The River became the first winning graduate from Western Breeders Alliance at Ascot on January 9 and he’s a live chance for the Magic Millions 2YO Classic next month.
Trainer Trevor Andrews is hoping The River can cement a spot in the $250,000 sales-related race when racing second-up in the Ascot Happens Plate (1100m) this Saturday. “He’s a really nice horse,” Andrews said after the powerful win on debut. “He’s a good type and his sire Magnus is one of the best juvenile sires in Australia.”
The chestnut cost $115,000 when offered by Western Breeders Alliance at the 2015 Perth Magic Millions. He was the most expensive lot among the new coalition’s inaugural consignment of 15 yearlings.
The Alliance comprises Darling View Thoroughbreds, Westbury Park and Einoncliff Park.
Andrews bought The River for the same connections as Lucky Street (Oratorio) who won the Magic Millions 2YO Classic and G2 Karrakatta Plate last year. “We don’t want to get too far ahead of ourselves,” Andrews cautioned after the first-up victory. “But he showed them he can gallop. He’s still learning and will come on for the experience.”
The River (2g Magnus – Jestceny by Real Jester) was bred by Darling View Thoroughbreds and is a half-brother to the Patronize city winners Jest Envy Her & Jestpatim and Bunbury maiden winner Jester Derriere.
“He was foaled at Attunga Stud and Brian Nutt said he was an outstanding type from the day he was born,” Darling View’s Brent Atwell said. “Jestceny had a War Chant colt in October and she’s back in foal to Smart Missile.”
Jestceny’s yearling colt by Your Song (Lot 3) is a highlight of the second draft from Western Breeders Alliance at the Perth Magic Millions on February 15. The WBA has entered 21 yearlings this year spread between local stallions like Blackfriars, War Chant, Oratorio & Dick Turpin and interstate sires Bel Esprit, Statue Of Liberty, I Am Invincible, Sebring, Star Witness & High Chaparral.