A masterly piece of training by Joe Pride resulted in Target In Sight making a winning seasonal debut in Saturday's $1 million Myer Magic Millions Sprint (1200m) on the Gold Coast.
Back in March 2015 the son of Nadeem looked to have the world at his feet when he lowered the boom on Deep Field in the Group III McCarten Stakes at Rosehill.
But coming into Saturday the 7yo gelding had made nine starts since without winning.
With Brenton Avdulla in the saddle came from midfield to defeat the fast-finishing Viddora (I Am Invincible) by a neck with Murt The Flirt (Murtajill) one and a quarter-lengths back in third. (photo Steve Hart).
Making his first start since suffering a pulmonary haemorrhage in the back on June 11, Target In Sight advances his record to 9 wins, 8 seconds and 1 third from 29 starts with earnings of $1,132,160.
"A lot of work has gone into getting this horse back to the track and it's a fantastic team effort," Pride said.
"He
"He's in the twilight of his career and has won the biggest race of his life so it's incredibly satisfying."
An $80,000 purchase by Champion Thoroughbreds from the Attunga Stud draft at the 2011 Gold Coast Magic Millions Yearling Sale, Target In Sight is the first foal of the Xaar mare Xaaranthe a 3-time winner in Melbourne and a half-sister to Listed winner Strinmaster.
Owned by David Brideoake Xaaranthe had not had a live foal in four years before foaling a filly by red-hot sire Written Tycoon on August 28. She was bred back to Choisir.
