat.

Full 2024 Hobartville Stakes results and finishing order can be found here.

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