Western Breeders Alliance enjoyed a perfect start to its new breeding partnership when The River scored a dominant victory in the Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic (1200m).
The Trevor Andrews trained youngster was sent out the $3 favourite against a crack field at Pinjarra on Sunday and he made the most of a gun run to score by a length from Stored Energy (Alfred Nobel). They dominated the finish with third placed The Celt (Planet Five) another four lengths in arrears.
The River is the 10th stakes winner by Eliza Park International stallion Magnus and is a half-brother to city winners Jest Envy Her and Jestpatim. He was bred by the Atwell family’s Darling View Thoroughbreds and sold through Western Breeders Alliance for $115,000 at the 2015 Perth Magic Millions.
THE RIVER
Photo / Western Racepix
The Alliance comprises Darling View Thoroughbreds, Westbury Park & Einoncliff Park. The River’s yearling half-brother by Your Song (Lot 3) is a highlight of its second draft at this year’s Perth Magic Millions.
The Pinjarra pay-day boosted the winner’s earnings to $224,700. “I was confident after he worked this week and drawing a barrier also helped,” Andrews said. “He’s a lovely horse and this justified paying that money for him last year.
“He looked sharp as a yearling and he looked sharp today. He will go to the paddock now and freshen up for the Karrakatta.”
The G2 Karrakatta Plate (1200m) is worth $500,000 and is set down for April 2 at Ascot. Andrews completed the Magic Millions Classic – Karrakatta Plate double last year with Lucky Street and they race for the same syndicate that includes Andrews, Ken Gregson, Isaac Cohen and Ross Drage.
Winning jockey Shaun Mc Gruddy said there was a touch of arrogance about the way The River dealt with the opposition. “At the top of the straight I knew I didn’t need the stick. I just shook him up and he did the rest.
“He was pretty raw when he first came on the scene but Trevor has schooled him well. He’s a real professional now.”
